As the last cold winter winds give way to the warm spring sunshine, Northwest Vietnam awakens after a long winter. This land puts on a new coat of vibrant colors, from the gentle pink of peach blossoms and the pure white of plum blossoms to the golden hues of canola flower hills. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is the ideal time to discover the unique beauty and experience the distinctive culture of Northwest Vietnam. If you’re looking for a novel and memorable spring trip, join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Discovery Around The World) to explore the most attractive destinations and pocket useful Tet travel tips for Northwest Vietnam in the article below.
Why Northwest Vietnam is an Ideal Destination for Tet Holiday Travel?
Northwest Vietnam is not just a region, but also a magnificent and colorful natural painting. Each season, the Northwest brings its own beauty, but perhaps spring is when it is most captivating.
During Tet Nguyen Dan, Northwest Vietnam is like a princess awakening, showing off her beauty amidst the mountains and forests. Plum and peach forests bloom profusely, covering the sky with white and pink, creating a romantic and poetic scene. The characteristic cool air of the highlands blends with the fresh spring colors, bringing a feeling of relaxation and excitement.
Plum blossoms in full bloom, a signature of spring in Northwest Vietnam
Not only does it have stunning natural scenery, traveling to Northwest Vietnam during Tet is also an opportunity for you to explore the unique culture of the ethnic minorities here. Tet Nguyen Dan in the Northwest has its own identity, with unique traditional customs and festivals, dishes imbued with the flavors of the mountains and forests, and the hospitality of the local people.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a peaceful space close to nature, Northwest Vietnam is the perfect destination for your Tet holiday.
Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Northwest Vietnam during Tet Holiday
Northwest Vietnam has countless attractive destinations, but during Tet Nguyen Dan, there are particularly outstanding places that attract tourists with their spring beauty and unique cultural experiences. Here are 10 top suggestions that you should not miss:
1. Sapa, Lao Cai – Town in Mist and Snow
Sapa is always the first name that comes to mind when mentioning Northwest tourism. This foggy town is especially charming in spring, when peach and plum blossoms bloom all over the streets and villages. Tet in Sapa is also an opportunity for you to hunt clouds on Fansipan peak, see snowfall (if the weather is favorable), and experience the typical cool air.
Outstanding destinations in Sapa during Tet:
- Fansipan Peak: Conquer the “Roof of Indochina”, admire the floating sea of clouds and possibly encounter snowfall.
- Ham Rong Mountain: Admire the panoramic view of Sapa from above, explore the colorful Ham Rong flower garden.
- Cat Cat Village, Ta Phin Village: Learn about the culture of the H’Mong and Dao ethnic groups, admire terraced fields and traditional architecture.
- Silver Waterfall, Love Waterfall: Explore the majestic beauty of nature.
- Cloud Bridge, Heaven Gate: Check-in famous destinations with impressive landscapes.
2. Moc Chau, Son La – Flower and Tea Plateau
Spring in Moc Chau is like a brilliant colorful picture. This plateau is famous for its green tea hills, pure white plum gardens, and vast yellow canola flower fields. Tet in Moc Chau is the ideal time for you to immerse yourself in beautiful nature and enjoy the fresh air.
Outstanding destinations in Moc Chau during Tet:
- Heart-shaped tea hill: Check-in the symbol of Moc Chau, admire the green tea hills.
- Na Ka plum valley: Get lost in the vast white plum garden, experience plum picking (if in season).
- Ang Village pine forest: Enjoy the green space, participate in recreational activities.
- Dai Yem Waterfall, Bat Cave: Explore the magnificent natural beauty.
- Moc Chau fair market: Learn about local culture, buy local specialties.
Tourists freely check-in at the vast green tea hills in Moc Chau during Tet Nguyen Dan
3. Ta Xua, Son La – Cloud Paradise
Ta Xua is a dream destination for those who love cloud hunting. Tet Nguyen Dan is when Ta Xua has the most clouds, you will admire the white sea of clouds covering the entire valley, creating a magical and magnificent scene.
Outstanding destinations in Ta Xua during Tet:
- Ta Xua Peak: Hunt clouds, watch sunrise and sunset over the sea of clouds.
- Hang Dong dinosaur spine: Adventurous and unique check-in point.
- Turtle head cliff: Admire the scenery and take photos with the unique turtle-shaped cliff.
- Lonely apple tree: Symbol of Ta Xua, romantic destination.
4. Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai – Terraced Fields in Spring
Mu Cang Chai is famous for its majestic terraced fields, and spring is when the terraced fields put on a new coat of fresh green. Tet in Mu Cang Chai is also the season when canola flowers bloom, creating brilliant yellow carpets across the hillsides.
Outstanding destinations in Mu Cang Chai during Tet:
- Che Cu Nha, De Xu Phinh, La Pan Tan terraced fields: Admire the beauty of terraced fields in spring.
- Khau Pha Pass: Admire the majestic scenery, participate in the Flying over the Golden Season festival (if available).
- Lim Mong Village: Learn about the culture of the H’Mong ethnic group, experience a simple life.
If you like the "peacefulness" of the Northwest, come to Mu Cang Chai
5. Mai Chau, Hoa Binh – Peaceful Valley
Mai Chau is a beautiful valley nestled in the Northwest mountains and forests. It is famous for its traditional villages, green rice fields and fresh, peaceful atmosphere. Tet in Mai Chau is an opportunity for you to relax, immerse yourself in nature and learn about Thai culture.
Outstanding destinations in Mai Chau during Tet:
- Lac Village, Pom Coong Village: Explore traditional stilt house architecture, shop for brocade.
- Mo Luong Cave, Chieu Cave: Explore the mysterious beauty of caves.
- Thung Nai: Visit “Ha Long Bay on the mountain” with poetic river scenery.
- Mai Chau fair market: Experience the atmosphere of the highland market, buy local specialties.
6. Y Ty, Lao Cai – Village in the Mist
Y Ty is a border highland commune of Lao Cai, famous for its wild natural scenery and villages hidden in the mist. Tet in Y Ty is an opportunity for you to discover the pristine beauty of the highlands, hunt clouds and experience the life of the Ha Nhi ethnic people.
Outstanding destinations in Y Ty during Tet:
- Ngai Thau: Hunt clouds, admire terraced fields and unique Trinh Tuong houses.
- Y Ty fair market: Experience the atmosphere of the highland market, buy local specialties.
- Lung Po border marker: Check-in the westernmost point of the country.
Peach blossoms blooming, covering a corner of the sky in Y Ty
7. Bac Ha, Lao Cai – White Plateau
Bac Ha is known as the “White Plateau” of Lao Cai because of the pure beauty of plum and pear blossoms blooming in spring. Tet in Bac Ha is also an opportunity for you to explore the famous Bac Ha fair market, one of the largest and most unique fair markets in the Northwest.
Outstanding destinations in Bac Ha during Tet:
- Bac Ha fair market: Experience the colorful highland market, shop for brocade, specialties.
- Hoang A Tuong Palace: Visit unique architecture, learn about history.
- Bac Ha flower valley: Admire the colorful flower fields (depending on the season).
- Ban Pho Village: Learn about traditional corn wine making, enjoy Bac Ha corn wine.
8. Dien Bien – Land of History and Ban Flowers
Dien Bien is not only famous for the historic Dien Bien Phu victory but also has beautiful natural scenery. Spring in Dien Bien is especially brilliant with white ban flowers blooming all over the roads and hills. Tet in Dien Bien is an opportunity for you to combine historical exploration and enjoy natural beauty.
Outstanding destinations in Dien Bien during Tet:
- Dien Bien Phu historical site: Visit historical sites such as A1 Hill, De Castries Bunker, Dien Bien Phu Museum.
- Ban flower hill: Admire white ban flowers blooming, especially in the Muong Phang area.
- Pa Khoang Lake: Take a boat trip on the lake, admire natural scenery, visit cherry blossom island (if flowers are blooming).
- Muong Thanh field: Admire the largest rice field in the Northwest.
No Northwest Vietnam tourist destination has more beautiful cherry blossom gardens than Pa Khoang commune, Dien Bien
9. Mau Son, Lang Son – “Muse” of Mountains and Forests
Mau Son is a unique tourist area in Lang Son with a cool climate all year round and majestic natural scenery. Tet in Mau Son is an opportunity for you to enjoy the cool air, explore ancient villas and experience Dao ethnic culture.
Outstanding destinations in Mau Son during Tet:
- Mau Son ancient villa area: Visit ancient French architecture, take photos.
- Mau Son Peak: Admire the scenery, hunt clouds (if available).
- Khuoi Ky Village: Learn about Dao ethnic culture, enjoy local cuisine.
- Long Dau Stream, Mau Son ancient sacred land: Explore spiritual and natural destinations.
10. Dong Van, Ha Giang – Majestic Stone Plateau
Dong Van is a unique geological stone plateau of Ha Giang, with majestic scenery and distinctive culture of ethnic minorities. Tet in Dong Van is an opportunity for you to discover the wild beauty of the stone plateau, experience fair markets and learn about local culture.
Outstanding destinations in Dong Van during Tet:
- Dong Van Old Quarter: Visit ancient architecture, enjoy old town coffee.
- Ma Pi Leng Pass: Admire the majestic scenery of the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.
- Vuong Family’s Palace: Visit unique architecture, learn about history.
- Lung Cu flagpole: Check-in the northernmost point of the country.
- Dong Van fair market: Experience the highland fair market, buy local specialties.
Peaceful scene of Dong Van Old Quarter during the New Year holidays
Experience Unique Tet Culture in Northwest Vietnam
Traveling to Northwest Vietnam during Tet is not only about discovering beautiful scenery but also an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the unique traditional Tet atmosphere of ethnic minorities. Each ethnic group has its own Tet customs and traditions, creating diversity and richness for Northwest Tet culture.
Some unique Tet cultural experiences you should not miss:
- Participate in the Gau Tao festival of the H’Mong people: A festival for blessings and good harvests, taking place at the beginning of spring with many unique cultural and artistic activities.
- Watch Thai Xoe dance: Traditional dance of the Thai people, often performed during festivals and Tet.
- Drink Can wine, eat Thang Co: Enjoy typical Northwest cuisine in a cozy Tet atmosphere.
- Go to Tet fair market: Experience the bustling shopping atmosphere, shop for Tet items and enjoy local cuisine.
- Visit stilt houses on Tet day: Learn about Tet customs of ethnic minority families, feel the hospitality.
Travel Tips for Northwest Vietnam during Tet Holiday
To have a complete and memorable trip to Northwest Vietnam during Tet, you need to note some of the following experiences:
- Weather: Tet Nguyen Dan in Northwest Vietnam is usually cool, possibly with drizzle or fog. You should prepare warm clothes, comfortable shoes, raincoats, and umbrellas.
- Transportation: Buses and trains are two popular means of transportation to get to Northwest Vietnam from Hanoi. In the Northwest provinces, motorbikes are an ideal means of transport to explore destinations.
- Accommodation: You should book hotel rooms and guesthouses in advance to ensure accommodation, especially during Tet.
- Luggage: Bring enough personal papers, cash, personal medicine, and personal hygiene items.
- Culture: Respect the culture and customs of local people.
- Safety: Pay attention to safety when traveling on mountain passes, maintain environmental hygiene.
- Book a tour: If you want to save time and effort in preparation, you can choose to book a Northwest Vietnam Tet tour at reputable companies such as Vietnam Booking.
Conclusion
Exploring Northwest Vietnam during Tet Nguyen Dan is a journey full of excitement and memories. This land is not only captivating by its beautiful natural scenery but also by its unique culture and the hospitality of its people. Hopefully, with the suggestions and experiences in this article, you will have a truly complete and meaningful spring trip to the Northwest. Don’t forget to share your wonderful moments in Northwest Vietnam with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Discovery Around The World)!