Top 5+ Things To Do in Sapa on Rainy Day (Updated 2020)

Known as “the Tonkinese Alps”, Sapa is a beautiful small town in Lao Cai Province which is home to diverse Vietnamese ethnic minorities. From the lush mountainous areas to golden rice fields to the unique culture of ethnic tribal groups, you will marvel at the stunning beauty of Sapa’s culture and ethnic people at each season.

Travel to Sapa in the rain, you can admire the awe-inspiring beauties of Sapa. It sounds weird but worth a try! Here is a list of interesting things to do you can experience in Sapa when raining.

Overview of Sapa Weather

Located in the mountainous area in Northern Vietnam, the weather in Sapa town changes rapidly. The dry season in Sapa lasts for three months from October to April. Specifically, the winter weather is quite cold from December and goes all the way to the end of February of the next year. The period from June to September is the rainy season, which is inconvenient to outdoor activities in Sapa.

However, a rainy day is perfect for you to refresh yourself and experience some indoor activities in Sapa. Do not forget to take a shot of majestic moments of terraced rice field or mist-covered Hoang Lien Son mountain ranges on the rainy day. Furthermore, it is a good chance to learn about the culture of local tribes-people.

>>> See more: Infographic – The best time to visit Vietnam (Travel Guide & Tips 2020)

Things To Do In Sapa When Raining

1. Learn the culture of ethnic minorities in Sapa culture museum

Every corner of Sapa town is covered with the colorful culture of ethnic minorities. There are five main ethnic groups in Sapa that are the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay and Xa Pho. The majority of Sapa inhabitants are the Black H’ mong people with their distinctive traditional costumes. You can take your time to the Sapa Culture Museum to get to know about the diverse cultural differences among ethnic tribe groups.

Before entering into the engaging exhibits, you will marvel at the attractive exterior of the stilt house. The Sapa Culture Museum offers the showcase of distinctive customs, traditions, cultures, and history of Sapa development. After that, there is a wide range of handicraft products, embroideries or clothes you can buy for your family and friends.

2. Buy some handicraft products in Sapa market

You can take a walk to get a deep understanding of the local daily life of local people. Go into Sapa market, you not only see the selling and buying activities but also join in the hub of Hmong, Dao, Nung ethnic lives. There are many local markets active every day, but there are some only open once or twice a month. Do not miss the chance to enjoy local specialties and buy interesting Sapa souvenirs.

Moreover, Sapa pharmaceutical products and medicinal herbs are well-known in Vietnam. Amongst the famous medicinal herbs, raw honey, and dried mushrooms are always one of the most worth buying natural products. It is reasonable and good for your health. Additionally, you can enjoy fresh tropical fruits in Sapa markets such as apple, peach, and pear.

3. Admire the unique architecture of the Holy Rosary Church of Sapa

Come to Sapa town, you will be surprised by its French colonial architecture in Sapa buildings. Holy Rosary Church is a symbol of Sapa town built during the history of the French colony. Established in 1985, the Sapa church is in the middle of the main square where local activities and other cultural performances happen on Saturday.

The whole church was constructed from the combination of sand, lime, and molasses with the total areas more than 6000m2. By the 1930s, there are more than 200 French buildings, running water, sewage systems, telephones, telegraph lines. After the bombing in 1952, many of the French villas were destroyed.

4. Enjoy the most tasty flavors in Sapa

In addition to the distinctive culture and majestic nature, you must savor the local food with traditional Hmong-style cuisine when coming to Sapa town. Appeared more than 200 years, horse meat soup is a traditional dish of the H’ mong people in Sapa. It is one of the most horrifying food because of its unpleasant smell and taste. You can challenge yourself with this “special” dish or relax with many delicious specialties such as bamboo-tube rice, free-range pig, dried buffalo meat.

Another food adventure in Sapa town you cannot miss is a wine from Assam apple that is made from the fermentation of Assam apple. It is a kind of apple harvested from Hong Lien Son Mountain from August to October. To experience this flavor, you can go to these places to enjoy your food experiences:

A Quynh Restaurant
Moment Romantic Restaurant
A Nguyen Restaurant
Sapa Grilling Area
Fansipan Restaurant
Sapa Cuisine Restaurant

5. Drink your coffee at the cafe in the clouds

Sit on the veranda of a hillside cafe, enjoying the splendid mountainous views is one of the must-try experiences in Sapa in the rain. With a majestic background of valleys and mountains, you can watch the fluffy white clouds moving slowly. Do not forget to take shots of the breathtaking scenery of nature hidden in the clouds.

One of the most famous coffee chains you can drop by is Cong Caphe that is famous in Sapa in particular, and Vietnam in general. This coffee shop has its military-style decor and vague lights that create a mellow atmosphere. It is described as “slightly hipster” by foreigners. You can also try one of the most delicious coffee in the world with a wide range of beverages such as iced coconut coffee, coffee with condensed milk, and so on.

6. Participate in an H’ mong Sewing Class

Black H’ mong textiles is a precious treasure in Sapa due to their concentration on handmade items and natural dyes. They use embroidery primarily to make colorful clothes for the H’ mong New Year, which is called “flower cloth”. Many people said that Chinese people forbid H’mong people to use their original, written language. Therefore, they sew the symbols into their clothes to create messages for their communication.

Embroidery often uses the traditional motifs associated with treasure chests with elephant feet, dragon tails, nature, and animals. This sewing class lasts for about one hour. An experienced Black H’ mong woman will give you an overview of the fabrics, threads, and symbology as well as the development of embroidery in the ancient times.

7. Get the panoramic view from a train across Muong Hoa Valley

Another thing you can explore is to watch the natural masterpiece from Muong Hoa Mountain Railway. This railway connects Sapa town with the Fansipan cable car station.

Muong Hoa valley is home to many ethnic minority populations such as Ban Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ta Phin. What makes this place attractive is that the terraced rice fields interwoven with the ground-breaking techniques on the high mountains of the H’mong and Dao peoples.

8. Relax on the special bathing therapy of Red Dao ethnic people

Come to Sapa town, you have a chance to experience a special bathing therapy created by the Red Dao ethnic people. This traditional herbal water is extremely famous due to its healthy natural materials. Specifically, wild fokienia is one of the aromatic essential oil extraction that keeps your scent for a few days.

A herbal bath has to use from 10 to 100 ingredients and boils for three hours. Maintaining bathing therapy every day is good for your health. It can reduce musculoskeletal pain, rheumatism, and treat some skin diseases.

*, Some travel tips when traveling to Sapa in the rain:

You can face four seasons during a day but the average temperate of Sapa is approximately 15 degrees Celsius per year. It is necessary to put on warmer clothing to keep your body warm such as bringing a waterproof jacket, sweater, and wool socks. Remember to carry slip-resistant shoes to help you move easily!

July 16, 2019December 25, 2019

Best time to visit North Vietnam(Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa) (updated 2020)

Hanoi – Halong Bay and Sapa are located in Northern Vietnam. Therefore the weather share the same patterns. In the recent years, the weather in Vietnam is fluctuated and it is hard to give form predictions of each month as it can be changed from day to day. However, in this article, we will offer some general suggestions and how to make the most of your trip even in the bad weather. Let’s explore!

See more: Best time to visit Vietnam and suggested places month-to- month

North Vietnam (Hanoi – Halong Bay – Sapa) Weather in general

Hanoi – Halong Bay and Sapa are located in Northern Vietnam. Unlike weather in the South, North Vietnam weather has 4 distinct seasons:

August to October: the weather is quite pleasant in North vietnam, not too hot and not too cold. However there is still some typhoons in the early of August.

November to March: Northeast monsoon, the temperature can drop to 4oC, especially at night.

December – January: Driest month of the year. December and January in particular can get quite frosty in the far north of Vietnam — pack accordingly.

July and August: Wettest months of the year.

April – May: Spring time – everything

May – July: Summer time with scorching weather of the year.

Hanoi - Halong - Sapa maps — Hanoi – Halong – Sapa maps

When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

Basically, you can visit Hanoi all year round. However, the most pleasant time to visit Hanoi is August to November, when Hanoi is in the autumn weather. Everything is just cool down am relaxed after scorching summer. Hanoi in this weather is just as beautiful as a charming girl. Leaves are falling on the pathways and there are remnants of bloomed flowers from the past Hanoi climate. Don’t forget to bring your camera along as many beautiful sights are encountered in your way.

From December to early March, Hanoi enters winter season, which is the coldest time of year. It is also the driest month of the years. The temperature is around 10oC to 18oC. The cold weather is perfect time to enjoy a hot bowl of Pho or taste delightful Hanoi Street Food.

Check out amazing things to do in Hanoi in December

From February to April, Hanoi is in the spring time with light drizzles and grey sky and humidity is high before the monsoon starts its heavy downpours in May.

From May To August, Hanoi is every hot with temperatures may up to 40oC and extremely high humidity, it feels even like 48oC to 50oC. July is the hottest month of the years.

See more: Best places to visit Vietnam in December

When is the best time to visit Sapa

It is hard to say when is the best time to visit Sapa as you basically can visit Sapa all year round, it is just beautiful in each season and there many things to enjoy at any time. Thanks to its high altitude, Sapa is ideal for hot summer escape to enjoy fresh air and avoid heated city. It is also one of few places where you can see snow in Vietnam.

However, the best time to visit sapa to admire the stunning terrace fields are September and October. The weather in this period is also cool and dry with stable temperatures, making it the perfect time for hiking and photography.

From May to July, the weather in Sapa is quite warm and it is not as hot as Hanoi. There are also may colorful flowers blooming at this time.

From December to February, Sapa weather becomes very cold, especially at night. However, in return, you will have the opportunity to watch mesmerizing sunrise over the valley in the morning. That said, visit Sapa in December, you might have a chance to see snow, especially in the Fansipan Mountain ( the highest peak in the Indochina countries.

When is the best time to visit Halong Bay

The best time to visit Halong bay is in the Spring (from March to May) and the Autumn (from September to November), the weather is really cool, not too hot and not too cold. The temperature is around 25^oC and the sun shines nicely, especially in April, May, September, and October; so prepare your camera and snap the best moments of the UNESCO site. Most of the activities in Halong bay are doing outdoor, therefore, a dry climate and pleasant temperature are ideal, you won’t want to sweat too much while kayaking or hiking to Thien Canh Son cave.

In summer, from May to August, the sun is brighter, the water is super warm for swimming and you will get the really good prices from tour operators. Summer is also a low tourist season so you won’t feel tired of crowdedness. However, there is a thing – Typhoon. The typhoon season in Halong bay starts from June to August, the infrequent storms come unexpectedly and your trip might be canceled just a day before your trip, you will get the refund or rearrange your trip. Heavy raining in the bay also makes your trip less enjoyable because you have to spend most of your time inside the boat.

Winter in Halong bay is a bit uncomfortable, it is misty and all day soft raining. Normally, the cold weather doesn’t have much effect on recreational activities: kayaking, climbing mountains, but swimming is a bit chilled. Occasionally, there are days when it is colder, heavy fog that you hardly see what is behind your ship or the icy rain falls all day, you should have extra attention and follow the instruction of the crew. Besides, the fog makes Halong bay looks more like a dreamy land, the freezing fog make everything blurred like an out focus picture.

July 5, 2019July 22, 2019

Things to do in Hanoi for a week – Suggested One week Itinerary in Hanoi

Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam has so many things to offer, from cultural experience to tasteful streetfood, to stunning landscape. There are many unforgettable experience awaiting you to explore. In the article, we will help you find out what’s the best things to do in Hanoi in a week and some suggested itineraries for you to choose.

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What to do in Hanoi for 4 days

5 Best tour packages for 7 days in Vietnam

Option 1: Hanoi – Halong – Sapa 7 days

Best for: Suitable for all kind of visitors: family, couples, etc. It is easiest itineray for one week in Hanoi yet including the most desired destination in the North of Vietnam.
Style: Classic
Best in : May/ September, November to March
Brief itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter – Hanoi Ancient House – Enjoy Hanoi Streetfood

Day 2: Hanoi city Tour

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – One Pillar Pagoda – Temple of Literature – Museum of Ethnology – Hanoi Puppet Show or Hanoi Foody Tour by motobike

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay by shuttle bus – overnight in Halong

After having breakfast and checking out, we were picked up by a shuttle to head over to the cruise centre, head to Halong Bay by shuttle bus.

Embarking on a 2D1N cruise tour, we travelled towards Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rock formations surrounding us were a truly spectacular sight, and everyone got on the cruise’s upper deck to snap photos as keepsakes.

Allow your eyes to swim through the azure waters of this magical place, where thousands of sculpted limestone and islands rise from the water like gigantic teeth of dragons.

Enjoys Sunset party while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage. In the evening, free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.

For Halong Bay cruise, you can either choose Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long route if you want to visit less-touristy places yet wonderful.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi by Shuttle bus – Night Train to Sapa

After a night’s sleep swaying with the ocean’s waves, a pearl farm, where the farmers extracted pearls from oysters to crafted into jewellery. This was followed by a Vietnamese spring roll making class back at the cruise. On a side note, I find a one-day cruise to be sufficient for seeing the wonders of Ha Long Bay.

Back to Hanoi around 3pm in the afternoon and settle at a coffee house in Hanoi Old Quarter.

In the evening, catch a night train or bus to Sapa.

Day 5: Sapa – Ta Van Village

If you catch a night train, you will wake up in Lao Cai station around 5:30am, then hop on a bus or hire taxi to drive up to Sapa about 30 minutes.

Visit Ta Van Village. Ta Van village is hidden in the foggy cloud, far away from Sapa busy streets. All its natural beauty are well reserved by over 110 households living in this village. Though you can definitely to get there and back in a day, many choose to stay overnight at the homestay in Ta Van village to fully experience a day with the minorities groups culture other than H’mong, one of the most popular minorities group in Sapa region.

This afternoon, l explore some of the neighboring villages on foot, passing through picturesque scenery as you walk. Visits between May and October coincide with the planting and harvesting season, a chance to see local farmers in action.

Stunning Golden Terraced Field in May/ October

Overnight in Sapa

Day 6: Sapa – Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi Departure

Option 2: Hanoi – Puluong – Ninh Binh – Halong – Hanoi

Style: Mix of classic and adventure/ off-the beaten-path
Best in : May/ September, November to March
Brief itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi full day city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Pu Luong

Remote, rustic and supremely beautiful, Pu Luong might be one of the last places in Vietnam where you can truly unplug. Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Khu bảo tồn Thiên nhiên Pù Luông) was established in 1999 to protect the area’s biodiversity. Inside the reserve, you’ll find a mix of pristine forest and cultivated rice terraces. It’s a perfect landscape for trekking, and multi-day hikes are a favourite activity.

Day 4: Pu Luong – Trang An – Mua Caves

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Ha Long overnight cruise

Day 6: Ha Long – Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi Departure

Option 4: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Perfume Pagoda – Halong Bay – Bat Trang Ceramic – Hanoi Departure

Style: Family, culture
Best in :
Brief itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Hanoi
Day 4: Hanoi – Huong Perfume Pagoda – Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong bay – Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi – Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Day 7: Depart Hanoi

Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a 14th century porcelain and pottery village near Hanoi, housing local artisans who combine both traditional and modern techniques to create beautiful porcelain artworks. Not only are you able to purchase some of the finest handmade ceramic products in Vietnam, you can also see them made right before your eyes during your visit.

Chrilden learn to make pottery in Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Huong Perfume Pagoda is a complex of temples scattering from the foot to the peak of Huong Tich Mountain is one of the alluring spiritual tourist attractions in Hanoi.

Option 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Can Cau Market – Gian Ta Phin – Mu Cang Trai

Best in May and September

Day 1 : Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Day 3 Hanoi – Ninh Binh -Night train to Sapa
Day 4: Sapa – Can Cau Market
Day 5: Sapa – Ban Khoang – Giang Ta Phin
Day 6: Sapa – La Pan Tan – Mu Cang Chai
Day 7: Mu Cang Chai Trekking – Mam Xoi – Hanoi

Mu Cang Chai Vietnam is one of the most amazing landscapes of rice-terraced fields in Vietnam.

Mu Cang Chai is famous for the stretch of hazardous roads spreading out for tens kilometers of infinite and primeval landscapes, grandiose ranges of mountains and the peaceful and poetic picture of ethnics’ houses covered by terrace fields.

Can cau market is remarkable market where Hmong, Tay and Ha Ninh ethic people exchanging goods for their daily life. The market is organized on a high land with lush forests mingling wonderful wavy terraces from afar. Here, tourists will find easy to catch a colorful upland fair in the costume of young girls of Hoa (Chinese) Hmong, Tay or Ha Nhi ethnic groups. Exploring Can Cau Market is one of things to do in Sapatourism. Going to Can Cau Market in Sapa travel, tourists have a chance to much more soak up the vivid upland fair; simultaneously, ascertain about the daily life of the locals. The market usually held on every Saturday and holidays during the year.

Tips for things to do in Hanoi for one week

Hanoi is an extremely crowded city, so traversing using cars is still a good choice but not the optimal one. For traveling in the city, some of the best choices would be bicycle, motorbike, or Xe Om (motorbike-taxi). With the appearance of Grab (Uber for motorbikes) getting around the city will be much easier for tourists.

July 4, 2019November 25, 2019

Best Places to visit in Southeast Asia in December

Phu Quoc – Vietnam

When it comes to best places to visit Vietnam or Southeast Asia in December, Phu Quoc island is always in the top choice. Why not spend your holiday on a sunny exotic beach and get some tan?

best places to visit Southeast Asia in December — Star beach Phu Quoc

There is a wide range of outdoor activities in Phu Quoc island for you to discover: mountain & unique wildlife, which is great for picnicking, jungle trekking, camping, and bird-watching.

phu quoc national park — Phu Quoc national park

Tranh Waterfall in Phu quoc National Park

Phu Quoc island is also great for snorkeling and diving. You can find these fun activities at Long Beach or Ong Lang Beach.

Angkor Wat – Cambodia

Angkor Wat is the ultimate expression of Khmer genius – an awe-inspiring temple that is stunning for both its grand scale and its incredible detail.

December is also a great time to discover Cambodia as the weather’s dry, sunny and warm which is ideal for sightseeing, exploring and relaxing on the beach. December also marks the start of the high season in Cambodia tourism.

Bagan – Myanmar

Want to be lost in a fairy tale? Visit Bagan.

Rising from the plain’s canopy of green are temples, dozens of them, hundreds of them, beautiful, other-worldly silhouettes that were built by the kings of Bagan between 1057 and 1287, when their kingdom was swept away by earthquakes and Kublai Khan and his invading Mongols. Some 2,230 of an original 4,450 temples survive, a legacy of the Buddhist belief that to build a temple was to earn merit. Unlike Angkor Wat or Machu Picchu, Bagan is much less touristy, plus, everything is very cheap in Myanmar.

Bagan is hot all year round, but the best time to visit here is between November and February when the weather is dry and pleasant & cool temperature without too much rains ( rainfall is highest in June and October).

Come to visit Bagan in Myanmar in December, especially to admire the scenery at sunrise and sunset. It will be your once in a lifetime experience.

Chiang Mai – Thailand

Thailand draws in travellers from all around the world on a daily basis. What’s amazing about this Land of Smiles is its food, shopping, islands and beaches, tropical rainforest, mountains and wildlife, and magnificent Buddhist temples.

In December, the weather is generally warm especially in the islands on the west coast of Thailand. However, in other parts of the country, the weather cools down in, for instance, Bangkok, but temperatures can dip in places like Chiang Mai in the northern Thailand.

Cherry blossoms in Chang Mai Thailand. Credit to @https://www.instagram.com/p/BQuJigeBzt9/?tagged=khunwang

Si Phan Don – Laos

Si Phan Don is an archipelago in the Mekong River where you can just relax and unwind in a hammock at the balcony of your chosen inn!

Since rain is minimal and the sun is just right during the Christmas season, you can expect your blood pressure and heart rate to decrease—making it a healthy trip for you and the ones you’re with!

July 1, 2019October 25, 2019

North and Central Vietnam Itinerary 8 Days

For those who want to experience the best of Vietnam in 8 days : both exploring asian culture and relaxing at the world most beautiful beaches, North and Central Vietnam is ideal destination. In this article, we will show you the best North and Central Vietnam itinerary just only in 8 Days with detail itinerary/ estimated cost and maps and how to make the most of your holiday.

You might also like: what to do in Hanoi for a week

North and Central Vietnam Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Foody Tour

Day 4: Explore Hanoi city – Fly to Danang

Day 5: Danang – Bana Hills/ w Golden Bridge

Day 6: Danang – Marble Mountain – Hoi An Ancient Town

Day 7: Hoi An countryside – Be a Vietnamese farmer in 1 day

Day 8: Danang Departure

Detailed North and Central Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – The capital of Vietnam

Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Many visitors choose to fly into Hanoi and use it as the starting point to explore the country. The bustle and hustle city with over 1000 years of history has so many things to offer and it seems to be fit for anyone.

On the first day of your North and Central Vietnam trip, you will be landing at Hanoi International Airport. Grab a taxi and drive about 30 minutes to Hanoi Center. I recommend to book your hotel at Hanoi Old Quarter – this place is very central and you can easily to explore Hanoi by foot.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay

After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, leave Hanoi for Halong Bay at 7:00 am. Halong Bay is a fantastic place to be – known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests and spending a night on a cruise is a must-do experience in North Vietnam.

North and Central vietnam - Vietnam 8 days

Thanks to the newly modern expressway, the transfer time from Hanoi to Halong Bay are now shortened from 4 hours to 2.5 hours. There are many kinds of cruises in Halong Bay ranging from budget to luxury and with different routes: Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long. See more how to choose the best Halong Bay Cruise and how to maximize your experience in Halong Bay

There are many exciting activities on the cruise such as: cooking class, kayacking, swim, visit floating villages or climb to the top mountain to see the sunset. You will never forget this experience.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Foody Tour

After cruising along Halong Bay, drive back to Halong Bay by shuttle bus. Please make sure that you book a 2-way ticket of Hanoi – Halong with your tour operator. (Since many Halong Bay cruises do not include the fare for shuttle bus)

Depending on our schedule of the cruise, you will leave Halong Bay harbor at around 11:00 am and from there, the shuttle bus will take you back to Hanoi around 12:00pm.

Back to Hanoi around 3:00pm, you will have time to start to explore Hanoi city.

At night, you can either choose to see the cultural Show such as Vietnamese Puppet Show or Lang Toi Show or hop on a motobike and explore Hanoi street food with Hanoi Foody Tour by Motobike. This is very exciting experience and everyone will love it.

North and central Vietnam itinerary travel

Around 8:00 pm, visit Hanoi Train Street Coffee. There’s a very unique attraction in Hanoi that wasn’t built for tourists at all. The Hanoi railway snakes through the city: a speeding train passes through a narrow street where people live, work and play. Local residents are playing checkers on the tracks one minute, and the next they’ve scooped up their belongings and moved to the very edge to let the train whizz past.

Hanoi train Street - North and Central itinerary - vietnam 8 days

Day 4: Explore Hanoi city – Fly to Danang

With 1 day explore Hanoi, you can choose one of the following options:

Option 1: Hanoi Old Quarter – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex – One pillar Pagoda – Temple of Literature – Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – Back to Old Quarter to Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Option 2: Hanoi Old Quarter – Hanoi Ancient House – Dong Xuan Market – Long Bien Bridge – Hoa Lo Prison

Recommend tour: Hanoi in a day tour , which covers all the must-see destination in Hanoi.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Noi Bai Airport to catch a evening flight to Danang.

Stay over night in Da nang

Day 5: Danang – Bana Hills/ w Golden Bridge

Now you will be at the centre of Vietnam.

Spend your whole day at Bana Hills. Located just 35 kilometers away from Da Nang city on Nui Chua mountain, Ba Na Hills is a favorite resort and tourist destination to domestic and foreign travelers alike. The name ‘Ba Na’ comes from Katu language of the local ethnic minority group residing in the area, which means ‘my mountain’. Nowadays, Ba Na Hills have turned into a totally top-notch tourist complex, constructed by Sun World Corporation. Coming to Ba Na Hills, you have the chance to admire the finest French architecture and enjoy most exciting entertainments. See comprehensive travel guide to Bana Hills and Golden Bridge

Around 4:00 pm, drive back to Da nang city. On the way back, visit Marble Mountains. The five mountains consist of rock outcrops that are made of marble. Each mountain is said to represent a natural element and is named accordingly to Water, Wood, Fire, Gold and Earth. The largest, Water, has a number of grottos and caves.

Stay overnight in Danang city

Day 6: Danang – Marble Mountain – Hoi An Ancient Town

On this 6th day of North and Central Vietnam trip, visit Hoi An Ancient Town which is well-known for its name ” the yellow city”. Despite having beautiful beaches and unique countryside villages, it is the unique Ancient Town that will make you fall in love with Hoi An.

North and Central Vietnam

45-minute drive to Hoi An, start to explore the little enchanting port town of Hoi an, follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the Tan Ky old house, the local market …

Japanese Covered Bridge dated back to the 18th century and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It is claimed that it was created by the Japanese then living in Hoi An as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. The bridge was opened by Nguyen Phuc Chu Lord in 1719 who carved three Chinese symbols above the door in commemoration.
Phuc Kien Assembly Halls was built around 1690 and functions as a traditional assembly hall for the Chinese ethnic group from Fujian, China to socialize, but later was transformed into a temple dedicated to their deity named Thien Hau – the goddess of the sea who protects sailors from danger.
Tan Ky old house is an almost perfect example of an 18th merchant’s residence in this major commercial port town. The name Tan Ky, meaning “Progress Shop”, was given to the house by the second generation to express the owner’s wish for a prosperous business.

Around the town, you can see numerous art galleries and tailor shops. You are also free to get some made-to-order clothes if you like.

Grabbing a banh mi, or “baguette sandwich,” and a Vietnamese coffee on the sidewalk, both adding up to a little over a dollar, will fill you up for the rest of your walk.

Stay overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An at night is extremely beautiful at night with shimmering lanterns as well as folk dance and live music performance. Watch as candle-lit lanterns float down the Thu Bon River or buy a lantern and release it with a wish by yourself are also amazing experiences. See more things to do in Hoi An at night

Day 7: Hoi An countryside – Be a Vietnamese farmer in 1 day

On this morning, drive to Hoi An Market (around half an hour from Hoi An center), you can feel the bustle of the morning market, have an opportunity to have direct contact with local sellers. You might also have a chance to learn some tips of “bargaining” when going shopping for your upcoming cooking class.

Take a sightseeing tour along the Thu Bon River and Cua Dai beat by boat. On the river, you have a chance to enjoy the river beauty in the countryside of Vietnam.

Next, join a basket boat tour and get some loveable handmade souvenirs made from nipa palm leaves.

We will welcome you in our restaurant, for welcome drink, here you will join and paint on bamboo class by yourself.

In the end, start the cooking class with our chefs. Within two hours, the chef will teach you how to cook Vietnamese cultural cuisine. Then you can enjoy Vietnamese food made by yourself.

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Danang Departure

Back to Danang from Hoi An around 8 or 9 AM, if time is allowed, you can visit Han Market – the biggest & oldest market in Danang to buy some souvenirs or gifts.

Transfer to the airport for flight back home.

Best time to visit North and Central Vietnam

An ideal time to visit North Vietnam is between August to March when it isn’t too humid and not yet cold. Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam tends to be really hot in the summer and really cold in the winter.

While central Vietnam with tropical wet climate or a tropical monsoon and trade-wind littoral climate is almost hot all year round. Drier months last from November to April while in summer months the region suffers from storms and flooding.

Basically, the best time to visit North and Central Vietnam is from November to March.

Tips to travel North and Central Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest growing countries, and as a result, the cost of visiting is going up every year. Despite this, it’s still possible to travel in Vietnam on a tight budget of $40 or less per day, or enjoy a more comfortable trip for $60 to $100 per day.

For a five-star experience in Vietnam, it’s best to budget $200 or more per day – roughly the same amount as you’d spend in nearby countries like Thailand.

Recommended tours to North and Central vietnam in 8 days

Private Hanoi – Halong – Danang – Hoi An tour 8 days from only ~~US$ 762~~ US$ 678 per person

June 21, 2019December 25, 2019

What to do in Danang in 5 Days? – Da Nang Itinerary, Travel Guide

The central part of Vietnam where the cities of Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang are located, is considered to be one of the main touristic centers of the country. The region contains a diversity of attractions ranging from a UNESCO World Heritage town to archeological sites and even Vietnam’s former imperial capital. For outdoorsy types, the area also has plenty to offer in terms of beaches and you can find plenty of award-winning luxury resorts here. The world’s largest cave – Hang Son Doong – can also be found in the region.

If you are visiting Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue and thinking how long you need to spend in the area, I would suggest you go for 5 days / 4 nights minimally. The three cities are accessible from each other to be day trip destinations but I would suggest spending at least a night per city to really appreciate the distinct vibe in each place.

Where you start really depends on your personal preference and where you are coming from. During my trip to Central Vietnam, I arrived via Da Nang International Airport and headed to Hue right away as it was the farthest of the three cities. From Da Nang, Hue is around a 2 hour drive.

Day 1: Danang – Marble Mountain – Hue City

Upon on arrival on Da Nang Airport, from here, you can head straight to visit Marble mountain. The five mountains consist of rock outcrops that are made of marble. Each mountain is said to represent a natural element and is named accordingly to Water, Wood, Fire, Gold and Earth. The largest, Water, has a number of grottos and caves.

After visiting Marble Mountains, you will leave Da nang to Hue city.
Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at a lovely hotel in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 2: Hue city Tour – Hoi An

Visit the Royal Palace which has three perimeters of rampart, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel)

Capital Citadel: This construction started in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang.
Royal Citadel: The Imperial City is located in the center of the Citadel where established highest offices of Viet Nam’s feudalism and sanctums honoring the cult of decreased Emperors.
Forbidden Citadel: Located inside the Imperial City, behind the Throne Palace, the Forbidden Purple City is reserved for Emperor and his family.

Continue to visit the tomb of King Khai Dinh which is located in Chau Chu Mountain near Hue in Vietnam. It was built from 1920 to 1931 taking 11 years to complete. In comparison with those of the preceding emperors, Khai Dinh’s tomb is much smaller in surface but it is very elaborate

Enjoy a boat trip to Thien Mu pagoda, an ancient pagoda in Hue city. Its pagoda has seven storeys and is the tallest one in Vietnam. The temple is often the subject of folk rhymes about Hue, such is its iconic status and association with the city. It is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital.

After that, transfer to Hoi An and enjoy Hoi An – Hoi An is very beautiful city at night. Check out things to do in Hoi An at night here

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 3: My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An

Visit My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu Temples onstructed between the 4th and the 14th century AD by the kings of Champa The My Son temple complex is regarded one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobudur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthava of Thailand. As of 1999, My Son Sanctuary has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour around this enchanting port town of Hoi an, follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: the 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the Tan Ky old house, the local market …

Japanese Covered Bridge dated back to the 18th century and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It is claimed that it was created by the Japanese then living in Hoi An as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water.
Phuc Kien Assembly Halls was built around 1690 and functions as a traditional assembly hall for the Chinese ethnic group from Fujian, China to socialize, but later was transformed into a temple dedicated to their deity named Thien Hau – the goddess of sea who protects sailors from danger.
Tan Ky old house is an almost perfect example of an 18th merchant’s residence in this major commercial port town.

Back to Danang and overnight in Danang.

Day 4: Bana Hill- Golden Bridge

Start our trip to Ba Na Hills, a hill station and resort located in the Truong Son Mountain west of the city of Danang. The station, advertised as “the Dalat of Danang province” by local tourism authorities, was founded in 1919 by French colonists. A trip on cable car will offer you a chance to admire the panorama of Ba Na Hills, spring stream, Danang city and Danang coast from your cabin at the height of 1,487 metres above sea level. Then explore the grandeur of the Golden Bridge and witness the colossal hands stretching out the skies

During your time on the mountain, enjoy a visit to:

The Le Jardin with the relics of the French, such as the force of the French horse, nearly 100-year-old grapefruit trees and traces of ancient villas. Especially Debay cellar, wine cellar was built by the French in 1923, spent nearly a century, they still retain cellar wild, mysterious, is the work of the French single remaining fairly intact Ba Na.
Linh Ung Pagoda, located on the peak of Ba Na Mountain at the height of 1.400 meters, was officially inaugurated on the 5th of March, 2004. Belonging to the Mahayana branch, the pagoda’s architecture is similar to the Tam Thai’s pagoda with a large stone-paved yard and a special pine tree with three different kinds of leaves in front of the temple. The Linh Ung Pagoda is not only built to preserve the spiritual values and ritual implements, but it is also an excellent tourist attraction because of its arrangement, surrounding landscape and architecture which boasts traditional marble carvings and animal statues.

You can also feel your interests with a lot of pretty villas, newly built hotels, and bungalows here. Each one has its own flower garden with many types of aristocratic flower that Frenchmen left during the 50 past years.

Free for joining games in Fantasy Park – the third biggest indoor games zone in Vietnam.

You can book for Bana Hills 1 Day Tour here

Heading back to Danang center around 5-6 pm. If it is Saturday or Sunday, you can enjoy the s the longest bridge in Vietnam – Dragon Bridge breathing fire or spit water from 21:00 onwards. This is one of the most exciting experience everyone should have once in Danang. More things to do in Danang at night here

Overnight in Danang

Day 5: Han Market

Heading to Han Market for souvenir gifts. Han Market is the oldest and biggest market in Da Nang, having been in operation since the French occupancy in the 1940s. This local market is set within a two-story building at the grand intersection of Tran Phu Street, Bach Dang Street, Hung Vuong Street, and Tran Hung Dao Street, where you can find hundreds of stalls selling an array of local produce, handicrafts, T-shirts, and accessories.

Recommend tour: Private Customizable tour Danang – Hue – Hoi An with Bana Hils 5 days – from US$425/pax

June 21, 2019June 21, 2019

How to have fun in Phu Quoc Island at night? – Phu Quoc nighlife

If Phu Quoc Island in the day is a tourist paradise, busy travelers back and forth to visit the route, Phu Quoc at night is very different. Not too noisy as Nha Trang, Da Lat, Vung Tau but Phu Quoc at night also has many interesting activities for “connoisseurs.”

Check out some recommendations below to enjoy Phu quoc nightlife to the fullest.

Night Squid – Exciting experience

When the night falls, the whole island of Phu Quoc becomes quiet but far away, the life of the fisherman is still hustling with the sparkling lights. This is where visitors can experience the relaxed and funny moment with the crew with the night squid activity. The experience will add to the excitement when you can fish the squids are hunting under the sea or pick up the swordfish, blue fish.

Top tips: Tourists can book the night squid tour in about 3 hours with the package price (guide, shuttle, and fishing gear) with local tour operator

Cuisine: Absolutely tourists will enjoy squids that are cooked directly on the boat

Dinh Cau Night Market – Walking, shopping and enjoying Phu Quoc specialties

Dinh Cau is the famous night market in Phu Quoc

Dinh Cau night market is a shopping center, dining with full of specialties of Phu Quoc Island. Despite only openning from 5 pm to 10 pm, Dinh Cau night market is always busy with tourists and the local people to visit and go shopping. Night Market is located in the center of Duong Dong town, on Vo Thi Sau Street, 100m from Dinh Cau cape.

Must see: Dinh Cau Beach is a great destination next to the night market. You can take a stroll around to see sunset and enjoy cool drinks by the sea.

Cuisine: Food area in the night market with plenty of rich and affordable dishes like Leaf Café (11 Tran Hung Dao), Coffee Street (2 Bach Dang, Duong Dong).

Bach Dang Night Market – A new place to visit and shopping in Phu Quoc Island

Stretching over 300m, the night market on Bach Dang Street has 12 souvenir booths, 20 featured cuisine of Phu Quoc and 12 specialized food courts. This is the second night market in Phu Quoc (after Dinh Cau night market).

Top tips: Located on Bach Dang street, the new market is still quite empty, suitable for couples or travelers do not like the crowded.

Must see: Behind Bach Dang night market is Duong Dong River, to the end of the market, visitors will see a large bridge, the other side of the bridge is Duong Dong seafood market.

Cuisine: Dining area in night market with many options from Phu Quoc specialties to Korean, Japanese, beer, coffee.

Dao Ngoc Water Puppet Theater – Enjoy unique ethnic arts in Phu Quoc Island

It would be interesting to have a chance to enjoy the art of water puppetry, which can only be seen in the North or in Saigon. Dao Ngoc Water Puppet Theater is invested by the Vice Professor of Irrigation Department of Ha Luong Thuan and played by Thai Binh artisans, with the traditional water puppetry artistry with enthusiasm of puppetry art lovers.

Top tips: The theater is located at 129 Tran Hung Dao Street, Quarter 7, Duong Dong Town. Theater stage can accommodate about 150 guests, each day there are 2 performances in the evening, the weekend has 3 performances. Adults: 150.000VND / ticket, children: 120.000VND / ticket.

Cuisine: BoBa Beer Club, Chinaski’s Bar, Gecko Bar, Coffee Shop, Mon Bungalow, Let’s Try Boroda 3.

Ham Ninh fishing village – Experience the casual life of fishing people

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, come to Ham Ninh fishing village, where you can soak up the moonlight in the bright, with the cool breeze, along with antiqueness, quietness and simplicity and lifestyle of gentle fishermen. Life here remains almost unspoiled with the temporary bamboo walls. People mainly live by pearl diving, catching holothurian and netting crabs. Ham Ninh is also known as cheap seafood market in Phu Quoc. The most famous seafood here is the crab.

Top tips: Fishing village about 20km northeast of Duong Dong town. You can go to the village by taxi or taxi motorbike.

Food: Guests can buy seafood, especially Ham Ninh crab and hire villagers to cook.

Ong Lang Beach – Walking the beach to see night view

Located outside the flow of life, Ong Lang Beach is wild, strangely tranquil. Long sandy beaches are often interrupted by rocks, creating an interesting landscape, a picture of the sky, wind, sand, stone that visitors just want to keep in the heart forever.

Top tips: Ong Lang Beach is located on the west coast of Phu Quoc Island, between Ganh Dau Beach and Duong Dong Town. Here you can enjoy walking on the sandy beaches, romantic night sea and enjoy the fresh sea air. After strolling on the beach, you can visit many restaurants and bars along the beach to enjoy cool drinks.

Restaurants, bars at the beach resorts such as The Shell Resort & Spa, Coco Palm Resort Phu Quoc, Blue Sea Resort Phu Quoc, Phu Quoc Eco Beach Resort, Bo Resort …

Rory’s Beach Bar – The most worthy bar in Phu Quoc Island

Rory’s Beach Bar

This is one of the most worthy bars in Phu Quoc Island. Located right on the beach, near the beach of the resort, Rory’s Beach is very clean and safe. The menu has a lot of delicious dishes at an affordable price. Let’s visit Rory’s Beach Bar and call a bottle of beer, then lie on the couch to enjoy the fresh sea air, in the sea breeze with passionate music.

Top tips: The bar at 118/10 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong town.

Food: In addition to the extensive beverage menu, the bar also serves a variety of dishes: salad, potato, pasta, curry … and fresh seafood Phu Quoc.

Coco Bar – Relax and feel the wonderful sea air

Coco Bar

On the popular travel site TripAvidsor, Coco Bar is considered one of the best bars in Phu Quoc. With open space, the Coco Bar has both indoor and outdoor seating for guests to experience the great sea breeze. The decoration style is simple and characteristic of coastal city. Especially, the food and beverages are well processed, bringing the unforgettable feeling for visitors.

Top tips: Bar at 118/3 Tran Hung Dao, Duong Dong town

Cuisine: In addition to the cocktails, the barbecue here is also appreciated.

June 4, 2019

Useful Resources

Vietnam Tour Operator
Mylittleplan

May 14, 2019July 18, 2019

When is the Best Time to visit Halong Bay

Halong Bay is no doubt the most visited destination in Vietnam and known for its stunning limestone islands and islets scattered all over the green water bay. The landscape is indeed the most highlighted feature of Halong Bay therefore your trip to Halong Bay will be effected by the weather. Here we’ll show you the best time to visit Halong Bay to make your experience in this beautiful place even more perfect.

Halong Bay Weather Overview

Halong Bay weather is affected deeply by the ocean weather and monsoon season just like the entire northern Vietnam. Therefore, Halong Bay also has four seasons, one of which is a chilly winter. In general, Halong Bay enjoys high temperature and high humidity in summer and most of the rest of the year except for winter.

The wet season in Halong Bay last from May to September – which is also the time for hot summer and high rainfall. During this time and until later months of year, Halong Bay might see some storms coming from the east sea which will cause all activities in the bay to be halted. Temperature can reach around 40 degree Celsius but the sea will make you feel so much milder and not as hot as in the cities. June and July are often the hottest months.

The dry season in Halong Bay starts at the same time with the winter in north Vietnam and northern central Vietnam, meaning from November to next February with temperature dropping low, low humidity and chilly winds. In Halong Bay, you might feel colder in winter due to the exposure to the sea and the winds.

When is the best time to visit Halong Bay

If you don’t mind not being able to swim in the cold water then visiting Halong Bay in winter is not so bad an idea. And if you go to Halong Bay in the aim for a bunch of amazing photos, then summer is perfect for you since the skies will be bluer, the sunrise and sunset are more dramatic and beautiful than any other time of year.

However, beware that summer is also the peak season of domestic tourism so you better expect to see crowds of tourists on the bay.

Your trip to Halong Bay would interrupted by the sudden showers in this season.

Halong Bay also can be visited in spring when the weather gets warmer and there’re only drizzles. April and early May would be a perfect time to visit Halong since the temperature allows swimming in the sea and the skies are clear and blue which is perfect for photography.

Some activities in Halong Bay

To visit Halong Bay, you’ll have to book a cruise, you can articulate as many activities as you want in the cruise itinerary but the most popular things to do in Halong Bay are swimming, rock climbing, kayaking, caving and visiting floating villages. Catching fishes or squids is also an interesting thing to enjoy, even the success rate is guaranteed.

If you choose a 3-day cruise that also has Cat Ba island in the itinerary, then you’ll enjoy even more activities such as trekking to Cat Ba National Park or visit Viet Hai village where you can do biking.

So all in all, Halong can be visited all year round – in each season Halong has a distinctive beauty worthy of your visit. Visiting Halong Bay isn’t tricky at all! To stimulate your trip to Halong Bay even more, read our article about Things to do in Halong Bay!

March 26, 2019December 25, 2019

Hanoi Street Food 2020 How to Make the Most Out Of It

Hanoi is famous for its unique cultural feature, everyone know this. Hanoi is also famous for Hanoi street food, most of the people know this too. However, what to eat and where to find the best of Vietnam cuisine, only a few have the list. We’re not saying we have the best list out there, but as local experts and food lovers, you take in our consideration the safety factor and provide the best options for an exciting Hanoi street food tour. Continue reading “Hanoi Street Food 2020 How to Make the Most Out Of It”