Son La

Tucked among highland valleys and terraced hillsides, Sơn La captivates with its mosaic of ethnic cultures, thermal springs, and untamed mountain beauty.

Son La is a captivating highland province where terraced fields, tea hills, and misty mountains create a landscape of natural beauty and cultural diversity. This is one of Northern Vietnam’s most vibrant ethnic regions, home to Thai, H’mong, Muong, and Dao communities, each contributing unique traditions, costumes, and festivals.

The province is also rich in historical significance. The Son La Prison Relic stands as a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s resilience, while natural landmarks like Moc Chau Plateau, Pha Din Pass, and Dai Yem Waterfall invite travelers to experience the serene beauty of the Northwest.

Son La offers more than just scenery—it is a place where culture and nature intertwine, promising visitors an authentic journey into Vietnam’s highland spirit.

Weather

22.93°C

Rain

Winter	21°C	31°C
Spring	21°C	31°C
Summer	21°C	31°C
Fall	21°C	31°C

Best time to visit

Summer

February to August

Spring

December to March

Transportation

Private car

Public Transportation

Rental

Top things to do in Son La

Stroll Beneath Tall Pines in the Tranquil Ban Ang Forest

Cool Off Under the Misty Veil of Dai Yem Waterfall

Wander Through the Endless Green of Moc Chau’s Tea Hills

Trek the Dinosaur Spine and Chase Clouds atop Ta Xua

Explore the Mighty Power of Son La Hydropower Plant

Walk Through History Inside the Walls of Son La Prison

Celebrate Vietnam's Vibrant Events & Festivals

21 Mar
to 22 Mar

Phu Ninh Buffalo Fighting Festival

Phu Tho

Phu Ninh Buffalo Fighting Festival has a long history, organized to commemorate King Hùng based on an ancient legend where King Hùng, while hunting through Phu Ninh commune (Phu Ninh district, Phu Tho province), killed two tigers that were fighting.

16 Apr
to 19 Apr

Hung Kings' Temple Festival

Phu Tho

The Hùng Temple Festival is the largest among the traditional festivals of Phú Thọ as well as the festivals of the Vietnamese nation. During these days, people from all over the country flock to Nghĩa Lĩnh Mountain, Hy Cương Commune, Việt Trì City, to collectively honor the Hùng Kings. Additionally, it is an occasion for gathering, celebrating the prosperity of the Vietnamese lineage, and serving as a symbol of community spirit, reminding the Vietnamese people to unite in building an increasingly prosperous nation.

16 Apr
to 18 Apr

Tam Giang Temple Festival

Phu Tho

The Tam Giang Temple Festival kicks off on the morning of the 8th day of the third lunar month with a traditional water procession at the river confluence. The leader of the male ritual team, along with representatives of the village elders, local leaders, and people from all walks of life, board a boat to perform the sacred water-fetching ritual. The collected water is then brought to the temple for the ceremony.

7 May
to 8 May

Suoi Mo Festival

Bac Giang

Along the stream, trees hang their shadows gently reflecting on the clear water. There are three temples — the Upper Temple, the Middle Temple, and the Lower Temple — built during the Lê Dynasty (16th–17th century), dedicated to Princess Quế Mỵ Nương, daughter of King Hùng Định Vương. She was honored as the Supreme Mountain Holy Mother for her role in reclaiming and developing this land. Every year, to commemorate her merits, the local people hold the Suối Mỡ Temple Festival on the 30th of March and the 1st of April in the lunar calendar.On the main festival day, April 1st, besides the lively and bustling procession, at the Lower Temple, villagers organize various traditional games and ethnic sports such as wrestling, Chinese chess, swinging, cockfighting, archery, ethnic martial arts, badminton, football, volleyball, and chess. Among these, archery and ethnic martial arts are performed by local natives. At night, there is a traditional spiritual singing performance (hát chầu văn), making the festival lively and vibrant throughout the night.The Suối Mỡ Festival is a famous festival in Lục Nam, attracting a large number of visitors from both inside and outside the province to come and pay homage and participate in the festivities.

25 Mar
to 27 Mar

Bổ Đà Pagoda Festival

Bac Giang

In the thick incense smoke, from the bottom of everyone’s hearts, people turn towards goodness, praying for all blessings to come to their families and clans. Scenes of warm welcomes, enthusiastic invitations, meetings, well wishes, and heartfelt farewells fill the atmosphere with human warmth. On the temple grounds, singing troupes and performance groups continuously entertain for several days and nights.Then there are the scenes of Quan họ singing, the ritual of offering betel leaves and water by the matched couples, making the festival even livelier and more joyful. Alongside solemn and respectful ceremonies, the Bổ Đà temple festival also features some traditional folk games like wrestling, cockfighting, stealing the bridge, and swinging, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

23 Mar
to 24 Mar

La Pagoda Festival

Bac Giang

During the festival day, the monks and nuns at the temple light incense, chant sutras, and recite Buddha’s name at the Three Jewels Hall, the First Patriarch’s Hall, and the Second Patriarch’s Hall. They also ring the Hoang Duong bell to propagate Buddhist teachings in the early morning and evening. Every year, on the day of the festival, visitors from all directions come bustling to the temple.Most of the visitors to the La Pagoda Festival are elderly people, nuns, and young men and women. Temporary stalls are set up along the road from the Three Gates to the Front Hall. Inside the temple grounds, there are no stalls, but there are many groups offering incense and performing rituals. At the same time, there are performing troupes presenting Buddhist plays that attract many spectators.

24 Apr
to 25 Apr

Yên Thế Festival

Bac Giang

The festival begins with an opening speech explaining the significance of the Yên Thế peasant uprising movement and affirming the spirit of this eternal and indomitable rebellion. This is followed by a parade showcasing strength, dignity, and splendor—this moment is also the liveliest part of the festival, featuring performances reenacting Hoàng Hoa Thám and his troops... rekindling the heroic history of our ancestors.

9 Jun
to 11 Jun

Traditional Festival of Chem Temple

Hanoi

The Traditional Festival of Chem Temple is held annually to honor and express gratitude for the merits of King Khang Hy Ly Ong Trong (also known as Saint Chem).This is also an occasion for those who live far from their homeland to return to their roots, and for visitors from all over to explore the traditional cultural values of Bac Tu Liem District and its people. The festival also serves as a ceremonial prayer for favorable weather and bountiful harvests, reflecting the agricultural beliefs of the ancient Red River Delta communities.The festival features vibrant and exciting activities such as human chess, tug of war, and sack races, promising to draw strong community participation and leave a lasting impression on visitors from near and far.

21 Mar
to 22 Mar