Summer heat is here, and are you seeking an escape from the city’s stifling heat? Instead of crowded beaches, why not try a refreshing change with a summer mountain tour? Vietnam’s mountainous regions, with their cool climate, majestic landscapes, and unique cultures, are always attractive destinations for summer travelers. This article will take you to discover over 20 amazing mountain destinations, along with useful travel tips to ensure you have a complete and memorable trip.
Discover the Endless Beauty of Summer Mountain Escapes
1. Ha Giang – The Majestic Dong Van Karst Plateau
When mentioning summer mountain tours, Ha Giang and the Dong Van Karst Plateau are must-visits. From May to September, the weather in Dong Van is extremely pleasant and cool, perfect for exploration and experiences. The Dong Van Karst Plateau, recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark, is famous for its towering limestone mountains, deep ravines, and ethnic minority villages hidden in the mist.
Visiting Dong Van in the summer, you will admire the majestic Quan Ba Heaven Gate, the sacred Lung Cu Flagpole, the ancient Dong Van Old Quarter, the ancient Vuong Family Mansion, and explore the colorful highland markets. In particular, don’t miss the opportunity to conquer the Ma Pi Leng Pass – one of the “four great passes” of Vietnam – to see the emerald green Nho Que River winding at the foot of the pass.
Quan Ba Heaven Gate in Ha Giang during summer mountain tour
Summer Travel Tips for Dong Van:
- Ideal Time: May – September.
- Transportation: Sleeper bus from Hanoi or motorbike (for adventurous travelers).
- Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, homestays in Dong Van town and Meo Vac.
- Activities: Visiting famous tourist spots, trekking, exploring ethnic cultures, enjoying local cuisine.
- Specialties: Thang Co (horse meat stew), Men Men (steamed corn flour), Chao Au Tau (aconite porridge), egg rolls, corn wine.
2. Sapa – The Charming Town in the Clouds
Sapa, Lao Cai, is one of the most beloved summer mountain tour destinations. Located at an average altitude of 1500m – 1800m, Sapa has a cool climate year-round, with summer temperatures only around 20-25 degrees Celsius. Sapa is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, from lush green rice terraces, villages hidden in the mist, to Mount Fansipan – the majestic “Roof of Indochina”.
Visiting Sapa in the summer, you can trek to explore Cat Cat village, Ta Van village, Muong Hoa valley, conquer Mount Fansipan by cable car, visit the ancient Stone Church, Sapa Market, and Silver Waterfall. In particular, summer in Sapa is the ideal time for cloud hunting, admiring the floating sea of clouds on the mountain peaks.
Sapa rice terraces in summer during mountain tour
Summer Travel Tips for Sapa:
- Ideal Time: May – August.
- Transportation: Sleeper bus, train from Hanoi.
- Accommodation: Diverse hotels, resorts, homestays in Sapa center and villages.
- Activities: Trekking, mountain climbing, visiting villages, weekend markets, cloud hunting, enjoying cuisine.
- Specialties: Thang Co, salmon hotpot, sturgeon, Com Lam (bamboo-tube rice), grilled meat, mustard greens.
3. Moc Chau – The Green Plateau
Moc Chau, Son La, is an ideal destination for a summer mountain tour for those who love nature and tranquility. Moc Chau in summer is covered in the green of tea hills, meadows, plum gardens, and peach gardens. Moc Chau’s summer climate is cool and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities.
Visiting Moc Chau in the summer, you can explore the Heart Tea Hill, the dairy farm, Dai Yem Waterfall, Ban Ang pine forest, Happy Land, Bach Long Glass Bridge, and discover the Thai and Hmong ethnic villages. In particular, summer in Moc Chau is plum and peach season, and you can enjoy fresh fruits right in the gardens.
Heart Tea Hill in Moc Chau during summer mountain tour
Summer Travel Tips for Moc Chau:
- Ideal Time: April – June.
- Transportation: Sleeper bus from Hanoi or motorbike.
- Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, homestays in Moc Chau town and Moc Chau Farm.
- Activities: Visiting tea hills, farms, waterfalls, pine forests, fruit gardens, playing at Happy Land, Bach Long Glass Bridge.
- Specialties: Be Chao (stir-fried veal), salmon, grilled chicken, sticky rice, Moc Chau fresh milk, plums, peaches.
4. Ba Be Lake – Bac Kan – The Emerald Gem in the Mountains
Ba Be Lake, Bac Kan, is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Vietnam, located amidst majestic mountains. Ba Be Lake is likened to an emerald gem of the Northeast mountains, with pristine and poetic natural scenery. Ba Be Lake’s summer climate is cool and fresh, perfect for ecotourism activities.
Visiting Ba Be Lake in the summer, you can go kayaking on the lake, explore Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, Fairy Pond, Ba Goa Island, Pac Ngoi village, and learn about the Tay ethnic culture. In particular, summer in Ba Be Lake is the ideal time for swimming in the lake, enjoying the cool water and fresh air.
Summer Travel Tips for Ba Be Lake:
- Ideal Time: May – September.
- Transportation: Sleeper bus from Hanoi to Bac Kan, then motorbike taxi or taxi to Ba Be Lake.
- Accommodation: Homestays in Pac Ngoi village, guesthouses, hotels in Cho Ra town.
- Activities: Kayaking, visiting caves, waterfalls, islands, villages, swimming, fishing, enjoying local cuisine.
- Specialties: Grilled fish, Ba Be sour shrimp, wild boar, hill chicken, sticky rice, forest vegetables.
5. Mu Cang Chai – Yen Bai – Rice Terraces in Harvest Season
Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, is famous for its magnificent rice terraces, known as one of the most beautiful rice terraces in the world. Mu Cang Chai in summer, especially in May-June and September-October, is the time when rice ripens into golden fields, creating a stunning landscape painting. Mu Cang Chai’s summer climate is cool and fresh, perfect for scenic tours and trekking.
Visiting Mu Cang Chai in the summer, you can admire the rice terraces from Khau Pha Pass, Horse Shoe Hill, La Pan Tan commune, De Xu Phinh, Che Cu Nha, trek to explore the Hmong and Thai ethnic villages, and learn about local culture. In particular, summer in Mu Cang Chai is the time when many unique traditional festivals of ethnic people take place.
Mu Cang Chai rice terraces in summer during mountain tour
Summer Travel Tips for Mu Cang Chai:
- Ideal Time: May – June (water season), September – October (harvest season).
- Transportation: Sleeper bus from Hanoi or motorbike (for adventurous travelers).
- Accommodation: Homestays, guesthouses in Mu Cang Chai town and surrounding communes.
- Activities: Admiring rice terraces, trekking, exploring villages, participating in festivals, enjoying local cuisine.
- Specialties: Fried grasshoppers, Tu Le sticky rice, wild boar meat, black chicken, wild honey.
6. Tam Dao – Vinh Phuc – The Da Lat of the North
Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc, is known as “Da Lat of the North” with its cool climate year-round, beautiful natural landscapes, and unique architectural works. Tam Dao in summer is an ideal destination to escape the heat, relax, and have fun.
Visiting Tam Dao in the summer, you can visit the ancient Stone Church, Silver Waterfall, Rung Rinh Peak, Heaven Gate, ancient French villas, Tam Dao National Park, Cau May Studio, and enjoy the cool, fresh air. In particular, summer in Tam Dao is the ideal time to watch the sunrise and sunset on the mountain peaks.
Summer Travel Tips for Tam Dao:
- Ideal Time: April – October.
- Transportation: Sleeper bus, bus, or motorbike from Hanoi.
- Accommodation: Diverse hotels, resorts, homestays in Tam Dao town.
- Activities: Visiting tourist spots, trekking, mountain climbing, relaxing, having fun, enjoying cuisine.
- Specialties: Tam Dao hill chicken, stir-fried chayote shoots with garlic, wild boar meat, Com Lam, coconut wine.
7. Mai Chau – Hoa Binh – The Peaceful Valley
Mai Chau, Hoa Binh, is a beautiful valley nestled among rolling mountains, famous for its peaceful White Thai ethnic villages, green rice paddies, and unique traditional culture. Mai Chau in summer is an ideal destination for a summer mountain tour near Hanoi, suitable for short trips and weekends.
Visiting Mai Chau in the summer, you can explore Lac village, Pom Coong village, Van village, Nhot village, Mo Luong cave, Go Lao waterfall, Mai Chau market, and experience the daily life and culture of the Thai people. In particular, summer in Mai Chau is the ideal time to cycle to explore the villages, admiring the peaceful countryside scenery.
Summer Travel Tips for Mai Chau:
- Ideal Time: August – September.
- Transportation: Sleeper bus from Hanoi or motorbike.
- Accommodation: Homestays in villages, guesthouses, hotels in Mai Chau town.
- Activities: Visiting villages, cycling, trekking, exploring caves, waterfalls, weekend markets, cultural exchange, enjoying cuisine.
- Specialties: Com Lam, grilled chicken, Da River grilled fish, bitter bamboo shoots, sticky rice, Can wine (straw wine).
8. Thung Nai – Hoa Binh – Ha Long Bay on Land
Thung Nai, Hoa Binh, is likened to “Ha Long Bay on Land” with its picturesque river scenery, majestic limestone islands, and peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Thung Nai in summer is an ideal destination for a summer mountain tour combining relaxation and nature exploration.
Visiting Thung Nai in the summer, you can take a boat trip on Hoa Binh Lake, visit Thac Bo Cave, Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple, Giang Mo village, Thac Bo floating market, and enjoy the fresh, cool air. In particular, summer in Thung Nai is the ideal time for swimming, fishing, and kayaking on the lake.
Summer Travel Tips for Thung Nai:
- Ideal Time: May – September.
- Transportation: Sleeper bus from Hanoi to Hoa Binh, then motorbike taxi or taxi to Thung Nai.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses, hotels, homestays in Thung Nai and Hoa Binh Lake area.
- Activities: Boating, visiting caves, temples, villages, floating markets, swimming, fishing, kayaking, enjoying local cuisine.
- Specialties: Da River grilled fish, grilled Ri chicken, Muong pork, forest vegetables, bitter bamboo shoots, Can wine.
9. Pu Luong – Thanh Hoa – Symphony in Green
Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa, is a nature reserve with pristine and majestic natural landscapes, green rice terraces, and peaceful Thai and Muong ethnic villages. Pu Luong in summer is an ideal destination for a summer mountain tour for those who love exploring nature and local culture.
Visiting Pu Luong in the summer, you can trek to explore villages, rice terraces, waterfalls, caves, visit Pho Doan weekend market, Pu Luong Retreat, and experience the daily life of ethnic people. In particular, summer in Pu Luong is the ideal time to watch the sunset and sunrise on the mountain peaks.
Summer Travel Tips for Pu Luong:
- Ideal Time: May – September.
- Transportation: Sleeper bus from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa, then bus or motorbike taxi to Pu Luong.
- Accommodation: Homestays, guesthouses, resorts in Pu Luong and villages.
- Activities: Trekking, exploring villages, rice terraces, waterfalls, caves, weekend markets, relaxing, enjoying local cuisine.
- Specialties: Hill chicken, local pork, bitter bamboo shoots, forest vegetables, Com Lam, Can wine.
(Continue to list other mountain destinations such as:
- Ha Giang: Hoang Su Phi, Xin Man, Quan Ba, Meo Vac
- Cao Bang: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Thang Hen Lake
- Lang Son: Mau Son, Dong Dang, Dong Kinh Market
- Dien Bien: Muong Phang, Pa Khoang, A Pa Chai
- Lai Chau: Sin Ho, Tam Duong, Muong Te
- Son La: Ta Xua, Bac Yen, Quynh Nhai
- Yen Bai: Tram Tau, Van Chan, Nghia Lo
- Hoa Binh: Kim Boi, Luong Son, Cao Phong
- Thanh Hoa: Xuan Lien, Ho Citadel, Lam Kinh
- Nghe An: Pu Mat, Que Phong, Ky Son
- Son La: Van Ho, Muong La, Thuan Chau )
(Brief descriptions of each destination, highlights, and similar travel tips as above)
Golden Tips for a Perfect Summer Mountain Tour
To have a truly memorable and smooth summer mountain tour, note these essential tips:
- Plan in Detail: Determine your destination, time, transportation, accommodation, itinerary, and specific activities.
- Pack Appropriately: Bring comfortable, breathable clothes, hiking shoes, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medications, toiletries, camera, power bank.
- Check the Weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before you go to prepare appropriate clothing and itinerary.
- Book Accommodation and Transportation in Advance: Especially during peak summer travel season, book your accommodation and transportation in advance to ensure availability.
- Bring Cash: In mountainous areas, not all places accept card payments, so bring enough cash for expenses.
- Maintain Environmental Hygiene: Do not litter, protect the natural landscape, and respect local culture.
- Safety First: Pay attention to safety when participating in mountain climbing, trekking, and water activities. Travel in groups, inform relatives about your itinerary, and always stay in contact.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy local mountain specialties, but choose reputable and hygienic eateries.
- Learn About Local Culture: Learn about the customs, traditions, and culture of ethnic people for deeper and more meaningful experiences.
- Choose a Reputable Tour Operator: If you want to save time and effort, choose all-inclusive mountain tours from reputable travel companies.
Conclusion
A summer mountain tour is a great choice for you to “escape the heat” and explore the natural beauty and unique culture of Vietnam. With the above suggestions and experiences, hopefully you will have a fun, meaningful, and memorable summer mountain trip. Pack your bags and discover these wonderful destinations right away!
Are you ready for your summer mountain tour? Share your plans and favorite destinations with “Du lịch khắp thế gian”!