Three fantastic travel destinations in Northern Vietnam in May

Exploring the Northwest to admire terraced fields, visiting Tam Coc during the ripe rice season, or venturing into Cuc Phuong forest to chase butterflies will make your May unforgettable.

Three fantastic travel destinations in Northern Vietnam in May

Northwest Vietnam

Around May, it's the time when the terraced fields in Northwest Vietnam undergo a transformation, preparing for a new crop season. This is the water pouring season, also known as the 'đổ ải' season, when the first summer rains fall. Farmers use bamboo pipes and ditches to bring water from the mountains to the fields, creating a colorful and diverse landscape. The newly planted terraces are green with young rice, while the freshly plowed areas have the brown color of soil and sediment from water. During the day, the bright yellow sun reflects on the shimmering water, and at night, especially on the full moon night, the scenery becomes mystical under the moonlight.

Every year, the highlands have only one farming season, divided into two 'đổ ải' seasons in May and July, which are also perfect times for traveling to Northwest Vietnam. May is the time of the first 'đổ ải' when seeds are just sown, and July is the time when the rice has grown a bit more. Some famous terraced fields in Northwest Vietnam include Bat Xat, Sapa, Hoang Su Phi, Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le...

Tam Coc - Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh in the last days of May becomes bustling as the farming season is coming to an end, with golden ripe rice on both sides of the Ngô Đồng River. Every day, hundreds of boats carry tourists along the charming scenery of Tam Coc - Bich Dong. The cluster of caves and mountains, dubbed as the Halong Bay on land, stands out against the golden backdrop of the lush rice fields. The weather during this time is quite pleasant, not too hot and away from the city's dust and smoke.

From Hanoi, you can travel by private car, catch a bus to Ninh Binh, or go on a motorbike adventure. It's advisable to rent a boat to explore this area fully because if you walk, you can only stroll around the perimeter and cannot venture deep inside. Some prominent tourist attractions here include: The film set of 'Kong: Skull Island', Bai Dinh Pagoda, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Trang An, Van Long Lagoon...

Cuc Phuong Forest - Ninh Binh

Cuc Phuong National Park, about 120 km from Hanoi, is a destination often mentioned among adventure groups especially around May when it's the peak season for colorful butterflies, especially the white ones. The cool, fresh air is already a plus point, and the sight of thousands of butterflies fluttering around makes the scenery here as beautiful as a painting. Moreover, the dry weather in May means there's no worry about mud and mosquitoes.

Preparing some food for a picnic in the forest is a great idea. After frolicking and taking countless photos with the butterflies, you can choose a flat area by the stream to spread out and enjoy your meal. It's essential to clean up before leaving to protect the environment. Inside the forest, there are also some places serving simple food for those in need. The food is passable, and the prices are not too high.

By Vi Yen/Star

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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide