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🇻🇳 Vietnam during Tet – What Travelers MUST Know (2026 Edition)Tet – Vietnamese Lunar New Year – is the biggest holiday ...
27/11/2025

🇻🇳 Vietnam during Tet – What Travelers MUST Know (2026 Edition)

Tet – Vietnamese Lunar New Year – is the biggest holiday of the year.
In 2026, the 1st day of Tet is Feb 17, but the holiday vibes start 10 days before and last 10 days after.

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam around mid-February, here’s what you MUST know:

⸻

❌ Should you travel to Vietnam during Tet?

Honestly… I don’t recommend it unless you already booked your trip. Here’s why:
1. Many attractions, restaurants, and shops shut down during the main holiday days.
2. Prices increase 20–30% because everything runs on holiday mode.
3. Transportation gets fully booked (flights, buses, trains – all packed with locals going home).
4. If you move your trip to late Feb or March, you’ll get:
• cheaper prices
• more things open
• smoother travel
• better overall experience

⸻

🌟 But if you’re already coming in mid-February…

Don’t worry — you’ll still experience something very special that only happens once a year:

1. Tet Atmosphere Everywhere
• streets, houses, cafés, restaurants decorated beautifully
• yellow apricot flowers, peach blossoms, red envelopes, lanterns
• super lively vibes in big cities (Hanoi, HCMC, Hoi An)

2. Fireworks & Celebrations
• big firework shows on Lunar New Year’s Eve (đêm ba mươi)
• locals gathering with families, traditional ceremonies, festive maảkets

3. Tet Markets & Flower Streets
• special seasonal markets selling flowers, candies, decorations
• amazing for photography and cultural immersion

4. Unique Tet Foods
• bánh chưng, giò chả, pickled onions, dried fruits
• some restaurants close, but Tet food stalls + family-run vendors keep the tradition alive

5. Less Traffic (Partly!)
• big cities get quieter because many people go back to their hometowns
• but tourist hubs stay active
• travel between cities might be harder due to fully booked transport

6. Great for culture-focused travelers
• you’ll witness the biggest cultural event in Vietnam
• not ideal for adventure seekers, but perfect for those wanting local traditions

⸻

💡 Tips if you travel during Tet
• Book everything early, especially transportation.
• Carry some cash — ATMs may run out, banks close.
• Expect slower service, patience is key.
• Stick to big cities/touristy areas for open restaurants + activities.
• Enjoy the festive spirit — it’s once a year and truly special.

If you’re interested in a FREE itinerary of traveling during Tet in Vietnam, DM me “Traveling Vietnam Tet edition” and I will send you one!

25/11/2025

So… you’re coming to Sapa and just found out the Fansipan cable car is CLOSED till mid-December? 😭
Okay, don’t freak out — you’ve actually got cooler options.

⛰️ Option 1: Trek Fansipan in 1 day
Yup, with your own legs. Start around 5–6am, go with a local guide, and reach the summit the real way — no crowds, just pure adventure.

🏡 Option 2: 2-day trekking + local homestay
Walk through rice terraces, villages, mountain trails, then stay overnight in a cozy homestay with local food. It’s honestly more memorable than the cable car.

Cable car reopens: Dec 16
Mountain train: Dec 18
But… who needs it when you can do the real thing? 😉

゚

21/11/2025

Most first-time travelers only see the surface of Sapa: the town center, Cat Cat Village, and the Fanxipan cable car.
Nice spots — but they are not the real heart of Sapa.

The true beauty of this mountain town is found in two things:

🌾 Trekking through the valleys
🏡 Staying in a mountain-view homestay

Sapa has countless trekking routes: through terraced rice fields, Muong Hoa Valley, bamboo forests, and ethnic minority villages. This is where you feel the clean air, the peaceful landscapes, and the daily life of the local people.

✨ Recommended Itinerary

Option 1: 2-Day Trekking (Best experience)
• Day 1: Trek through villages → rice terraces → Muong Hoa Valley
• Evening: Stay at a local homestay, help cook dinner, learn about local life
• Day 2: Continue the trek through forests & hidden trails
Perfect for travelers who want culture + nature in one.

Option 2: Easy 6-Hour Trek + Luxury Homestay
• Morning: Do a light trek around the valley
• Afternoon–Night: Relax at a luxury homestay with mountain views
• Next morning: Wake up to quiet, foggy mountains
Ideal for those who want comfort but still want a taste of trekking.

Both options give you the quiet-luxury feeling of Sapa — simple, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful.

—

👋 About me
I’m Under The Non La, a travel designer specializing in private, custom trips across Vietnam — from itinerary planning to car, guide, meals, and accommodations.
If you have a Vietnam trip in mind and want a smooth, well-designed experience, feel free to message me. I’m happy to help!

゚

Cloud-hunting in Vietnam right now! Can you guess what place is it? Follow me to check the tomorrow post about the itine...
18/11/2025

Cloud-hunting in Vietnam right now! Can you guess what place is it?

Follow me to check the tomorrow post about the itinerary to explore this secret place 😉

Children in northern mountains of Vietnam
18/11/2025

Children in northern mountains of Vietnam

✨ Here’s what to do in Cao Bang if you want comfort, beauty, and a little adventure—without sacrificing ease:1. Enjoy a ...
18/11/2025

✨ Here’s what to do in Cao Bang if you want comfort, beauty, and a little adventure—without sacrificing ease:

1. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rice terraces
Cao Bang’s mountain roads are surprisingly smooth, and the views? Stunning. You don’t have to hike hours for a payoff here—rent a private car or book a driver and just cruise through valleys glowing in shades of green and gold.

2. Visit a local ethnic village in comfort
Stop by a Tày or Nùng village for a gentle cultural experience. Think fragrant herbal tea, peaceful wooden stilt houses, and quiet conversations with locals. No rush, no crowds—just slow living at its finest.

3. Take an easy walk through a hidden valley
You don’t need to be a hardcore trekker to enjoy Cao Bang. A short 30–40 minute walk along flat paths brings you close to streams, bamboo forests, and postcard-perfect terraces. It’s relaxed, refreshing, and perfect for photos.

4. Catch the golden rice season
If you visit during harvest time, the entire valley lights up with warm golden tones. It’s incredibly photogenic—luxury travelers say it feels like stepping into a natural painting.

5. Photograph without trying
Cao Bang is effortlessly beautiful. Whether you’re standing on a balcony of your eco-lodge or just stepping out of the car, every angle looks curated. No posing needed—just you, the mountains, and the soft light.

⸻

Cao Bang isn’t loud or flashy. It’s quiet luxury—fresh air, slow mornings, and landscapes that stay with you long after you leave. If you’re craving comfort and authenticity, this is one of Vietnam’s best-kept secrets. 🌾✨

📸: ig _the_phan_

This is one of the stunning mountain-view rooms we handpick for our guests in Sapa. Whatever view or experience you pref...
12/11/2025

This is one of the stunning mountain-view rooms we handpick for our guests in Sapa. Whatever view or experience you prefer, we’ll make it happen 😊

Can you believe this is in Hanoi??? 😲
11/11/2025

Can you believe this is in Hanoi??? 😲

𝐀 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞: 𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐚If you only have a short time but still want to feel the northern mountain air, 2 days in ...
05/11/2025

𝐀 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞: 𝟐 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐚

If you only have a short time but still want to feel the northern mountain air, 2 days in Sapa are totally doable. This plan is perfect if you love nature, enjoy sightseeing, are new to trekking, and just want to relax and breathe fresh air.

🏞️⛰️☁️ Day 1

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Take a private car or sleeper bus from Hanoi. You’ll reach Sapa around 6–7 a.m. Grab a hot bowl of phở trâu (buffalo noodle soup) or xôi ngũ sắc (five-color sticky rice) to start the day.

𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Take the cable car up to Mount Fansipan, “the Roof of Indochina.” The experience is grand, especially if it’s your first time in Sapa - a must-visit. But here’s 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩: even after the cable car, you still have hundreds of stairs to climb before the summit. My legs started shaking halfway up, and the cold wind didn’t help. Still, reaching the top felt satisfying: that quiet, foggy moment made the exhaustion worth it.

But if you’ve already been to Sapa before, or if climbing isn’t your thing, feel free to skip Fansipan and spend the morning exploring Sapa town instead.

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻: Go for a light trek through Cat Cat or Lao Chai village. These are great for beginners or teens who want a taste of trekking without overdoing it. When I went, I picked one of the easier routes. It was mostly downhill, passing small houses, streams, and terraced fields. For someone new like me, it was enough of an adventure without feeling impossible. There are longer and tougher treks in Lao Chai or Ta Van for those who want more challenge.

𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹: Join a local handicraft or ethnic cooking workshop to learn more about H’mong and Dao culture.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: Stay in Sapa town and enjoy the cold mountain evening with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine. Nights in Sapa are quiet and damp. I love wrapping myself in a blanket, sipping tea, and listening to the rain against the window. The town falls silent early, a kind of peace you don’t find in the city.

🌾🚴‍♀️☀️ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮:
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Rent a motorbike and explore Ta Van and the Muong Hoa Valley. The road winds through small villages and rice fields, sometimes disappearing into the fog. It’s calm and peaceful, buffaloes grazing, kids waving as you pass.

𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 & 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻: Try Sapa’s famous salmon hotpot. The fish is fresh and mild, perfect for the cold weather.
Before heading back to Hanoi, stop by Moana Sapa for a coffee and watch the clouds drift over the mountains one last time.

It is a simple trip, but Sapa’s quiet charm will never fail to ground you. Two days were short but just enough to remind visitors how beautiful the northern mountains of Vietnam are.

If you’re more of an explorer, Sapa has plenty of challenging hikes waiting for you. But no matter which path you choose, you'll always find those breathtaking views and a sense of peace that stays with you.

(And 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡 - trekking through the terraced fields, bamboo forests, and ethnic villages might just be the real magic of Sapa. It’s a different kind of beauty, quieter and more personal than conquering the Roof of Indochina.)

Book your next trip to Sapa now. It’s the last month of the year with perfect weather 🌤️🍃
---
I'm a travel designer who creates private, custom-made tours that perfectly fit each traveler’s style and pace. From itinerary planning to arranging transportation, accommodation, local guides, and meals, I take care of every detail so you can enjoy a worry-free and truly free journey through Vietnam.

If that sounds like your kind of travel, contact me to start planning your adventure.

🌄 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀!If you’re the kind of traveler who loves nature, fresh air, and bre...
05/11/2025

🌄 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀!

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves nature, fresh air, and breathtaking views, Vietnam’s mountain regions will steal your heart. From the terraced rice fields of 𝗦𝗮 𝗣𝗮 and the winding passes of 𝗛𝗮 𝗚𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗴, to the limestone peaks of 𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗵 𝗕𝗶𝗻𝗵, the peaceful valleys of 𝗠𝗮𝗶 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘂, the lush green trails of 𝗣𝘂 𝗟𝘂𝗼𝗻𝗴, and the majestic waterfalls of 𝗖𝗮𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴. Each place offers its own unique charm.

You can trek through remote villages, wake up above the clouds, and experience the warm hospitality of local hill tribes. All while soaking in some of the most spectacular scenery in Southeast Asia.

☀️ 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Right now, the weather in the northern mountain areas is beautifully dry and clear, perfect for exploring. But in a few days, light rain and mist are expected to return. If you want to make sure your itinerary fits the best travel conditions, reach out to 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩 (𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚!) for the most up-to-date advice and customized trip plans.

👋 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗲: I’m a travel designer who creates 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙚, 𝙘𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙢-𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 that perfectly fit each traveler’s style and pace. From itinerary planning to arranging 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀: I take care of every detail so you can enjoy a worry-free and truly free journey through Vietnam.

If that sounds like your kind of travel, contact me to start planning your adventure.

✨ Tomorrow, I’ll share more details about each of these incredible mountain destinations: where to go, what to see, and how to plan your trip.

👉 Don’t wait, hit 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 so you don’t miss it!

02/11/2025

November is the most beautiful time to trek in Sapa.
The air is crisp and refreshing, the terraced rice fields are gently wrapped in layers of white mist, and the skies are clear, before the rains arrive from December to March.
Trekking in Sapa is one of the best routes in Vietnam.
Golden terraces stretch endlessly across the valleys, surrounded by green mountains and high open skies. Some paths lead you through whispering bamboo forests; others shift between slopes and flat trails, enough to keep your steps challenged, yet still comfortable and enjoyable.
But what truly makes Sapa magical are ethnic villages.
Each trek takes you closer to the heart of local mountain life. Their food, homes, traditional clothes, customs, and crafts. These ethnic minorities live differently from the lowland Vietnamese, offering a rare window into diverse cultures and ways of life that still remain authentic and alive today.
If you’re curious to explore, to learn, and to truly connect with local cultures in Vietnam, Sapa is the place you shouldn’t miss.
As a travel designer, I create tailor-made itineraries to fit your pace and interests, whether you’re a first-time trekker, a leisure traveler seeking a scenic walk and fresh air, or an experienced adventurer looking for a new route in a new country.

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Trung Kính, Cầu Giấy
Hanoi

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