Vietnam is a country with diverse climates across its regions, meaning that the best time to visit depends on where you plan to go. Stretching from north to south, Vietnam experiences different weather patterns throughout the year, with distinct seasons in each area. Let’s join Viet Flame Tours in answering the question “When is the best time to travel in Vietnam?“ so you can gather seasonal travel experiences and make the most of your trip!

The best time of year to travel in Vietnam depends on the region you plan to visit, as the country’s climate varies from North to South. Here’s a general guide:

1. Northern Vietnam

1.1. Recommend the best time to travel in the Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Home to the capital city, Hanoi, the north offers a mix of ancient traditions and modern charm. Visitors can explore the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay, trek through the misty mountains of Sapa, or discover the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh.

“When is the best time to travel in Vietnam in general and North in particular?” Don’t worry about that, let Viet Flame Tours suggest an ideal time to visit North Vietnam!

Season	Months	Weather and Temperature (approx)	Best Destinations	Recommended activities
Spring	March – May	Mild temperatures (18-25°C), light rain, blooming flowers	Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Moc Chau, Ninh Binh	Trekking in Ha Giang & Sapa, Boat tours in Ninh Binh, Flower watching in Moc Chau
Summer	June – August	Hot & humid (28-38°C), heavy rains, possible typhoons	Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, Ba Be Lake, Pu Luong	Swimming & kayaking in Halong Bay, Waterfalls & lakes in Ba Be, Pu Luong rice terraces
Autumn	September – November	Cool & dry (18-28°C), golden rice fields, clear skies	Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Hanoi	Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour, Golden rice season in Mu Cang Chai, Cycling in Ninh Bình
Winter	December – February	Cold (5-18°C), foggy, occasional frost/snow in highlands	Sapa, Moc Chau, Hanoi, Bac Kan (Ba Be Lake)	Snow watching in Sapa, Traditional festivals & Tet celebrations, Camping in Ba Be National Park

Best months for each destination in the North Vietnam:

Destination	Best time to visit	Why visit during this time?
Hanoi	March – May, September – November	Comfortable weather for exploring the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake & historical sites.
Halong Bay	March – May, September – November	Clear skies, calm seas – perfect for cruising & kayaking. Avoid typhoon season (July-August).
Sapa	December – February (snow), September – October (rice season)	Winter brings frost & occasional snow, autumn has golden rice fields.
Ha Giang	September – November	Best for motorbike trips – cool weather, clear roads, golden landscapes.
Ninh Binh	March – May, October – November	Ideal for boat tours in Trang An, cycling in Tam Coc, and seeing lotus blooming.
Mu Cang Chai	Late September – Early October	Golden rice fields create stunning terraced landscapes.
Moc Chau	January – March, November – December	Spring has peach & plum blossoms, winter has sunflower fields.
Ba Be Lake (Bac Kan)	September – November, March – May	Ideal for boat rides, jungle trekking, and homestays with ethnic minorities.

 

When to avoid travelling in North Vietnam?

• July – August

This time it is so hot & humid, heavy rains, and potential typhoons (especially in coastal areas like Halong Bay & Cat Ba).

Risk of landslides in mountainous areas (Hà Giang, Sapa).

• Late December – Early January

Extremely cold in the mountains (can drop to 0°C in Sapa & Ha Giang).

Foggy conditions may limit visibility for trekking & sightseeing.

1.2. About famous destinations to visit in the North Vietnam

Hanoi

Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam, is a perfect blend of ancient history, rich culture, and modern development. With over a thousand years of history, the city offers a unique charm through its old streets, colonial architecture, delicious cuisine, and vibrant local life.

Some places to explore in Hanoi:

• Hanoi Old Quarter
• Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Complex
• Temple of Literature
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
• Hoa Lo Prison
• Quang Phu Cau Insence Village
• Museums: Vietnam Fine Art Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Vietnamese Women’s Museum,…

Halong Bay

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking destinations. Known for its emerald waters, thousands of limestone karsts, and mystical caves, this stunning bay is a must-visit for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure.

Attractive places in Halong Bay:

• Caves: Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Me Cung Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave,…
• Island: Titop,…
• Local village: Cua Van Fishing Village, Ba Hang Fishing Village,…

Sapa

Sapa is a breathtaking mountain town in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, known for its stunning terraced rice fields, ethnic minority cultures, and Fansipan – the highest peak in Indochina. Whether you’re into trekking, photography, or cultural experiences, Sapa is a must-visit destination!

Some famous destinations in Sapa:

• Fansipan Peak (3143m)
• Sapa Stone Church
• Muong Hoa Valley
• Moana
• Cat Cat Village
• Lao Chai, Ta Van Village
• Silver Waterfall
• Bac Ha Market

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, often called the “Halong Bay on Land”, is a stunning destination famous for its limestone karsts, scenic rivers, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. Located just 100 km south of Hanoi, this province is perfect for a day trip or a 2-3 day getaway.

Things to do in Ninh Binh:

• Boat tour in Trang An, Tam Coc Bich Dong
• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
• Climb up Mua Cave
• Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda
• Go trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park
• Discover Thung Nham Bird Garden
• Cycle round the local village

Cao Bang

Cao Bang, located in northern Vietnam, is a stunning province known for its breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and diverse ethnic cultures. With towering limestone mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers, this province is a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventurers.

Top places to visit once in Cao Bang:

• Ban Gioc Waterfall – The largest waterfall in Vietnam
• Nguom Ngao Cave – The hidden underground Wonder
• Pac Bo Historical Site – Where Ho Chi Minh President returned to Vietnam
• Thang Hen Lake – A hidden emerald lake
• Ba Be Lake (Partially in Bac Kan, near Cao Bang)

Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is one of the most breathtaking and adventurous road trips in Vietnam. Known for its winding mountain passes, jaw-dropping valleys, ethnic villages, and rugged limestone peaks, this 350-400 km loop is a must-do for adventure seekers.

Attractive places to visit in Ha Giang:

• Yen Minh Pine Forest
• Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate
• Lung Khuy Cave
• Lung Cu Flag Tower
• Dong Van Old Town
• Ma Pi Leng Pass
• Nho Que River
• Hoang Su Phi Rice Terraces

2. Central Vietnam

2.1. Idea time to travel in Central Vietnam

Central is near the sea, so come to Central, the best time to travel in Vietnam is a bit different from the North. Therefore, to have a convenient trip, you need to know the weather situation of this area. Here are some of our suggestions:

Best time to visit Central Vietnam by season:

Season	Month	Weather and Temperature (approx)	Best Destinations	Recommended activities
Spring	March – May	Warm, dry, little rain (22-30°C)	Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha, Quy Nhon	Beach time in Da Nang & Quy Nhon, Exploring ancient sites in Hue, Boat tours in Phong Nha caves
Summer	June – August	Hot & humid (30-38°C), heavy rain in late summer	Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Quy Nhon	Swimming & island hopping in Nha Trang, Sandboarding in Mui Ne, Food tours in Hoi An
Autumn	September – November	Typhoon season (rain, storms, flooding in Hue & Hoi An)	Phong Nha (dry cave), Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot	Trekking in Da Lat, Coffee tasting in Buon Ma Thuot
Winter	December – February	Cool (18-25°C), dry & windy, perfect for travel	Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Phong Nha, Nha Trang	Cycling in Hoi An, Beach time in Nha Trang (warmer than northern beaches)

 

Best months for each destination in Central Vietnam:

Destination	Best time to visit	Why visit during this time?
Hue	February – May	Pleasant weather for exploring imperial city & pagodas. Avoid rainy season (Sept-Nov).
Da Nang	March – August	Best for beaches, Ba Na Hills & My Khe Beach. Avoid storms (Sept-Nov).
Hoi An	February – May	Ideal for lantern festivals, sightseeing & countryside tours.
Nha Trang	January – August	Warm & dry, great for island hopping & diving.
Mui Ne	December – April	Best time for sand dunes & kitesurfing (windy season).
Phong Nha – Ke Bang	February – August	ry caves & adventure activities. Avoid heavy rain (Sept-Nov).
Da Lat	November – March	Cool, fresh air, perfect for waterfalls, flower gardens, & coffee plantations.
Buon Ma Thuot	November – April	Coffee season, ethnic culture, waterfalls, & elephant festivals.

 

When to avoid traveling to Central Vietnam?

• September – November (Rainy & Typhoon Season):

Heavy rains & storms often cause flooding in Hoi An, Hue, and Da Nang.

Phong Nha caves may close due to rising water levels.

Beach activities are limited due to rough seas.

• Late June – August (Peak Summer & Domestic Tourism Rush):

Very hot (above 35°C), especially in cities like Hue & Da Nang.

Crowded beaches in Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Hoi An.

Prices for hotels & flights increase during Vietnamese summer holidays.

2.2. Some attractive places in Central

Da Nang – A modern coastal city with beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and iconic landmarks like:

• My Khe Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
• Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills) – A stunning pedestrian bridge held by giant stone hands.
• Marble Mountains – A cluster of limestone and marble hills with caves, temples, and scenic viewpoints.

Hoi An – A charming ancient town with a well-preserved mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences

• Hoi An Ancient Town – A UNESCO World Heritage site with lantern-lit streets and historical architecture.
• Japanese Covered Bridge – A 17th-century wooden bridge with intricate carvings.
• An Bang Beach – A peaceful beach perfect for relaxation.
• Cam Thanh Coconut Village – A unique eco-tourism destination, famous for its vast water coconut forests and traditional basket boat rides.

• 

Hue – The former imperial capital of Vietnam, rich in history and culture

• Imperial City (Hue Citadel) – A UNESCO-listed complex of palaces and temples from the Nguyen Dynasty.
• Thien Mu Pagoda – A historic Buddhist pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
• Tomb of Khai Dinh – A unique blend of Vietnamese and European architecture.

Quang Binh – A nature lover’s dream with breathtaking landscapes

• Son Doong Cave – The world’s largest cave, an epic expedition for explorers.
• Phong Nha Cave & Paradise Cave – Stunning limestone caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
• Dark Cave (Hang Toi) – An adventurous cave with mud baths, zip-lining, and kayaking.
• Mooc Spring – A beautiful eco-tourism site with crystal-clear streams and waterfalls.

Quy Nhon & Phu Yen – Hidden gems with pristine beaches and untouched nature

• Ky Co Beach & Eo Gio (Quy Nhon) – Stunning coastal landscapes with turquoise waters.
• Ganh Da Dia (Phu Yen) – A unique rock formation resembling a giant honeycomb.

3. Southern Vietnam

3.1. Suggest the best time to travel in South Vietnam

South Vietnam is a vibrant region known for its dynamic cities, stunning beaches, rich culture, and the lush Mekong Delta. Whether you’re looking for bustling urban life, historical landmarks, or peaceful countryside, the South has it all!

“When is the best time to travel in Vietnam, especially South Vietnam?” is the question we get quite a lot. South Vietnam is divided into 2 seasons: Dry season and Rainy Season. So that, to have the fully memorable trips in the South, you can note some things about the best time to travel in Southern Vietnam:

Season	Months	Weather	Best for	Things to note
Dry season (best time to visit)	November – April	Sunny, low humidity (25-33°C)	Sunny, low humidity (25-33°C)	High tourist season, book accommodations early
Coolest months	December – February	Pleasant, mild temperatures	Tet Festival, city tours, Mekong Delta, island trips	Peak season, prices may be higher
Warmer but still dry	March – April	Warmer but still dry	Beach vacations, island hopping	Can get hot, but no heavy rain
Rainy season (fewer tourists)	May – October	Hot & humid, sudden showers	Hot & humid, sudden showers Lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, budget travel	Short, heavy rains; occasional flooding in some areas
Peak Rainy Season	August – October	Frequent rains, full rivers	Mekong Delta “floating season”	Some islands may have storms

 

3.2. Top must-visit destinations in South Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – The Heart of the South

The largest and most modern city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its energetic atmosphere, colonial architecture, and fantastic food scene.

Top Attractions:

• Ben Thanh Market – A must-visit for souvenirs, street food, and local products.
• Cu Chi Tunnels – A legendary underground maze in Vietnam.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office – Iconic French colonial landmarks.
• War Remnants Museum – A place to learn about Vietnam’s war history.
• Bui Vien Walking Street – A nightlife hub full of bars, clubs, and street performances.

The Mekong Delta – The “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam 

A vast network of rivers, canals, and floating villages, the Mekong Delta offers an authentic experience of Vietnam’s rural life.

Top Attractions:

• Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho) – A lively floating market where locals sell fresh produce from their boats.
• Tra Su Cajuput Forest (An Giang) – A breathtaking flooded forest, best explored by boat.
• Vinh Trang Pagoda (My Tho) – A beautiful Buddhist temple with a giant Buddha statue.
• Chau Doc – A cultural hub with floating fish farms and Sam Mountain.

Phu Quoc Island – A Tropical Paradise

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts.

Top Attractions:

• Sao Beach & Long Beach – Stunning beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• VinWonders & Safari Phu Quoc – A world-class amusement park and wildlife safari.
• Ham Ninh Fishing Village – A charming village famous for fresh seafood.
• Hon Thom Cable Car – The world’s longest over-sea cable car ride with breathtaking ocean views.

Vung Tau – The Seaside Escape

A popular beach getaway near Ho Chi Minh City, perfect for a weekend retreat.

Top Attractions:

• Christ the King Statue – A giant Jesus statue offering panoramic views.
• Back Beach & Front Beach – Relaxing coastal spots for swimming and sunbathing.
• White Palace – A former French colonial mansion with historical exhibits.
• Ho Tram & Ho Coc Beaches – Less crowded, pristine beaches with clear waters.

Con Dao Islands – A Hidden Gem

A remote and pristine archipelago known for its history, diving spots, and untouched nature.

Top Attractions:

• Con Dao Prison – A historic site from the French colonial era.
• Bay Canh Island – A sea turtle conservation area.
• Dam Trau Beach – A stunning beach with golden sand and turquoise waters.

Thus, the best time to travel in Vietnam depends on the region due to its diverse climate. Northern Vietnam is ideal from October to April, with cool, dry weather perfect for exploring Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa. Central Vietnam is best from February to August, especially from March to May, when the weather is sunny and the beaches are at their finest. Southern Vietnam is most enjoyable from November to April, with warm, dry conditions suitable for outdoor activities in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc. Overall, the best period to visit Vietnam is from October to April, offering the most comfortable weather for most destinations across the country.

How to book Vietnam package tours, Halong Bay Cruise Tours when coming to Vietnam?

There are many travel agencies offering tours in Vietnam, but Viet Flame Tours is proud to be the most reputable company providing all-inclusive tour packages across the country. Don’t hesitate! Contact us now for 24/7 support and the best prices!

📌 Address: 3rd Floor, 140 Hong Tien, Long Bien, Hanoi, Vietnam

📞 Hotline/WhatsApp/Viber: (+84) 986.282.217

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