The tips when traveling to the Northwest introduced in this article will help you have a complete and smooth journey when visiting the mountainous provinces in the Northwest of our country.
Notes when traveling to the Northwest that you need to remember
1. Bring warm clothes
The provinces in the Northwest region of our country are mountainous provinces with an altitude of over 1000 meters above sea level. Therefore, the weather is cool all year round, cold in winter. Therefore, one of the notes when traveling to the Northwest that you need to remember is to always bring warm clothes, regardless of the season.
The weather in the Northwest provinces is quite cold, you should bring warm clothes. Photo: @dat.atmin
Spring and summer, the day is quite cool but at night the temperature will be low, the air is quite cold. If you are used to hot sunny cities, you will feel cold when traveling to the Northwest . Therefore, it will not be superfluous to bring with you a warm shirt so that the body does not catch a cold.
Jackets, scarves help you better adapt to the temperature in the Northwest. Photo: @ioana.aist
In winter, provinces such as Lao Cai, Son La, Lai Chau, etc. are very cold, in some places frost and snow appear. So, before you go on a trip to these provinces, you should check the weather forecast to prepare yourself with suitable warm clothes, avoid the situation when you arrive and then have to stay at home to turn on the heater because it is too cold to go out. .
2. Limit going at night
Today, the Northwest provinces have developed stronger tourism with the transport system invested across the province. The passes, the wide open roads create ravishing scenery for this land. However, basically, the main terrain of the Northwest is mountainous, winding, and very dangerous roads. That’s why you should avoid going at night.
The mountainous terrain and steep pass are not suitable for tourists to go at night. Photo: @puravidahomes
Unlike Saigon or Hanoi, at night the streets are still crowded and sparkling with lights. The roads in the Northwest, especially the national highways or the pass routes, are very deserted. Many places do not have street lights, not suitable for you to go at night, especially those who go alone or ride a motorbike.
It is best to go only during the day because it is very dangerous at night. Photo: @alexstrandlien
Besides, the passes like O Quy Ho, Khau Pa, Ma Pi Leng , although very beautiful but also very dangerous, one side is a cliff, one side is an abyss, completely unsuitable for conquering when the dark has covered. Ideally, you should only explore the roads during the day and stay in a homestay or hotel at night.
3. “Continued Entry”
The northern mountainous area is mainly inhabited by the Mong, Dao, Thai, and Ha Nhi ethnic groups, etc. with typical traditional culture. When traveling in these provinces, Kinh people will feel strange in front of the costumes, voices, and even the eating and living habits of local residents.
To the villages in the Northwest, visitors need to respect the indigenous culture of the residents. Photo: @yencindy
Therefore, a note when traveling to the Northwest that you need to remember is to respect the culture of the local people, not to laugh at their difference compared to life in the lowlands. If you have the opportunity to stay at homestays or ask to stay at people’s houses, you should only live according to the instructions of the owner, absolutely do not arbitrarily take actions that affect their customs. .
Visitors should integrate with the local people’s life, try the local delicacies. Photo: @phenguyen123456
But grandparents said “join the customary”, meaning that when coming to the beautiful villages in the Northwest , you should immerse yourself in the rhythm of the residents’ lives to understand more about their culture and lifestyle. This is an opportunity for visitors to expand their knowledge and understand more about the diversity of ethnic groups.
4. Should have snacks in the bag
Northwest cuisine is very diverse and attractive with countless delicious specialties of the Northern mountainous region. Among them are five-color sticky rice, Thang Dan, Thang Co, kitchen buffalo, grilled stream fish, corn wine, etc., which are sold a lot in fairs and served at people’s houses, homestays and motels. .
You can bring snacks, in case you have not yet integrated with the local cuisine. Photo: @sale.holimagi
However, not all visitors quickly integrate and can eat these specialties. In case the food is not to your taste, you should carry snacks in your pocket. It can be cakes, dried fruit, dried food or milk, compact instant noodles.
Northwest cuisine is very diverse, with many dishes that are strange to lowland people. Photo: @vulinhfamily_homestay
Having snacks in your pocket will help “save hunger” for you in your journey to discover the Northwest or you’re on the road, can’t find any food stalls. Not to mention, when coming to remote villages, there are not many groceries and food products. It is essential that you prepare your own food and drinks.
5. Don’t forget the power bank
One more note when traveling to the Northwest is very important that you need to remember, which is to bring a power bank to provide enough battery power for your phone during the trip. Going to the Northwest, if you choose to travel by yourself, do not go on a tour, or do not stay at a high-class resort, you definitely need a backup battery to bring with you.
You will be taking a lot of photos, so carrying a power bank is essential. Photo: @loantracy
Because the journey between provinces and destinations is often far apart, the electricity network or shops in the Northwest is not as numerous and dense as in big cities. That will be very difficult for visitors if unfortunately phones, cameras run out of battery in the middle of the road. Therefore, carrying a large capacity backup battery is essential.
6. Always have a specific schedule
Whether you are exploring destinations in the Northwest within a province or traveling intercity, you still need a specific schedule. To have a detailed and appropriate plan, you should refer to the reviews of visitors who have been here, carefully look at the map to know the location of the coordinates each check-in.
A trip is only complete when it is specifically scheduled. Photo: @lim.avel
Based on the information you have found, you will make a specific plan for each day in the Northwest, which places to go, for how long, what to eat, at which restaurant, where to rest, and how much to spend. how much is the fee. Having a detailed plan helps you not to be embarrassed when standing in front of a vast and vast Northwest land. In addition, having a schedule also helps you avoid unnecessary incidents that affect the experience of the whole trip.
The more prepared you are, the better the trip will be. Photo: @t3thhomestay
Above are the most basic Northwest travel notes that you should pocket to have a fun, complete and meaningful journey. This land is beautiful, charming but not easy to conquer. Therefore, all careful preparation is essential.
Photo: Instagram