1. Does it Snow in Vietnam?

Snow can fall in Vietnam, but only in high-altitude northern mountainous areas such as Sapa (Lao Cai), Mau Son (Lang Son), and Meo Vac (Ha Giang) during harsh winter conditions, typically from late December to February. Because Vietnam has warm weather year-round, snowfall is a rare phenomenon, mostly limited to northern highlands where temperatures can drop below freezing.

Snowfall creates a stunning and mysterious landscape

2. Top Place to Enjoy the Snow in Vietnam

Here are some of the top destinations where you can witness this magical sight:

2.1. Sapa, Lao Cai

Sapa, nestled in Lao Cai Province, sees snow from mid-December to mid-January, especially during cold spells when temperatures drop below 0°C. Here are the prime locations to experience snow in Sapa:

• Bat Xat Commune: Remote highland areas where snow accumulates most heavily, creating pristine white landscapes across terraced fields and traditional villages.
• Fansipan Peak - "Roof of Indochina": Snow covers temples, stairs, and trees, resembling a fairy-tale scene. Take the Sun World Fansipan Legend cable car from Sapa Town (9 km, 15 to 20 minutes) for stunning views.
• Ham Rong Mountain: Located near Sapa town center, this accessible peak offers stunning views when snow covers the trees and rocks, creating a poetic winter wonderland easily reached on foot.
• O Quy Ho Pass: One of Vietnam's famous "four great passes," this dramatic mountain road becomes even more spectacular under a thick blanket of snow, offering ideal photography opportunities and breathtaking panoramic views.

Snow-covered rice terraces in Sapa

2.2. Mau Son Peak, Lang Son

Mau Son Peak, at 1,000 meters in Lang Son Province, experiences heavy snowfall from December to January, with temperatures dropping to -4°C to -5°C. This destination is renowned for its French colonial-era villas that, when covered in snow, create a nostalgic, mysterious charm. The winding road to Mau Son becomes extremely slippery during snow events, sometimes requiring road closures to ensure visitor safety.

Mau Son is shrouded in mystery under fog and white snow

2.3. Ta Chi Nhu Peak, Yen Bai

Ta Chi Nhu Peak, known as the "Roof of Yen Bai" at 2,979 meters high, experiences snowfall during the coldest months of December and January. When temperatures drop sufficiently, frost covers the trees, rooftops, and mountain paths, creating a magical winter landscape. After exploring, you can warm up with local specialties like smoked buffalo meat, sticky rice, and wild apple wine.

Ta Chi Nhu Peak in Yen Bai is fully covered in frost and snow

2.4. Ba Vi National Park, Hanoi

Snowfall has only been recorded twice in Ba Vi National Park's history, making it an extremely rare and special event. The park, located just 60 kilometers from Hanoi, offers the unique opportunity to witness snow near the capital city, making it particularly significant for those seeking this extraordinary experience without traveling to remote mountain regions.

The first recorded snowfall in Ba Vi, Hanoi

2.5. Buoc Mu, Nghe An

This region, particularly the mountain peaks near the border, experiences severe temperature drops (sometimes reaching -5°C), causing heavy snowfall that can accumulate up to 30cm in some areas during January and February. The challenging journey rewards visitors with a surreal snowy landscape in Central Vietnam.

Thick layers of snow over 30cm deep in Buoc Mu

2.6. Tam Dao Island, Vinh Phuc

While snow doesn't fall as heavily as in Sapa or Mau Son, frost frequently appears on tree branches and flowers during December and January, causing them to freeze completely and creating a sparkling, mystical beauty. Snow typically concentrates on the mountain peaks, while the lower elevations experience beautiful hoarfrost that transforms the landscape into a glittering wonderland.

2.7. Meo Vac, Ha Giang

With its harsh climate and high plateau stone mountain terrain, Meo Vac cannot escape snowfall during severe cold waves, particularly in late December to early January, when snow blankets the limestone cliffs and corn terraces. The remote location and challenging access make this one of Vietnam's most exclusive snow-viewing destinations, offering photographers and adventure travelers truly unique opportunities.

Snowfall in late December in Ha Giang

2.8. Yen Tu Peak, Quang Ninh

Snow at Yen Tu is typically not thick but sufficient to create pristine white mountain paths, with temperatures dropping to -1°C during December and January. This creates a unique pilgrimage experience in the cold, crisp air, offering a completely different atmosphere from the usual warm-weather visits to this sacred Buddhist site.

Dong Pagoda - Yen Tu, covered in ice and snow.

2.9. Moc Chau, Son La

During record-breaking cold spells in January, Moc Chau has experienced snowfall that blankets houses and lush green grasslands, creating romantic, poetic scenery that contrasts dramatically with the area's familiar plum and peach blossoms. This highland region occasionally transforms into a winter wonderland, defying expectations of Vietnam’s tropical scenery.

Snow town at Happy Land, Moc Chau.

3. Tips for "Snow Hunting" and Winter Travel in Vietnam

Planning a snow-hunting adventure in Vietnam takes the right timing and preparation. Below are essential tips to help you make the most of your winter journey in Vietnam's rare snow-covered regions.

• Check Accurate Weather Forecasts: Snowfall isn’t annual and depends on cold waves. Monitor reliable sources like VTV, Google Weather, or AccuWeather for precise timing.
• Pack Plenty of Warm Clothes: Temperatures can be extremely cold, especially at night. Bring thick jackets, scarves, gloves, wool hats, and dress in layers. Prepare non-slip shoes for easier movement on icy roads and frozen surfaces.
• Notes on Traveling on Snowy Roads: Roads become extremely slippery, so equip vehicles with anti-slip tires if driving. It is highly recommended that visitors travel in groups and carry basic first aid supplies.
• Enjoy Warm Winter Cuisine: Savor hot local specialties like salmon hotpot, sturgeon dishes, thang co (traditional soup), and grilled foods to combat the cold while experiencing authentic local flavors.

Snow in Vietnam is unpredictable, so don’t be discouraged if the weather doesn’t deliver. Even without snowfall, Vietnam’s northern highlands offer breathtaking views and enriching cultural experiences that make your winter journey just as memorable.

• Conquer Fansipan Peak: By hiking or cable car to enjoy spectacular mountain views and cloud hunting opportunities.
• Visit Bac Falls and O Quy Ho Pass: Witness the majestic beauty of Northwest Vietnam's mountains and forests in their winter splendor.
• Cloud Hunting at Dawn: Experience mystical scenes in valleys and mountain ranges when clouds create ethereal landscapes.
• Explore Ethnic Minority Villages: Visit Cat Cat Village and Ta Phin Village to learn about culture, traditional handicrafts, and local people's daily lives in winter conditions.

So, does it snow in Vietnam? Yes - and when it does, it creates unforgettable landscapes in places you'd least expect. Whether you're chasing snow or soaking in the winter charm of Vietnam's highlands, this guide helps you make the most of a rare and magical experience.

To make your winter getaway even smoother, consider booking your flights with Vietnam Airlines. With modern aircraft, attentive service, and convenient routes to northern Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines is your reliable partner for exploring the country’s hidden snowy gems in comfort and style.