Days in the mountains can be warm while nights are cold, especially from November to February.
What to bring
- A warm layer and a light down jacket
- Shoes with grip for wet paths
- A rain jacket from May to September
- A small torch for homestay nights
Packing for the northern mountains
Nights in Hà Giang and Sa Pa are cold from November to February. A short list that still fits a carry-on.
Tours from this article
Sa Pa valley walk to Lao Chải and Tả Van
An easy trail down the Mường Hoa valley, with tea at a Hmong home and a stop at the Indigo Hands dye vats.
From US$45 per person
Book now
Hà Giang and Cao Bằng Loop
Hanoi, Hà Giang, Đồng Văn, Mã Pí Lèng, Bản Giốc
From US$890 per person
Book nowMore from the blog
Planning
When to visit Vietnam: north, centre and south compared
The country is long and its weather runs on three calendars. Pick your month first, then your route.
Destinations
Hà Giang loop: how many days do you really need?
Three days covers the main road, five lets you slow down for markets and a homestay night. Here is how we plan it.
Food
What to eat in Hanoi on your first two days
Bún chả at lunch, phở before work, egg coffee in the afternoon. A short list with the times locals eat each dish.
Tailor-made
Want a route built from these ideas?
Tell us your dates and what caught your eye. A planner in Hanoi replies within one working day.