Weather is a critical factor to consider while planning a vacation tour, and it is crucial if you are planning a Vietnam holiday. During a vacation tour, we will plan for plenty of outdoor activities rather than indoor activities. Especially in a location like Vietnam, which has an extremely different climate in north and south Vietnam, you must select the best season according to the area you want to visit. If you are planning to visit North Vietnam, when is the best time to visit north Vietnam?

The best time to visit north Vietnam
Generally, summer is the best time to visit North Vietnam. A typical summer season falls between May and September. In summer, the average temperature in northern Vietnam will be 27.5–30.5 degrees Celsius. The weather will be hot and humid, but cooler in the high mountains. You can expect intermittent rain, but it stops quickly and does not affect your tour schedule.

The best destinations in north Vietnam are Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Y Ty, Hoang Su Phi (a district of Ha Giang), Ha Giang, and Cao Bang.

1.    Hanoi: With a history spanning more than 1000 years, Hanoi offers a rewarding travel experience. Ancient temple structures that are more than 1500 years old and have weathered climatic changes are worth exploring. Experiencing contrasting visuals and cycling through the French colonial structures makes your Hanoi tour an unforgettable experience. Besides, tourists will have a beautiful experience visiting the Ethology Museum, where you can find all about the 54 ethnic groups; the incredible Hoan Kiem Lake; the Ho Chi Minh Complex; and the One Pillar Pagoda, which are equally beautiful landmarks you should not miss experiencing during your north Vietnam tour.

2.    Ninh Binh: If you are looking for a soul-searching retreat while visiting amazing rice terraces in Vietnam, do not look beyond; keep your backpack ready for a non-stereotype tour experience, breaking away from the stressful daily activities. At Ninh Binh, the scenery is surreal: on one side, the lotus lagoon; on the other, rice terraces; and of course, the limestone hills in the back drop. Ninh Binh is quite an ordinary town, but traveling to the village will offer you the real beauty of nature. One of the must-see attractions is the Trang An landscape, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, and the Cuc Phuong National Park. While you are in Trang An, do not forget to go for a kayak trip along the river.

3.    Ha Long Bay: It is one of the World Heritage sites in Vietnam and an important tourist destination, notable for cruise tours. Ha Long Bay is a summer holiday destination, and tourists can visit limestone caves and engage in water sports activities. It will be a wonderful experience cruising past thousands of lime karsts spread on the bay, which is ideal for Vietnam photography tours.

4.    Pu Luong: The weekend North Vietnam tour location is a natural reserve located about 160 kilometers south-west of Hanoi. It is blessed with incredible rice fields and limestone wonders. The virgin, lush green forests, the water wheels, and the ethnic minority villages are some of the best things tourists can experience here. The mountainous location is an ideal location to unwind from the busy mechanical life.

5.    Mu Cang Chai: A district in Yen Bai province, Mu Cang Chai is famous for its stunning rice terrace fields, which are considered among the most amazing rice terraces in Vietnam. Visitors can trek through the fields, meet local farmers, and learn about the traditional farming practices of the Hmong and Thai ethnic minority groups.

6.    Sa Pa: For tourists who want to have a unique tour experience something close to nature, then Sa Pa valley is the best destination. It is a popular location for a rice terrace tour. The weather here will be cool and pleasant compared to any other location in Vietnam, making it an ideal location for a summer retreat and Vietnam photography tours. Tourists can also get homestay facilities. Do not miss the homestay offer. It will let you understand village life from a close angle. Other important activities are visiting Fansipan Mountain and biking.

7.    Y Ty: A remote village located in Lao Cai province, Y Ty is known for its stunning rice terrace fields, traditional stilt houses, and the unique culture of the ethnic minority groups that call it home. Visitors can trek through the fields, meet local farmers, and learn about the traditional weaving and embroidery techniques of the Red Dao ethnic minority group.

8.    Hoang Su Phi: A district of Ha Giang province, Hoang Su Phi is home to some of the most amazing rice terraces in Vietnam. The region offers visitors a chance to witness traditional farming practices and the unique culture of the local ethnic minority groups, including the Nung, Tay, and Dao.

9.    Ha Giang: Located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, Ha Giang is a stunning province with breathtaking landscapes, winding mountain passes, and traditional ethnic minority villages—an inevitable part of an itinerary for a north Vietnam tour. Visitors can trek through the mountains, visit local markets, and learn about the unique cultures and traditions of the local ethnic minority groups.

10.    Cao Bang: A province located in the far north of Vietnam, Cao Bang is home to stunning natural attractions such as Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave, which are ideal for Vietnam photography tours. At Cao Bang, tourists can interact with the ethnic minorities and understand their traditional culture and history. Visitors can hike through the mountains and witness traditional festivals and ceremonies.

Vietnam is home to some of the most beautiful rice terrace fields in the world, attracting tourists from all over. Among the many destinations to see rice terraces, the following four stand out as must-visit locations:

Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai province: This region boasts some of the most magnificent rice terrace fields in the country, with an array of colors and shapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. The best time to visit is from September to early October, when the harvest season is in full swing.

Sapa in Lao Cai Province: Another popular destination for rice terrace fields is Sapa, located in the northwest of Vietnam. The area is home to several ethnic minority groups, and visitors can learn about their unique customs and traditions while admiring the stunning scenery.

Y Ty in Lao Cai province: Y Ty is a remote area located in Lao Cai province and is one of the lesser-known destinations for rice terrace fields. The terraces here are some of the most picturesque, with a unique design and structure that is not found in other regions. It is the best location for Vietnam photography tours.

Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang Province: Hoang Su Phi is located in the northernmost province of Ha Giang and is home to some of the most breathtaking rice terrace fields in Vietnam. The terraces here are well-maintained and offer visitors a chance to see the different stages of rice cultivation.

The rice farming pattern:
May-June: May and June are special months for agriculture in Vietnam, particularly in the northern mountainous areas. These months mark the beginning of the pouring water season, when local farmers start preparing the fields for the new crop. Visitors can witness the fascinating sight of farmers working with their buffalo to plow the fields and plant the young rice seedlings in the stunning rice terrace fields of Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty, and Hoang Su Phi.

In May, the low-lying areas of Vietnam also offer a unique experience, with farmers harvesting their crops, particularly rice. Places like Tam Coc and Cao Bang, where the stunning Ban Gioc waterfall is located, offer a chance to see this harvest season up close.

Regardless of the season, Ha Giang is always a great destination to visit in Vietnam. The province is popular for Vietnam photography tours because of its natural beauty, including rice terraces, mountain passes, and ethnic minority villages. Visitors can experience the local culture and traditions while taking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.

July: July is the month when the rice terrace fields in North Vietnam start turning green. This is a beautiful sight to see as the young rice plants begin to fill the fields with vibrant shades of green. The lush greenery of the rice terrace fields contrasts with the surrounding mountainous landscape, creating a breathtaking view. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery and learn about the traditional farming practices of the ethnic minority groups in the region. July is the best time to visit

North Vietnam to witness the beauty of the green rice terrace fields.

August: The beauty of rice terraces is a remarkable feast for your eyes. The glam will transform from green to golden from mid-August to mid-September, and the rice fields turn golden brown and naturally get ready for the harvest season. The harvest season is the best time to visit rice terraces, which draw tourists with their appealing golden color.

September: A North Vietnam tour is a fascinating experience, especially if you visit the golden rice terraces in Sapa, Y Ty, Mu Cang Chai, and Hoang Su Phi. It is one of the four best recommended places to experience the magnificent rice terraces in North Vietnam. The incredible view is breath-taking. The vistas of thousands of rice terraces filled with water that glisten in the sun and spread as far as the eye can see are a surrealistic experience. It will be an overwhelming experience when you stand surrounded by giant terraced rice mountains.

September is the coolest time to visit rice fields. North Vietnam is rich in ethnic culture. Most of the rice fields are under the control of ethnic minorities, and every tribe keeps its identity and culture intact, which is evident in the way they dress and live. Tourists will have the option of a homestay and have a chance to experience the ethnic village life. Be among them, enjoy the hospitality, and go for some photographic sessions.

Vivutravel, a local Vietnam travel expert for the north
With 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and multiple tour locations rich with history and culture, you will find it challenging to list the locations to be included in the travel itinerary. Only an experienced travel agent can offer you a meticulous travel plan according to the number of days you want to stay in Vietnam.  If you are planning a north Vietnam tour, Vivutravel will be your preferred partner considering its experience in organizing fabulous tour packages and tailor-made tour packages.

With more than 16 years of tour business experience, and bilingual guides drawn from the local areas, tourists can enjoy their best time in the company of Vivutravel. The tour operator can offer a variety of services, like visa processing, flight booking, hotel accommodations, tour plans, air pickups and drops, etc.

Vivutravel is an accredited tour operator, a member of the Vietnam National Administrator of Tourism, a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, and a member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association. The company also offers 24x7 customer care services and hotline services to make sure the customers get the best services from Vivutravel, with a focus on eco- and green-friendly tourism. With Vivutravel, all your North Vietnam tours will be leisurely entertainment.