Vietnam forum

sdl68

As a photographer, you'd appreciate that there is never a 'right' time of year for photography. Rather, that seasons produce challenges/opportunities.

As for SaPa, September through November and March through May are the best weather periods for trekking and cycling. Daytime temperatures range from 15-28 C, and night-time temperatures from 18 down to 10 Celsius.

I don't know what part of November (late, early?) but while some rice will have been harvested, many fields will not yet have been harvested.

Remember, in the north-west, much of the labour is done by hand so rice planting is undertaken to ensure harvesting CAN be achieved over the (longish) time available.

I was in those parts in October, have a look at my 'blog' here.

I don't know how you plan to travel, but a most amazing photogenic journey would be achieved if you secured a motorbike and travelled along route 279 from Pho Rang to Dien Bien Phu.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Posted from within Vietnam.

Depending on how you are travelling I don't think the cold will bother you too much.

If you're on a motorbike, definitely rug up!!

There are other places where you'll find the terraced rice paddies. Obviously you've got Sapa and the surrounds, but also in Ha Giang province (and a great place to photography minority people/markets).

In addition you could visit Pu Luong National Park which is about a day's travel from Hanoi. It's stunning. Seriously doubt you'll see another tourist inside the park, and the homestays with the local White Thai and Muong people are wonderful experiences.