Buzz
If summer is for the 'beach lovers,' then winter is dedicated to the 'mountain enthusiasts,' especially in the northern mountainous region. This year's winter is predicted to arrive earlier, with temperatures dropping more than usual. Have you prepared your plan for a winter getaway? Let's choose the perfect destination for your winter travels in Northern Vietnam with Vntrip!
1. Hanoi
When it comes to winter travel in the North, Hanoi is undoubtedly a must-visit. The winter chill in Hanoi is unique—it's not the piercing wind of the plains, nor the bone-chilling cold like Sa Pa with frozen mist turning into ice. It's a peculiar chill, cold yet warm, touching the hearts of both Hanoi residents and those who have fallen in love with the charm of Hanoi.
Ho Guom immersed in the ethereal winter mist. Image: @nganshuu
Japanese apricot blossoms, a winter specialty of Hanoi. Image: Internet
Winter in Hanoi calls for a morning stroll around Ho Guom to experience the refreshing chill as the mist blankets the area, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere, contrasting with the usual hustle and bustle of everyday streets. Or take a leisurely walk around West Lake to feel the seasonal breeze and indulge in a roadside cafe, sipping each bitter drop in the fragrant, steaming coffee.
Savor a hot cup of egg coffee, fragrant on a winter day in Hanoi. Image: Internet
Moreover, winter is the perfect time to indulge in the myriad of delicious specialties in Hanoi. Amidst the chilly days, relishing the smoky, aromatic dishes is an unparalleled joy. Don't hesitate to try a steaming bowl of bánh đúc with mộc nhĩ, finely minced meat immersed in a flavorful dipping sauce; a bowl of bánh trôi tàu, fragrant with black sesame or smooth mung bean filling, warmed by fresh ginger, sweet and comforting; a bowl of sour and savory snail vermicelli soup, glistening and golden; or simply a few pieces of crispy sweet potato, corn, and ripe banana cakes. All will enchant you in the winter of Hanoi.
Indulge in numerous delights of Hanoi's winter. Image: @khanhhuyenh2
2. Moc Chau
The climate of the Moc Chau plateau remains cool throughout the year, with chilly mornings and evenings, often shrouded in mist. However, in the last months of the year, it becomes significantly colder. In November, Moc Chau experiences intensified cold winds, accompanied by dense fog and light drizzles. During this time, alternating northeastern winter winds significantly reduce temperatures, bringing about a noticeable and gradually increasing cold. By December, the biting cold sets in, enveloping the landscape, mountains, and forests in thick fog. Despite this, it's considered one of the most beautiful times in Moc Chau, as it returns to its true 'mountainous nature.
Blanketing Moc Chau in winter, the white mustard flowers paint a picturesque scene. Image: Hoang Tuan Anh
Regarded as the most beautiful flower in Moc Chau, the white mustard flowers are truly captivating. Image: Chan La Ca
If you belong to the 'Moc Chau lovers' team, then you surely know that winter is the time when vast fields of white mustard flowers spread across the valleys, climb the hillsides, surrounding the villages of Moc Chau. During this period, you can explore the pine forest behind Ban Ang, Ban Ba Phach, and the Ngũ Dong Ban On area to fully experience the pure paradise of white mustard flowers, as beautiful as a painting.
Not only white mustard flowers, but Moc Chau's winter also features golden mustard flowers. Image: Le Hai
Apart from white mustard flowers, if you visit Moc Chau in early winter, you'll be immersed in the beauty of wild sunflowers. Unlike the large and vibrant sunflowers in Da Lat, Moc Chau's wild sunflowers are modest, with a touch of mountain mist blending into the lush green tea hills. They delicately grace the pathways in remote villages and the grey-blue mountain roads of the Northwest, adding warmth and enchantment to this extraordinary place.
Winter wild sunflowers in Moc Chau. Image: @jane_s_giang
3. Ta Xua
Winter is the perfect time to chase clouds and embrace the winds at Ta Xua. While the likelihood of encountering clouds is high throughout the year, from November to March during winter, the chances soar up to 80%.
Winter at Ta Xua enveloped in mist. Image: Internet
In Ta Xua, all four directions are blanketed by a sea of pure white clouds, creating a breathtaking scene. Standing atop the 'dinosaur spine' of Ta Xua and looking down, you'll feel like you've wandered into a fairyland of mist and legend, straight out of a mythical folktale. Moreover, the Ta Xua cloud valley is shielded by majestic, overlapping mountain ranges, sheltered from the wind. Even at noon, the chill persists, the clouds lingering and gently drifting, creating a serene atmosphere.
The 'dinosaur spine' of Ta Xua. Image: Hoang Linh Ha
Wind-swept peaks of Ta Xua. Image: Hoang Linh Ha
Notably, Ta Xua serves as the natural border between Yen Bai and Son La provinces, making it a destination that harmoniously blends the cuisine and cultural heritage of these two beautiful regions. Seek out small eateries in the heart of Ta Xua to savor the rich flavors of kitchen specialties, from buffalo meat simmered over a traditional stove, Yen Bai sausages, crispy Mường Lo fried fish, Tú Lệ sticky rice, black square cakes, lychee honey, bamboo shoots, Lục Yên banana cakes, buffalo skin salad, to bamboo rice, and more.
Indulge in local specialties in Ta Xua. Image: Internet
4. Sapa
Sapa in winter is truly chilly, the sky loses its vibrant blue hue, and the clouds take on a mysterious silver sheen. The average winter temperature in Sapa ranges from 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, with some days even dropping below 0 degrees Celsius. Despite the harsh winter weather, this is the peak tourist season for Sapa.
Sapa immersed in clouds during winter days. Image: @adriananhtuan
One of the most special experiences in Sapa during winter is witnessing the pure white snow and icy blankets covering the hills and valleys. The brief snowfall, lasting only a few days, manages to blanket every roof, every alley, and every nook and cranny in the town. Every leafless branch, or the dewdrops barely perched on the branches, freezes before they have a chance to melt, turning everything into a pristine white. The sensation of holding the freezing snow in your hands, squeezing it until it breaks apart like powder, is oddly delightful. Indeed, the most beautiful white snow dream in Vietnam is nowhere else but in Sapa.
Falling snow covering Sapa in white. Image: Internet
Icy formations appearing on the peak of Fansipan. Image: Internet
In addition to enjoying the falling snow, winter travel in Sapa offers countless other exciting experiences. From conquering the peak of Fansipan to admiring the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley, the foamy white Silver Waterfall, the mysterious Rock Plateau, stone churches, love markets, and peaceful villages nestled at the foot of the mountains. Moreover, winter cuisine in Sapa is truly exceptional. Here, you can find many delicious dishes waiting for you, such as victory celebration, smuggled pork, salmon, grilled fish, and especially on bone-chilling days, nothing beats sitting down to enjoy a steaming pot of smoked salmon hotpot.
Special salmon hotpot in Sapa. Image: Internet
5. Ha Giang
When it comes to winter travel in the North, Ha Giang cannot be ignored. Despite knowing that Ha Giang is stunning all year round, winter is considered the most beautiful time due to the vibrant fields of triangular flowers. The triangle flowers cover the valleys and hillsides, weaving through the rocky slopes, tinted pink in the pale winter sunlight. During winter travel in Ha Giang, visit Lung Cam, Sung La district, Dong Van district, the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass, and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the vast triangle flower fields.
Nho Que River immersed in clouds during winter days. Image: @summerin11_
Winter is the season of many types of flowers in Ha Giang. Image: @thaoquyetlinh
Besides the triangular flowers, winter in Ha Giang is also the season of marigold flowers, a vibrant species blossoming on the rocky slopes, vigorously reaching for life, sprouting and blooming all over the roads. On the way from Pho Cao, Pho Bang to Dong Van town, under the Ma Pi Leng Pass, on the road to Meo Vac, Son Vi, Khau Vai, you may come across patches of wild marigold flowers in full bloom everywhere. Sometimes it's just a small cluster of flowers swaying by the edge of a rock, overlooking the crystal-clear Nho Que River. Occasionally, it's a few dew-kissed flowers on the stone fence of a house. At times, it's clusters of flowers swaying in the chilly wind. Or it might be patches of flowers blooming alongside the pinkish-purple triangular flower fields.
Ha Giang's triangular flower fields. Image: Internet
Marigold flowers. Image: Sơn Vương Tùng
6. Mau Son (Lang Son)
If you belong to the 'snow enthusiast' team and enjoy exploring unique and unfamiliar landscapes, then you shouldn't miss Mau Son Peak in Lang Son province. Mau Son boasts a diverse terrain with a population of 80 large and small mountains, with an average elevation of 800 – 1,000m above sea level. Winter here is extremely cold, with temperatures ranging from 6-13°C. When the temperature drops to around 0°C or -1, -2°C, snow begins to fall on Mau Son Peak. The snow makes the scenery more mystical than ever, turning branches into sharp icicles and vibrant flowers into pure white snowflakes reflecting the golden sunlight.
Mau Son (Lang Son). Image: Hai Anh
Mau Son is not only a snow hunting destination but also one of the most beautiful cloud hunting spots in Vietnam. The most beautiful cloud season in Mau Son is from December of the previous year to March of the following year. During this time, the temperature is ideal for the accumulation of clouds. Moreover, the clouds during this season are very calm, allowing you to admire a stunning scenery created by thousands of slowly dissipating clouds.
Blanket of snow covering Mau Son. Image: @tranthuyhai
Scenery reminiscent of European skies. Image: @vvhoangphii
The Mau Son mountainous region is also the residence of ethnic groups such as Dao, Nung, and Tay. When traveling to Mau Son in winter, take the time to visit Khuoi Cap village, which has been the longstanding home of Dao people, preserving their unique cultural identity, customs, traditions, including aspects of food, housing, clothing, rituals, and festivals.
Don't forget to explore the villages when traveling to Mau Son. Image: Internet
Every place in the North is worth exploring this winter, isn't it? Don't hesitate any longer and plan your trip now!
