Whether it’s the golden light of Hanoi, the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay, or the ethereal cloud-hunting in Sa Pa, each destination offers its own special charm, making it an ideal time to explore this beautiful region.

Hanoi - The poetry of autumn

If you visit Hanoi in September and October, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty that autumn brings to the city.

The golden sunlight, radiant yet gentle, creates an ideal atmosphere for exploring the charming streets without getting tired. This season is perfect for indulging in Hanoi’s unique autumn delicacies, such as young sticky rice (com) and steamed green sticky rice (xoi com), which are only made during this time of year.

These seasonal delights are part of the reason CNN has recognized Vietnam’s capital as one of the top 12 fall destinations in the world.

To fully experience the essence of Hanoi’s autumn, staying in the city center is highly recommended.

Capella Hanoi on Le Phung Hieu Street is a luxurious and prestigious option. It’s the only hotel in Hanoi with three Michelin Guide-awarded restaurants, including Koki, which has earned a Michelin star for two consecutive years.

Ha Long Bay - A masterpiece of nature

Just a 1.5-hour drive from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, is an essential destination in Northern Vietnam.

The autumn season is the perfect time to visit Ha Long Bay, with its cool weather and fresh air enhancing the travel experience.

You can opt for a cruise to explore the bay’s stunning scenery, visiting iconic spots like Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Grotto, Fighting Cocks Islet, and Titop Beach. Another unforgettable experience is riding the Queen Cable Car at Sun World Ha Long, which offers a panoramic view of the UNESCO Heritage Bay from above Ba Deo Hill.

For accommodation, Oakwood Ha Long is an ideal choice, nestled along Bai Chay Beach. The restaurant and swimming pool on the second floor offer breathtaking bay views, making it a perfect spot for capturing stunning photos.

Autumn is also an ideal time for hot spring bathing. Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, the most authentic Japanese onsen resort in Vietnam, is located just 15 minutes' drive from Ha Long. Immersing yourself in warm water surrounded by serene natural landscapes provides a rejuvenating experience after exploring Ha Long Bay.

Kim Boi - Exploring Muong culture

While Hanoi’s autumn is marked by the scent of milk flowers and young green rice, Kim Boi in Hoa Binh province offers a nostalgic experience with its vibrant Northwest colors. Here, visitors can enjoy pristine natural surroundings and the traditional dishes of the Muong people.

Serena Resort Kim Boi is a top choice for travelers visiting the area, as it captures the essence of Kim Boi’s natural beauty. At the resort, you can soak in hot mineral springs, a natural gift to Kim Boi known for its benefits in enhancing skin beauty and treating ailments such as arthritis, blood pressure issues, stomach pain, and kidney stones.

The resort’s dining space, designed like a giant bamboo hat, offers a culinary experience that highlights the flavors of Hoa Binh. Simple yet authentic dishes like pork wrapped in leaves, boar meat, roasted fish, farm-raised chicken, and local rice win over visitors with their fresh ingredients and genuine Muong taste.

Go hunting clouds in Sa Pa

Autumn in Sa Pa (Lao Cai province), known as the “golden season,” “rice ripening season,” and “cloud season,” is the most beautiful time of the year. This is when the rice ripens on terraced fields, resembling cascading waterfalls from the high mountains.

A must-do during this season is taking the Fansipan cable car to fully admire the Muong Hoa valley, gaze at the shimmering golden terraced rice fields stretching to the horizon, and witness the vibrant four-season flower fields.

As autumn turns to winter, Sa Pa often becomes enveloped in a sea of clouds, creating a surreal scene at the peak of Fansipan. This is the cloud-hunting season, a popular activity among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The journey to the roof of Indochina is filled with encounters with friendly and genuine local villagers. Near the cable car station, at the foothill of Fansipan Mountain, lies Ban May, a small village where seven ethnic groups live together, sharing their cultural traditions, beliefs, crafts, and cuisine with visitors.

If your visit coincides with local holidays, you’ll have the opportunity to witness unique traditional customs, such as the Red Dao wedding ceremony, the H'Mong “wife-pulling” custom, and the Giay ethnic group’s peace-praising festival.

In Ban May, you can immerse yourself in the authentic cultural traditions of Northern Vietnam, including participating in hands-on activities like cake-making with the Tay ethnic people.

PV