Best Time to Visit North Vietnam and Where to Go?

1. Hanoi capital

Hanoi, Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital, is the beating heart of the country that continues to enchant travelers and artists. In the old town, with its 36 guild streets, let yourself be guided and stroll as you wish through the alleys named after the old shops, between shopping and street food tasting. This place attracts foodies from all over the world with a variety of specialties such as Pho soup, Bun cha Hanoi, Egg Coffee, and Vietnamese rolls.

A must-do on every visit to Hanoi is a stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake, whose tranquil atmosphere is a real break from the tumult of the city, before heading out to discover remnants of the French colonial era, such as St. Joseph's Cathedral and the Hanoi Opera House. There are also many other cultural activities, such as visiting the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or the artisan villages located nearby.

As for the artisan villages, Bat Trang has been specializing in the art of ceramics for over five centuries, the village of Dong Ho is famous for its paintings and woodcuts, while the village of Van Phuc is known for its workshops that produce ceramics and silk fabrics.

Finally, Hanoi Train Street is considered a unique and must-see place for those who want to experience "an authentic Vietnamese capital.

2. Halong Bay

It is unthinkable to visit northern Vietnam without exploring Halong Bay. The legendary beauty of its karst formations makes it an iconic destination in the country, with its sublime limestone peaks immersed in turquoise waters and covered in tropical forests. For this reason, it is also classified among the 7 wonders of nature and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A cruise in Halong Bay is a must. It is recommended to spend at least one night on the boat to appreciate the splendid scenery. You will also have the opportunity to do activities such as swimming or kayaking, which will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of this natural wonder.

3. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, nicknamed the 'Halong Bay on land', was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Its landscapes, with caves and karst towers, have inspired several film productions, including the American blockbuster "Kong: Skull Island".

To discover this region, the best activities include a traditional boat ride at Tam Coc, where paddlers use their feet to move forward, a bike ride through the surrounding countryside, and a climb to Hang Mua Mountain. The 480 steps to reach the top offer a 360° view of the landscapes that are simply magnificent.

Another must-do is exploring the Hoa Lu Temples, which pay homage to Vietnam's first kings, who played a crucial role in building and defending the country during their formative period. If you are a history lover, it is the ideal place for you to visit. 

4. Mai Chau

Mai Chau is situated in an idyllic valley surrounded by hills and mountains in Hoa Binh Province. It is a true haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of modern cities. In Mai Chau, many outdoor activities are available to you, such as jungle walks, walks on rice terraces, visits to valleys and waterfalls, and the discovery of houses on stilts.

You will also have the opportunity to discover  the local culture by visiting traditional villages inhabited mainly by the Thai ethnic group, known for their talent for weaving clothes, bags, and other accessories with very colorful ethnic patterns, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

5. Pu Luong

Pu Luong is a region with rice terraces and is also home to the Thai ethnic group, rich in culture to explore. Located about a 4-hour drive southwest of Hanoi and about 3 hours from Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh by land, Pu Luong is an ideal choice to experience all the distinctive features of the north without being too far from the capital. Unlike destinations like Sapa or Ha Giang, Pu Luong is often chosen by tourists with limited time due to its proximity.

In Pu Luong, you'll find stunning rice terraces, traditional stilt houses, and lush bamboo forests, all in a very peaceful setting, away from the usual tourist paths. You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional villages inhabited mainly by the Thai ethnic group, famous for their skill in weaving clothes, bags, and other accessories with colorful ethnic patterns that have been passed down from generation to generation.

>>> Related Article: 9 Most Majestic Trekking Spots in Vietnam

6. Sapa and Bac Ha

Sapa, located in Lao Cai province, is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in northwestern Vietnam. It is famous for its dizzying landscapes made up of rice terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see and are populated by Vietnamese ethnic minority groups. Some of these communities, such as the Dzao, Hmong, Tay, Thai, and Nung, preserve the tradition of making handicrafts, including indigo-dyed fabrics.

Around Sapa, there's an attractive destination for travelers: Bac Ha, known for its colorful markets. This place brings together many ethnic minority groups every Sunday, including the majority of the H'Mong de Flor, as well as the Dzao and Tay, to discuss and exchange news and goods. All kinds of products can be found there. It is an opportunity to find authentic handcrafted objects such as magnificent hand-embroidered landscapes or hammered silver jewelry.

7. Mu Cang Chai and Nghia Lo

Yen Bai Province is home to two must-see destinations for an exotic and relaxing stay in northwestern Vietnam. It offers the chance to discover the diversity of minority ethnicities while strolling through charming small villages.

When you arrive at Mu Cang Chai during the rice harvest season, you will surely be amazed by the breathtaking view of the most beautiful rice terraces in northern Vietnam, stretching over the hills as far as the eye can see, forming layers like stairs. Don't forget to stop to admire the magnificent terraced rice fields of La Pán Tẩn, Chế Cu Nha, and Dế Xu Phình.

As for Nghia Lo, it is the ideal place to stay with the locals. We invite you to discover an enchanting place called Bản Sà Rèn, inhabited only by the black Thai community. They have managed to preserve unique and remarkable cultural traditions, which you can discover through their traditional festivals, costumes, gastronomy, and popular songs, without forgetting their famous Xoè dance.

8. Ha Giang

The enchanting land of Ha Giang, located in the far north of the country, continues to attract photographers, cyclists, and travelers in search of adventure and wonder. Sharing a long border with China, Ha Giang is located in a massif of high limestone mountains and offers a unique and impressive landscape.

The typical route involves taking the Ha Giang loop before heading to the Dong Van karst plateau, famous for its grandiose limestone landscapes, and don't forget to cross the dizzying Ma Pi Leng Pass. This road and the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass not only offer fantastic views of the mountainous limestone forest, plantations, and the Nho Que River, but also a haunting admiration for the people who live there.

9. Cao Bang, and Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc Waterfall, located in Cao Bang Province, is Vietnam's largest waterfall and the fourth largest in the world. It drops 30 meters and marks the natural border between China and Vietnam.

While in Cao Bang, consider spending a night with the Black Lolo in Khuoi Khon for a unique experience. Wake up to the sound of roosters and take part in the daily activities of a local family, such as feeding the animals, cutting bamboo, chopping herbs, and cooking corn. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of this ethnic group.

10. Ba Be Lake

Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan is a hidden gem for nature lovers. At 8 kilometers long, it's the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam, nestled right in the heart of a national park of the same name. There’s so much to do here, from hiking and biking to exploring the 15 ethnic villages that dot the park. It’s the perfect place to slow down and connect with nature.

You can hop on a traditional sampan, canoe, or kayak and let the serene lake unfold around you. The views are incredible: limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the water, and the lush forest wraps everything in a peaceful green hug. It's an experience you won't forget.

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Best Time to Visit Northern Vietnam

Best time to travel to the Northern Mountains of Vietnam

• September - November or March - May: Dry weather, mild sunny days, cool nights. Suitable for sightseeing, especially terraced fields, and hiking.
• July - September (rainy season): Not recommended. Heavy rain, storms may occur. Temperature 30-40°C, erratic weather, difficult to predict. Check the weather forecast before planning.

Weather in Northern Vietnam

The humid subtropical climate of northern Vietnam has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Spring (February, March, April):

During this season, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15 to 22°C. The grounds are covered in greenery, and flowers, including peaches and plums, bloom, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. However, the air can be somewhat humid with frequent morning fog, especially in plain and valley regions.

• Summer (May, June, July):

It is the hottest and wettest season, with temperatures in the plains often exceeding 35°C. Rainfall is common, often manifesting itself in torrential storms at the end of the day.

• Autumn (August, September, October):

Autumn is often considered the ideal time to discover the north. Temperatures gradually decrease, settling between 20 and 28°C, while humidity is reduced. The sky is usually clear and blue, making it ideal for discovering the golden rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải or strolling through the charming streets of Hanoi. However, at the beginning of August, there is still occasional rainfall, though the rains gradually decrease as the weeks go by, giving way to more stable and pleasant weather conditions.

• Winter (November, December, January):

Winter is characterized by cold weather. Temperatures can sometimes drop below 10°C, especially in mountainous areas, making exploration less pleasant. In January, in particular, landscapes are often covered by thick fog, with little sunlight, which greatly reduces the attractiveness of the panoramas and makes some tourist activities unpleasant.

Practical Tips for Travelers During Typhoon Season

• Check the weather: Storms can change quickly, so keep an eye on local forecasts. If there’s a red alert or heavy rain, limit movement or stay put.
• Stay flexible: Be ready to change your plans. Skip risky areas like mountains or the coast. Cities like Hanoi or Ninh Binh are safer options.
• Choose safe stays: Pick well-built hotels with good safety measures and storm plans.
• Pack smart: Bring waterproof clothes, a flashlight, power bank, dry snacks, and bottled water in case of outages.
• Skip risky fun: Avoid outdoor activities like hiking or water sports. Try museums or local food experiences instead.
• Stay connected: Let family or friends know your plans, especially if you're in a hard-to-reach area.

Many travelers assume monsoon months mean constant downpours and ruined holidays, but that’s far from the truth. For more information, please read: Why Vietnam’s Rainy Season Is Full of Surprises

Suggested routes in northern Vietnam

10-Day North Vietnam Itinerary

Designed for those who want a glimpse of North Vietnam, a 10-day itinerary will take you through the region's major sites: Hanoi, the capital, Halong Bay, and terrestrial Halong Bay. You will also visit Mai Chau and Pu Luong, verdant valleys located not far from the Vietnamese capital, to the southwest. In these fabulous places, you will go on hikes through rice fields, forests, and traditional villages. You will also stay with a local family from the Thai ethnic minority.

• Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
• Day 3: Hanoi to Mai Chau (150 km ≈ 3.5 hours by road)
• Day 4: Mai Chau to Pu Luong (1.5 hours by road)
• Day 5: Pu Luong Trekking
• Day 6: Pu Luong to Ninh Binh (150 km ~ 3 hours by road)
• Day 7: Terrestrial Halong Bay in Ninh Binh
• Day 8: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (180 km ≈ 3.5 hours by road)
• Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi (4 hours by road)
• Day 10: Departure from Hanoi

The 15-Day North Vietnam Itinerary

A 15-day trip to northern Vietnam is dedicated to travelers who want to explore the splendid highland landscapes and the authentic cultures of minority ethnic groups in depth. You will explore the most beautiful terraced rice fields in the northwest mountains and the grandiose landscapes of the northeast, visit colorful weekly markets in the region, and above all, have friendly encounters with local inhabitants. The hikes through high plateaus, valleys, and villages will be truly refreshing.

• Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
• Day 3: Hanoi to Nghia Lo (220 km ≈ 4.5 hours by road)
• Day 4: Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai (100 km ≈ 2.5 hours by road)
• Day 5: Mu Cang Chai to Sapa (120 km ≈ 3 hours by road)
• Day 6: Sapa to Bac Ha (90 km ≈ 2.5 hours by road)
• Day 7: Bac Ha to Ha Giang (200 km ~ 5 hours by road)
• Day 8: Ha Giang Trekking - Quan Ba
• Day 9: Quan Ba to Dong Van (100 km ~ 3 hours by road)
• Day 10: Dong Van - Meo Vac - Khuoi Khon (130 km ~ 4 hours by road)
• Day 11: Khuoi Khon to Ba Be (120 km ~ 3.5 hours by road)
• Day 12: Ba Be to Hanoi (5.5 hours by road)
• Day 13: Hanoi to Halong Bay (180 km ≈ 3.5 hours by road)
• Day 14: Halong Bay to Hanoi (180 km ≈ 3.5 hours by road)
• Day 15: Departure from Hanoi

Our Final Words

North Vietnam is a fascinating region to discover, with incredible cultural and natural richness. By following the advice given in this article, you can organize your trip to northern Vietnam with ease and enjoy it to the fullest. Happy travels!

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