Best time to visit Vietnam

Visiting Vietnam in February

The hot weather continues into February, with very little rainfall throughout the country. 

Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) takes place in February, and each town and city has its own unique festival. Ho Chi Minh City’s streets are decorated with colourful spring flowers, and you can witness the spectacular dragon dances in Chinatown. Enjoy cheerful markets filled with street food aromas, or try the many nightclubs which give this city its reputation as a place to party.  

Visiting Vietnam in March

March signals the beginning of Vietnam’s peak travel season, and the weather remains fine throughout the country. 

This is an ideal time to visit the Mekong Delta. Spend the warm days taking leisurely boat rides to explore small fishing villages, fruit plantations and floating markets. You’ll feel like you’ve journeyed through history when you see how trade has always been done here. Boat tours can even take you to explore the nearby Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh.

Visiting Vietnam in April

Vietnam’s peak season for travel continues through April, and so does the hot and sunny weather.

Con Dao is an archipelago of 16 islands, with approximately 6,000 inhabitants. There are few cars or motorbikes, and the pace of life is comfortably slow and relaxed. Con Dao Island holds several historical relics, and the French influence can be seen in the architecture of the old villas in the main town. The islands make for a great mix of beach-side relaxation, island-hopping adventure and cultural enrapture. 

Visiting Vietnam in May

Temperatures continue to increase, and rainfall remains low. The busy season begins to tail off, making this another good time to visit.

This is a good time to head out on a cycling tour of Vietnam. Meander through picturesque rice fields on two wheels, or take a scenic boat ride along the river in the quaint Old Town of Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage area has many intriguing historical sites, including the ancient Japanese covered bridge and the Old House of Tan Ky. For a truly magical moment, visit during the lantern festival, held each month on the night of the full moon.

Visiting Vietnam in June

Occasional rain showers begin to fall in June, however these tend to be isolated to the north and south of the country. This makes June a good time to visit the central city of Da Nang. 

While all the delights of the city and beach are available, there’s also the opportunity for more nature-oriented activities. The vast Back Ma National Park is only an hour away – see if you can spot any of the various species of monkey and gibbon that reside there.

Visiting Vietnam in July

As the dry and warm weather continues throughout the central areas of Vietnam, head to the historic city of Hue. 

Spend your days exploring the city’s ancient sites, many of which date back to when Hue was the country’s imperial capital. Or take a boat up the Perfume River to visit the Dong Ba market. The Tu Duc Temple, World Heritage Citadel site and the Thien Mu Temple complex all make for spectacular photos and an immersion in Vietnam’s grand history.

Visiting Vietnam in August

Set in a lush valley, Mai Chau is pleasantly warm at this time of year and perfect for exploring the surrounding scenery by foot or bicycle. 

When the weather is clear, the dramatic limestone karsts and terraced rice paddies become painted in their most resplendent shades. From a comfortable countryside lodge or homestay, you can smell the fragrant crops while enjoying the beautiful mountain landscape.

Visiting Vietnam in September

The rainy season takes hold across Vietnam, as the showers begin to spread from the north and south to the central region.

This is a good time to visit Sapa, where the beautiful rice terraces begin to turn yellow in anticipation of the annual harvest. The surrounding countryside becomes a hub of activity as local villages and farming communities ready the land. This area is also ideal for trekking excursions to explore the hill tribe villages, as well as the nearby Hoang Lien Nation Park. This idyllic reserve is home to 66 species of mammal and 347 species of bird.

Visiting Vietnam in October

As the rains continue to spread into Vietnam’s central region, spells of warm, sunny weather return to the country’s north. This makes Halong Bay an ideal destination to visit in the autumn. 

The calm and pleasant weather makes Halong Bay’s emerald water ideal for a dip. Be sure to pack a camera - the picturesque stone karsts here have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay also acts as a great beach base from which to explore the surrounding islands or wild northern regions of Vietnam.

Visiting Vietnam in November

The last of the showers will fall in Vietnam’s central region through November and December, while the rest of the country will enjoy generally warm and dry conditions.

Hanoi is charming at this time of the year, and you can spend time leisurely strolling around the Old Quarter. Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the 11th-century Quanh Tanh Temple, but don’t forget to explore the city’s culinary side. Excellent street food is available throughout Hanoi’s bustling streets, and you’ll be spoiled for choice between the local cafeterias and many high-class restaurants.

Visiting Vietnam in December

Hot temperatures and fine weather returns to the majority of Vietnam, but expect the odd rain shower in the central region. 

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc offers mountains, forests and superb sandy beaches. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the slower pace of island life and fantastic food. The best time to visit is between November and April, during the dry season. Phu Quoc’s national park is teeming with life. It’s also a great place to enjoy hiking, rafting and kayaking.