Hello all, we are 2 adults planning our first trip to Vietnam in last week of November and early December. The length of our trip is 10 days, and we will be flying into Hanoi. We haven’t yet planned a detailed itinerary yet, but we were planning to spend our time visiting central Vietnam – Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Da Nang, Hoi An, and back to Hanoi. May be squeeze in a 2-day Hạlong Bay cruise if we can.

However, after doing a little more research I realized that late November and early December can be rainy in central Vietnam. How bad does it get in the areas we are planning to visit? Should I plan to change my plan to include more of northern Vietnam instead of Da Nang and Hoi An? I am conflicted about taking the Hạ Long Bay cruise. If we are taking 1 night 2-day cruise, then we run the risk of washout if it rains. Also, looks like Halong Bay has been a victim of over tourism with cruise ships everywhere. Any alternate location that is comparable to Halong Bay cruise?

Any suggestions and recommendations are appreciated. Thank you for your time.

P.S: Pardon any grammar errors as I had to use google translate.

November is the height of the rainy season in central Vietnam . IME it should get a little drier towards the end of the month but no guarantees and heavy rain an even flooding remain a possibility. I would avoid the region at that time of year, but then, neither Hoi an nor Danang would be high on my list anyway!

Depend what you are looking for but there is more than enough to do and see in northern Vietnam for ten days. Hanoi alone warrants five days. Lots to see!

Ha long cruise is an option but yes, it is over touristed and polluted. Cruises to Bai tu long/ Lab Ha may be better options.

Personally, if it interests you, I would look at places like Ninh Binh, Ha Giang, the Mai Chau valley etc.

Alternatively, head south to Saigon and the Mekong delta for a few days.

I covered some of these places in our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com/category/vietnam/ . If , as it seems , English is not your first language, there are at least lots of photos.

Thank you for your reply. Will surely check out the blog. Do you know if there is any significant difference in landscape or scenery between Halong Bay and Bai tu long/Lab Ha? Also, if I were to pick one between Ninh Binh and Cao Bang, which would you suggest? Thank you.

No , the scenery isn’t a lot different between those bay.

Ninh Binh or Cao Bang? Ninh Binh is easier to get to (2-3 hours) than Cao Bang ( 7 hours or so) . Ninh Binh has a lot to see in a compact area but it can get crowded. Cao Bang is more remote, very beautiful. Our primary reason for going was to see BaBe lakes and the waterfalls we also stayed in a Homestay up there which was great fun (but very cold).

Both are great but with the time you have perhaps NB would be easier or maybe Mai Chau valleo

After looking at the pictures of Cao Bang and seeing some youtube videos, it looks like a much more beautiful region than Ninh Binh. If I decide to go to Cao Bang, I will probably allot more time. Is 4 days (not considering travel time) good enough for Cao Bang area? I will probably skip the Ba Be Lakes area as it is out of the way and transportation seems difficult. Will probably consider staying in Cao Bang and renting a motorcycle to tour the valleys and waterfalls in the area.

Is it going to be freezing cold or snowing? We are ok to tolerate as long as the temperature stays above 15 degrees centigrade. Do you have any blog for Cao Bang area? I looked at your link and couldn't find any articles for Cao Bang.