When to trek in NorthVietnam

When to trek in North Vietnam

The north is cooler than the rest of the country. Winter months, from November until January, can be quite cool, especially in mountainous areas. Northern temperatures range from 60°F to 90°F (16dg]C-32°C). If you are going far north to Sapa, Lai Chau, Dien Bien Phu, Bac Ha, Ha Giang along the China/Laos border, be sure to bring one extra layer of warmth (a pullover will do); near Sapa is Fansipan, Vietnam's highest point, and there is even the occasional freeze and snow at this altitude.

Hanoi, the capital and in the north, as well as nearby coastal regions around Haiphong, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, experience relatively high humidity year-round and a rainy season from May to October. Winter months are cool (as low as 57°F/14°C) and somewhat damp, but the heat starts to pick up in April and makes for a hot, wet summer.

The best time to arrange a visit or a hiking/trekking tour in the north, though cold in midwinter, is from November to the end of April.

 

Where to trek in Vietnam

Vietnam offers lots of places for trekking lovers. Trekking destinations can be found in all the three regions of Vietnam, the North, the Center and the South.

The most popular destinations for hiking in Northern Vietnam are Sapa, Mai Chau and the area of Ha Giang and Cao Bang. 

Sapa may well be called the #1 trekking place in Vietnam. It’s the place where a large number of tourists goes to from Hanoi for some trekking through the beautiful scenery of North Vietnam’s mountains. While the town itself is not without charm, most people are drawn to the landscape surrounding it – high mountains, numerous rice paddies, bamboo forests, wild rivers and of course the large number of ethnic minority people inhabiting this area.

Mai Chau is in a valley just over the biggest hump, about 10km from the Song Da river and only 150 metres above sea level. The village presents an idyllic rural valley that could easily charm you into staying longer than intended. Nestled between two towering cliffs and surrounded by emerald green paddies, it is an enchanting sight as you wind down the cliff side.

Ha Giang is one of the most varied treks, its rocky mountains separated by rivers, valleys and terraced paddy fields. The woods around the area provides walkers a mini-safari, so you shouldn’t be surprised to see peacocks and tigers while you’re traipsing through.