6 snow-watching itineraries that Vietnamese tourists love

Year-end snow-hunting trips to China, Japan or Korea with an average price of 15-20 million VND are of interest to Vietnamese tourists.

According to representatives of many travel agencies, the end of the year and the beginning of the new year is the right time for snow hunting trips. The taste of Vietnamese people for snow travel is changing, many tourists are willing to spend a lot of money on high-end trips such as Harbin and Hokkaido.

Below are 6 snow season travel itineraries loved by Vietnamese tourists.

Snow hunting in Jiuzhaigou

The best time for snowfall in Jiuzhaigou starts around mid-December and the tour price for the Chongqing - Jiuzhaigou journey during this time is about 15-20 million VND per person.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tung, Director of Danh Nam Travel, said that some lakes in the scenic area can freeze in winter. The scene of maple and pine trees by the lake covered in snow, reflected on the deep blue water surface, creates an attractive landscape. According to updates from Chinese partners, snow has fallen in Jiuzhaigou since the end of October.

The Jiuzhaigou Tour has only been of interest to Vietnamese tourists since the pandemic. Currently, the programs also include skiing experiences in the Jiakunshan scenic area, at an altitude of more than 4,000 m, which makes tourists excited.

Go to Lijiang to see the snow on Jade Dragon Peak

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the highlight of the Lijiang - Shangri-La journey, attracting Vietnamese tourists thanks to its snow-white scenery. To admire the beauty of the snow mountain, tourists need to reach an altitude of 4,506 m. However, most tours only stop at an altitude of 3,200 m, enough to enjoy part of the scenery. Tourists should ask carefully if they want to experience at a higher altitude.

Vietnamese tourists take photos at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Photo: Danh Nam Travel

At the foot of the mountain, the Lam Nguyet and Bach Thuy Ha valleys stand out with their clear blue water. Visitors say the scenery is more beautiful when viewed directly. The price of the Lijiang - Shangri-La tour at the end of the year is about 19 million VND per person. This has been a favorite journey for Vietnamese visitors in the past two years, according to the tour provider.

Harbin - Land of Ice and Snow

Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu, Director of Marketing and Communications Department of Vietlux Travel Company, said Harbin is a new emerging destination for Vietnamese tourists after the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, more and more tourists know this place because of its snow and ice landscape and elaborate sculptures.

A 5-6 day tour to explore Harbin and surrounding areas costs VND31-36 million per person, not much different from last year. The fact that there are many direct flights from Vietnam is also a factor that makes tourists choose Harbin as a snow hunting destination.

Tourists check in next to ice sculptures. Photo: Xinhua

Ms. Thu noted that Harbin's harsh weather may not be suitable for some tourists, especially those from the South. The average winter temperature in Harbin is usually between minus 15 and minus 25 degrees Celsius, and in January it can drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Visitors to Harbin will be able to participate in the world's largest ice festival, experience skiing, dog sledding on the glacier and ice fishing. These activities were previously only available in Northern Europe at high costs, but can now be experienced in Harbin at a more reasonable price. The winter here lasts up to 7 months, which is also a factor attracting visitors to the land of ice and snow.

Hokkaido resort experience

Hokkaido, the northernmost point of Japan, is famous for its cool and temperate climate, suitable for relaxation. In winter, Hokkaido with its soft, fluffy snow is considered a skiing paradise.

Due to the influence of the warm water current off the coast of the Sea of Japan combined with the cold wind from the Siberian air mass, heavy snow falls on the high mountain peaks of Hokkaido, creating favorable conditions for forests to grow. The landscape of Hokkaido covered by coniferous forests and cold-resistant pine trees in winter brings a majestic and poetic beauty.

Kiroro Ski Resort in Hokkaido. Photo: Powder Snow Hokkaido

Tour prices to Hokkaido are often twice as high as the "golden route" of Japan, about 49 million VND per person, because there are no direct flights from Vietnam and the service costs are expensive. Ms. Pham Thi Thu Hien - CEO of MayTrip - said that the Hokkaido snow tour is a classy journey with many experiences such as the Shikotsu Lake Ice and Snow Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, ice fishing, skiing in Niseko, ice drift cruise and visiting Asahiyama Zoo.

See the ancient village of Shirakawa-go

The ancient village of Shirakawa-go in Gifu prefecture is a destination for tourists who love Japanese culture, especially in winter, with the light festival taking place from December to February. During this time, the temperature in the Gifu region drops to minus 5 degrees Celsius, the village is covered in thick snow, creating a magical scene like a fairy tale.

According to MayTrip representative, the light festival in Shirakawa-go is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The gassho-zukuri houses in the village, characterized by their high sloping roofs - symbolizing two hands clasped in prayer - are brightly lit every evening.

"Although the heavy snow hindered traffic, the scenery was still captivating," said Ms. Hien.

Gassho-zukuri houses under the white winter snow. Photo: JD

Shirakawa-go is often combined in the Japanese Golden Route tour with prices ranging from 30-34 million VND per person, not much different from the traditional tour.

Traditional Korean Journey

The snow season in Korea starts from late November to February, with the best time to see snowfall being from December to January. Popular destinations during this period include Seoul, Jeju and Busan, offering a winter experience with snow covering the whole area.

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival. Photo: Korea Blog

Tours often include skiing at the resort, combined with activities such as the Sancheoneo Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival, which takes place from mid-January to February in the Gangwon-do region. Winter in Korea often has temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius, so visitors need to prepare enough warm clothes, gloves and necessary warm items.

The price for a snow season tour is around 14 million VND per person on weekdays and 17-26 million VND on holidays and Tet, depending on the route. Vietluxtour representative said this has been a stable price for the past three years.

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