HÀ NỘI From plains to high mountains or the sea - Hà Nội, Kim Bôi (Hòa Bình), Sa Pa (Lào Cai), and Hạ Long (Quảng Ninh), the seasonal change from summer to autumn is the best time to explore destinations in Northern Việt Nam.
Hà Nội - The poetry of autumn
Hà Nội is one of the most romantic destinations in the world in autumn. Photo Thomas Hoang
Each season in Hà Nội has its own unique beauty. However, perhaps autumn is the time that makes people's hearts captivate and sob the most. If you come to Hà Nội in September and October, you will be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of Hà Nội autumn sky. The golden sunlight of autumn is radiant without the intense heat, suitable for travelers to explore the streets all day without getting tired. This is a perfect time to indulge in the typical delicacies that are only made in Hà Nội's autumn such as young sticky rice (cốm), steamed green sticky rice (xôi cốm), ripe dracontomelon (sấu chín)... That is a remarkable reason why CNN has honoured Việt Nam's capital as one of the 12 top fall destinations in the world.
Choosing accommodation to fully enjoy Hà Nội autumn and experience the true essence of Hà Nội, travellers can find hotels right in the city centre. Capella Hanoi on Lê Phụng Hiểu Street is the most luxurious and prestigious choice. This is the only hotel in the city that has 3 restaurants honoured by Michelin Guide, among which Koki restaurant has achieved 1 Michelin star for two consecutive years. Moreover, thanks to its central location in the city, just a few steps away from Tràng Tiền street and the Hanoi Opera House, visitors can easily walk around and experience the street vendors bringing Hà Nội's autumn vibe, such as those selling heather chrysanthemum or daisy. Or by taking a walk through the Old Quarter, where you will encounter French colonial buildings, serene lakes, and bustling markets. All of them create a unique autumn scene that can only be found in Hà Nội.
Capella Hà Nội is located at the heart of the city. VNA/VNS Photo
Hà Nội is not only an interesting destination but also a gateway leading to many other beautiful places. Each place brings different experiences for travellers to explore the beauty of autumn in Northern Việt Nam.
Hạ Long Bay - A masterpiece of nature
Located about a 1,5 hours drive from Hà Nội, Hạ Long Bay is an unmissable destination when travelling to Northern Việt Nam. Being recognised as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO, the masterpiece of nature Hạ Long Bay not only owns thousands of rock islands and majestic caverns, but it also preserves precious cultural and historical values.
Hạ Long Bay from the view of Ba Đèo Hill. VNA/VNS Photo
The seasonal change from summer to autumn is the ideal time to visit the bay, when the cool weather and fresh air make it more comfortable to travel. Travellers can choose to go on a cruise to admire the beauty of the bay, visit famous destinations such as the Sửng Sốt Cave, Thiên Cung Grotto (Heavenly Palace), Fighting Cocks Islet, and Titop Beach. Another option to contemplate Hạ Long Bay is the unforgettable experience on the Queen Cable Car at Sun World Hạ Long, bringing a panoramic view of the UNESCO Heritage Bay from the above to Ba Đèo Hill. Right here, you can experience the thrilling feeling of the Alpine Coaster to once again admire the bay differently, or explore the Buddhist culture at Bảo Hải Linh Thông pagoda, full of tranquility.
When coming to Hạ Long, an ideal option for accommodation should be Oakwood Hạ Long nestled in Bãi Cháy beach, where you can easily approach the beach with the smooth white sand and take a sightseeing of the stunning scenery of Hạ Long Bay. The most beautiful bay view area can be seen from the restaurant and swimming pool on the second floor of the resort, promising you stunning one-of-a-kind check-in photos.
The perfect choice is enjoying hot spring bathing at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh after exploring Hạ Long Bay. VNA/VNS Photo
Autumn is also an ideal time for hot spring bathing. Travellers can visit Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, the most authentic Japanese onsen resort in Việt Nam, located about a 15-minute drive far from Hạ Long. The hot mineral water source here not only helps relax but also has many health benefits, with the content of Bromine that is evaluated higher than the onsens in Japan. Immersing yourself in warm water amidst the serene natural surroundings would be a wonderful experience, helping you recharge your energy after a long journey of exploring the fascinating Hạ Long Bay.
Kim Bôi - Exploring Mường culture
Unlike autumn in Hà Nội with fragrant milk flowers and young green rice, autumn in Kim Bôi (Hòa Bình Province) brings a nostalgic feeling with its vibrant Northwest colours, where tourists can enjoy pristine nature and Mường people’s traditional dishes.
Serena Resort Kim Bôi is the perfect getaway near Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo
Like a harmonious symphony of mountains and forests, Serena Resort Kim Bôi is considered the first choice for travellers visiting Kim Bôi, since the resort embodies the essence of this land. Each season has its own beauty, but autumn is believed to be one of the most beautiful seasons in Kim Bôi, allowing visitors to enjoy the gentle autumn sunlight shining through the majestic limestone mountains, or just by taking a breath, the fresh autumn air fills the whole chest.
At Serena Resort Kim Bôi, you can immerse yourself in hot mineral springs- the gift from nature given specifically to the land of Kim Bôi, famous for miraculous use in the beauty of the skin and supporting the treatment of arthritis, blood pressure, stomach pain, kidney stones… In a space designed as a giant cranberry hat made of bamboo, the culinary “essence” of Hòa Bình is found in each dish. Not exotic, luxurious, but dishes such as pork leaves, boar meat cooked leafy, roasted fish, chicken farm, and rice… all conquer the hearts of tourists with their most delicious ingredients and the permeable Mường taste.
Go hunting clouds in Sa Pa
For those who love adventure and cultural exploration, Sa Pa (Lào Cai Province), located about 5-hours drive far from Hà Nội, is an unmissable destination.
Autumn and winter - the best time to hunt clouds at Fansipan peak. VNA/VNS Photo
"Golden season", "rice ripening season", and "cloud season" are endearing names for the autumn - the most beautiful time of the year in Sa Pa when the rice ripens on the terraced fields, resembling cascading waterfalls from the high mountains. When you arrive in Sa Pa during this season, you have to experience Fansipan cable car, to fully admire the Mường Hoa valley, gaze at the shimmering golden terraced rice fields stretching all the way to the horizon, and witness the vibrant four-season flower fields.
At the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, Sa Pa is commonly immersed in the cloud sea, creating a surreal and otherworldly scene on the peak of Fansipan. This is called a cloud-hunting season, a popular activity among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Starting from around November, people invite each other to come to Fansipan to "hunt" the rolling clouds flowing right beneath their feet.
The journey of exploring the roof of Indochina is never boring, as you will encounter friendly and genuine local villagers. Nestled at the foothill of Fansipan mountain in the cable car station area, Bản Mây is a small village where seven ethnic groups live together and introduce tourists to their cultural traditions, beliefs, professions, and traditional cuisine. If you visit this place at the same time as the local people’s weekend holidays, you will have chances to witness the reenactment of unique traditional customs and beliefs, such as the wedding ceremony of Red Dao, “pulling wife” custom of Mông people, and peace praising festival of Giấy ethnic people.
Experience making cakes with Tày ethnic people in Bản Mây. VNA/VNS Photo
Notably, from August 17 to September 1, tourists should not skip "Bản Mây Golden Season" Festival, celebrate an abundant harvest of the Mông Sa Pa, Mông Điện Biên, Xa Phó, Tày, Giáy, Dao Đỏ, Thái, and Hà Nhì ethnic groups. Every weekend, a special festival such as Khô Già Già, Then Kin Pang, and new Cơm Tết will be held. In a vibrant atmosphere during the rice ripening season, tourists will have the opportunity to experience Northwest folk activities such as pounding day cakes, making green rice, and tasting delicious highland specialties. VNA/VNS
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