The best time to visit Vietnam—one of two fabulous Southeast Asian countries that ranked in the top 10 list of best countries in the world according to Condé Nast Traveler readers—is whenever it (probably) won’t rain. Vietnam is a study in bustling street scenes in cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, beautiful natural destinations like Hạ Long Bay, and beaches where you can unwind or party the night away. As such, you’ll want the weather to cooperate, no matter which part of the long, coastal nation you end up visiting. To get the inside scoop on the best time to visit Vietnam, I spoke to two of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists: Tisha Neufville of Neufville Travel, and Catherine Heald of Remote Lands, both of whom count Vietnam as a country of expertise in their capacity as travel advisors. Here, they break down when to visit, how long to stay, and where to go for your first time.
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When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is a large and long country, split between northern, central, and southern sections of the Indochinese Peninsula, so the best time to visit depends on which cities or regions you’re seeing. “These regions all have differing weather systems,” says Heald of Remote Lands. If you’re planning to see as much as you can up and down the coast, she recommends timing a visit for December and February, “when rain is minimal—though Northern Vietnam may be chilly during this time.”
Neufville of Neufville Travel breaks down the best times to visit each region in Vietnam: In Southern Vietnam, where you’ll find Ho Chi Minh City and a beach areas like Phu Quoc, the best time to go is November through April; “that when there’s less humidity and rain, but the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches and water.” For destinations like Hanoi and Hạ Long Bay in Northern Vietnam, she suggests September to December, “when the temperatures are comfortable enough where you can do without a coat.” Whereas Central Vietnam—home to Hội An, Danang, and Huế—is most welcoming between January and August when there is much less rain (though the weather is mild for most of the year anyway).
When is the cheapest time to visit Vietnam?
For an affordable trip through Vietnam, Neufville advises visiting in November or December, right before the festive season of Lunar New Year in January or February. Lodging and flights are much cheaper during this time, while you can still experience pleasant weather and less rain. “For the truly least expensive time to be in Vietnam, a trip during September or October could work,” Neufville says. “However, you’ll need to have backup plans and travel insurance, in case there’s a monsoon or heavy rain.”
When is peak season in Vietnam?
Peak season in Vietnam is usually the country’s festive holiday season, spanning from late November through early January, according to Heald. “It is best to avoid visiting Vietnam during Tết Nguyên Đán and Lunar New Year as many restaurants and shops are closed during this time,” she says. “And whatever is open will usually have a smaller-than-usual staff working the place.”
Neufville agrees, saying that the festive season from January to February is when most locals take their own vacations, so you’ll see a lot more crowds out and about. “You’ll notice high rates and low availability during these times,” she says. “It is best to make your travel arrangements far in advance if you plan to travel during these months.”