Travel Updates – November 2025

November arrives with a refreshing energy across Vietnam — crisp northern skies, vibrant cultural life, and some exciting developments for international travelers. This month, Vietnam welcomes the full return of United Airlines’ daily service, creating smoother access from the US just as one of the country’s most beautiful natural events begins: the buckwheat flower season in Ha Giang. Alongside this seasonal highlight, a new boutique retreat has opened its doors in the mountains, offering travelers a peaceful hideaway surrounded by nature.

United Airlines resumes daily direct flights to Vietnam

Great news for our friends and partners in the US!

United Airlines officially relaunched its daily flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) with the United States via a stop-over in Hong Kong, with the first commercial flight taking off on 27 October 2025. The service is operated year-round, every day, on board Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft — each configured with approximately 257–300 seats — and makes United the only US carrier offering daily scheduled flights into Ho Chi Minh City.  Departures from SGN begin at around 06:00 local time, arriving in Hong Kong at approximately 09:35 (HKT), from where passengers can connect onward to Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO).

This renewed route makes Vietnam more accessible than ever — and for us at Justravel Asia, it means we can welcome travelers with smoother connections, shorter layovers, and more flexibility in planning.

Dong Van karst plateau in bloom – Buckwheat flower season

Tucked in the far northern corner of Vietnam, Ha Giang is one of the country’s most breathtaking and culturally rich regions. With its dramatic limestone peaks, deep valleys, twisting mountain passes, and colorful ethnic minority communities, Hà Giang remains wonderfully untouched — the kind of place where nature, culture, and simplicity blend into something deeply moving.

From Hanoi, Ha Giang is about a 6-hour drive, making it an easy and increasingly popular extension for travelers arriving on United’s newly resumed routes. After reaching Ha Giang City, visitors can continue deeper into the mountains toward Dong Van, Meo Vac, Lung Cu or Sung La — each offering scenic passes, bustling local markets, and incredible viewpoints. Justravel Asia can assist with private transport, expert guides, and curated cultural stops along the way.

November is truly the most magical time to experience Ha Giang. The hillsides and valleys burst into soft shades of pink and lavender as the buckwheat flowers reach full bloom, creating a dreamy landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The weather is crisp, dry, and wonderfully clear, making every mountain pass, trekking route, and viewpoint even more spectacular. This is also when ethnic minority markets come alive with color — vibrant outfits, local produce, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality from the H’Mong, Dao, and Tay communities. With the majestic Dong Van Karst Plateau at its most photogenic and far fewer tourists compared to Sapa, Ha Giang in November offers one of Vietnam’s most authentic and rewarding cultural journeys — a beautiful blend of nature, tradition, and peaceful mountain life.

If you come to Ha Giang this season, don’t miss the local buckwheat cake. Buckwheat cake (bánh tam giác mạch) is one of the simplest yet most beloved tastes of Ha Giang during buckwheat flower season. As the pink-and-white fields stretch across the mountain slopes, local villagers grind the tiny buckwheat seeds into flour, steam it over a wood fire, then lightly grill each piece until it’s warm, fragrant, and nutty. You’ll often find it sold by H’Mong women at small roadside stalls — a humble snack that captures the warmth of the highlands and the gentle sweetness of the season.

New retreat in Ha Giang: An Chang Retreat & Spa

For travelers who want to pair Hà Giang’s rugged beauty with comfort and serenity, we’re excited to spotlight An Chăng Retreat & Spa, a boutique hideaway tucked in the peaceful Chang Village of Phương Thiện.

The name An Châng is born from the soul of the land—named after Châng Village, Châng Stream, and the Châng Spillway—telling the story of a tranquil village cradled by pristine forests and crystal-clear waters. It is here, in this untouched landscape, that guests are invited to reconnect with themselves and nature.

An Chăng is one of the region’s most thoughtfully designed places to stay — a retreat where nature, wellness, and quiet luxury come together seamlessly. Its spacious 80m²+ villas are crafted with natural materials and minimalist elegance, offering sweeping views of bamboo forests, valleys, and gentle streams.

In support of your journey toward a greener lifestyle, the “An Lành” (Wholesome) menu is mindfully crafted with a deep respect for nature. An Chăng’s philosophy is rooted in using ingredients that are natural, locally available, and highly sustainable. The menu is a harmony of traditional and modern cooking techniques to preserve the full nutritional value and authentic flavors of every component

Guests can unwind at the Suoi Chang Spa, featuring Japanese onsen bath after a full day of exploring mountain passes. The retreat’s An Lanh restaurant highlights seasonal, farm-to-table dishes inspired by local flavors, creating meals that are both nourishing and beautifully presented.

November is a wonderful reminder of how diverse and inspiring Vietnam can be. From improved international connectivity to the quiet charm of Ha Giang in bloom and the arrival of thoughtful new hideaways, the season brings fresh opportunities for travelers to explore at their own pace. If you’re planning journeys for your clients — whether it’s an adventure into the northern mountains or a gentle escape into nature — Justravel Asia is ready to support you with tailored routes, trusted local insights, and hand-picked experiences across the region. Let’s make this season one of memorable discoveries and meaningful travel.

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