Best time to visit Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on your destination; long and narrow, the seasons contrast from north to south, and mountains to coast.
The humid south is warm year-round, and the warm May-Nov monsoon season brings brief, heavy showers that barely disrupt travel – but regions around the Mekong may flood. The cold monsoon along the central coast occurs from Oct-Apr and is much less pleasant. Oct-Dec are warm, sunny months in the north; from March it is unbearably hot. May, June and September are the best times to visit Vietnam to avoid the crowds.
Ho Chi Minh City Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
21
32
20
FEB
22
33
10
MAR
23
34
15
APR
24
35
65
MAY
25
33
220
JUN
24
32
300
JUL
24
31
290
AUG
24
31
250
SEP
23
31
330
OCT
23
31
250
NOV
23
31
110
DEC
22
31
55
Our Vietnam Vacations
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh vacation in Vietnam
Capture the spirit of Vietnam on this compact adventure
From
US $1024 to US $1430
10 days
ex flights
Vietnam vacation, South to North
From bright lights, to beaches and junk boats.
From
£1395
13 days
ex flights
Vietnam adventure vacation
Private, tailor-made Vietnam adventure tour
From
US $3235
16 days
ex flights
Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
Thailand to Southern Vietnam via Angkor Wat
From
US $824 to US $1110
9 days
ex flights
Indochina overland tours
Discover the heart and soul of Indochina
From
US $2295 to US $2549
30 days
ex flights
Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam vacations
An authentic and exciting vacation in Indochina
From
US $3904 to US $4392
4 weeks
ex flights
Cycling vacation to Indochina and Angkor Wat
Cross three countries with contrasting recent histories
From
US $2525 to US $3255
14 days
ex flights
Vietnam culture and beach vacation
A tour of two halves, culture and beach relaxation.
From
US $1038
11 days
ex flights
Vietnam and Cambodia 15 day tour, tailor made
See two wonders of the world in just two weeks
From
£1648
15 days
ex flights
Vietnam small group cycling vacation
The best of Vietnam on two wheels
From
US $1855 to US $2405
14 days
ex flights
Vietnam vacation
Tour and learn about this beautiful destination
From
US $2014 to US $2510
20 days
ex flights
Vietnam small group vacation, a food adventure
Exotic 2 week culinary and cultural tour of Vietnam.
From
US $1628 to US $2025
12 days
ex flights
Vietnam adventure vacation
A comprehensive north to south exploration
From
US $1505 to US $1785
14 days
ex flights
Cambodia & Vietnam vacation
A magnificent journey of discovery
From
US $1896 to US $2505
18 days
ex flights
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand overland tour
The very best of Indochina -Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
From
US $2159 to US $2690
23 days
ex flights
Vietnam family vacation
A fabulous family vacation including the best of Vietnam
From
£1075 to £1095
15 days
ex flights
Vietnam hill tribe trek and homestay
The perfect combination of trek and culture in Vietnam
From
US $219
3 days
ex flights
Indochina vacation, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand
Fast-paced Bangkok & slow boats along the Mekong
From
US $1719 to US $1819
22 days
ex flights
Cambodia & Vietnam community cycling vacation
Explore Phnom Penh to Saigon and everything in between
From
£1250 to £1325
12 days
ex flights
Hanoi to Da Nang tour in Vietnam
Journey through Northern and Central Vietnam
From
US $1500
11 days
ex flights
Vietnam photography tour, Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi
14 day Vietnam photography tour with a pro photographer
From
£2995
14 days
ex flights
Vietnam tailor made vacation
The perfect overview from Hanoi to Saigon and beyond.
From
£1995 to £3000
14 days
ex flights
Photography tour in Vietnam and Cambodia
A unique photographic tour of Cambodia & Southern Vietnam
From
US $2500
14 days
ex flights
Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi tours in Vietnam
Discover the spirit of Vietnam
From
US $1067 to US $1385
10 days
ex flights
Vietnam and Angkor Wat vacation
Cruising in Halong Bay, cooking in Hoi An plus incredible Angkor
From
US $2435 to US $2635
14 days
ex flights
Hanoi to Saigon tailor made vacation, Vietnam
Explore Vietnam's highlights, like Hue and the Mekong
From
US $4330
15 days
ex flights
Vietnam tailor made vacation, the North West
Discover the distinctive northwestern region of Vietnam.
From
£1995 to £2995
11 days
ex flights
Indochina overland vacation
The ultimate discovery of South East Asia
From
US $4185 to US $4575
28 days
ex flights
When to visit Vietnam & when not to
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Responsible Travel recommends
Mrs Vo Thi Bich Ha from our supplier Haivenu, is Vietnamese and has lived and travelled all over her home country. She shares her best time to visit Vietnam:
"My favourite time is in the autumn – that’s the best time in the north and south. The weather in the north is so pleasant, particularly around Sapa. And the light enhances all the scenery, reflects the colours... it’s dry with clear skies, everything looks more beautiful. In Hanoi the weather is lovely at that time and in Ho Chi Minh City, the temperature is comfortable which makes the tours more enjoyable. But you have to sacrifice Central Vietnam, as that’s when the floods happen."
Our calendar tip
Our calendar tip
The Chinese lunar calendar
Vietnam’s culture is still heavily influenced by its past links with China; and the lunar calendar is used for most festivals, meaning the date can vary by over a month each year, so do look up dates before booking! Tet marks the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar, the full moon falls on the 14th day of each lunar month.
Our top Vietnam Vacation
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh vacation in Vietnam
Capture the spirit of Vietnam on this compact adventure
From
US $1024 to US $1430
10 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
Departs every Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday & selected Wednesdays throughout the year
Departs every Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday & selected Wednesdays throughout the year
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Vietnam or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Festivals & events
Tet Nguyen Dan
Vietnam’s biggest celebration is the lunar New Year, which falls in late January or early February, coinciding with Chinese New Year. People clean their homes, cook special dishes and give children “lucky money” in red envelopes. Tet festivities last up to a month, including firecrackers, fireworks and masked dances – you’ll also see flowers everywhere.
Hoi An Full Moon Festival
If you’re craving a break from the noisy motos, head to Hoi An for the full moon festival, when motorised traffic is banned and the district turns itself into a stage for the traditional arts, including Chinese opera, chess and lanterns. Temples fill up and there is plenty of tasty food on offer.
More about Vietnam
Our Vietnam travel guide reveals how to explore the Mekong Delta, get out on the waters of Halong Bay, traverse this long country by train, and meet the hill tribes of the north, for an unforgettable Southeast Asian vacation.
Vietnam hugs the entire east coast of Southeast Asia, stretching over 1,600km. Cultures, landscapes, climates and activities vary across its length...
There are plenty of things to do in Vietnam, both inland and on the water; we've picked our top four below. There's more than enough to keep you busy...
Take a ride on Vietnam's Reunification Express and discover the hop on/hop off highlights as you follow the coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City...
It is within the kitchens, the markets and on the streets where you'll discover the one true tie that describes Vietnam's cultural identity: its food...
Discover the tribes, villages and cultural travel tips that will help you travel like a local in Vietnam, way beyond the stream of tourists...
A Vietnam history tour will take you from the Hanoi Hilton to the Cu Chi tunnels with no end of important key historical sites in between...
Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia together provides plenty of opportunities to compare and contrast landscapes, the food and the cultural heritage...
The top 10 things to do are as varied as Vietnam itself with junk boats in Halong Bay, motorbikes in Hue and dragon boats on the Perfume River...
Our guide to LGBT vacations in Vietnam will help you understand local attitudes, taboos and laws, as well as highlighting some of the top locations...
If you're thinking of traveling in Vietnam with kids, there is plenty here to entertain, with colourful markets, cyclo rides and stunning beaches...
If you're wondering how to find secluded beaches and whether you'll be hassled by street vendors, our suppliers have shared their top Vietnam advice...
There are plenty of issues to keep in mind in Vietnam, from the overcrowding and pollution of Halong Bay, to the fair treatment of Hoi An's tailors...
Find all of our Vietnam guides in one place for more information about the different type of vacations we offer such as cycling or family vacations in Vietnam.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Fré Sonneveld] [Mountains and sunset: Hoach Le Dinh]
[Hanoi in Autumn: motiqua]
[Lunar calendar: Sketyl none]
[Tet Nguyen Dan: Prenn]
[Full moon festival: felixtriller.]
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