Seasons in Hanoi & the north
The easy months are October to November
Which part of the country
Right now · November
Hanoi & the north is in an easy stretch right now, October to November. Nothing extreme is running: pack for the temperature and stop worrying about the season.
Going in November
Easy monthsOctober to November
Dry, clear and mild — the best time to be here, and the reason autumn is the busy season.
What this means for your bag
Quick-dry fabrics
Cotton takes two days to dry in this air and starts to smell before it does. Synthetics and merino wash in a sink and are wearable by morning.
See the Summer Sun Kit packLayers, not one thick coat
Three thin layers beat one heavy one: they cover a wider range and pack smaller. A base layer, a fleece and a shell.
See the Winter Warmth Kit pack
Packing for Hanoi & the north?
Build a packing plan around the season you are actually travelling in.
Seasonal ranges are typical, not guarantees — a monsoon can arrive early and a dry season can break. Check the forecast before you seal the bag.