Best time to visit in Vietnam

For travelers wanting to visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and the Central region of Vietnam, the best time to visit is during the dry season. February and March are considered the ideal months for a cross-country trip. However, as February might coincide with the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet), Matthews advises foreign visitors to choose coastal destinations for relaxation during this period and explore major cities after Tet. According to Matthews, during Tet, most people return home for family reunions, and many shops and restaurants might be closed.

If you're looking to explore Hanoi, plan your visit between September and November or March and April for dry weather. For sunny beach experiences in places like Hoi An and Nha Trang, the best time is from April to August. To discover the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc, the period from October to April of the following year is most favorable.

Best Time for Budget Travel

International experts consider Vietnam an "affordable destination year-round," offering diverse street food and comfortable hotels suitable for all budgets. For a more economical trip while still enjoying pleasant weather, travelers should visit in April, May, October, and November. During these months, the weather is warm, and there are fewer tourists.

Best Time to Visit Sapa and Ha Long Bay

A visit to the golden terraced rice fields in Sapa is a must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Matthews notes that this region gets colder from December to February, so it's best to plan your trip between September and November or in March and April. The rice harvest season is also a great time to visit: from late August to September, the vibrant green hillsides turn golden as the rice ripens.

Ha Long Bay is a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists. For a less crowded experience, consider an overnight cruise. This journey will take you deeper into the bay or to the equally beautiful neighboring Lan Ha Bay.

March, April, October, and November are ideal times to visit due to warm, sunny, and less humid weather. Travelers can also avoid peak season and comfortably enjoy kayaking, hiking on Cat Ba Island, and diving.

Times to Avoid (Bad Weather)

Foreign experts advise travelers to avoid visiting during the monsoon or rainy season. "When the monsoon hits, Vietnam becomes very humid," Matthews states, warning against visiting mountainous areas like Sapa and Ha Long Bay as rainstorms can make trips unsafe.

If you still decide to travel during the rainy season, be flexible with your plans and avoid booking everything in advance due to unpredictable weather. "Keeping an open mind can help you benefit from low-season tour and room discounts," says Benjamin Kreuz, General Manager of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay.

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