When we were in Pai (a town in Northern Thailand), we came across a lot of recommendations for a tour at caves that are 49 km from Pai. When we read of Tam Lod (the caves) we realized that the area, Soppong, had a good reputation and we could explore more and even spend a night or 2.

We decided that instead of going on a day trip of just seeing the caves, we’ll go for 2 nights and explore the entire area. And so, we rented a scooter for 3 days and left first thing in the morning. The drive was not easy. The road was really curvy with a lot of sharp turns, so if you don’t have much experience with riding a scooter then I recommend taking a shuttle, or getting there with a car.

We got to the cave area and we started searching for a place to spend the night. We spotted a large sign that said ‘Pen Cave Homestay.’ We walked inside, and I instantly fell in love. The rooms are cute bungalows with a big bed. There is a large garden with a lot of trees and other plants, and it was such a lovely place. There is also a patio with large tables and a little chill area. The owner said she makes organic food in case we wanted her to cook for us. Obviously we ended up taking the bungalow for 500 Baht per night.

After booking, we went to the caves which were about 20 minutes away. When we got there we got a guide to help us explore the caves. The tour was also combined with a canoe ride.

The caves are pitch black, and we had to take a torch with us. The guide pointed out everything with her torch which created a mysterious and dark effect. The tour was about an hour and a half long.

After the caves we went back to the bungalow, and we had dinner. The food was great, and it was really nice to just chill in the patio.

Hiking

On the next day we went on a 7 and a half hour hike to a village of the mountain tribe, and we went on another tour in a different cave. The track was challenging and the cave was beautiful, but not as nice as yesterday’s cave.

The lady from our hotel wrote us a map of how to get to the tribe and how to come back. She offered that we will look for a local that will take us to the caves since they are hard to track down.

Before leaving we asked her to book us a massage for the evening, so we got back and the masseuses were already waiting for us. They gave us a massage of 2 hours (the longest one of our trip). The treatment was very professional and it relaxed all of our muscles. When we finished dinner was served.

We would stay for longer than 2 nights without a doubt, but we had already made plans we couldn’t cancel. If you’re even in Pai, you should definitely pay a visit to the caves. It was even better staying at Pen’s bungalows, the experience was just amazing and we enjoyed every moment.

Want to travel to Vietnam but don’t know when is the best time? Debating whether you want to go North or South? Then you’ve made it to the right place. In today’s post I’m going to share every detail of Vietnam’s weather to help you pick the perfect date for your travels.

When is the best to travel to Vietnam?

The best time during the year to go is in the Spring (February-April), and in the Fall (August-October). The temperatures aren’t too high and it doesn’t rain too often.

During the spring time in March and April the rain goes away in all locations and the temperatures are perfect. In some places like Sapa it might still be a little chilly. If you’re planning to go on November or December so the best decision would be to start in the North and make your way down South, before it gets too cold.

Weather in Sapa

The temperatures in Sapa could go up to 29 degrees celsius in the summer, and in the winter it gets freezing. The humidity is usually high and ranges between 75%-90%, and especially during July and August.

If you prefer hot and dry weather then the best time to go to Sapa is in March and April. If you prefer chilly weather then your dates are October and November.

If you do happen to go in the colder months, don’t forget to pack a coat, gloves, proper shoes and a hat. But don’t worry. Even if you forget to bring some warm clothing then there are a lot of traveler stores where you can go shopping, and they have reasonable prices.

Weather in Hanoi

The temperatures during the summer in Hanoi (May-September) run on average to about 32 degrees celsius, and rain is pretty common. Those tropical rains will catch you out of nowhere. The rain usually falls in the afternoon, and even though you could be completely drenched as well as your surroundings, the summer counts to have the highest hours of sunshine on average.

The chilly winter brings some fog and clouds, yet not a lot of rain. The average temperature in the winter is 17 degrees celsius.

The best time to travel is in October and November, that’s when the average temperature is 21 degrees celsius with less rain and a lot of sunshine.

Assuming that you are going to Hanoi during the summer when it rains, there is a lot of other things to do indoors. There are museums, malls, and you can even take advantage of the fact that you’re in Vietnam and take a cooking class.

Weather in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is usually really foggy, which makes your visibility limited, but it adds a mysterious vibe. If you want to go when it isn’t foggy, then I suggest going anytime between March and May, when is sky is usually blue.

During the summer, from May-November, the days are warm and humid, and it usually rains in the afternoon. The winter gets cold, so if you want to go, then the perfect time is between Match-May, or in the fall, when you’ll score that perfect weather.

Weather in Hoi An

During the warmest months of the summer (July and August), the temperatures can go up to 38 degrees celsius in Hoi An. and in the winter the temperatures are usually around 24 degrees. The dry season lasts from February and until July.

If you prefer hot weather then it’s recommended to arrive during the end of warm and dry season, and if you prefer cooler weather then go at the start of it. There’s usually a lot of rain from August-November.

Weather in Dalat

The weather in Dalat is usually nice all year round, goes from anywhere between 16-24 degrees celsius.

Everything is green from May-November when there’s heavy rain, but the villages are so vibrant with colors.

Weather is Saigon

It’s usually warm all year round in Saigon, when the nicer days are 28 degrees. The tropical weather hits from May-November.