10 Top Places to Visit in North Vietnam in September (2025 Edition)

Most travelers aim for Vietnam’s dry season, but those who land in North Vietnam in September often get something better: a region in transition. The heat breaks. The air clears. 

And in the highlands, harvest season kicks in—bringing color, movement, and a kind of grounded energy you won’t find later in the year.

September isn’t peak season or rainy season. It’s somewhere in between—and that’s what makes it work. Roads are quieter. Prices drop. The Ha Giang Loop is fresh and rideable. 

And places like Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, and Ninh Binh take on a new rhythm as the rice turns gold and festivals return to the streets.

In this guide, we’ll break down why North Vietnam in September deserves a top spot on your travel calendar—complete with weather tips, cultural highlights, where to go, and what to expect.

Is September a Good Time to Visit North Vietnam?

Yes—September is easily one of the best times to explore North Vietnam. 

It’s technically shoulder season, which means fewer tourists, cheaper transport, and more room to breathe in popular places like Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Ha Giang. 

The weather is starting to settle after summer’s peak rain, and in the mountains, this is harvest season: golden rice fields, bright green hills, and some of the clearest skies of the year.

What You Can Expect:

• Golden terraced rice fields across Ha Giang and Sapa.

• Cooler, clearer air in the highlands.

• Lush valleys and fewer crowds in Ninh Binh.

• Festivals like Mid-Autumn in the cities and countryside.

If you want a good mix of adventure, nature, and culture—without the tourist crush—this is your window.

Weather in North Vietnam in September

September is the seasonal turning point. 

Early in the month, expect occasional rain showers (especially in the lowlands), but by mid to late September, skies are mostly clear, and temperatures begin to drop in the north.

Pack for both sun and rain: Light layers, a rain jacket, and decent footwear.

Top Places to Visit in North Vietnam in September

1. Ha Giang 

If you’ve been putting off the Ha Giang Loop because of the rainy season, do it now. 

September is prime riding season—dry roads, incredible views, and that golden-rice glow stretching across the mountains. 

Bong Hostel’s 3D2N or 4D3N Loop tours include your easy rider, food, gear, and accommodation. Zero planning needed. Just show up, strap in, and go.

Expect:

• Terraced rice fields in full swing.

• Sunny days and cool mountain nights.

• Quieter roads than in peak summer.

Book ahead—September is getting more popular, especially with local travelers!

2. Sapa 

Sapa gets a bad rap for being over-touristed—but in September, it breathes again. 

The rice terraces around Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Y Linh Ho are golden and full. Trekking trails are firm underfoot, skies are clearer, and the heat has finally eased.

With Bong Hostel, you can take a multi-day Sapa trekking package with all logistics sorted—transport, homestays, meals, and guides who actually know the villages, not just the Google Maps route.

Expect:

• Cooler weather.

• Golden rice terraces.

• Proper mountain culture (if you go beyond town).

3. Cao Bang  

Discover the incredible and untouched landscapes of Cao Bang with Bong Hostel’s expert local guides. 

Swap crowded viewpoints for off-the-beaten-path wonders, from the thunderous Ban Gioc Waterfall on the China border to the intricate chambers of Nguom Ngao Cave.

Tour Features:

• Full-day excursion to Ban Gioc Waterfall.

• Guided exploration of Nguom Ngao Cave’s limestone passages.

• Homestay hosted by a local family, near Ba Be Lake.

• Trip to God’s Eye Mountain.

4. Mai Chau 

Swap sweaty ascents for relaxed pedals along Mai Chau’s backroads. 

You can arrange to get dropped at a bike-friendly lodge, then map out a loop past stilt houses, rice paddies, and roadside fruit stands. 

Finish with a cooking demo of com lam (bamboo rice) and fresh pomelo juice.

5. Ninh Binh 

September is a sweet spot for Ninh Binh. The heat has dropped, but the greenery is still going strong. 

Tam Coc and Trang An are less busy, and boat rides feel less touristy and more peaceful. 

Bong Hostel’s Ninh Binh day trips or overnight packages take you to the right spots: hidden pagodas, countryside cycling, and fewer crowds.

Expect:

• Sweeping rice paddies between limestone cliffs.

• Early morning mists along the river.

• Quiet temples and karst landscapes.

6. Ha Long Bay 

Ha Long Bay is still warm in September, but the humidity drops and skies begin to clear—especially later in the month. You’ll avoid the high-season rush, and cruises are often discounted.

Popular options include:

• Ha Long Bay Full Day Tour | Ha Long bay 1 day tour.

• Amanda Cruise (5★) | Amanda 5 stars Ha Long.

• Aqua Of The Seas  (5★) | Aqua Of The Seas Cruise 2 days 1 night.

• Oasis Bay – Party Cruise | Ha Long party cruise.

Go midweek if you want quieter waters.

7. Pu Luong 

Pu Luong’s waterfalls and terraces are the main draw here. Stay in bamboo bungalows, kayak hidden streams, and relax in open-air hot tubs overlooking paddies.

Visiting Perks:

• Transport from Hanoi and back.

• Stay in a solar-powered bamboo lodge.

• Take a guided trek to Kho Muong waterfall and visit the local market.

8. Cat Ba Island 

Cat Ba is a great add-on to your Ha Long trip. The beaches are still warm enough to swim, and the national park hikes (like Ngu Lam Peak or Frog Pond Trail) are finally manageable without sweating buckets.

It is also possible to take a cruise through Lan Ha Bay as an alternative to Ha Long Bay. This is perfect for travelers who prefer a quieter experience. 

Bong Hostel Cruise Includes:

• Private cabin with ensuite bathroom.

• Three-meal deck service featuring fresh seafood.

• Kayak and snorkeling gear rental.

9. Mu Cang Chai 

Bong Hostel doesn’t run tours here—but if you’re confident on a bike or don’t mind a long bus ride, Mu Cang Chai is an incredible side trip. 

September is when the town’s famous terraced rice fields peak. It’s more remote and less commercial than Sapa, and that’s part of the appeal.

You’ll need to:

• Catch a bus from Hanoi or Nghia Lo.

• Stay in a homestay in La Pan Tan or Che Cu Nha.

• Rent a bike or take short treks to see the best views.

Go mid to late September for the best colors of harvest season.

10. Hanoi  

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is an essential stop on any trip to North Vietnam.

But see the capital through a local lens with Bong Hostel’s curated walking, biking, and motorbike tours. All tours include an English-speaking guide and pick-up at Bong Hanoi Hostel.

Popular options include:

• Street Food Walking Tour | 3 hrs | 5–8 dishes & drinks.

• Motorbike City Tour | Up to 4 hrs | 1 meal included.

• Hanoi Biking Tour | 4 hrs | Includes entrance fees & 1 meal.

• Bat Trang Pottery Village Ride | 4 hrs | Includes lunch & workshop visit.

Tours run daily. Book at reception or message us for more info.

Cultural Events in Vietnam in September 2025

1. Vietnam National Day (September 2)

Vietnam National Day 2025 marks a major milestone: 80 years since President Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule on September 2, 1945. 

Expect the country to go all out.

There will be military parades, flag-waving crowds, fireworks, and patriotic concerts—especially in Hanoi. 

While many businesses, banks, and government offices close for the day, most tourist services remain open, and cities tend to be even more vibrant than usual.

2. Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)

Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (usually late September), this is Vietnam’s most charming holiday. 

Kids roam the streets with star lanterns, mooncakes are everywhere, and performances light up the night.

Best Spots: Hanoi’s Old Quarter and any local village celebration.

3. Back-to-School Season

It’s not just tourists packing bags. Vietnamese students return to class, so expect a little extra buzz around school zones and morning traffic jams. 

Good news? Tourist hotspots become blissfully quiet.

September Travel Tips

• Pack smart for shifting weather: September straddles the line between summer rains and autumn breezes. Bring breathable clothes for the day, a light waterproof jacket or poncho, and a compact umbrella for surprise showers. Layers are key—especially if you're heading to the mountains (which you totally should!).

• Embrace local culture: This is a festive month with both Vietnam National Day (Sept 2) and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Visit rural markets, join village celebrations, and stay in homestays to get a real taste of northern hospitality.

• Start your days early: Mornings tend to be cooler, clearer, and less crowded. Whether you’re trekking in Sapa or cruising Ninh Binh’s rivers, early risers get the best light and the quietest views.

• Eat with the season: September is harvest time. Try cốm (young green rice), mooncakes (sold everywhere in the lead-up to the Mid-Autumn Festival), and fresh fruits like mangosteen and rambutan. These flavors define the season.

• Plan around holidays: September 2nd and the Mid-Autumn Festival (usually mid-September) can cause price hikes and booked-out trains, buses, and a

Final Word on Top Spots to Visit in Vietnam this September

North Vietnam in September is everything at once: harvest gold, mountain mist, mooncakes, and motorbikes. 

It’s the kind of trip that stays with you—whether you're zooming along the Ha Giang Loop, trekking in Sapa, or floating through limestone valleys in Ninh Binh.

At Bong Hostel, we make it easy. 

Join one of our group tours, or just use us as your launchpad—we’ve got the routes, the bikes, the beds, and the local knowledge to make your September unforgettable.

Book your North Vietnam adventure with Bong Hostel now—and experience the country at its most colorful.