1. Why choose Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations in 2026?
Spring travel at the beginning of the Year of the Horse 2026 has become an occasion for Northerners to turn towards ancient spiritual values. This custom is associated with visiting temples and pagodas, praying for good luck, and dispelling all misfortunes of the past year. The pilgrimage journey at the beginning of the year brings positive energy, helping everyone be ready to embrace new beginnings with enthusiasm and optimism.
Northern Vietnam boasts major spiritual complexes such as Huong Pagoda, Yen Tu, and Bai Dinh, intertwined with majestic natural scenery. In the early spring days, peach, plum, and mustard flowers bloom across valleys and high mountain areas, creating a vibrant natural picture full of colors. The overlapping mountains, clear blue lakes, and spring floral scenery have turned Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations in 2026 into an ideal rendezvous for those who love traditional cultural beauty.
Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations in 2026 also cater to the diverse needs of tourists. A trip can combine early spring festivals, pilgrimage for peace, and ecological exploration such as rowing a boat along Suoi Yen or trekking on Yen Tu mountain. These experiences are suitable for all audiences, from families with young children visiting, to groups of young friends wanting to capture impressive check-in moments amidst magnificent nature.
Trends in 2026 show many tours combining pilgrimage with high-end resort stays, especially Yen Tu routes connecting Ba Vang or Trang An combined with Bai Dinh within a 1-day itinerary departing from Hanoi. Modern cable cars at many destinations allow tourists to travel easily, saving time while still having a complete experience. Convenient transportation and increasingly professional services are why many people prioritize Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations to start the new year.
2. Ideal timing and notes for spring travel in Northern Vietnam in 2026
2.1. The best time for spring travel in Northern Vietnam in 2026
The most wonderful time to explore Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations in 2026 is from the 1st to the 10th day of the first lunar month, equivalent to late January to early February 2026. This is a period of pleasantly cool weather, with spiritual festivals taking place vibrantly at temples and pagodas throughout Northern Vietnam. Spring flowers like peach, plum, and yellow mustard bloom, creating a vibrant and poetic natural scene.
If you want to avoid too many visitors at once, consider scheduling from the 1st to the 3rd day or from the 7th day onwards. From the 4th to the 6th day of the first lunar month, the number of tourists flocking to places like Huong Pagoda or Yen Tu often increases, making the pilgrimage atmosphere more bustling. A flexible itinerary will help you fully enjoy the spiritual atmosphere in peace.
2.2. Notes on weather, booking services early, effective preparation tips
The weather in Northern Vietnam in early spring 2026 ranges from 10 to 20°C, especially colder in the early morning and late evening. High mountain areas like Sa Pa, Yen Tu can have temperatures below 10°C, accompanied by fog and light wind. Preparing warm jackets, scarves, and comfortable sports shoes will help you be proactive against weather changes, especially when moving between different Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations in 2026.
Tour tickets, boats for Huong Pagoda, cable cars for Sa Pa or Yen Tu should be booked at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance through reputable online platforms like Vexere, iVIVU, or the official websites of tourist areas. Booking early helps you secure your spot, avoiding sold-out rooms or long waits during peak season. Additionally, you should also prepare cold medicine, drinking water, and necessary personal items to be ready for your exploration journey.
Choosing tours and services from large, reputable providers will offer a worry-free and high-quality experience. Many tour packages combining spirituality and resort stays are popular, especially resorts within the Sun Group system with consistent service standards and many attractive promotions at the beginning of the year. Choosing the right provider will help you start the Year of the Horse with beautiful and complete memories.
3. Top most outstanding Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations in 2026
3.1. Huong Pagoda (Hanoi): The spiritual journey of the "First Cave of the Southern Sky"
Huong Pagoda opens for its festival from the 6th day of the first lunar month, attracting millions of pilgrims annually. The journey begins with a gentle boat ride along Suoi Yen, where the clear blue water reflects the mountains on both banks. The sound of oars lapping the water, the distant chime of temple bells, all create an unforgettable sacred atmosphere. This is precisely the quintessential experience that makes Huong Pagoda an unmissable Northern Vietnam spring travel destination in 2026.
Huong Pagoda is a famous spiritual pilgrimage site in the North. (Source: Collected)
Huong Tich Cave is the most important destination in the Huong Pagoda complex, hailed as "the foremost cave in the South of Vietnam". Inside the cave, natural stalactites and stalagmites form fantastical shapes like nature's sculptures. Visitors often stop at Thien Tru Pagoda on the way to the cave to pray for peace, then continue climbing stone steps into the heart of the mountain. The serene atmosphere and faint scent of incense bring an indescribable sense of tranquility.
3.2. Trang An – Tam Coc – Hang Mua – Bai Dinh (Ninh Binh): Combining spirituality and ecology
Ninh Binh is an ideal destination for those who want to fully experience both spirituality and nature in a single day trip from Hanoi. A one-day tour usually begins with a boat trip on the Trang An complex, where visitors navigate through natural caves beneath majestic limestone mountains. Light filters through cave openings, and the calm water reflects the blue sky, creating a mesmerizing, picturesque scene.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is sacred and majestic. (Source: Collected)
After Trang An, the journey leads up to Mua Cave with 500 steep stone steps. From Mua Peak, you can gaze out at the golden ripe rice fields, the winding Ngo Dong River, and the surrounding rolling mountains. This scenery is particularly impressive in early spring when nature transforms with fresh green colors. Many tourists share that Mua Cave is an unmissable "photo opportunity" spot when exploring Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations .
The journey concludes with Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest spiritual complex in Southeast Asia. The pagoda houses the tallest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in Vietnam and a 500m long Arhat corridor. Praying here at the beginning of the year brings a deep sense of peace amidst the sacred space. This tour is suitable for families and groups of friends, with prices ranging from 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND per person depending on services.
3.3. Yen Tu – Ba Vang Pagoda – Cua Ong – Cai Bau (Quang Ninh): Sacred Buddhist land, majestic mountains
Yen Tu is the first name that comes to mind for many when mentioning sacred 2026 Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations . As the origin of the Truc Lam Zen school, Yen Tu possesses the majestic beauty of mountains along with deep spiritual value. Visitors can choose to trek along forest trails or use the cable car to reach Dong Peak, where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong became a monk. The Yen Tu Festival takes place from the 10th day of the first lunar month, attracting pilgrims back to the origin of Vietnamese Buddhism.
Yen Tu Pagoda attracts pilgrims to the origin of Vietnamese Buddhism. (Source: Collected)
Ba Vang Pagoda is located at the foot of Yen Tu mountain, nổi bật với kiến trúc nguy nga bậc nhang vàng son và không gian thanh tịnh. From Ba Vang, you can continue your journey to Cua Ong Temple in Cam Pha, which worships Saint Tran Quoc Tang amidst a picturesque landscape. Cai Bau Pagoda is nestled on Bai Tu Long Bay, just a few kilometers from Cua Ong, offering a stunning sea and mountain view as the morning sunlight shines.
Tours combining Yen Tu and pagodas in the Quang Ninh region usually last 2 days 1 night, with costs ranging from 2,500,000 to 3,500,000 VND per person depending on accommodation services and transportation. It is recommended to depart early in the morning to make the most of the time for climbing and watching the sunrise from Dong Peak.
3.4. Sa Pa (Lao Cai): Welcome the peach and plum blossom season and "cloud hunt" Fansipan
As spring arrives, Sa Pa transforms in the white of plum blossoms and the vibrant pink of wild peach blossoms. Morning mist blankets the town, creating a dreamy scene like a fairyland. Strolling through the small paths, you will encounter blooming flower gardens next to the stilt houses of ethnic minorities. The air is fresh and cool, around 8 to 15°C, making Sa Pa an ideal Northern Vietnam spring travel destination for 2026 for those who love high mountain climates.
Fansipan, at an altitude of 3,143 m, remains an unmissable highlight. The Fansipan Legend cable car takes visitors from Muong Hoa station to the summit in just 15 minutes, opening up panoramic views of the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range. At the summit, visitors often pay homage to the Great Buddha statue of Amitabha and conquer the "Roof of Indochina" marker. If you are lucky, you will witness the phenomenon of a sea of white clouds stretching out below the mountain, an unforgettable sight.
Resort combo tours combining Fansipan Legend are a popular choice, with 2-day 1-night packages including cable car tickets and hotel in town, priced from 3,500,000 VND per person. Booking early will help you receive discounts and ensure quality accommodation during the early year peak season.
3.5. Tam Chuc Pagoda (Ha Nam): Worship at the "Ha Long Bay on land"
Tam Chuc Pagoda is currently located in Tam Chuc ward, Ninh Binh city (old address: Ba Sao town, Kim Bang district, Ha Nam province after merger in 2024). This complex is nicknamed "Ha Long Bay on land" with its clear blue lake and over 100 large and small islands surrounding the pagodas and temples. In spring, nature's scenery is vibrant with blooming flowers and mountains covered in fresh green, creating a harmonious natural painting.
Tam Chuc Pagoda is the largest spiritual complex in Vietnam with an area of over 5,000 ha. The Great Buddha Hall is over 8,000 m², housing a 9.3 m tall white jade statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Ngoc Pagoda stands out with 10,000 bas-reliefs of the Buddha, while Phap Chu Pagoda makes its mark with imposing architecture by the lake. This is an ideal Northern Vietnam spring travel destination for those who wish for solemn worship amidst a peaceful atmosphere.
Tam Chuc Pagoda is the largest spiritual complex in Vietnam, marked by its massive architecture by the lake. (Source: Collected)
From Hanoi to Tam Chuc Pagoda, it only takes about 1 hour to travel along the Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway. Convenient transportation makes this a suitable destination for a short spring trip. You can depart in the morning, visit for the whole day, and return to Hanoi in the evening, or combine it with a trip to Ninh Binh to optimize your itinerary.
3.6. Ba Be – Ban Gioc – Truc Lam Buddha's Relic Pagoda (Bac Kan – Cao Bang): Quietly amidst the border region
Ba Be Lake is located amidst the mountains and forests of Bac Kan, and is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam with an area of over 500 hectares. In early spring, the clear blue lake reflects the surrounding mountains and forests, creating a peaceful atmosphere hard to find elsewhere. Tourists often choose to row a boat through Puong Cave, exploring the underground water flowing through majestic limestone mountains. The cool, fresh air and pristine nature bring a feeling of "escaping" the hustle and bustle of the city.
From Ba Be, the journey continues towards Cao Bang to admire Ban Gioc Waterfall, the most majestic border waterfall in Southeast Asia. The waterfall cascades from a height of 30 m, creating a white stream amidst the lush green mountains. Nearby, Truc Lam Buddha's Relic Pagoda Ban Gioc is nestled on the mountainside, where visitors pray for peace on the nation's border. The majestic mountain scenery and sacred atmosphere make this a special Northern Vietnam spring travel destination 2026 for those who love wild nature.
The itinerary from Hanoi to Ba Be and Ban Gioc usually lasts 3 days and 2 nights, with costs ranging from 3,000,000 to 4,500,000 VND per person, including transportation, accommodation, and guide. It is advisable to prepare warm clothes as the temperature in the highlands can drop below 10°C in the early morning.
3.7. Mai Chau (Hoa Binh): Village tourism, terraced fields
Mai Chau is only about 150 km from Hanoi, making it a close and convenient choice for those who want to experience village culture amidst fresh air. Lac Village and Pom Coong Village are two prominent destinations, where you can stay in the stilt houses of the Thai people, enjoy sticky rice cooked in bamboo, grilled chicken, and traditional fermented rice wine. Lush green terraced fields at the beginning of the year, surrounding mountains, and distant folk songs create an unforgettable relaxing space.
In spring, Mai Chau is beautiful with peach and plum blossoms blooming all over the hillsides. Tourists often cycle around the valley, visit local markets, or participate in folk activities such as bamboo pole dancing and brocade weaving. The close connection with nature and strong local culture makes Mai Chau a popular Northern Vietnam spring travel destination in recent years.
A 2-day, 1-night tour from Hanoi is suitable for families or groups of friends, with prices ranging from 1,200,000 to 1,800,000 VND per person, including transportation, stilt house accommodation, and main meals. Departing on Saturday morning, you can return to Hanoi on Sunday afternoon, making full use of the weekend break.
3.8. Lang Son (Bac Le Temple, Mau Dong Dang, Tam Thanh): Spring travel destination for seeking fortune, exploring the border region
Bac Le Temple, which worships Mau Thuong Ngan (Mother Goddess of the Mountains) and is over 300 years old, is located on Vong Phu Mountain in Bac Le commune, Huu Lung district, Lang Son. The Bac Le Temple festival from the 1st to the 10th of the first lunar month attracts a large number of tourists praying for wealth and fortune at the beginning of the year. The path to the temple winds through mountains and forests, with tiered steps leading to the main courtyard featuring ancient architecture and a sacred atmosphere. Standing on the mountaintop, you can gaze out at the vast fields and distant rolling mountains.
Mau Dong Dang Temple in Dong Dang town, Cao Loc city, is another sacred place not to be missed. The temple is close to the Huu Nghi Quan border gate, a bustling trading point on the Vietnam-China border. Many people visit here to pray for peace for the new year, then continue to explore Tam Thanh Cave with a Buddha statue on a majestic natural cliff face. Dong Kinh Market nearby is a place to shop for border specialties and experience the lively trading atmosphere.
From Hanoi to Lang Son takes about 2 hours by expressway. A 1-day or 2-day, 1-night tour is suitable depending on your needs, with costs ranging from 800,000 to 1,500,000 VND per person. This Northern Vietnam spring travel destination 2026 is suitable for those who enjoy exploring the border region and diverse spiritual culture.
3.9. Ba Vi – Soc Son – Dai Lai (Hanoi – Vinh Phuc): Resort near the capital, suitable for families
Ba Vi, with its vast national park and the famous Tan Vien peak, is a favorite resort destination for Hanoians. In early spring, Ba Vi mountain is covered in fresh green, with pleasant cool weather around 15 to 18°C. Thay Pagoda and Soc Pagoda nearby are places where tourists often visit to worship and immerse themselves in the tranquil space amidst mountains, water, and landscapes. Mountains, waterfalls, and lush green forests create a peaceful natural picture.
Soc Son is notable for Tien Pagoda and Huong Son Pagoda amidst majestic limestone mountain scenery. Flamingo Dai Lai Resort in Vinh Phuc is only about 50 km from Hanoi, making it an ideal resort destination with a large lake, children's play area, and picnic/camping services. Many families choose this Northern Vietnam spring travel destination to combine worship with a short resort stay without traveling far.
A 1-day tour from Hanoi to Ba Vi or Dai Lai costs from 500,000 to 900,000 VND per person depending on the service. If you choose an overnight stay at a resort, a 2-day, 1-night package ranges from 2,000,000 to 3,500,000 VND for a family of 4. Departing early in the morning will allow you to fully enjoy outdoor activities.
4. Suggested itinerary for combining spring travel to multiple destinations
Day 1: Hanoi – Huong Pagoda – Tam Chuc (Ha Nam)
Departing from Hanoi at 6 AM, you will arrive at Huong Pagoda around 8 AM. Row a boat along Yen Stream, immerse yourself in the sacred pilgrimage atmosphere, and explore Huong Tich Cave in the morning. Have lunch at restaurants near Huong Pagoda, enjoying specialties such as grilled fish, goat meat, and wild vegetables prepared in traditional style. In the afternoon, travel to Tam Chuc Pagoda in Tam Chuc ward, Ninh Binh city (formerly: Kim Bang district, Ha Nam) to visit the largest spiritual complex in Vietnam amidst majestic lake and mountain scenery. Conclude Day 1 by returning to Hanoi or staying at hotels near Tam Chuc if you wish to continue your journey the next day.
Day 2: Ninh Binh (Trang An, Bai Dinh) – Travel to Moc Chau
On the morning of Day 2, depart for Trang An to row a boat through caves, admire the majestic limestone scenery and clear blue lake. Afterwards, visit Bai Dinh to worship in a vast spiritual space, see the Maitreya Buddha statue and the 500m-long Arhat corridor. Have lunch in Ninh Binh with burnt rice (com chay), mountain goat meat, and other local specialties. In the afternoon, travel from Ninh Binh towards Moc Chau via Thung Khe Pass, a distance of about 200 km taking about 4 hours. Arrive in Moc Chau in the late afternoon, stay overnight at a hotel or homestay amidst the fresh mountain air.
Day 3: Moc Chau flower viewing – return to Hanoi via Mai Chau/Hoa Binh
On the morning of Day 3, visit the lush green Moc Chau tea hills, fields of vibrant yellow mustard flowers, and white plum blossoms blooming throughout the valley. This is the ideal time for photography and enjoying the cool highland air. Afterwards, visit Dai Yem Waterfall nearby to explore the majestic natural landscape. For lunch, travel from Moc Chau back to Hanoi via Mai Chau, stopping at Lac Village or Pom Coong to experience village culture, enjoy sticky rice cooked in bamboo and grilled chicken before concluding your spring travel journey back to the capital.
5. Northern Vietnam Spring Travel Experience 2026: Clothing, booking tours, safety notes
5.1. Preparing clothing and health
The weather in Northern Vietnam in early spring can change suddenly, so prepare a warm jacket, scarf, and woolen hat to keep warm. Non-slip sports shoes are the best choice when moving on stone steps at pagodas or trekking up mountains. Don't forget to bring drinking water, wet wipes, and cold medicine in case your body is not accustomed to the cool climate. If your itinerary includes climbing mountains like Yen Tu or Fansipan, you should also bring gloves and balm to support your health along the way.
5.2. How to book tours, bus tickets, accommodation for Tet 2026
Book tours at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance through major platforms such as Vexere, iVIVU, or the official websites of tourist attractions. Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations 2026 like Huong Pagoda, Yen Tu, and Sa Pa often have a high number of tourists during Tet. Booking early helps you get better choices in terms of price and services. Prioritize hotels and resorts within the Sun Group system or reputable accommodation chains to enjoy quality standards and special offers. Carefully check the cancellation terms and travel insurance before payment to ensure your rights.
5.3. Etiquette when visiting pagodas, customs to note
When visiting Northern Vietnam spring travel destinations, you should wear polite attire, avoiding shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing. Maintain order when moving within the pagoda grounds, do not shout, smoke, or eat/drink indiscriminately. Please comply with the specific regulations of each destination, especially areas where photography is prohibited or flash is not allowed. Prepare small change for offerings and fortune-telling, avoiding the inconvenience of not having enough small bills. Respecting the spiritual space will bring you a meaningful and peaceful experience.
Northern Vietnam Spring Travel 2026 is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in sacred spiritual spaces, admire the vibrant spring flowers amidst majestic mountains and forests, and experience long-standing traditional cultural values. From Huong Pagoda to Yen Tu, from Ninh Binh to Sa Pa, each Northern Vietnam spring travel destination 2026 has its own story and unforgettable beauty. Plan early, prepare thoroughly, and be ready to welcome a truly brilliant Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo) with family and friends. Starting the new year with meaningful experiences will fill you with energy and confidence for the next 365 days!