When to visit Vietnam

Easily the best time of year to travel Vietnam as a whole, with limited rain and temperate climate countrywide. By late February any cool weather in the north of Vietnam – Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Pu Luong – will have burned off, leading to pleasant spring like conditions. Central and southern Vietnam remain warm throughout, but remember an important rule of thumb: it will get warmer as you travel further south in country and later in season. If you’re planning to spend a large bulk of time around Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, particularly on a luxury river cruise, we suggest looking well towards February and early March. All of Vietnam’s beaches are in good condition in these months, particularly Con Dao which can be windswept in other times of year.

Take in the Highlights of Vietnam on our example itinerary

As we move into September the rains – and occasionally typhoons – arrive in central Vietnam, making this region decidedly unfavourable right up until early December. The north and south are right back in season however, experiencing ideal touring conditions once more. Furthermore, having just experienced a thorough soaking, Vietnam’s rural areas are lush, fresh, and carpeted in emerald green. Now is a fantastic time to out and about in the waterways of the south or the mountains of the north. Trekking areas Sapa, Pu Luong, and Mai Chau are particularly resplendent at this time of year.