Best Time to Visit North Vietnam in 2025? Top 10 Must-See Places

Northern Vietnam is generally an area of great mountain ranges, centuries-old rice terraces, and fascinating ethnic groups. North Vietnam is an ideal destination for a trip as it gathers a lot of big tourist centers.

The North is one of the few regions of Vietnam that will have to be given broad attention when one explores the unbeaten path, but 25 cities and provinces—where will you even begin to know the places to visit? Well, that is just the reason why this article can help in planning your journey to North Vietnam. Follow!

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 26-12-2024

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The Unique Climate of North Vietnam

This phenomenon has four seasons: spring (February, March, and April), summer (May, June, and July), autumn (August, September, and October), and winter (November, December, and January). All seasons have unique temperature and humidity regimes that classify the whole region as having an ideal humid subtropical climate.

• Spring (February, March, April): The value of mercury in the thermometer ranges between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius. The grounds become green, flowers bloom, and peach and plum tree blossoms adorn the ground, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. This season is characterized by humid air, often with cloudy morning fog, especially in lowlands and valleys.
• Summer (May, June, July): This is the hottest and sweatiest period of the year. Thermometers can rise to over 35 degrees Celsius in the plains. Showers are not an exception; they frequently bring torrential rains at nighttime. Mountainous areas like Sapa or Hà Giang maintain their coolness, making them dethroned havens to escape the miserable heat.
• Autumn (August, September, October): This is also the time that most people refer to when talking about the most beautiful time in the North. The temperature starts to go down, ranging from 20 to 28 degrees, and humidity begins to lessen. The sky is more often bright blue, perfect for trekking golden rice terraces in Mù Cang Chải or strolling through beautiful Hanoi streets.
• Winter: In general, the winter months of November, December, and January are cool and dry. However, temperatures may drop below 10 degrees Celsius at times, especially in mountainous regions. For example, Sapa or Mẫu Sơn can occasionally experience snow episodes, presenting an exceptional and magical landscape in Vietnam.

Climate Differences Between the Northern Mountains and Red River Delta

On one side, there are the snow-white, cool mountains along with the great scenery. On the other side, there's the entire Red River Delta, which lives in the heat and humidity and gives the most brilliant and exciting atmosphere purely for cultural discoveries. Here is the whole narration of the major climatic contrasts, month by month:

>>> For a detailed overview of these stunning locations, explore our Vietnam Tourist Map.

Best Time to Visit North Vietnam

Spring (February - April) and autumn (August - October) are the ideal seasons to discover the natural and cultural richness of Northern Vietnam. These periods not only offer a pleasant climate, but also stunning scenery and season-specific activities that enrich the travel experience.

Where to Visit in Spring in North Vietnam?

• Sapa

Spring transforms Sapa into a living painting, as its hills and valleys become draped in peach and plum blossoms in full bloom. The misty dawn holds a promise of adventure with its intense atmosphere, ideal for hiking. They're perfect for visiting some ethnic villages such as the H'mông, Dao, and Tay. You can watch the locals in their daily routines, infused with rich customary lifestyles, and then experience the warm hospitality of the local communities. Spring brings new life to agricultural crops, thereby contributing a unique dynamic to rural life.

• Ha Giang

What a remote area, more often than not, lies at the end of the world in Vietnam. It reveals all of its splendour in spring with its spectacular karst mountain landscapes. Winding those roads would be an exceptional adventure for anyone quenching a thirst for nature and adventure. The mythical passes you can cross, such as the Ma Pi Leng Pass, the bustling local markets you can visit, and the timeless landscapes you can immerse yourself in all rely on this. Ha Giang seduces with its peaceful and raw beauty, making it worth a visit in spring.

• Moc Chau

This Plateau is magical at this time of the year. There are blooming peach and plum trees transforming sceneries into a symphony of pastel colors. Apart from that, nature is coming with vast tea plantations to amble down and click beautiful selfies. Iconic places must be set aside to visit like Dai Yem Waterfall or Son Moc Huong Cave. Encountering local ethnic minor tribes like the H'mông and Thais would probably get a deeper view of their unique culture through their dances, traditional costumes, and handicrafts.

• Ha Noi

Hanoi in spring is simply fabulous. The city is waking up under blue skies and fresh air. The jacaranda-lined streets and parks afford leisurely walks, drinking in the atmosphere. Perfect for temple-hopping and pagoda-visiting within the city, as well as for watching many traditional festivals that all happen soon after Tết. Spring also welcomes local markets rich with fresh produce that promise to activate one's senses with those gastronomic offerings unique to the region.

• Ninh Binh

This is Ninh Bình, known as the land of Ha Long Bay, and it's even more charming during spring. The incredible landscapes from the river to karst mountains are dotted with green rice fields. The spring also coincides with the starting season of the pure lotus flower, a superb accent to such places like Tam Cốc Bay and Bái Đính Pagoda. You can take a trip by boat to explore the caves and rivers. It's a quiet, yet very scenic experience.

What makes spring in Vietnam unique

Spring is the season to close the Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) festival, which has rich traditions and celebrations. It is an opportunity for tourists to enjoy unique cultural festivals such as wrestling competitions, folk games, and ritual processions. Culinary specialties of the season such as 'banh chung' and 'banh tet' (sticky rice cakes) will flavor this travel experience with a gourmet touch. A time of renewal when nature and culture meet, it transforms every trip to North Vietnam into an unforgettable enriching experience.

Autumn in North Vietnam

Such spots recommended for spring visits can also be visited during autumn – a time perfect for journeying, trekking, or experiencing local culture minus the inconvenience of rain or excessive heat. Some scenic spots one can visit during autumn are as follows:

Mu Cang Chai becomes the pride of its beautiful rice terraces, and it is the most well-known during autumn when the rice ripens and fields are turned into a golden surface. Many villages like La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, or De Xu Phinh offer a deep cultural immersion to allow you to enjoy the H'mong life, their customs, and traditional farming activities amidst a great natural landscape.

Autumn in Yen Bai also has its towering mountains and pristine forests. It is a great time for hiking through the green hills to visit villages of ethnic minorities and experience their cultures. The scenery of mountains and rice terraces in autumn becomes particularly magnificent.

Another little-known but beautifully scenic site is the Bach Long Salt Fields, where the traditional gathering of salt occurs. In the last rays of sunlight in autumn, the salt fields form a very beautiful picture. Visitors can learn how salt is produced and also taste local specialties made from salt.

Autumn festivals in Vietnam.

The autumn season in Vietnam brings happiness into the hearts of many people. Among the famous festivals is the Tet Trung Thu festival, a moon festival celebrated with parades using colorful lanterns and lion dances. Children hold animal-shaped lanterns and eat moon cakes, one of the most typical foods of the season. It is also a time for harvesting, and in some places, it is possible to see agricultural festivals where people celebrate the end of harvest in traditional dance and song.

Other Seasons for Specific Activities

In North Vietnam, summer is a good season for exploration although hot. The mountains have a cooling sun, nice weather under which to beat the valley heat. At this time of the year, visitors are not only enjoying the beautiful view of the sea and the land but also finding the perfect excuse for themselves to enjoy a diversion. Halong Bay or Cat Ba Island, with their great cultures and waters, offer just what you need to lounge or indulge in activities related to water. Swim, enjoy lazy cruises, or walk on idyllic greens, a great balance of adventure and relaxation.

Winter, that delightful time of the year when one experiences the typically cold north of Vietnam, is another great time to visit. Cities fill with melancholy and calmness, making it a fun time for those who want to have a completely different experience. This is a good time to join in on a street food tour, with steaming dishes of phở, bánh mì, and more while visiting the busy alleys. A pedicab ride through old towns, such as Hanoi, makes the experience more genuine and nostalgic, fully allowing you to feel the winter charm this region has to offer.

Practical Guide to Traveling During Typhoon Season

What to Know About Typhoon Season in North Vietnam?

June through September is the season for typhoons in North Vietnam. During this time, the region mostly experiences adverse weather with heavy rainfall, high winds, and in certain cases, flooding. The coastal provinces such as Quảng Ninh, Hải Phòng, and the mountainous provinces such as Lào Cai or Hà Giang are particularly vulnerable. Risks of landslides and floods lead to blockage of transport, as well as rendering some places inaccessible.

Practical Tips for Travelers During Typhoon Season

• Weather forecast checking: While typhoon conditions change rapidly, one is kept abreast of what will come next by regular checking of local weather forecasts. In a red alert or heavy rain, move less or stay put completely.
• Flexibility of itinerary: Depending on extreme weather events, allow for adjustment of the itinerary. Certain dangerous areas may be eliminated, such as mountainous or coastal locations. Less exposed destinations, such as Hanoi or Ninh Binh, are good alternatives.
• Safety of accommodations: Hotels or resorts should be well-constructed and safely located, with contingency plans in case of a storm.
• Get emergency prepared: Well, it is advisable for a traveler to bring waterproof clothing, umbrellas, flashlights, portable chargers for cellular telephones, and non-perishable snacks. Recommendation also applies to drinking water in case of power failure.
• Avoid risky activities: Some outdoor activities, which may include hiking, climbing, or water sports, become dangerous. In those scenarios, it is wiser to shift focus to indoor activities such as museum visits or local gastronomy.
• Keep communication alive: Those close to you need to know about your movement and potential changes for them to be of help whenever required, especially during times of storm when areas become hard to reach.

North Vietnam Itineraries

• 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

>>>   Are you interested in a trip to Northern Vietnam? Join us as we explore Exotic Northeast Vietnam 10 Days by trekking

• 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

>>> Read More: How to get to Sapa 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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