Temperatures in Sa Pa resort town in northern Lao Cai province plummeted to two degrees Celsius during the early hours of December 31, with weather conditions also bringing a combination of drizzle and frost.

The latest extreme cold spell currently hitting northern regions, including Sa Pa, is forecast to be the coldest of this winter.

At 9 a.m. on December 31 a layer of thick fog covers Sa Pa, forcing many vehicles to turn on their headlights when travelling around the town.

Some motorbikes make use of shields as a means of fighting against both the wind and rain.

The severe cold spell striking the northern region from December 30 is anticipated to last throughout the New Year and into 2021.

Amid the latest cold wave tourists snap images of ethnic children as they carry on earning a living.

An ethnic H’Mong boy carries his younger brother whilst going about their daily tasks.

A girl happily sells some items which cost between VND10,000 and VND20,000, equivalent to between US$0.43 and US$0.86, each.

The weather is forecast to remain cold with temperatures set to drop further over the coming days.