Northern Vietnam, including popular destinations like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, experiences four distinct seasons, making the "best" time to visit somewhat dependent on your preferences. However, generally, the most favorable periods are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

Vietnam offers a "Visa on Arrival" (VOA) option, but it's crucial to understand that it's not like the typical VOA you might experience in other countries where you simply show up at the airport and get a visa. For Vietnam, "Visa on Arrival" actually means getting a pre-approval letter online before you travel, and then getting the actual visa stamp.

Getting from Halong Bay to Sapa involves a substantial journey, as they are in very different parts of Northern Vietnam. There's no direct train or flight, so you'll typically combine different modes of transport.
Here are the main ways to get from Halong Bay to Sapa:...