Sapa

The mountainous North of Vietnam is filled with gorgeous rice-paddy-lined hills and even more gorgeous people belonging to vibrantly-dressed hill tribes.

The members of these hill tribes are used to having outsiders visit their lands and attempt to rake in as many tourist dollars as they can. Their pushiness range from distracting to downright annoying, but if you manage to spend a little more time with any of them, you'll find they're as fun, hospitable and interesting as anyone.

Of course they are going to try to barter every last penny from you if all you do is plough through their village. Stay a while, get to know them and be rewarded with a deeper experience.

Oh, and get a good guide that knows the many languages of the regions!