The best time to visit Vietnam

Written by: Aimee White - Copywriter
Published: 9 September 2025

Vietnam grabs you by the senses and doesn't let go. For most travellers, the best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry, comfortable and ideal for exploring the country's vast landscapes.

Vietnam stretches over 1,600km from north to south, and its geographic diversity creates three distinct climate zones. In this blog, we'll go through each region, from best times to visit (and avoid), highlights and important dates.

After all, understanding these regional differences is key to planning your perfect trip. Our range of Vietnam small group tours cover every adventure, from bobbing along the Mekong Delta to biking through the Central Highlands. Plus, with guaranteed departures, you can book with confidence. Our tours are especially ideal for solo travellers looking for connection, safety and shared adventure.

At a glance:

What is the best itinerary for a first-time trip?

For first-time visitors to Vietnam, our Inside Vietnam tour offers the perfect introduction. What really makes this trip stand out is the overnight train to Hue. The Reunification Express train features comfortable 'soft-sleeper' four-berth cabins, and provides a snapshot of local life along the way. You'll arrive into Hue feeling refreshed and ready to explore this ancient imperial city.

Our Cycle Saigon to Hanoi tour is ideal for first-time visitors looking for something more active. Ride through the lush hill countryside in the Central Highlands and stop off to explore picturesque towns like Hoi An. After fresh, local lunches, pedal along quiet backroads and past traditional houses to reach Cai Be, famed for its floating markets that ribbon across the waterways.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)

Best time: October to April, with dry and cool weather
Avoid: May to August, when it's hot and humid, with occasional typhoons
Highlight: Autumn in Hanoi is especially beautiful. Sit down at a streetside cafe with an egg coffee (trust us - it's nicer than it sounds) and watch as crisp leaves scatter as fast as the passing scooters.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang)

Best time: February to May, with low humidity and minimal rainfall
Avoid: September & November, when it's peak typhoon season with heavy rains
Highlight: Vietnam isn't all go-go-go, and this is perfectly demonstrated along the coast. Relax on underrated beaches and cycle along coastal paths.

Southern Vietnam (HCMC, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

Best time: Dec to April, when it's dry, warm and sunny
Avoid: May to November, when it's the rainy season and high humidity
Highlight: This region is especially rich in immersive history lessons (and experiences), from crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnels to uncovering the Secret Weapons Bunker.

Trekking and adventure travel

Adventure seekers, Vietnam is your playground. From misty mountain passes to quiet coastal roads, this country offers a thrilling mix of terrain and culture for both trekkers and cyclists.

On our Walking in Vietnam tour, one of the most unforgettable experiences awaits in northern Vietnam. At the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, rice terraces ripple across the hills. Trek through a richly biodiverse landscape of limestone cliffs, dense forests and tranquil valleys. The adventure deepens with a two-night stay in a traditional stilt house, offering panoramic views that make waking up feel like stepping into a dream (and your next hike).

Trade your walking boots for two wheels and experience Vietnam as you cycle from south to north. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll pedal across the Thi Nai Sea Bridge - Vietnam's longest sea bridge - offering sweeping views of the coastline and a thrilling sense of scale. One of the most unforgettable highlights is the ride to Bau Trang (White Lake), a surreal desert landscape where white sand dunes meet vivid turquoise lakes. It’s a ride that feels like crossing worlds - perfect for those who crave the unexpected.

Remember to pack a Water-to-Go bottle. Instead of continously buying plastic bottles (you use up to 112 single-use bottles on a two-week trip), this reusable bottle filtrates 99.9% of all the nasties. This means you can refill from any tap and even streams, all while protecting the local environment.

 

Beaches & island escapes

You might not think of Vietnam as a beach destination, but you'll be pleasantly surprised. Vietnam's eastern and southern coastlines stretch along the South China Sea, offering a wealth of beach and island escapes.

Lan Ha Bay is serene with crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, hidden lagoons and mysterious grottoes to seek out. On our Upgraded - Vietnam and Angkor tour, you'll explore this stunning bay on an overnight cruise, complete with time to unwind in your well-appointed cabin after a day of watery discovery.

We also spend time in the lantern-lit town of Hoi An, where blissful beaches are just a short bike ride away. While a taxi ride gets you there quickly, cycling offers a more authentic experience as you pass lush rice paddies before arriving at the beach.

Another top beach escape is Nha Trang, a popular seaside town known for its tasty seafood and white sand beach. On our Vietnam Explorer tour, we take a boat trip to the outlying islands of Ninh Van Bay, where you can swim, snorkel and soak up the sun. Plus, there's plenty of time to enjoy Nha Trang at your own pace.

Cultural exploration

Vietnam's culture is as diverse as it is fascinating, and our 10-day tour takes you on a cultural journey, where you can make a traditional lantern in Hoi An, bustle through the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter and travel from Hue via a classic sleeper train, inching closer to local life each step of the way.

Tucked away in wooded hills, My Son takes you to the heart of Cham history. Explore atmospheric temples built by the Chams, whose dynastic lords founded their kingdom in 2AD - and My Son is considered one of the most sacred Cham sites in Vietnam.

Festivals and local culture

Tet (Vietnamese new year) falls over January, which is when many of our small group trips take place. In between water puppet shows in Hanoi and free time in old Saigon, you might encounter some Tết new year celebrations!

Local culture doesn't get more immersive than on our Taste of Vietnam food tour. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese pho breakfast before joining a cookery course in Duong Lam Ancient Village. Meet local farmers and eat a home-cooked meal with the family in rural Ninh Binh. Finally, in Ho Chi Minh City, learn about how beers are brewed on site at a local craft beer house.