Full of magnificent colors, autumn can be refreshing after a long, hot summer! Booking.com shares a selection of Vietnam's five destinations to discover the fabulous fall. From spectacular mountain escapes in the highlands of Ha Giang to Da Lat, to the capital city of Hanoi, and all the way to the sunny island of Phu Quoc, simply choose amongst your favorite accommodations on Booking.com. Take a long walk and enjoy the color of autumn before the winter chill sets in.

Hanoi

Much is made about “fall foliage” in North America. Northern Vietnam, with its four seasons in contrast to the tropical South, is one of Southeast Asia’s best counterparts to that colorful display.

Autumn is when Hanoi is at its most photogenic. Photo: Vietnam Discovery Travel

Autumn is when Hanoi is at its most photogenic. The gray haze of the rainy season clears away, leaving the sky a clear and crystalline blue. The leaves of the trees lining wide city streets begin to turn red, yellow, and brown. The sun takes on a particularly radiant hue, a gilded beaming through the ruddy branches. Delicate hoa sua (alstonia scholaris) erupts from the trees, filling entire neighborhoods with a powerfully sweet and distinctive smell that captivates the creativity of artists and musicians.

Students and young women emerge in ao dai – Vietnamese traditional attire in search of the prettiest places to take pictures, while vendors pedal past on bicycles selling bright bouquets of white and yellow daisies. These flocks of models, photographers, and flower sellers become part of the landscapes, fluttering brightly through the fall like so many tropical birds.

Lan Ha Bay

Nestled in the south of East Bay and Cat Ba Island, the hidden gem of Lan Ha Bay awaits to be explored by adventurous travelers. Spanning over 7,000 hectares, this breathtaking area boasts around 400 small islands with unique and enchanting shapes. What sets Lan Ha Bay apart from Ha Long is that all its islands are lush with verdant forests, except for one tiny islet.

Nestled in the south of East Bay and Cat Ba Island, the hidden gem of Lan Ha Bay awaits to be explored by adventurous travelers. Photo: Halong Bay

Despite being an off-location, Lan Ha Bay is considered one of Vietnam’s most stunning bays, offering a refreshing boat ride to soak in the magnificent scenery when the weather is just right, with a pleasant temperature and a cool ocean breeze. For those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of typical tourist spots or who have already explored Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is an excellent option to discover and immerse yourself in the beauty of Vietnam’s natural wonders.

Where to stay: Located in Cat Ba, Lan Ha Floating Homestay offers visitors spectacular sea views, a garden, a terrace, a bar, and a private beach area. The property is close to popular attractions such as Monkey Island Beach and Ben Beo Harbor. This property is highly rated for couple vacations by users on Booking.com.

Ha Giang

During the months of October and November, the Dong Van Karst plateau is adorned with beautiful fields of tam giac mach (buckwheat) flowers in shades of white and pastel pink. Many visitors come on motorbikes through mountain passes to witness this breathtaking sight.

A border province and official Frontier Area, Ha Giang lies in the remote far northern region of the country. Photo: Vietnam Travel

Buckwheat is a crucial grain for the locals, and it’s usually planted after the summer-fall rice crop each year. The buckwheat flowers are in full bloom all over the mountain slopes of Dong Van District. Therefore, during your autumn journey, you can enjoy the beautiful and vibrant colors and relish the taste of spicy buckwheat wine or soft buckwheat cake.

Where to stay: Panhou Retreat, located in Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang, offers bungalows surrounded by ponds and gardens. The property is nestled within the mountain jungles and running rivers of Ha Giang, surrounded by several ethnic minorities of Vietnam. Visitors can register for a trekking tour with a local guide, join a cooking workshop, or enjoy traditional massage and baths at the retreat for a complete relaxing experience.

Da Lat

In Dalat, October marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. The weather during this time is generally cool and pleasant, with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures. The average temperature in Dalat in October ranges from 18-24°C (64-75°F), with average high temperatures of around 24°C (75°F) and average low temperatures dropping down to around 15°C (59°F). Overall, October is considered one of the best months to visit Dalat due to the pleasant weather conditions and the beautiful scenery of the city and surrounding areas.

In Dalat, October marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. Photo: Gecko Routes

As travelers make their way from the Bao Loc mountain pass to Da Lat, they can witness the vast mountains covered in wild sunflowers that mix with the greenery of pine trees. These beautiful flowers can also be seen in other parts of the countryside, such as Lien Khuong, Trai Mat-Cau Dat, D’ran–Da Lat, and Chu Dang Ya Commune in Gia Lai Province, where evidence of a century-old extinct volcano can still be found.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, boasts pristine white-sand beaches and charming fishing villages. October – November is a perfect time to explore Phu Quoc and enjoy its natural beauty.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, boasts pristine white-sand beaches and charming fishing villages. Photo: Bao Kien Giang

The island offers a range of activities, from swimming in the crystal clear blue waters and taking long walks on the sandy beaches to cycling, kayaking, and scuba diving among the stunning coral reefs. Visitors can stay in traditional huts with the locals or luxurious five-star hotels with breathtaking views of the islands.

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