Northern Vietnam concentrates Hanoi's Old Quarter 36-streets and Hoan Kiem Lake, Ha Long Bay's 1,600 limestone karsts, the rice-terrace highlands of Sapa, and the karst valley of Ninh Binh ('Ha Long on land').
Highlights
Hanoi
Ninh Binh
Ha Long Bay
Sapa
When to Visit
Sep-Nov
Dry season with Ha Long Bay at peak, Sapa rice-terrace harvest turning gold in late September, and Hanoi's Old Quarter walking pleasant.
Mar-May
Pre-monsoon with Sapa rice terraces in their early-green planting phase, Hanoi pleasant before summer humidity, and Hoa Lu and Trang An at peak greenery.
Jun-Aug
Hot wet season with Hanoi at 35°C and humidity, but Sapa highlands at 1,600m stay 10°C cooler with rice terraces in peak vivid green.
Dec-Feb
Cool dry winter with Hanoi at 18°C, Tet Vietnamese New Year in late January-February brings family celebrations, and Sapa occasionally sees snow.
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