Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Must-See Places
Vietnam is a country of remarkable diversity — from misty highland rice terraces in the far north, through ancient imperial cities and lantern-lit towns in the central region, to bustling southern delta networks and tropical islands. Picking the best time to visit Vietnam depends on which region you’ll explore and what weather you’re comfortable with, but when it’s right it’s truly unforgettable.
From the calm seas of Ha Long Bay to the lantern glow of Hoi An, and the street-food buzz of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is packed with must-visit places in Vietnam. Whether you’re planning a Vietnam travel itinerary for spring blooms or autumn adventures, this guide covers both when to go and where to go—with suggestions to help design your own custom Vietnam trip.
Hanoi Train Street
When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ha Giang)
For the north, including highland treks and bay cruises, the ideal windows are September to December and March to April. During September–December, the skies often clear after monsoon, rice terraces turn gold in places like Ha Giang and Mu Cang Chai, and conditions for hiking are excellent.
In spring (March-April), low humidity and mild temperatures make city exploring and cultural immersion comfortable.
Avoid the peak summer months (June–August) in the north for trekking, as monsoon rains and fog often affect mountain regions.
Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang)
The central coast has its own rhythm: ideal dry weather from February through August, great for beach time and heritage walks.
However, between September and November, typhoon risk and heavy rain increase — so if your itinerary covers Hoi An or Da Nang’s beaches, you might want to avoid those months.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)
The south enjoys more consistent tropical climate. The dry season from December to April is the most travel-friendly for city breaks, delta cruises, or island escapes.
From May to early December brings more rain (though often short storms), which means fewer crowds and better rates — but some outdoor or island plans may need flexibility.
Best overall window: October to April for most regions, with some exceptions.
For multi-region trips: pick months that overlap dry periods (e.g., March-May or October-November) to maximise comfort.
Festivals add cultural richness but also crowds — e.g., Lunar New Year (Tết) in January/February is vibrant but busy.
Ha Long Bay
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay — Northern Gateway to Vietnam
What to See:
The old-quarter maze of colonial streets and street-food corners in Hanoi, with its lakes, temples and timeless energy.
The limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay rising from emerald waters — a UNESCO World Heritage wonder and one of Vietnam’s top natural icons.
The northern highlands around Sapa, Mu Cang Chai and Ha Giang where terraced fields, ethnic minority villages and mountain trails await.
What to Do:
Take an overnight cruise or luxury junk boat through Ha Long Bay or the quieter neighbouring Bai Tu Long, with kayaking and cave visits at dawn.
Wander Hanoi’s Old Quarter, sip egg coffee, watch a water-puppet show and sample street-food in lantern-lit alleys.
Trek in the highlands when air is crisp, between September-November or March-April, encountering rice-terrace views and remote village homestays.
Food & Local Flavor:
Try Hanoi’s signature phở, bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) and egg coffee in atmospheric cafés.
On cruises, seafood dinners with freshly grilled fish, squid and prawns make local flavour part of the journey.
In the north, sample highland specialties — locally grown tea, mountain herbs, and ethnic minority dishes.
Recommendations:
Combine north’s nature with city charm: spend a night in Hanoi, two nights on the bay, and optionally two nights in the highlands.
Pack layers for northern mountainous regions — mornings and evenings can be cool even in shoulder seasons.
Book bay cruises early, especially if you want premium cabins or sail into the quieter sectors like Bai Tu Long.
Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi
Hoi An, Hue & Central Vietnam — Heritage, Beaches & Lanterns
What to See:
The charming UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit nights, preserved Vietnamese-Chinese architecture and riverside cafés.
The imperial city and historic tombs of Hue, reflecting Vietnam’s historical dynasties and royal past.
Coastal stretches around Da Nang and Nha Trang with clean sands and beach resorts combining with cultural excursions.
What to Do:
Explore Hoi An on foot or bicycle; in the evening, release paper lanterns into the river and enjoy the monthly full-moon lantern festival.
Visit Hue’s citadel, join a Perfume River cruise, and tour royal tombs—ideal during cooler dry months.
Relax on beaches in Da Nang or Nha Trang during the dry season, and add snorkelling or diving for aquatic variety.
Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills
Food & Local Flavor:
Sample central Vietnamese cuisine: Hue’s spicy bún bò Huế (beef noodle soup) and Hoi An’s cao lầu (noodles with pork) and white-rose dumplings.
Try coastal-fresh seafood on Da Nang’s My Khe Beach or enjoy seaside grilled fish at sunset.
At night, wander Hoi An’s riverside food stalls and craft shops for both local flavour and souvenirs.
Recommendations:
For beach + culture, visit between February and May when the weather is most reliable.
Avoid September to November when typhoons and heavy rain may disrupt coastal areas.
Book ahead for lantern-festival nights in Hoi An—they fill fast.
Mekong Delta
Southern Vietnam & Islands — Saigon, Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc
What to See:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), bustling with energy, markets, French-colonial architecture and a gateway to the south.
The lush canals and floating markets of the Mekong Delta, a unique river-based world of Vietnam.
Island escapes like Phu Quoc and Con Dao with palm-fringed beaches and underwater reefs.
What to Do:
Shopping and nightlife in Saigon’s District 1, visit the War Remnants Museum, and take an underground tour of the Cu Chi tunnels.
Mekong boat tours, village-life visits, and bike rides through rice-fields and waterways.
Island hopping, snorkelling, diving and lazy beach days on Phu Quoc; ideal in December–April when seas are calm.
Phu Quoc
Food & Local Flavor:
Try southern Vietnamese dishes: hủ tiếu (rice-noodle soup), bánh xèo (crispy pancake), tropical fruits and coconut-based desserts.
Beachside seafood dinners under the stars, fresh tuna, squid and coconut water from local vendors.
Mekong sweets made with local ingredients—durian, sticky rice and banana.
Recommendations:
For the best weather go December to April in the south.
Monsoon months (May–October) can still work if you focus on city/indoor experiences, but outdoor island plans may need flexibility.
Use Saigon as a base with internal flights to quieter islands or delta lodges for a balanced pace.
Tailor Your Vietnam Journey
Vietnam offers a shimmering variety of landscapes, climates and cultural moments — making it an ideal destination for tailored journeys that go beyond typical beach breaks. Whether you aim to experience the best time to visit Vietnam, explore must-visit places in Vietnam, or plan a multi-region itinerary, timing and region choices matter.
At Discovery Escapes, we craft custom trips in Vietnam that match your pace, interests and travel style — from luxury cruising the bay at dawn to private lantern-lit river walks in Hoi An, or diving with reef life on remote islands.
Ready to start planning your Vietnam adventure? Contact us and let’s build your journey.