When should I go to North Vietnam?

When to go to North Vietnam?

North Vietnam? Shoot, go when the weather’s not trying to kill ya. September to November or March to May – think “Goldilocks weather”: not too hot, not too cold, just right for sipping bia hoi without sweating like a greased pig.

September to November? Temperatures are like a cozy hug, 20-28°C. Forget that sauna weather, unless you’re into that sort of thing.

• Think mild breezes, not monsoons!
• Perfect for hiking without turning into a human sprinkler.
• Great for pretending you’re a travel influencer (I do this all the time!).

March to May? Same ballpark, temperature-wise, give or take. Picture this: flowers blooming, birds chirping, and you, rocking some seriously stylish (but practical) travel gear. Just dont be like my Aunt Mildred, who tried to wear a sequined gown hiking.

• Ideal for exploring rice terraces without slipping on mud.
• Good time to avoid the hordes of tourists…kinda.
• Photo ops galore! My Insta’s been blowing up.

Actually, scratch all that! The BEST time is when I’M free! Seriously, DM me and let’s go, haha!

And hey, you know what else is cool? The food. OMG! The pho, the bun cha… it’s like a party in your mouth, and EVERYONE’S invited. My last trip, I literally ate my weight in spring rolls. No regrets!

How many days should I spend in North Vietnam?

North Vietnam… ah, a dream unfolds. How many days? Days like water, flowing through terraced rice paddies, a timeless dance. Five days could be enough, maybe, if you rush, if you only glimpse. But Vietnam…it demands more.

Two weeks? Yes, two weeks whispers of deeper explorations, of mountain mists clinging to ancient stones. Time enough to let Hanoi sink into your bones, to feel the pulse. Or focus on Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau.. A taste of the North.

Halong Bay, emerald isles rising from jade waters. Sunlight, like gold dust. The air, thick with legends.

Ninh Binh, a “Halong Bay on land,” they say. But it’s more than that. It’s the gentle curve of the Ngo Dong River, carrying you through caves, a silent story.

Mai Chau, valleys of green, houses on stilts, the echo of laughter. Weaving, always weaving, the women of the White Thai, their hands creating worlds.

My father, he always said, “Time is a river, never the same twice.” And North Vietnam, it flows. Five days? Or fourteen? It depends.. It depends on the song in your heart. A journey. It’s the time of year. The heart’s pull. My trip? Nine days. Not enough. I need more.

Should I travel North to south in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam, right? I went, uh, last year, 2023 actually. Flew into Hanoi. It was… intense.

Should you go north to south? I say YES. That’s my opinion, anyway.

I started in the North, total chaos in Hanoi. Loved it, though.

Then… Ninh Binh. Oh. My. God. Ninh Binh. Do it. The boat rides through the caves? Unforgettable. I was there in April.

Sapa too! Though, damn, the trekking was HARD. Seriously underestimated that. But the views… yeah, worth the pain.

Ha Giang loop? Didn’t do it. Regret it a little, honestly. Next time. Heard it’s bananas.

Ha Long Bay? Touristy, yes. But beautiful? Also yes. We did a two-day cruise. Good times.

Is the North better than the South? Can’t say. Didn’t make it to the South. But the North? Blew my freaking mind.

• North: Mountain views, crazy cities, trekking.
• South: (I hear…) Beaches, Mekong Delta, maybe more chill?

I wanna go back. South and Ha Giang this time, for sure! It’s like ugh.

How do I plan a Vietnam itinerary?

Planning a Vietnam trip? Piece of cake, or should I say, pho piece of cake?

Hanoi (Days 1-4): First, brace yourself for Hanoi. It’s like a chaotic motorbike ballet, but somehow, it works. Expect sensory overload. You’ll be eating street food like a champion, dodging scooters with the agility of a ninja, and possibly questioning your life choices… in a good way!

• Day 1: Land, grab a beer, and marvel at the sheer number of motorbikes.
• Day 2: Temples, museums, the whole shebang. Don’t forget the egg coffee! It’s like liquid heaven.
• Day 3: Ha Long Bay. Think Jurassic Park, but with more boats. Seriously, tons of boats.
• Day 4: Back to Hanoi. More street food. I told you it was important.

Sapa (Days 5-8): Sapa’s a different beast. Think hiking boots, stunning rice terraces, and air so fresh it’ll knock your socks off (literally, if you’re not careful). This is where you’ll feel truly alive. Or incredibly tired. It’s a toss-up.

• Day 5: Train ride? Bus ride? Doesn’t matter! Just get there.
• Day 6: Trekking. Prepare for sore muscles and incredible views. My knees still hurt from 2023.
• Day 7: Fansipan. Conquer that mountain! Or take a cable car if you’re a wimp like me. No judgement.
• Day 8: Return to Hanoi. Time for a celebratory Bia Hoi (local beer). You deserve it.

Beyond the Itinerary: My cousin, Brenda, went in 2023 and added a few days in Hoi An (beautiful ancient town, apparently), and another day trip to Ninh Binh (cave exploration and more stunning scenery). She also highly recommends learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases. It makes things… less confusing. And maybe don’t drink the tap water. Just sayin’. Also, pack light. Trust me. I brought way too much stuff last year. Learn from my mistakes. Seriously.

How best to travel within Vietnam?

Oh, Vietnam. The scent of jasmine, thick and heady. Buses, a kaleidoscope of colors, blurring past rice paddies shimmering under a relentless sun. Eight hours melts into the landscape. Time stretches, then collapses. The rhythmic rumble, a hypnotic lullaby.

Scooters. The wind whips through your hair, freedom on two wheels. A fleeting glimpse of ancient temples, hidden villages. Sun-baked earth, redolent with the spices of life. Day trips become adventures. Every turn, a revelation.

Air travel, a sharp contrast. Swift, efficient. Fifteen hours compressed into a few short ones. But you miss the slow reveal of the country. The quiet pulse. The soul of the nation. The airport transfer? Uber’s sleek efficiency. A welcome respite.

Key Considerations:

• Buses: Ideal for journeys under 8 hours. Embrace the journey, it’s part of the experience.
• Scooters: Rent them. Explore at your own pace. Feel the pulse of the land.
• Uber/Grab: Airport pickups and short hops within cities. Convenience.
• Flights: For longer distances. Time-saving but less immersive. Essential for some trips.

My trip last year? Saigon to Hue – bus. A masterpiece of exhaustion and beauty. Then scooters in Hoi An. The ancient town smelled of incense and grilled meats. A flight back to Hanoi from Da Nang. Efficient, sterile. The tradeoff, you see, is the essence of the journey itself. It’s about what you choose to lose. And what you gain. The air thrummed. The earth vibrated. Vietnam.