August is the perfect time to embark on a journey to Northwest Vietnam, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and engage in thrilling activities at unique destinations. Travel to experience, travel to witness the myriad of captivating experiences awaiting travelers to discover in Vietnam.
Weather in Northwest Vietnam in August
Northwest Vietnam boasts a cool climate all year round, with some areas even experiencing snowfall during winter, such as Sapa, due to its significantly higher altitude compared to other regions. The pleasant climate provides favorable conditions for the development of tourism in this area, winning the hearts of numerous domestic tourists who come to escape the scorching heat of the city or experience a different kind of chill.
August in Northwest Vietnam transitions into autumn, the season of unique delicacies like bitter bamboo shoots, wild bamboo shoots, and mustard greens. During this time, the region no longer experiences heavy rains like in the summer days. Instead, there are sporadic forest showers, and the Northwest passes are at their most beautiful. All these elements blend together to create a picturesque scene of rustic highlands, serene and captivating.
Exploring the cultural charm of Northwest Vietnam
In addition to the picturesque natural landscapes, Northwest Vietnam also mesmerizes us with its diverse cultural beauty, allowing us to understand the people and characteristics of the various ethnic groups. Most of Northwest Vietnam is the cultural space of the Thai ethnic group, known for their typical traditional dances, especially the famous flower dance. The largest ethnic group in the region is the Muong, alongside the H'Mong, Dao, Tay, Kinh, Nung, and more. If you've ever been on a Northwest Vietnam tour, you'll surely remember the image of Thai girls in their vibrant traditional costumes.
Northwest Vietnam is predominantly the cultural domain of the Thai ethnic group, renowned for their characteristic traditional dances, particularly the renowned flower dance. The region's largest ethnic group is the Muong, alongside the H'Mong, Dao, Tay, Kinh, Nung, and more. If you've embarked on a Northwest Vietnam tour, you'll undoubtedly recall the sight of Thai girls adorned in their dazzling traditional attire.
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August - the season of bitter bamboo shoots, wild bamboo shoots, and mustard greens
After finishing planting rice, it's also the time for bitter bamboo shoots, wild bamboo shoots, and mustard greens season for the people of Northwest Vietnam. At this time, everyone is busy going to the forest to pick bamboo shoots to make dried bamboo shoots for Tet and to sell to those below. Bitter bamboo shoots, wild bamboo shoots in Northwest Vietnam along with mustard greens are precious specialties, favored by many and have relatively high economic value. When traveling to Northwest Vietnam in August, don't forget to buy some as gifts for your family and loved ones.
When the most beautiful passes of the year
In August, the rain in the forests of Northwest Vietnam begins to thin out and eventually cease, leaving the vegetation lush and vibrant. It's also the time when the mountain passes are at their most beautiful. Just imagine yourself riding a motorbike over these passes, with lush mountain forests on one side and lush green rice fields on the other, amidst the cool, crisp air. Surely, we'll feel an indescribable sense of pride and love for our homeland growing immensely within us.
Exciting Northwest Vietnam tourist destinations in August
1. Mu Cang Chai - Yen Bai
By the end of August, as autumn sets in, the terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai have begun to turn golden. At this time, many tourists opt for affordable tours to set out on the journey to admire the stunning ripe rice terraces here. In August, this place is a feast for the eyes with its lush green rice fields, exuding the peaceful, simple beauty of the Northern Vietnamese mountains seemingly more vividly depicted than ever before.
Throughout the Mu Cang Chai valley, the scent of fresh rice fills the air, with every face glowing with excitement and joy as they participate in the harvest festival, vividly displayed before tourists. Surely, traveling to Northwest Vietnam in August to the highlands of Mu Cang Chai will be a beautiful journey for everyone.
Popular attractions in Yen Bai that tourists often visit include: Khau Pha Pass, Mam Xoi Hill...
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2. Sapa - Lao Cai
Sapa continues to be known as the temperate land with pleasant weather throughout the year. Venturing into this cloud-hidden town, tourists will discover its charming landscapes and unique way of life of the ethnic minority community. Traveling to Sapa embodies the romanticism of the highland markets in Northwest Vietnam, of colorful couples meeting, singing, and dancing to the tunes of flutes, panpipes, and mouth organs. Every year, this is also a destination that attracts a large number of foreign and domestic tourists to explore and experience.
The scenery of Sapa in August is painted with fresh green hues of trees, fields of rice. The air during this season is very fresh and cool after light rains. Particularly at this time, the terraced fields of Lao Chai and Ta Van resemble an enchanting princess, adorned in radiant yellow.
Some favorite tourist spots in Sapa in August include: Ham Rong Mountain, Silver Waterfall, Sapa Ancient Church, Cat Cat Village, Ta Phin Village...
3. Moc Chau - Son La
Moc Chau - Son La is also a popular Northwest Vietnam tourist destination in August, attracting many people's interest and preference. Here, there are many captivating spots with poetic nature before your eyes. Although in August Moc Chau has no flowers or fruits, it quietly resembles a sleeping princess in the forest, waiting for the moment to awaken with its own unique beauty.
In particular, visitors exploring Moc Chau in August find themselves amidst lush green tea hills, enveloping the vast expanse. It's a place where all weariness seems to dissolve amid the lush green tea buds, under fingers weaving through leaves, into the cool, refreshing tea leaves.
As it's not yet the peak tourist season, we can leisurely enjoy the beauty of Moc Chau: Heart-shaped tea hills, Curtain Waterfall, Ban Ang Pine Hill, Happy Land...
4. Mai Chau - Hoa Binh
Mai Chau is the closest to Hanoi among the destinations in Northwest Vietnam. It exudes the gentle beauty of villages, serene rice fields, fresh, cool air. Traveling to Mai Chau at this time allows us to leisurely cycle through the villages, fields. Admire the distant scenery of mountain ranges basking in the evening sun, majestic yet tranquil.
Some destinations in Mai Chau this August: Thung Khe Pass, Bờ Waterfall Cave, Lac Village, Mai Chau Ecolodge...
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Discover the impressive Northwest cuisine
Renowned as the paradise of many delicious and unique dishes, Northwest cuisine has attracted many tourists to savor. Here, Mytour lists some of the most delicious and impressive dishes in this land.
1. Pa pinh top
The name may sound unfamiliar, but this is actually a special grilled fish dish of the Thai people in Northwest Vietnam. The most special thing about Pa pinh top perhaps comes from the way it's prepared, marinated with various spices such as ginger, lemongrass, fresh chili, coriander, basil, fresh onions, and mint... The indispensable ingredient here is mắc khén, a characteristic spice of this region.
Pa pinh top will be grilled on bamboo sticks over charcoal fire to enhance its flavor, penetrating deeply into each layer of meat. Tourists can enjoy it with a bit of sticky rice dipped in chili salt, accompanied by strong corn wine for a complete taste experience.
2. Nam pia
This is a signature dish of the Thai ethnic people in Mai Chau. The main ingredients are the internal organs of various animals mixed together, then stewed with bones until sweet enough. It's accompanied by spices such as chili, garlic, and mắc khén.
The dish is not visually appealing, with a bitter taste from the forest leaves and a strong aroma from the internal organs of pigs, cows, which may be unpleasant for some. But if you slowly taste it, you'll find it quite delicious and captivating.
3. Thang co
This dish is originally a traditional specialty of the H'mong people, later adopted by the Kinh, Dao, Tay ethnic groups. The term 'thang co' is the negative form of the word 'Thoang co', a H'mong word meaning 'water pot'. Traditionally, the meat used to make 'thang co' is horse meat, later supplemented with beef, buffalo meat, and pork. Traditional spices include salt, herbs, cinnamon, star anise, lime leaves, roasted until fragrant, finely ground, and marinated with the meat before stir-frying.
The 'thang co' pots in highland markets are usually very large, enough for several dozen people to eat. The bowl of 'thang co' scoops out the shiny lean meat, fat meat, and internal organs. The original 'thang co' of ethnic people in the markets is usually a bit difficult to eat, while in restaurants, it has been modified to suit the taste of the Kinh people.
4. Fireplace meat
This is a specialty dish of the Black Thai people used to entertain distinguished guests. Fireplace meat is made from the hump of buffalo, beef, or pork raised in the Northwestern mountains. The spicy flavor of chili blends with the pungent taste of ginger, along with the spice of mắc khén seeds and the aroma of wood smoke, creating the distinctive delicious flavor of fireplace meat.
Travel Tips for Northwestern Vietnam
Ensure your journey is not disrupted by unnecessary setbacks. Check out these essential tips for traveling to Northwestern Vietnam.
- Carry your ID card, passport, and driver's license for convenience in transportation, accommodation, and renting vehicles.
- If riding a motorcycle, bring a folding umbrella or a lightweight raincoat for use during rainy or windy weather. Additionally, a raincoat can also be worn to block wind and mist from soaking into the body.
- Carry some common medications such as cold medicine, fever reducers, headache relievers, and digestive aids to prevent illness.
- Roads in hilly areas are often slippery and difficult to navigate, so it's best to choose suitable walking shoes that are waterproof, breathable, and have good traction.
To not miss out on the mesmerizing beauty of the shimmering golden terraced fields, don't hesitate to book our all-inclusive August Northwestern Vietnam Tour now. Contact our hotline Mytour for consultation.