As the sweltering summer heat gradually gives way to the cool, gentle breezes of autumn, it’s the perfect time to uncover the hidden beauty of Vietnam. Autumn not only brings pleasant weather but also bestows a new, captivating, and more romantic charm upon the country. From the golden terraced rice fields in the Northwest to the endless stretches of buckwheat flower fields, or the winding roads covered in golden leaves, autumn in Vietnam is like a multi-colored painting that enchants everyone. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to explore the most scenic autumn road trips in Vietnam, and fully appreciate the magical beauty of the country during this seasonal transition.
Golden Autumn Road Trips in Northwest Vietnam
When mentioning autumn in Vietnam, one cannot overlook the captivating beauty of the Northwest region. Here, autumn is not just a change of weather; it’s a vibrant symphony of colors, created by the golden ripe terraced fields, the red maple forests, and the brilliant yellow wild sunflowers. The autumn road trips in Northwest Vietnam promise to offer unforgettable experiences and stunning photographs.
Ha Giang – The Stone Plateau Transformation
Ha Giang, the northernmost land of Vietnam, is famous for the majestic beauty of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. But few know that autumn in Ha Giang brings a different kind of beauty, gentler and more alluring. At this time, the terraced rice fields stretching across the mountainsides begin to turn golden, creating a magnificent and poetic landscape.
When visiting Ha Giang in autumn, you cannot miss famous destinations such as Hoang Su Phi with its magnificent terraced fields, Sung La with its ancient trình tường houses, or Dong Van with the sacred Lung Cu flagpole. Especially around late October and early November, Ha Giang is also adorned with the pink hues of buckwheat flowers, creating a romantic and unique scene. The road trip from Ha Giang to Dong Van and Meo Vac will be a fantastic autumn adventure in the Northwest, with challenging but enchanting winding passes.
Sapa – A Symphony of Colors
Sapa, a misty town nestled in the Northwest mountains, is always an attractive destination for tourists year-round. But perhaps, autumn is when Sapa is most beautiful. As autumn arrives, Sapa dons a radiant coat with a full spectrum of colors. Golden terraced rice fields stretch across the hillsides, interspersed with the green of pine forests, the red of maple leaves, and the bright yellow of cải flowers (mustard flowers).
Sapa autumn with golden rice terraces
Coming to Sapa in autumn, you can trek to the peak of Fansipan to admire the panoramic view of Sapa in golden autumn colors, explore the Muong Hoa valley with its winding terraced fields, or visit Cat Cat village and Ta Van village to learn about the unique culture of ethnic minorities. The road from Sapa to Y Ty is also an excellent choice for you to admire the autumn beauty of the Northwest, with winding mountain roads, peaceful villages, and vast ripe rice fields.
Moc Chau – Valley of Mustard and Wild Sunflower Blossoms
Moc Chau, a green plateau in Son La province, is not only famous for its lush green tea hills but also known for the brilliant beauty of its flower season. Autumn in Moc Chau is adorned with the yellow of wild sunflowers and the pure white of cải flowers. White cải flower fields stretch like giant carpets, interspersed with hills of vibrant yellow wild sunflowers, creating a romantic and picturesque scene.
Moc Chau white cải flower hills in autumn
Visiting Moc Chau in autumn, you can explore the lush green tea hills, discover the majestic Dai Yem waterfall, or visit the mysterious Bat Cave. In particular, you cannot miss the opportunity to admire the white cải flower fields and golden wild sunflowers stretching across the plateau. The road trip from Hanoi to Moc Chau is also very beautiful, with winding roads through rolling hills, offering you exciting driving experiences and stunning natural landscapes.
Romantic Autumn Road Trips in Northeast Vietnam
Not only the Northwest, but the Northeast region of Vietnam also boasts incredibly beautiful autumn road trips. With lush primeval forests, clear blue lakes, and majestic waterfalls, autumn in the Northeast brings a wild, romantic, and alluring beauty.
Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall in Flood Season
Cao Bang, the borderland in the Northeast, is famous for the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. Autumn in Cao Bang brings a peaceful and gentle beauty. The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for nature exploration trips.
Ban Gioc Waterfall in autumn
When visiting Cao Bang in autumn, you cannot miss Ban Gioc Waterfall, a masterpiece of nature. At this time, Ban Gioc Waterfall becomes more majestic than ever with powerful streams of water cascading down from above, creating white foamy sprays. In addition, you can also explore the Pac Po historical site, where President Ho Chi Minh once lived and carried out revolutionary activities, or the poetic Thang Hen Lake. The road trip from Hanoi to Cao Bang is also very beautiful, with winding roads through rolling limestone mountains, golden rice fields, and peaceful villages.
Ba Be Lake – The Charm of the Largest Freshwater Lake
Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, is located in Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan province. In autumn, Ba Be Lake has a tranquil and poetic beauty. The clear blue lake surface reflects the lush green trees and the clear blue sky. The air is fresh and cool, perfect for relaxation and immersing yourself in nature.
Peaceful Ba Be Lake in autumn
When visiting Ba Be Lake in autumn, you can take a boat trip on the lake to admire the surrounding scenery, explore the magnificent Puong Cave, or visit the poetic Dau Dang Waterfall. You can also experience the life of the local Tay ethnic people in the villages around the lake. The road to Ba Be Lake is also very beautiful, with sections through lush green forests, winding passes, and pristine natural landscapes.
Gentle Autumn Road Trips in Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam, with its year-round sunny and windy climate, also becomes gentler and more alluring in autumn. Autumn in Central Vietnam does not have the brilliant yellow colors of the Northwest, but it brings a peaceful, gentle, and romantic beauty.
Da Lat – The City of a Thousand Flowers Shows Off Autumn Colors
Da Lat, the city of a thousand flowers, is always a favorite destination for tourists due to its cool climate and beautiful natural scenery. Autumn in Da Lat brings a romantic and poetic beauty. Streets covered with golden leaves, flower gardens showing off their vibrant colors, and cozy cafes create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
Romantic Da Lat in autumn
When visiting Da Lat in autumn, you can stroll along the streets covered with golden leaves, visit the flower gardens with brilliant colors, or visit the ancient cafes. You can also explore famous destinations such as Xuan Huong Lake, Datanla Waterfall, or Langbiang Mountain. The road to Da Lat is also very beautiful, with winding mountain passes through lush pine forests, offering you exciting driving experiences and stunning natural landscapes.
Ninh Binh – Picturesque Water and Mountain Scenery in Rice Harvest Season
Ninh Binh, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, is famous for its picturesque water and mountain scenery. Autumn in Ninh Binh brings a peaceful and tranquil beauty. Golden rice fields stretch across the dyke slopes, interspersed with rolling limestone mountains, creating a stunning landscape.
Ninh Binh rice harvest season
When visiting Ninh Binh in autumn, you can explore Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, or visit Bai Dinh Pagoda. You can also take a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River to admire the golden rice fields and the majestic limestone mountains. The road to Ninh Binh is also very convenient; you can easily travel by car or motorbike from Hanoi.
Tips for an Amazing Autumn Scenic Road Trip
To have a complete and memorable autumn scenic road trip in Vietnam, keep in mind the following:
- Ideal time: Autumn in Vietnam usually lasts from September to November. This is when the weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities. However, the best time to admire the autumn scenery may vary depending on each region. For example, autumn in the Northwest is usually most beautiful around September and October, while autumn in Da Lat is most beautiful around October and November.
- Transportation: Depending on the location and personal preference, you can choose different means of transport such as cars, motorbikes, trains, or airplanes. If you want to explore winding mountain passes and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, motorbikes or self-driving cars are excellent choices.
- Appropriate attire: Autumn weather in Vietnam is quite cool, especially in high mountain areas. Therefore, you should prepare warm clothes such as jackets, sweaters, and scarves. If you plan to trek or participate in outdoor activities, bring comfortable sports shoes and dynamic clothing.
- Safety precautions: When traveling on mountain passes, you need to drive carefully, obey traffic laws, and ensure safety for yourself and those around you. If you are traveling in remote areas, research the security situation thoroughly and prepare all necessary items.
Conclusion
Autumn in Vietnam is a beautiful and romantic season, bringing a new, captivating, and colorful appearance to the country. Autumn road trips in Vietnam are not just routes of travel, but also journeys to discover the beauty of nature, culture, and people of Vietnam. Take the time to explore these beautiful autumn road trips, to fully appreciate the magical beauty of the country during this seasonal transition. Surely, these experiences will leave you with unforgettable memories and wonderful emotions.