When to Visit Vietnam
When you visit depends largely on your priorities and Vietnamese weather patterns—Vietnam has a dry, cooler season and a hot, rainy season. Most visitors plant their vacations for the summer, but travelers should keep in mind that June to July in Vietnam is rainy and extremely humid, although the rain typically only lasts part of the day. You should also keep in mind a few important national holidays, like the lunar New Year.
From April to November is the rainy season. South Vietnam is especially prone to flooding during this time. During the dry season, November to March, the temperatures are significantly cooler in North Vietnam . Some visitors like visiting during the tail end of the rainy season because of the lushness that results from the torrential downpours. While rainy, this is also a busy time for harvesting and fishing, and can be a good time to visit to see villagers at their busiest.
It can get quite cold in the mountains of Vietnam from December to February, but this is also when you’ll encounter the least amounts of tourists. This can be a more peaceful time to explore villages and meet locals around Sapa and Mount Fansipan. If you’re interested in photography, however, you should visit between August and September, when the fields turn from a rich green to bright gold.
The lunar New Year, or “Tet,” is Vietnam’s biggest national holiday. It takes place sometime around February, although the exact date changes every year. You may want to see some part of this celebration, but it’s generally considered a less ideal time to visit, as this is when many Vietnamese families choose to travel and more businesses are likely to be closed. Read more about Vietnamese holidays in our Holiday and Festival Travel Guide .
Following the New Year, it’s considered an auspicious time to travel to religious sites. Visitors should keep in mind that this is when temples and religious sites tend to be the busiest. Again, this isn’t a reason not to go—you might be interested to see a busy pilgrimage site—but it’s something to keep in mind if you prefer having the place yourself.
Related Travel Guides
Vietnam itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Vietnam itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Deep into Vietnam & Cambodia
Our favourite country so far, 2nd time going. The food is amazing, the history and culture are vibrant and fabulous to participate in, and the people are so warm, friendly, kind and welcoming. It’s inexpensive but top quality and everywhere you go, you are welcomed. They work hard to help you and are open to learning English and happy to work with you via translate apps etc to accommodate anything from ordering food, to paying for items, to directions to places. Every menu had photos and moat things have English descriptions too. English is widely spoken too. There’s so much to see and do in the country that there’s something for everyone no matter what you’re interested in.
Vietnam
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Immersion
Tali explored the cultural tapestry of Vietnam and Cambodia on a 17‑day adventure. Travelers trekked from Hanoi’s bustling streets to Ninh Binh’s karst cliffs, glided through Halong Bay, explored Hoi An’s lantern river, and toured Angkor’s temples. Friendly local hosts and knowledgeable guides brought history to life, leaving Tali with a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant traditions and timeless landscapes.
Vietnam
Vietnam's Saigon and Mekong to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Cambodia
This itinerary was designed by our experts to showcase the range of experiences we can cater to in Vietnam and Cambodia trip. All services are 100% customizable to fit your travel dates, budget, and preferences. Do you need to find different hotels, alternative lodging or other activities? Our experts in Southeast Asia can assist you with your requests. Send us an email to book your personal trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Vietnam
Saigon and Mekong Cruise in Vietnam plus Siem Reap Cambodia
This itinerary will help you plan a trip to Vietnam or Cambodia. All services can be customized to meet your travel preferences, dates and budget. Are you looking for alternative lodging, activities or hotels? You can count on the expertise of our local experts in Southeast Asia to meet your needs. For a personalized trip to Vietnam or Cambodia, get in touch with us today.
Vietnam
Cruise the Mekong River from Siem Reap Cambodia to Saigon Vietnam
This itinerary is the starting point for a great trip to Vietnam & Cambodia. All services can be customized to suit your travel needs, dates, and budget. You may be looking for hotels or other options, such as alternative lodging. Our local experts will help you in Southeast Asia. Get in touch to plan your trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Vietnam
Insider-led Vietnam Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
