Ha Giang Loop: Peaks, Paths & People! (4 Days)

Important notes:

Immigration process:

For visa-on-arrival: Present a valid passport and, if applicable, an entry letter to the customs officer for visa stamping.

For e-visa holders: Present your valid passport and e-visa (or a printed copy) at the immigration checkpoint. No stamp is required.

Weather:

Vietnam’s unique geography creates a range of weather patterns, with both tropical and temperate zones. The best weather nationwide is from March to May, so if you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, consider visiting during this time for the most enjoyable weather.

Northern Vietnam Weather Overview (Delta & Mountains)

Northern Vietnam has four distinct seasons, with variations between delta areas (e.g., Hanoi, Ninh Binh) and mountainous regions (e.g., Ha Giang, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Sapa).

🌾 Delta Areas

• Jan–Feb: Cool (15–22°C), overcast, light drizzle; humid around Tet (Lunar New Year).
• Mar–Apr: Mild, pleasant (20–28°C), light rain, blooming flowers—ideal for sightseeing.
• May–Aug: Hot (28–37°C), humid, with frequent rain and thunderstorms; June–July are wettest.
• Sep: Warm, storm risk remains; rainfall decreases toward end of month.
• Oct: Start of dry season; some rain early in the month, clearer skies later.
• Nov–Dec: Dry, sunny, cooler (18–25°C)—best time to visit the region.

🏞️ Mountainous Areas

• Jan–Feb: Cold (5–18°C), cloudy, damp; nights can drop below 10°C.
• Mar–Apr: Cool, dry, scenic—great for trekking (15–25°C).
• May–Aug: Warm (22–32°C), frequent heavy rain, risk of landslides, trails can be slippery.
• Sep: Golden rice harvest season; still some rain but very picturesque.
• Oct: Clear, cool, post-monsoon—excellent visibility for hiking.
• Nov–Dec: Dry and cold; nights often under 10°C, foggy mornings, peaceful atmosphere.

🌦️ Notes

• Storm season: July–early October, strongest in the delta but affects mountain areas indirectly.
• Best time to visit:
  • Delta: October to April
  • Mountains: March to May, late September to November

📍 Pack Accordingly: Pack lightweight clothing for hot weather and a raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season.

Note when checking in for domestic flights in Vietnam:

• When checking in, please bring: Passport (valid for more than 06 months). For expatriates and foreigners entering with a separate visa, please bring your passport, visa, and customs declaration when traveling.
• You should be at the airport 90 minutes before departure time and carry light luggage, not too bulky.
• Please bear the incurred costs and responsibility if you have a request to change the itinerary, flight date and time, or if there is incorrect information according to the regulations of the airlines.
• Do not leave sharp objects, knives, scissors, etc. or liquids in your hand luggage. All power banks should be placed in hand luggage.
• Self-consciously preserve your luggage during the trip (at hotels and attractions). Keep all important documents related to immigration procedures, such as airline tickets, passports, cash, and valuable personal items, in the safety box provided at your hotel. Avoid leaving them in your room or locking them in your suitcase in case of theft. Consider taking photos of all identification and important information to save on your phone for easy access if needed.
• Vietnam Lovely Travel will not be responsible if the carrier and aviation security refuse to transport due to error in the above information.
• Some order and details in the program may change to suit the objective situation (weather, traffic, etc…).
• You should bring special medicine (according to a doctor’s prescription) if you are being treated for a chronic illness.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling in Vietnam?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Vietnam Lovely Travel are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your tour guide on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

Money matters:

When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveler is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while traveling.

• Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the currency of Vietnam.
• ATMs: Check if your card is compatible with local ATMs before traveling to Vietnam. Using an ATM card will help ensure safety during your travel. However, you should also bring a small amount of cash for services, shopping, meals, etc., when needed.
• Scam alert: Be careful of street vendors and local markets using similar colors of 500,000 VND and 20,000 VND bills to scam visitors.
• Counterfeit money: There are some counterfeit banknotes in circulation in Vietnam, particularly for the 500,000 VND, the biggest Vietnam currency note, so you should only exchange money at reputable places or consult your tour guide for advice.
• Keep small bills on hand: Many vendors and small businesses may not have change for larger denominations, so it’s helpful to keep smaller bills on hand.
• Notify your bank: If you plan to use your credit or debit card in Vietnam, notify your bank beforehand to avoid any issues with your account being flagged for suspicious activity.
• USD to VND current exchange rate: 1 USD ~ 25,000 – 26,000 VND (change cash in jewelry shops, the exchange rates are often better than in a bank or at the airport).
• QR code payment: widely accepted in many urban areas in Vietnam.
• Are credit cards accepted widely in Vietnam?

USD and Major credit cards are widely accepted at large shops, hotels and restaurants in Vietnam. However, smaller vendors, family-run eateries, markets, and rural areas may only accept cash. Carry enough cash for as a backup, especially outside cities.

Dining: Please inform your operator or guide in advance if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies.

Phone and internet access:

• With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets or smartphones for the children to document their adventure – there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge (just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available in most of the hotels/restaurants on the tour, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won’t be available everywhere.
• E-sim can be a good option for you (less than 10 USD/sim card)

Electricity and adapter: 220V – 50Hz. If you are using different ones, our local guide can help you buy an adapter for not more than 1 USD.

Accommodation:

• Check-in: Usually between 14:00–15:00 (can be later on weekends, in peak seasons, or at 5-star hotels).
• Check-out: Typically, before 11:00–12:00.
• Early check-in & late check-out: Subject to room availability and hotel policy; charges may apply.
• Amenities: Basic amenities like a toothbrush, towel, comb, hairdryer, and iron are provided in all hotels.

Laundry: Local laundry services outside the hotel may offer better rates. However, for expensive clothing, it’s safer to use hotel laundry to avoid any risk of damage.

Shopping: At local markets, bargaining is common and expected. You can often negotiate 10–30% off the initial price for local goods.

Safety: To protect your belongings, always keep your bag or purse in front of you, especially in crowded areas.

Business Hours:

• Offices: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday). Most are closed on Saturdays.
• Shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues: Typically, open from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.

Is tipping compulsory in Vietnam?

Tipping is not mandatory or a common custom in Vietnam. However, it is greatly appreciated by service staff—such as waiters, hotel porters, drivers, and tour guides—especially when they provide exceptional service. Even a small tip can make a big difference and is considered a gesture of kindness and respect.