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We are looking at early December, two or three nights in Sapa, but I keep reading it can get properly cold up there, like single digits and fog that sits for days.
We are from the UK so cold itself does not scare us, but cold plus fog where you see none of the valley sounds like a waste of a trip. Is it one of those things where you just get unlucky some days, or is December mostly a write-off for views?
We mainly want the terrace views and a village walk or two. If December is a gamble, would we be better pushing it to March? We can still shift our dates around. Has anyone actually been in December and loved it?
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We did mid December with two kids and it was fine, but manage your expectations. It is atmospheric in a moody way, fire in the homestay common room, hot pho for breakfast, that kind of trip. Not a viewpoints trip. The kids loved it because of the almost snow excitement. If viewpoints are the whole point though, go March.
Replying to Daryl Ryan
Replying to Jemma Brook @Jemma Brook The whited out for two days part is exactly what I am afraid of. We can shift to March actually, flights are not booked yet. Did you find March much better for the valley views?
Replying to SunsetChaserUK
Replying to SunsetChaserUK @SunsetChaserUK March was a completely different trip for us. Still cool in the mornings, maybe ten degrees, but the valley was clear almost every day we were there. The terraces are not green yet in March, more brown and water-filled, but for actual views it is miles better than December. If viewpoints are the goal, move it.
Went the first week of December last year. It was six degrees in the morning and the valley was completely whited out for two days, we saw literally nothing. Day three the fog lifted for about four hours and it was stunning, but honestly I would not risk it again. If you can move it, late February or March is much safer for views. If December is fixed, pack like you mean it, thermals, a proper jacket, and pick a hotel with real heating, not just a fan heater. Ours barely worked.