1. A brief overview of Ha Nam tourism

Ha Nam is likened to a gem nestled in the heart of the Red River Delta, adjacent to the capital Hanoi and possessing a favorable geographical location. This land is a unique combination of majestic limestone mountain ranges and the gentle Day River, winding through ancient villages, creating a natural landscape that is both expansive and poetic.

Ha Nam - top emerging tourist destination in Asia. (Source: Collected)

Not only beautiful in scenery, Ha Nam also impresses with its cultural - historical depth. Visitors can visit Tam Chuc Pagoda, stop by Tran Thuong Temple to feel the heroic imprint of the Tran dynasty, or pause at Vu Dai Village, the cradle of the famous braised fish dish and many unique traditional craft villages.

The interplay between pristine nature and profound spiritual values has created a harmonious and distinctive cultural and spiritual space. It is no coincidence that in 2024, Ha Nam was honored at the World Travel Awards with the title “World’s Leading Local Culture Destination”, affirming the growing attraction of this land on the international tourism map.

2. What is the best season to travel to Ha Nam?

Choosing what season to travel to Ha Nam depends entirely on individual preferences and purposes of experience. Each season of the year brings a new feeling and unique discoveries.

Summer is an ideal time for outdoor activities, suitable for exploring ecological areas thanks to lush, energetic nature. In winter, the weather is cool and the ancient pagodas are tranquil, especially suitable for those who love pilgrimage trips. However, spring and autumn are still chosen by many people due to their special advantages in experience.

2.1. Spring (February–April): A paradise for spiritual tourism and festivals

When spring arrives, Ha Nam seems to put on a gentle and bright new coat. The air is fresh and cool with temperatures ranging from 18 – 25°C and low rainfall, making it the most suitable time to wander through ancient relics, immerse yourself in the bustling festival atmosphere, or simply enjoy nature full of vitality.

Ha Nam's scenery in this season bursts with trees budding, and flowers blooming vibrantly everywhere. The peaceful countryside becomes more vibrant with the sound of drums and gongs echoing in festival spaces; while pagodas are brightly decorated, opening their arms to welcome visitors from all directions. The most prominent is the Tich Dien Doi Son festival, which recreates the plowing ritual to pray for a good harvest and features unique traditional art performances, an unforgettable experience for anyone who has the chance to attend. Besides, the Tran Thuong Temple festival is also a major cultural gathering, associated with the ritual of distributing provisions, palanquin processions, and commemorating the merits of the Tran dynasty. Every year, thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over flock here to pray for peace and learn more about national history. Early spring is also when Tam Chuc Pagoda becomes more bustling than ever.

A sacred cultural space not to be missed at Tam Chuc Pagoda. (Source: Collected)

Not only a large-scale Buddhist center, this place also impresses with its majestic mountain scenery and serene atmosphere, bringing visitors moments of contemplation and memorable experiences. It can be said that if you are looking for a season to fully experience the traditional cultural nuances and festive spirit of Ha Nam, then spring is the perfect choice.

2.2. Autumn (September–November): Romantic, peaceful, and ideal for exploring nature

Autumn in Ha Nam always leaves an unforgettable impression with its dry, cool atmosphere and gentle golden sunlight spread across the mountains. Low humidity and infrequent rain make travel convenient, while also opening up ideal opportunities for visitors to fully participate in outdoor activities.

The autumn nature here also paints a vivid picture: pure white lotus ponds, brilliant golden ripe rice fields, and village paths filled with the colors of changing leaves. For photography enthusiasts, this is the "golden season" to capture the pure and peaceful moments of the Northern Vietnamese countryside.

One of the experiences worth trying is trekking at Bat Canh Son. The journey through the forest not only brings a sense of relaxation but also leads you to ancient pagodas hidden under the shade of trees. From the mountaintop, the lush green valley unfolds in the gentle sunlight, creating a scenery that is both majestic and poetic.

Discover the picturesque beauty of Bat Canh Son. (Source: Collected)

If you love spacious areas for picnics or camping, Kem Trong is an unmissable choice. Majestic limestone mountains cast their reflections on the winding Day River, creating a picturesque scene like a watercolor painting. Visitors can try kayaking through small caves along the river, enjoying the cool breeze and an exciting sense of adventure.

Visit the Southern Heavenly First Cave of Ha Nam. (Source: Compilation)

It can be said that autumn is a special gift for those who love sports, are passionate about exploring nature, and want to find a Ha Nam that is both peaceful and rich in experiences. This is certainly the most ideal time to fully appreciate the beauty of this land.

3. Suggested Itinerary and Highlighted Experiences for Each Season in Ha Nam

One of the most interesting things when coming to Ha Nam is that each season has its own charm, offering visitors different experiences. Depending on the time, you can choose a suitable itinerary to enjoy the scenery as well as explore the local culture and cuisine.

In spring, Ha Nam is filled with festive atmosphere and fresh spring colors. This is an ideal occasion to visit Tam Chuc Pagoda, participate in the Doi Son Tich Dien Festival or the Tran Thuong Temple Festival, immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of gongs, palanquins, and traditional rituals.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at the Tich Dien Doi Son Festival in spring. (Source: Collected)

Summer is also the time to seek out vibrant entertainment and recreational spots. Tourists can visit Sun World Ha Nam to enjoy a modern water park, experience the parallel racing slides, the artificial beach, or simply relax by the cool lazy river. This is also when many families choose Ha Nam as a destination for short getaways.

Experience a vibrant summer at Sun World Ha Nam. (Source: Collected)

Autumn, with its gentle and clear weather, transforms Ha Nam into a poetic picture of a Northern Vietnamese countryside. You can go trekking at Bat Canh Son, picnic at Kem Trong, or stroll through fields of golden ripe rice and white lotus ponds in full bloom to capture impressive photos. Vu Dai Village is also a popular destination this season, where you can learn about the traditional braised fish craft and savor its rich flavor.

Discover Vu Dai Village - a unique feature of Vietnamese literature. (Source: Collected)

Winter, though cold, brings a tranquil beauty, suitable for those seeking peace. An early morning trip to a pagoda, visiting craft villages, or simply enjoying a hot pot of braised fish in the chilly air will create unforgettable memories. This is also the time when many tourists choose homestays and garden houses to experience a close, warm feeling with their families.

Admire the serene beauty of Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda. (Source: Collected)

4. Guide to transportation and accommodation when traveling to Ha Nam by season

4.1. Convenient transportation from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces to Ha Nam

Ha Nam has a very convenient transportation location. (Source: Collected)

Starting from Hanoi, buses are a choice trusted by many people thanks to their flexible schedules and reasonable prices, with frequent departures from Giap Bat and My Dinh bus stations. Travel time ranges from 1-1.5 hours; ticket prices are around 50,000-80,000 VNĐ depending on the vehicle type, you can choose brands like Hoang Long or Thanh Buoi.

If you choose the train on the Hanoi - Phu Ly route, it will take about 1.5-2 hours, with tickets ranging from 60,000-120,000 VNĐ, offering a cool and safe space. From Phu Ly station, it only takes an additional 2 km to reach the city center or nearby tourist attractions.

Personal vehicles are suitable for those who want to be proactive about their time and itinerary. The National Highway 1A route from Hanoi to Ha Nam is convenient, suitable for groups of friends or families who want to combine multiple destinations.

If starting from the southern provinces, you can fly to Noi Bai Airport, then use a bus or taxi to continue your journey to Ha Nam. The total time usually lasts from 3-4 hours, including flight time and road travel. During peak season, it is advisable to book tickets early, 2-3 weeks in advance.

To find better tickets during peak season, prioritize booking early, choose morning flight slots or mid-week days. Booking applications like Vexere, 229, Futabus often offer promotions, helping you secure your seat easily and save more.

4.2. Experience choosing suitable hotels and homestays for each season

Ha Nam's accommodation system is quite diverse, meeting various tourist needs. Hotels are concentrated in the Tam Chuc, Phu Ly, and Kim Bang areas, ranging from 2-star to 5-star. If you want to enjoy high-class services and convenient locations, you can choose large hotels such as Melia Vinpearl Phu Ly, Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam or Legend Valley Hotel… Most of these hotels are located in the center, making it very convenient to travel to famous tourist destinations such as Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ba Danh Pagoda or Dai Hoang traditional craft village.

Many comfortable and modern accommodation options will make your trip more complete. (Source: Collected)

Additionally, the mid-range hotel segment in Ha Nam is quite diverse, with spaces designed to be comfortable and convenient, harmoniously blending modernity with natural landscapes. This is a reasonable choice for those who want a moderate vacation with sufficient amenities. During peak festival seasons, you should book your room early to avoid unavailability or price increases.

Besides hotels, homestays are also a trend favored by many young people when visiting Ha Nam. Homestays here are often designed to be close to nature, with a youthful style, offering a true sense of 'chill'. For example, Tam Chuc Mountain Homestay with its proximity to mountains, or Kim Bang Eco Homestay nestled amidst lush greenery, is very suitable for families with young children.

When choosing a place to stay, you should prioritize locations near attractions such as Tam Chuc, Kem Trong, or Bat Canh Son to save travel time. Additionally, referring to reviews from previous travelers about breakfast services, in-room amenities, or shuttle services will help you easily choose a satisfactory accommodation. Family rooms or double rooms are common in most hotels and homestays, ensuring they meet the needs of young groups to large families.

5. Tips and some notes for a complete Ha Nam trip

Come to Ha Nam to admire the cultural beauty of the North. (Source: Collected)

For spring, choose light and elegant attire when attending pagoda ceremonies, avoiding overly short or brightly colored clothes. Additionally, preparing a shirt or a light jacket is very useful when encountering cold winds. An umbrella, though small, is a recommended item to bring as drizzles can occur unexpectedly. Do not push or speak too loudly during ceremonies, maintain a respectful attitude towards the local traditional customs.

When visiting historical sites, non-slip sports shoes will help you move safely. It is advisable to also prepare wet wipes and hand sanitizer, placing them in a small bag worn on your person for convenient storage of personal belongings and small change for offerings.

For autumn, prioritize comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing for trekking and picnicking. A medium-sized backpack is sufficient to hold personal items, water, and some snacks for a picnic. A camera is also an indispensable item to capture the scenery of the golden season.

Consciousness of maintaining general hygiene is essential; always dispose of trash in designated areas or take it with you if a suitable bin cannot be found. When taking photos, it is best to choose early morning hours from 6-8 AM or late afternoon from 4-6 PM to take advantage of the most beautiful golden light. Attire should be flexible to suit each destination – elegant when visiting pagodas, dynamic when trekking or picnicking outdoors.

When is the best time to travel to Ha Nam depends on personal preference, but spring and autumn are always top choices. Spring offers rich spiritual cultural experiences, while autumn is ideal for nature exploration. Plan your trip now to enjoy wonderful experiences in this land rich in identity!