Essential Travel Guidance and Suggestions for Exploring Vietnam on Foot
Vietnam, often referred to as the "land of the ascending dragon," offers a rich tapestry of destinations and experiences. With its diverse climate and geography, the best time to visit varies by region. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your journey.
Best Destinations in Vietnam
- Hanoi and Northern Vietnam: The capital city, Hanoi, is famous for the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Nearby are the terraced rice fields of Sapa, the stunning karst landscapes of Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, and the ancient town of Ninh Binh 1, 2, 3.
- Central Vietnam: Hoi An is renowned for its beautifully preserved ancient town and lantern-lit streets. Hue offers the Imperial City with royal palaces and temples, along with nearby Marble Mountains and My Khe beaches. Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is famous for extensive cave systems including Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest 1, 2, 3
- Southern Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, vibrant metropolis with historical sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Mekong Delta region is rich in waterways, floating markets, and lush agricultural landscapes 1, 2
Weather by Region and Season
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)
- Spring (Feb-Apr): Mild and gradually warming, good for sightseeing.
- Summer (May-Aug): Hot and humid with heavy rains and occasional typhoons.
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): Cooler, drier, and considered the best time to visit.
- Winter (Dec-Jan): Cool to cold, especially in the mountains like Sapa, with some mist and drizzle 1, 2
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang)
- Dry season (Feb-Aug): Hot, sunny weather ideal for beaches and outdoor activities.
- Rainy season (Sep-Jan): Frequent heavy rain and occasional flooding, especially in October and November. Typhoons can hit this region during late rainy season 1, 2
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
- Dry season (Dec-Apr): Warm and sunny, best time to travel.
- Rainy season (May-Nov): Hot with frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms but often brief, allowing for travel between rains 1, 2
Best Times to Visit
| Region | Best Season(s) | Notes | |------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Northern Vietnam | Autumn (Sep-Nov), Spring (Feb-Apr) | Cooler, less rain, ideal for trekking and city tours | | Central Vietnam | Dry season (Feb-Aug) | Beach-friendly, avoid heavy rains | | Southern Vietnam | Dry season (Dec-Apr) | Warm and sunny |
This regional and seasonal weather overview can help tailor your itinerary for the best experience in Vietnam’s diverse destinations.
Additional Information
- Vietnam has three different weather systems: Mountainous Far North (Sapa), North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh), Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Danang), and South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc).
- E-visas restrict travelers to the entry and exit points they select when they apply. If a traveler gets an e-visa while in Vietnam, they must exit the country and re-enter to start their e-visa.
- During the Vietnamese New Year's festival of Tet, transport and hotels can be sold out weeks in advance, prices rise, and it seems the whole country is on the move.
- December and January can get very cold in the Mountainous Far North.
- The dry season in South Vietnam runs from November to April/May and is slightly hotter and more humid at the end of the season.
- Mist and light rain are common and unpredictable year-round in the Mountainous Far North, but trekking is generally always possible.
- Tips aren't expected but are appreciated in Vietnam, with a rough guide provided for different services.
- Visitors from the UK (and some other countries) can now enter Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa (Update 2024).
- A Vietnam visa on arrival needs to be arranged in advance, and a stamping fee must be paid at the airport in either US dollars or VND.
From the bustling cities to the serene landscapes, Vietnam promises an unforgettable adventure. With this guide, you can plan your trip to make the most of your journey through this beautiful country.
- For a sightseeing experience, consider visiting Hanoi and Northern Vietnam during the spring (Feb-Apr) or autumn (Sep-Nov), when the weather is cooler and drier, making it ideal for trekking and city tours.
- Central Vietnam's dry season (Feb-Aug) is best for beach-friendly activities, while the rainy season (Sep-Jan) may bring frequent heavy rain and occasional flooding.
- Ho Chi Minh City in Southern Vietnam is vibrant and bustling all year round, but the dry season (Dec-Apr) offers the warmest and sunniest weather, making it the perfect time to travel.
- Travelers should be aware that Vietnam has three different weather systems: Mountainous Far North (Sapa), North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh), Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Danang), and South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc).
- During the Vietnamese New Year's festival, or Tet, transport and hotels can be sold out weeks in advance, prices rise, and it may seem the whole country is on the move, so it's advisable to plan accordingly.
