Western Tourists' Tips on the Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Foreign experts share the best times to visit Vietnam’s three regions to enjoy good weather, affordable prices, and avoid crowds.

Each region of Vietnam has its own appeal to international tourists. “The climate difference between the North and South means that there is always a place worth visiting in Vietnam no matter when you go,” said Melissa Matthews, Southeast Asia and North America regional director at luxury travel company Red Savannah.

International travel experts who have studied the Vietnamese market have divided the country into three seasons: peak, mid, and off-peak periods, as well as the best times to visit to avoid crowds, get cheaper prices, and experience nature at its finest.

Peak Season
In the North: September to November and March to April.
In the Central region: April to August.
In the South: October to April.
Transition periods between high and low season in the North: December to February and May to August.
In the Central region: September to March.
In the South: September to December.
Low Season
In the North: May to October.
In the Central region: September to May.
In the South: May to September.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

Matthews explained that the rainy season (May to October in the North, September to May in the Central region, and May to September in the South) attracts fewer tourists.
"Visiting Vietnam during this time offers many perks," Matthews said, as hotel prices and airfare are cheaper. Restaurants and tours to popular attractions are less crowded, offering a rare opportunity to immerse in local culture. “You can leisurely enjoy the famous bun cha on a plastic chair by the sidewalk without worrying about crowds,” one tourist shared.

However, the rain and cloudy weather may hinder activities like hiking in Sa Pa or cruising on Ha Long Bay, two experiences that any visitor to Vietnam would want to try.

Best Time to Visit

For visitors wanting to explore Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Central Vietnam, the dry season is the best time to visit. February and March are ideal for a cross-country trip. February may coincide with the Lunar New Year, so Matthews recommends foreign tourists choose coastal destinations for relaxation and visit the big cities after the holiday. During Tet, people tend to reunite with their families, and many shops remain closed, according to Matthews.

If you want to explore Hanoi, visit from September to November or March to April for dry weather. To experience sunny beaches like those in Hội An or Nha Trang, go from April to August. From October to April is the best time to explore the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc.

Best Time for Affordable Travel

International experts rate Vietnam as an “affordable destination year-round,” with rich street food offerings and comfortable hotels suitable for all budgets. For a budget-friendly trip to enjoy the best weather, tourists should visit in April, May, October, and November. These months offer warm weather with fewer tourists.

Best Time to Visit Sa Pa and Ha Long Bay

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

Matthews noted that the area begins to get colder from December to February, so it’s best to plan a trip from September to November or in March and April. The rice harvest season is also a great time to visit: from late August to September, the green slopes turn golden as the rice ripens.

Ha Long Bay is a favorite destination for both domestic and international tourists. For a less crowded experience, visitors should consider an overnight cruise. This journey will take tourists deeper into the bay or visit the nearby Lan Ha Bay, which is just as stunning.

March, April, October, and November are the ideal months to visit as the weather is warm, sunny, and less humid. Tourists can also avoid the peak season and enjoy activities like kayaking, hiking on Cat Ba Island, and diving.

Worst Weather Period

Foreign experts advise against traveling during the monsoon or rainy season. “When the monsoon arrives, Vietnam becomes very humid,” Matthews explained, warning that travelers should avoid the mountainous areas of Sa Pa and Ha Long Bay as storms may make trips unsafe.
If tourists decide to travel during the rainy season, they should remain flexible with their plans and avoid booking everything in advance due to unpredictable weather. "Being open-minded can help you take advantage of discounts on tours and rooms during the off-season,” said Benjamin Kreuz, CEO of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay.