Our Vietnam tours are designed with highlights and unique experiences for different destinations in the country. Itineraries are for the suggestion; our tours can be customized to match your needs.
Vietnam, the S-shaped country often likened to a dragon, lies in Southeast Asia and is celebrated as one of the region’s most beautiful destinations. With its dynamic blend of colonial elegance, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes, Vietnam offers travellers an authentic and memorable experience.
The country is home to over 100 million people, with Vietnamese as the official language and Hanoi as the capital. The currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous beliefs are practised, many locals follow traditional folk religions or none at all.
With bustling cities, serene temples, UNESCO-listed sites, and vast countryside, ranging from the remote northern mountains to the Mekong Delta in the south, Vietnam presents a diverse mix of destinations. For travellers seeking an unforgettable journey, deciding when and where to visit is key.
Vietnam’s lengthy shape and varied terrain result in significant differences in weather and climate from north to south. However, to maximise good travel conditions across the country, the months of March to April and September to November tend to offer the most comfortable weather, with warm days, fewer storms, and less rain.
March-April (spring) and September-November (autumn) are top choices. December-February can be cool; May-August hot and humid.
Best from January to August; note heavier rain and possible storms later in the year.
November to April brings the driest, most pleasant weather; the wet season typically runs May to October.
In January, the southern region—around Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta—offers warm, sunny days with minimal rain, ideal for exploring the waterways, vibrant markets and laid-back beachside escapes on nearby islands. Up north around Hanoi and Halong Bay you’ll find crisp, cooler air and misty mornings — perfect for temple visits and dramatic karst landscapes. The central region around Hue and Hoi An enjoys mild, pleasant temperatures, making it comfortable for heritage walks and riverside dining.
This month is perfect for combining city culture and heritage tours (Hanoi’s old quarter, Huế’s imperial citadel), scenic cruising or day-trips (Halong Bay), and beach relaxation in the south where the sea and skies are at their best. The cooler northern mornings make walking tours enjoyable, while the south allows you to unwind without heavy rainfall.
– Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): This is the most significant holiday in Vietnam, celebrated across the country with fireworks, flower markets and family gatherings. Tip: Book flights and accommodations well in advance. Expect transport delays and many businesses to be closed during the holiday period.
– New Year’s Day (January 1): Marked with festive events in major cities. Tip: In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, riverside fireworks and special hotel dinners are popular—reserve early.
Best Places to Visit
February remains desirable for both beach lovers and culture seekers. The central coast (Hoi An, Da Nang) enjoys dry skies and warm seas, while the north is beginning to warm up — making areas like Ninh Binh or Sapa good for scenic exploration. The south continues to shine with bright days ideal for Mekong river cruises or island escapes.
Recommended Travel Styles
You’ll find February great for temple and heritage visits, island or beach escapes, and slow-paced city breaks. With the weather favourable, you can comfortably explore ancient towns, cycle through the countryside near Hoi An, or take boat trips in the Mekong Delta.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Perfume Pagoda Festival (February-March, near Hanoi): A Buddhist pilgrimage to mountain temples and caves. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the climb and be prepared for many local visitors, especially on weekends.
Best Places to Visit
March offers increasing warmth and sunshine across the country. In the north, places like Halong Bay and Ninh Binh benefit from clear skies and good visibility. Central destinations such as Huế and Hoi An remain excellent for heritage tours. The south is increasingly warm and remains dry.
Recommended Travel Styles
This is a strong month for heritage and nature trip combinations — e.g., early morning temple visits then countryside cycling. Beach escapes also work well as the warmth builds. For travellers interested in photography, the clarity of the air in the north and central parts makes for stunning landscapes.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Hung Kings’ Festival (10th day of the 3rd lunar month): A national day honouring Vietnam’s legendary founders.
– Women’s Day (March 8): Celebrated throughout Vietnam. Tip: Check local cultural centres in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for special performances or exhibitions.
Best Places to Visit
In April the north is warm and spring-like, great for exploring mountainous regions and heritage cities. Central Vietnam, around Hoi An and Da Nang, continues to enjoy dry, sunny weather before heavy rains set in. The south remains comfortable for beach and river adventures.
Recommended Travel Styles
April is well-suited for cultural immersion, heritage city tours, and road trips through central Vietnam’s coast and countryside. Combine history in Hue with beach time in Hoi An or Da Nang. The warmth allows comfortable outdoor adventures such as kayaking or bike rides.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Hung Kings’ Festival (if aligned with the month, though often April): Processions and offerings at ancestral temples. Tip: Join the communal offerings respectfully—dress modestly and arrive early.
– Reunification Day (April 30): Celebrated widely across Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, with parades and light shows. Tip: Expect higher crowds in big cities—book transport and hotels ahead.
Best Places to Visit
May sees the country heating up, but early in the month, it remains very good for travel. The central coastline (around Nha Trang, Quy Nhon) is favourable before the full onset of rain. The north remains accessible, although it is becoming warmer; the south begins to feel increasingly humid.
Recommended Travel Styles
This month works for temple and heritage tours, rural countryside exploration (rice fields, hilltribe villages), and beach holidays in early May. Afternoon downtime becomes more important as temperatures rise.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday, April-May): Buddhist temples across Vietnam hold candlelight processions and offerings. Tip: Visit a major pagoda at dusk for a peaceful and reflective experience.
– Labour Day (May 1): Nationwide public holiday. Tip: Expect crowds on transport, especially around major cities, beaches, and resorts — book ahead.
Best Places to Visit
As rain begins to increase, you’ll get bursts of showers mainly in the south and central coast. The north remains relatively more stable for visiting: places such as Sapa, Ha Giang, and Halong Bay offer green vistas. Coastal resorts are still viable early in the month.
Recommended Travel Styles
June is suited for relaxed cultural travel, off-peak sightseeing, and photography of lush landscapes. Beach time remains possible, though with flexible planning (expect rain). Indoor activities like museums, galleries or spa resorts complement outdoor exploration.
Key Festivals or Holidays
This month, there are no major nationwide festivals, making it a good time for quiet travel. Use the quieter season to access less-visited sites and get better deals.
Best Places to Visit
In July the south and central coast experience more frequent rain, while the north can get hotter and more humid, but still manageable in mountainous or highland areas. For beach escapes, islands off the south coast (like Phu Quoc) may offer better weather windows.
Recommended Travel Styles
This month works for resort and retreat travel, cultural experiences with fewer crowds, and nature walks in cooler altitudes (mountains of the north). Expect more indoor/short-duration excursions and plan to keep flexible.
Monsoon season starts to dominate in many places. So always carry a light rain jacket, and plan activities for morning or early afternoon to avoid heavier showers.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Tet Doan Ngo (Fifth day of the fifth lunar month, approx June/July): Traditional festival marking summer midday—often with special foods such as sticky rice wine and fruit offerings. Tip: Visit regional markets early; some special local dishes and festivities appear in rural areas.
Best Places to Visit
August remains in the height of the wet season in many regions, yet the lushness of the countryside is exceptional. Mountainous regions in the north (Ha Giang, Sapa) may provide dramatic views of rice terraces and fog. Some islands and coastal spots may still enjoy dry windows — good for weather-flexible travellers.
Recommended Travel Styles
This month is ideal for slow travel, culinary and cultural immersion, and photography of verdant landscapes. As the weather may be unpredictable, shorter excursions and combining indoor and outdoor experiences work best.
Wet season high-point: Choose accommodations with good indoor amenities (spa, pool) to make the most of rainy afternoons.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Vu Lan Festival (15th day of the 7th lunar month, approx August): A Buddhist festival of filial piety honouring ancestors. Temples are decorated with white roses, and people offer prayers. Tip: Visit a major pagoda in the evening for lantern releases and quieter, contemplative ambiance.
Best Places to Visit
In September, the north is entering a cooler, more comfortable phase, with fewer crowds and rich green scenery. Central Vietnam remains warm, although storms can occur. The south begins to exit its worst of the rainy season and becomes more attractive again.
Recommended Travel Styles
This is a prime month for cultural exploration, nature photography, and mixed itineraries (temple + beach). Northern highlands with harvest colours, southern coastal escapes with improving weather—both are accessible.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival, 15th day of the 8th lunar month, approx September): Lanterns, mooncakes and kid-friendly celebrations. Tip: Visit cities like Hoi An or Hanoi on the full moon night for lantern displays on rivers and streets.
– Vietnam National Day (September 2): Celebrated with flags, parades and fireworks. Tip: Best viewed in major cities—arrive early for vantage points.
Best Places to Visit
In October, the north enjoys cooler, crisp air (ideal for mountain treks around Sapa or Ha Giang), and the central coast begins its shoulder into the dry season. Southern Vietnam is recovering from the rainy months, so beach destinations are becoming more reliable once again.
Recommended Travel Styles
October is excellent for trekking and highland adventures, heritage tours in ancient cities, and serene beach escapes at less-busy resorts. The transition in weather makes it a balanced time for multi-region itineraries.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Kin Lau Khau Mau Festival: A harvest thanksgiving festival celebrated by the Thai ethnic group in Lai Chau province in late October.
Best Places to Visit
November is among the best months overall for travel in Vietnam — the north is cool and clear, the central coast is dry and comfortable, and the south enjoys pleasant beach weather. Destinations like Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta, and the highlands around Sapa and Ha Giang are all well-placed for exploration.
Recommended Travel Styles
This month suits full-spectrum travel: combine cultural city breaks (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City), nature treks (northern highlands), and beach time (southern islands) in one trip. It’s ideal for families or multi-region itineraries because conditions are favourable across the board.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival: This festival, which takes place around November, celebrates the traditional Vietnamese áo dài with parades, performances, and photo opportunities around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Best Places to Visit
December offers dry, comfortable weather — the south is sunshine-filled and ideal for beach stays, the north has crisp mornings and clear vistas in places like Halong Bay and northern highlands, while central Vietnam enjoys mild temperatures along the coast or in historic towns.
Recommended Travel Styles
This month is ideal for multi-region holidays, beach retreats, heritage city trips, or more relaxed family-friendly itineraries. The weather and conditions suit nearly every kind of travel style, making it a great time to treat yourself.
Key Festivals or Holidays
– Christmas celebrations in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, resort areas): Though not traditional, the festive décor and events are lively. Tip: Plan a special dinner or resort package to celebrate with style.
– New Year’s Eve / New Year’s Day (Dec 31 / Jan 1): Major cities host fireworks and gala dinners. Tip: Book beachfront resorts or city-centre hotels early to secure views of midnight festivities.
| Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | ||
| Halong Bay | ||
| Sapa | ||
| Hoi An | ||
| Hue | ||
| Ho Chi Minh City | ||
| Mekong Delta | ||
| Nha Trang | ||
| Phu Quoc |
You haven't seen any tour yet.
Thank you for trusting Asia Pioneer Travel.
The beautiful memories we shared during that time are truly precious, and we will cherish them forever.
