The Best Time To Visit South Vietnam and Other Nearby Regions

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Planning on visiting Vietnam? This tourist destination is a budget-friendly destination suitable for people of all ages. It has an incredibly diverse climate, so it pays to research the best times to visit. 

Before you hop on Google to check Vietnam travel blogs, here’s my advice: don’t.

Most blogs about Vietnam will give you general updates which won’t apply to the region you visit as the country has temperate and tropical climates. But don’t fret; I’ll tell you the best time to visit South Vietnam and other areas.

Why Include Vietnam in Your Travel Destinations?

Vietnam is one of the best holiday destinations. Hundreds of Vietnam trip blogspots echo the same sentiment! Here are some things to know before traveling to Vietnam:

• It is affordable. A dollar is equivalent to 24,340 Vietnamese Dong!
• It has a rich culture and heritage. 
• It offers cheap but high-quality goods. 
• It is a nature lover’s paradise. 

Plus, it has an impressive range of convenience stores, with a variety of snacks, hot processed food, and fast food. Safe to say, you won’t ever go hungry!

The Best Time To Visit Vietnam by Region

Here are my guidelines on the best time to visit South Vietnam and other regions. 

Mountains of the North 

The pristine and mysterious mountainous region of Northern Vietnam won’t disappoint. Aspiring climbers and trekkers can best experience the grandeur of nature in the dry season from October to late March. This way, you can avoid the precipitation caused by the annual monsoon, which lasts from May to September while avoiding wet and slippery slopes. 

Since mountains are higher up, the temperature will be generally colder. So, whether you’re traveling to Fansipan Mountain in Sapa, Pu Si Lung Mountain in Lai Chau, or Pu Ta Leng Mountain in Lao Cai, it’s best to pack for cold weather. 

Hanoi and Northern Vietnam

November to April is the best time to visit Hanoi and Northern Vietnam. This time of the year is marked by the beautiful change of colors of trees and shrubs, so you’re guaranteed vibrant and picturesque views. 

Plus, it has the best weather in Vietnam at 17 to 22 degrees Celsius. 

Hanoi experiences minimal rainfall. So, if you’re planning to explore the capital city of Vietnam, prepare for the occasional drizzle! 

Even if you’re not a fan of the rain, I still advise against visiting in summer which lasts from May to October as it can get very hot. Plus, the humidity is high, which means you’ll still be dealing with heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons. 

Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam has everything from historical sites to beaches, cave systems, and limestone islands. The best time to visit central Vietnam is from February to early June as the weather is hot, dry, and sunny, with average temperatures hitting 30 degrees Celsius.

The best part is you don’t have to deal with huge crowds. Even if you’re into trekking, which is best enjoyed from October to March, you’ll still enjoy some privacy by avoiding the peak tourist season.

That said, it is generally advised that you avoid traveling from early June to late November. It’s typhoon season, with 4 to 6 cyclones recorded annually. 

Southern Vietnam

The best time to visit Southern Vietnam is during the dry season as the weather is dry, mild, and pleasant, with clear, blue skies and lots of sunshine.

Head to the southern region from December to April and see the massive underground Cu Chi Tunnels. Check out the architecture at Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, escape the metropolitan madness at Mui Ne, and pay your respects at popular temples. It’s also a great time for sun-thirsty travelers to explore the best beaches in Southern Vietnam.

While most advise against visiting this region from June to November because of monsoons, don’t be so quick to cross it off your list. While the rain is usually abundant, it typically lasts for 1 to 2 hours. So, if you’re into photography, this is the perfect time to explore lush landscapes with fewer crowds. You can start your journey by checking out the best things to do in Hue, Vietnam. 

Activities for Your Trip to Vietnam

When it comes to activities in Vietnam, here are my top picks for a memorable trip:

1. Lighting a Lantern in Hoi An

For a break from today’s fast-paced lifestyle, Hoi An is where you need to go. This quaint heritage city is nothing short of a living museum, with a peaceful and relaxing environment that will put you in your feels. Visit it during the lantern festival, held on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, to admire the beauty of glimmering, colorful lanterns and fireworks. 

You can also release a lantern on the Hoai River to invite good fortune and love. 

While there, I also recommend going on a Vietnamese food tour in Hoi An with a local guide and taking a day trip to My Son Sanctuary to see one of the oldest temple complexes in the world.

2. Visit Halong Bay

The Hạ Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that nature lovers will find delight in. Apart from the diverse complex of geological formations and untouched beaches, visitors will also enjoy seaplane flights, kayaking, and other exciting activities. 

You can wrap up your visit with fresh seafood specialties at affordable prices. 

3. Walk around Cat Ba Island

The Cat Ba National Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve you absolutely cannot afford to miss out on. This rugged archipelago, covering over 300 square kilometers, is home to many rare and precious terrestrial and marine life, including the Cat Ba Langur—a critically endangered species. But bear in mind that only 50 to 60 of them exist in the wild, so you may not be lucky enough to spot one. 

Visitors can get their tan on, enjoy activities like rock climbing and hiking, watch monkeys roam free at Monkey Island, and watch the sunset at Cannon Fort.

4. Visit Vietnamese Churches

Catholics may represent only 7.4% of the total population in Vietnam, but the country boasts some truly awe-inspiring churches. 

You can visit the gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral which is well-known for its noteworthy features, check out the unique wooden architecture at Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and explore the three artificial grottos at Phat Diem Cathedral.

5. Explore the World’s Largest Cave in Phong Nha National Park

Son Doong is the world’s largest cave. Its size is so immense that it can fit 68 Boeing 777 aircraft. While you’re in the area, tour the village inside the Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park to check out stalagmites as high as 70m and its rich biological landscape. Make sure to book the tour well in advance as slots run out quickly.

6. Let Ban Gioc Waterfall Take Your Breath Away

There are waterfalls and then there is the Ban Gioc Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder located between Vietnam and China. Its mesmerizing tiered falls serve as the perfect backdrop for an Insta-worthy photoshoot. You can also rent a bamboo raft for around $2 per person and get wet from the refreshing water. 

7. Walk Across the Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang

The Golden Hands Bridge, which stretches 150m long, is the latest tourist attraction in Vietnam according to several Vietnam blogs. Walk along this iconic landmark in Ba Na Hills where you can see a piece of France without visiting it! 

Just make sure to schedule your visit in the early morning or late afternoon so you can enjoy the scenic beauty of two stone hands lifting the archway with fewer crowds. 

8. Visit Phu Quoc Island

Gentle waves, white sand, clear water, colorful landscapes—Phu Quoc Island is nothing short of a slice of heaven on earth. You can rent a motorbike or private car to explore the island at your own pace, cool off at the Suoi Tranh Waterfall, enjoy a bird’s eye view from the Phu Quoc Cable Car, and snorkel at the strangely deserted Star Beach.

You can also tantalize your taste buds with the best Vietnamese street food!

Conclusion

Researching things to know before going to Vietnam and the best time to visit South Vietnam will help your visit go smoothly. You can do all the activities you planned without a hitch and enjoy them to the max. If you found this article helpful, you may also want to read my 10 Places in Asia To See Before You Die. Hẹn gặp lại! That’s “see you soon” in Vietnamese.

Get your Free Seoul City Check List

This downloadable check list for Seoul contains insider information on what to see, do, eat and where to shop and party in Seoul, South Korea.

z