The best time to travel to Vietnam depends on the specific regions you plan to visit and the activities you want to do. Vietnam has a tropical climate, and the weather can vary significantly from region to region.
1. Best Time to visit Hanoi and the North of Vietnam
If you’re planning to visit northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa, the best time to visit is between September and November or from March to May. During these months, the weather is mild and dry, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies.
Also, there are no major holidays in Vietnam for Vietnamese people so it is a good time to visit. For Domestic tourists, these months are quiet seasons so the prices for services and accommodations are reasonable during this time.
However, there are some special days during these months you should pay attention to:
Independence Day (2/9) – this day is not so busy in the major tourist destinations, but on the roads could be very busy. Often if this day happens to be on Sunday or Saturday then they will have a long weekend. However, people in big cities often go to their hometowns to visit their families.
The liberation of the capital (10/10) – Hanoi capital city. This is also a national holiday. You when you are in Hanoi, People who live in Hanoi will celebrate this day more than in other parts of the country. The national flag will be hung in front of people’s houses.
Visiting Vietnam on these days will help you understand more about Vietnamese culture.
Recommended itineraries
Here are some recommended itineraries in Hanoi and the North of Vietnam:
Classic Tours & luxury tours:
Hanoi & Halong Bay North of Vietnam – starts and ends in Hanoi city
Luxury Halong Bay Cruise – 3 days 2 nights
4 Days Private Hanoi Tour with Halong Bay Cruise – A private tour
In-depth cultural and more adventurous tours:
Melody Of Mountain And Sea in 8 Days – Hanoi / Halong Bay / Sapa
Hanoi and the north of Vietnam – 6 Days – Hanoi/Sapa/Halong Bay/ Hanoi
Pu Luong Nature Reserve Discovery – Luxury Tour in 8 Days. This is an unusual itinerary, discover the daily life of Vietnamese people in the north of Vietnam.
2. Best time to visit Da Nang and central Vietnam
Central Vietnam, including Hue, Hoi An, and Danang, is best visited between late November and late June when the weather is dry and sunny. Typhoons and heavy rainfall can affect this region between the middle of July to early November.
I lived in Danang for more than 5 years, I faced a few heavy rainy seasons with strong winds, and the roads in front of our house were flooded.
October until April is the ideal time to visit because, during this time, domestic tourism is quiet. The weather is a bit cool for Vietnamese people to be on the beach. If you like quiet and relaxing with cool weather this is the time for you.
Recommended itineraries:
5 Days Central of Vietnam – A main attractions destinations places in central Vietnam – Da Nang city, Hoi An Ancient Town & Food tour, Ba Na Hills
Danang – Hue – Hoian – Bana Golden Bridge 5 Days 4 Nights – A cultural tour with Hoi An ancient town – UNESCO Site used to be a trading town of Vietnam, then Danang city and Ba Na hills – a modern city and the most popular destination, then Hue city – An old capital in the Nguyen Dynasty,
Unique Central Vietnam Tour 5 days/4nights – Stay in Da Nang then visit Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary (Champa kingdom, an important cultural site for Cham people – an aboriginal Vietnamese), then visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam – Lang Co beach on the way to Hue city – an ancient capital of Vietnam.
Venturing Vietnam Motorbike Tour on Ho Chi Minh Trail via Central Highlands – This tour specialises for people who love adventures. Riding a motorbike in Vietnam is one of the unusual things to do in Vietnam, but be cautious when riding a motorcycle in Vietnam. Also, Ho Chi Minh trail is an unusual road trip that not so many tourists will take.
3. Best time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City and South Vietnam
Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, experiences high humidity and year-round temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F). The dry season in this region is from December to April, making it the best time to visit.
Many Vietnamese tourists travel to South Vietnam to avoid the cold weather in the North from late November to March.
Recommended Itineraries:
Sai Gon Highlights 5 days 4 nights – A classic tour visit the most popular destinations of the Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City) and Mekong Delta.
Mekong Delta Discovery Tour from Saigon to My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho & Chau Doc – This itinerary is more in-depth of the Mekong region. Visiting fish farms, mangrove & bird forests, and experiencing real daily life in South Vietnam.
Private Vietnam Legend 10 Days Package – TOP Hi-end 5* – Enjoy the holiday in Vietnam by visiting major destinations with the hi-end service.
Are you on a budget? Then, this South and Central Vietnam tour would be a perfect option: Vietnam Adventure: Hoi An, Beaches & Ho Chi Minh City – 7 Days adventure
4. Best time of year to visit Vietnam
Keep in mind that weather patterns can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you travel. Additionally, Vietnam’s peak tourist season for international tourists runs from December to February, so expect higher prices and more crowds during this time.
The peak tourist season for domestic tourists is from May to August, so expect crowded and higher prices in the major tourist destinations, e.g., beaches.
Overall, the best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is pleasant in most parts of the country. However, if you are planning to visit specific regions, it is worth considering the weather patterns of those areas to make the most of your trip.
5. Worse time to visit Vietnam
Overall, It depends on your personal preferences. The worst time to visit Vietnam could be the winter season (November to late January), especially in the North of Vietnam.
If you don’t like the humidity, then, the worse time is the Summer, from May to early August. If you don’t like to be in crowded places, then try to avoid the peak periods for domestic tourists.
The worst months of bad and typhoon weather are from late June to August. If you want to visit beaches (Halong Bay, beaches in the Centre of Vietnam etc.), then try not to travel during these months. For many years the provinces in the Centre have experienced heavy rainfall, flooding and typhoons. Also, because of the flood, travelling would be difficult and disrupted.
Dis-claimer: All of the content in this blog is based on my own personal experience. However, I have included some links that you might find useful – and I do make a little money if you use them.
