Vietnam Travel Blog

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about Sapa weather in March, including temperatures, what the landscape looks like, whether rain is a concern, and practical travel tips to help you plan a memorable trip to one of Vietnam's most extraordinary highland destinations as it transitions into spring.

Since 2026, Vietnam has introduced a new online entry form for foreign travelers arriving by air: the Vietnam Pre-Arrival form. This free digital arrival card, also known as the Pre-Arrival Information form or PAI declaration, generates a QR code that may be checked by immigration officers when you land. In this guide, you’ll find out who needs to complete the form, which airports it applies to, when to submit it and how to fill it out step by step, so you can arrive in Vietnam prepared and avoid last-minute stress.

When travelers ask me whether they should choose Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, my answer is always the same: it depends on what kind of Vietnam you want to experience first. And I mean that genuinely, these two cities are so different from each other that visitors who fall head over heels for one often leave the other feeling flat. I've spent years guiding international visitors through both cities.

November is usually not a rainy month in Hanoi. Rainfall is much lower than in the summer and early autumn months, and heavy downpours are less common. That said, short showers can still happen. A day may start bright, become cloudy in the afternoon, and bring a light shower before clearing again. These weather changes rarely ruin a city trip if your schedule stays flexible. A compact umbrella or light rain jacket is enough for most November days in Hanoi. Comfortable walking shoes are also important, especially if pavements become damp after a short shower.

There is a reason Hanoians often speak of October with a little nostalgia. The summer heat begins to fade, the air feels softer, and the city slowly moves into its most charming autumn rhythm. For travelers, this is one of the best times to enjoy Hanoi on foot, from quiet lake mornings and tree-lined streets to seasonal snacks, street food evenings, and easy day trips around Northern Vietnam. Still, October is not completely dry. Short showers, occasional storms, and weather changes can still happen, especially if your trip includes Halong Bay, Sapa, or mountain areas. This guide explains what Hanoi is really like in October, what to wear, what to do, and how to plan your days without worrying too much about the weather.

Whale Island Vietnam, also known as Hon Ong, is the kind of island that reveals itself slowly. Set in Van Phong Bay, north of Nha Trang, it does not try to impress travelers with noise, crowds or a long list of attractions. Its charm is quieter: sea breeze, clear water, simple comfort and long pauses between one moment and the next. This is why some travelers remember Whale Island as a peaceful escape, while others may find it too limited. Before planning a stay here, it helps to know that the island works differently from more developed beach destinations. The rhythm is slower, the choices are fewer, and the experience depends much more on whether that kind of simplicity fits your travel style.