4 places Vietnamese tourists should visit in winter

Travel bloggers suggest that villages like Hakuba in Japan or Hallstatt in Austria promise to attract Vietnamese tourists in the winter thanks to their pristine landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Drawing on their extensive travel experiences, bloggers Vinh Le (Vinh Gấu) and Nguyen Lan Uyen (Saru) have selected four destinations that Vietnamese tourists will love to visit in winter. These places share commonalities such as pristine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and many worthwhile winter experiences.

Hakuba Village, Japan

Lan Uyên suggests Hakuba village in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, as a unique destination to experience winter. Winter in Hakuba brings heavy snowfall, making it a paradise for sports activities such as skiing, ice fishing on frozen lakes, and onsen (hot springs).

The blogger suggests that tourists who love peaceful scenery should also visit Hakuba to see its crystal-clear, mirror-like lakes and snow-covered pine trees.

Hakuba also has an interesting culture due to the large number of foreigners living there. Lan Uyen commented that the village is a rare place that retains a strong Western character because many Europeans came to settle and build families.

"When I arrived in Hakuba, I hardly saw any Asian tourists; I thought I was in some European country," she said.

The blogger advises tourists to choose brightly colored clothing to match the snowy landscape. In addition, waterproof snow boots are essential to prevent catching a cold. When going out, tourists should bring two pairs of socks and a spare pair of shoes to change into immediately if they get soaked with snow and develop hypothermia.

Mongolia

Vinh Le suggested Mongolia because the country offers visa-free entry for Vietnamese visitors and has direct flights, saving time and money. Visiting Mongolia in winter is also a great time to interact with the nomadic Tsaatan tribe in Khuvsgul province as they migrate from deep within the forest to the forest edge. Tourists can stay in traditional Ortz tents (also known as Teepes) and experience life with the tribe. Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride on the frozen surface of Lake Khuvsgul is also a worthwhile experience.

Mongolia has a unique culture where people stockpile wood months in advance to prepare for the harsh winter, where temperatures can drop to -44 degrees Celsius. Each family has a wood-burning stove in the center of the house to keep warm, and they take turns tending the fire to avoid the cold. The blogger described the winter landscape in Mongolia as a fairytale land with its white snowfields, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic snow-capped mountains.

According to him, what sets Mongolia apart from other destinations is its harsh weather, which makes many tourists curious, wondering, "How do they live in such cold?" While many people prefer destinations with modern facilities and warmth, Mongolia offers a simple, deprived, and challenging experience. Tourists will clearly feel the rusticity and resilience of the people there.

If you want to fully enjoy your trip to Mongolia, Vinh advises preparing good thermal clothing, wearing multiple layers to keep warm. A pair of high-top snow boots is essential as you will be walking on snow a lot. In addition, you should also bring familiar food from Vietnam such as instant noodles or canned goods and prepare cash because tourist attractions are often far from the city center and ATMs are not easily found.

Egypt

Egypt is known for its hot climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 28-34 degrees Celsius. However, blogger Saru suggests that it's best to visit between December and January when temperatures are much cooler, ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius. If you're lucky, you might even get to see snowfall in the desert.

Experience a camel ride to see the pyramids. Photo: Saru

During this time of year, visitors to Egypt can participate in outdoor activities such as visiting pyramids, tombs, ancient temples, or cruising on the Nile River. In particular, tourists can also ride camels along the areas near the Giza pyramids. With pleasant weather and fewer tourists during this season, Egypt is an interesting option for Vietnamese travelers to change their perception of Africa – not just as a hot place, but also one with cool, ideal winters.

Hallstatt, Austria

Vinh Le commented that Hallstatt village in winter is a stunning destination, with its ancient houses nestled beside the lake. In Hallstatt, visitors can experience a short boat trip from the train station through the village, admiring the panoramic view of the ancient village from afar. Walking around the village and exploring beautiful spots like the iconic Evangelical Church is also an experience not to be missed.

On a chilly afternoon, Vinh suggested enjoying grilled river fish at the central market, where the fish are caught and sold on the same day, guaranteeing freshness. Another interesting option is exploring the Hallstatt Charnel House, with its thousands of human skulls located next to the church.

A view of Hallstatt village. Photo: Vinh Gấu

What sets Hallstatt apart from other places is the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere of its ancient village. Hallstatt has no skyscrapers or modern buildings. The blogger says visitors should check the weather forecast to choose a day with snowfall because Hallstatt in the snow season offers a "spectacular sight".

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