Famous for its history, the remains of ancient dynasties woven into the landscape, incomparable scenery leading from the emerald northern hills to the dreamy coast, and the cuisine, which will have you exploring crooked alleyways for your next bowl of pho, Vietnam is an iconic holiday destination. Location-wise, the country is a spindly finger running down the east coast of Asia and the weather in the north is vastly different from the south. While this means you won’t find a perfect time to visit every region at once, it also makes planning a tad simpler – just choose where you want to go and what you want to do! For everything else, take a look at our guide on choosing the best time to visit Vietnam.
December to February
If the south and its salt-encrusted islands are calling your name, the winter season is your time, with hours of sunshine, manageable humidity and fewer crowds. Should you be envisioning a trek through the pristine hills of Sapa, January is a fabulous time to go with very little rainfall, although the air is icy. If you just have to see every inch of Vietnam in one go, February is idyllic across the board and especially ideal for a diving expedition, or sailing along the Mekong Delta. The sun also begins to creep over the central coast at this time of year, making it a lovely time to enjoy a little sightseeing in Hoi An and catch a show at the traditional water puppet theatre. Festivals also play a major role in the Vietnamese calendar and the Hoi An Lantern Festival falls on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the entire city is a kaleidoscope of light. The famous Tet Nguyen Dan Festival takes place between late January and early February, and Hanoi (in the north) is the ultimate destination to be swept up in the celebrations. But we warned, much of the country travels during this time and a lot of museums and restaurants close.
On our Journey along the Mekong trip, you’ll sail the Mekong Delta from Cambodia, passing tiny river towns, then soak up the history, drama and spectacular street food of Ho Chi Minh City. Make the most of the glorious coastal weather with a few days of chilling out on Phu Quoc Island.
March to May
Vietnam’s southern coast is wonderfully temperate throughout the year, even when the rain begins to fall in May – this just means the scenery is increasingly green. The northern regions tend to steal the show in spring when, although it becomes rainier by April, flowers are in full bloom and cycling through the Hanoi countryside is sublime. Halong Bay is fairly mist-free and a junk boat cruise promises enthralling cave hikes and scenic kayaking. Then there’s central Vietnam, which is a hive of colour and vibrancy at this time of year. The Hue Festival takes place every two years between April and May and the picturesque city is filled with art exhibitions, street performances and the highly-anticipated dragon boat races. After that, steal away to a luxury beach resort on the Da Nang peninsula. Sounds like heaven!
Book our Vietnam from tip to toe trip, which leads you from the temples of Hanoi, to the turquoise and very mystical Halong Bay, before discovering a wealth of history and culture in Hue’s Imperial City.
June to August
As summer arrives, most of Vietnam is hot, hot and hotter – good for some regions and not for others. The monsoons sweep over the south coast and floods are very common, while trekking becomes difficult in the north. The central coast is a dream in the summer, however, especially between June and July when the beaches are abuzz with locals and tourists. This time of year is peak season and Vietnamese families travel during the school holidays so regional flights and accommodation should definitely be booked in advance.
Enjoy a taste of Cambodia before reclining on the beaches of Da Nang, exploring the picturesque streets (and street food) of Hoi An and cycling into the countryside on our Ultimate Vietnam & Angkor Wat trip.
September to November
The weather switches again as autumn begins and the central regions start to receive heavier rainfall whilst the south dries out, its beaches revived and ready to welcome sunbathers again. The Mekong Delta is brimming and a cruise along its wide, watery canals is as tranquil as can be. While northern areas still have some thawing to do, by November trekking is top-notch and Sapa’s lush, green landscapes and the golden rice fields of Mai Chau are enough to make you swoon. Halong Bay enjoys warm water (yes please!) and crystal clear skies at this time, so a junk boat cruise is definitely in order. September and October also bring hotel and accommodation bargains and fewer crowds to the hotspots.
On our Ultimate Vietnam trip, take in the history and culture of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, before absorbing the ethereal scenery and underwater delights in Halong Bay. Finish off with a good dose of Vitamin D, snorkelling and cocktails on a Con Dao beach.
