When is the best time to vacation in Vietnam, what time of year and where. Resorts, photos, videos
With a huge number of islands (more than 300), majestically rising from the emerald waters of the beautiful sea.
The country of Vietnam is surprisingly interesting and unusual for tourists. Weather by month, rainy season, living conditions... This will be discussed in our article.
What attracts Vietnam?
In the East Asian Masonic zone, Vietnam is located, quite interesting and unique in its climatic conditions.
In this country you can see a magnificent combination of beach resorts with unusually beautiful nature and Asian exoticism.
It also attracts with its curious ancient history, diverse culture, incredibly large number of attractions and fabulous, unforgettable landscapes.
Vietnam: location
In the west, Vietnam has borders with Cambodia and Laos, in the north with China, and the eastern and southern borders are located near the waters of the warm South China Sea.
Amazing nature and warm climate attract tourists from all over the world.
This area is famous not only for its amazing beauty. The rainy season in Vietnam is something of a natural attraction. The weather of these places is created by monsoons. Winter (from the northeast) - from October to March brings wet and rather cool weather to almost all areas located north of the city of Nha Trang, but it carries warm and dry weather to the south.
From April until October, the country's territory is exposed to the influence of the southwestern monsoons, which bring warm but humid weather to almost the entire country, except for mountainous areas.
The period from mid-summer (July) to November can be characterized as typhoon, since at this time destructive winds prevail here. The northern and central parts of the state suffer the most from this.
When does the rainy season start in Vietnam (by month)?
In Vietnam there is no what we are used to - seasons. They just have weather, good and bad. Moreover, the good one is when it’s warm sunny days outside. This period lasts most of the year (up to 9 months). And the bad one is the period of rain (rainy season).
At this time it rains for almost 24 hours, although with varying intensity.
In general, the rains in Vietnam begin in December, and the most convenient time for tourists to come to this warm country is from April to November. Moreover, it makes no difference what month, because here the temperature never drops below +10 degrees at night, and +20 during the day.
It is quite comfortable in this country even on the coldest days for these places.
During the rainy season the sea can be rough. This point especially needs to be taken into account by diving enthusiasts.
There are pros and cons to the climate of this amazing country. Perhaps many people, even during the rainy season in Vietnam, will enjoy walking in the endless rain and watching the sea or lying in a cozy hut, listening to the endless sound of the wind and the slap of huge leaves of exotic trees.
In addition, if you wish, at any time of the year in Vietnam you can find areas of territory where the sun shines, revealing delightful landscapes.
Climate zones of Vietnam
Based on weather conditions, this country is divided into zones - northern, southern and central. Therefore, you can relax here without fear of bad weather, wherever your heart desires. If it rains in one part of the country, the warm sun will most likely shine in others.
The northern zone has the most noticeable change of seasons of the year. Winter here is usually cool (on average 15 ⁰С), even in some areas of the mountains there can be frosts. In this area, the rainy season in Vietnam begins in May and lasts until October. From July to September, precipitation falls up to 80%. The best time to relax here is autumn.
The southern territories of Vietnam are characterized by high humidity. The rainy season is from May to October. But despite the large volume of precipitation, showers here are relatively short-lived and occur more often in the second half of the day. The heat here is not sweltering, and the sea is perfect for swimming and relaxing on the beach. And the air is very comfortable for longer walks, excursions and travel.
The central part of the country is visited by the rainy season much later than other areas. Only towards the end of August the first rains appear, but they last a little longer, until December. In addition, powerful typhoons most often occur in the center of Vietnam in October and November.
Nha Trang city: climate by month
The rainy season in Vietnam is inevitable throughout almost the entire country. Nha Trang is a city that has quite diverse climatic conditions.
We can say that the concept of “off season” is completely inapplicable and not scary for these places. This does not mean that your vacation will be ruined if you come to Vietnam at such a time.
The weather in Nha Trang from October to December is the “off season”. Strong winds are observed here at this time, especially in the evenings. Temperatures vary between 28 and 30 degrees, humidity is low.
The sight after a rainstorm during the rainy season in Vietnam, when rivers appear instead of streets, is, of course, stunning. And it's worth seeing. But local residents are accustomed to this phenomenon.
The weather here is unpredictable. During this period, the sea is quite high, but closer to the islands it is clean, calm and quiet.
From January to March in Nha Trang it is 24 degrees. The rough seas are slowly subsiding and the beach season is approaching. The temperature rises to 30 degrees in summer.
From May to September is the hottest period of the year. It is especially stuffy in August, and the humidity is also high. The air warms up to about 31-35 degrees on average.
In this city, everything is a little different compared to other resorts, because Nha Trang is surrounded on all sides by the Truong Son mountains, thanks to which its own relatively calm microclimate is formed. It’s always easy to breathe here and you can sunbathe, swim, and dive all year round.
Phan Thiet is considered Vietnam's beach paradise.
Each province and city in this country fascinates with its uniqueness and difference.
The city of Phan Thiet, located off the coast of the South China Sea, has been developed as a center for family beach holidays.
The main advantage of these places is their unique microclimate. “The rainy season” is just a relative concept here. The sun heats fairly evenly almost all year round. Only in July-August do small short rains occur, and no more than 3 times a week. April is the hottest month.
The reason for such a comfortable climate is the dunes surrounding the area on the land side. These are a kind of natural attractions, impressive with their exoticism and beauty.
Holidays in Phan Thiet are primarily beach holidays. Although there are plenty of attractions here, they serve more as a complement to swimming and numerous water activities.
Conclusion
As we can see, Vietnam is a wonderful country, like a piece of paradise. No amount of torrential rain will wash away those enthusiastic and unforgettable impressions of what you saw in this beautiful little corner of the vast earth. Even heavy rains will remain in memory as an amazing unique natural phenomenon.
Determining the best time for a beach holiday in Vietnam! When does the rainy season end and the ideal time for a seaside holiday begins? When do tropical fruits ripen? Check out our weather overview by month and choose the best time to travel.
Rainy season in Vietnam
The wet season in the regions of the republic occurs in different months. On south(which includes the main resorts - Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc, Vung Tau) it begins in May and lasts until November. At this time, the humidity is very high, and short-term tropical downpours occur. There are cloudy, cool and fresh days with gusty winds. The average temperature is about +27°C. For the shortest rainy season. Tourists usually avoid traveling to Vietnam during the rainy season, but some travelers believe that tropical rains are no big deal and come to the country during this time.
IN center In Vietnam, the rainy season lasts from December to April. At this time, we do not recommend visiting the resorts of Danang, Hue and Hoi An. We just spent December 2014 and early January 2015 in these cities. The rains, although short-lived, are frequent, and quite cool (not +25°C at all, as they usually write, but, it feels like, about +10...+15°C). The hotels do not have central heating, so the rooms are cold and you can easily catch a cold. It is very humid, clothes and shoes do not dry. We recommend having strong raincoats. It is impossible to swim because the ocean is stormy, and red flags are hung on the beaches. True, sometimes there are sunny days (or at least cloudy, but without precipitation), when you can see the sights. The resort where the most precipitation falls, according to our observations, is Hue.
On a note: during the wet season there may be typhoons (usually in the center of the country, less often in the south and north). From the second half of October to the second half of December, Danang and Hue fall under their destructive effects.
On north The country's wet season lasts from April to November. However, it sometimes rains in winter: we were there in January 2015, and, as in the case of the center of Vietnam, we would not recommend visiting the region without warm clothes, suitable shoes and raincoats. It's cold in Hanoi, temperature +10...+20°С. In Ha Long the situation is better: it is almost always sunny, but in the mornings and evenings it is quite cool.
Beach season
The beach holiday season in the south of Vietnam falls in the winter-spring period ( December - April) - this is the best time to fly on vacation. During these months there are many visitors from Russia, China, Europe and the USA, the weather conditions are excellent, but prices rise. In spring, dry and warm weather sets in along the entire coast. May - June is the most comfortable time to relax in the central part of Vietnam.
Weather by month in Vietnam
December
It is cool in the north, warm and rainy in the center, clear and dry in the south. In the south +30°C during the day, +22°C at night, water +27°C. In Danang +24°C, the sea is also +24°C. It is stormy in Nha Trang, especially in the first half of December, +28°C during the day, +21°C at night, water temperature +24°C. In Mui Ne and Ho Chi Minh City it is warm and sunny +31°C during the day, +22...+24°C at night, the sea in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet and Phu Quoc +26...+28°C. It is better to meet at these southern resorts.
January February
In the north of the country it is cool +19°C during the day, +14°C at night. It is moderately warm in the center: in Danang and Hoi An during the day +23...+25°С, precipitation is less intense, the sea is pleasant +23°С. The season is in the south of Vietnam, the best: dry and clear +32...+34°C during the day, sea +28°C. An excellent beach holiday in Fukuoka, where during the day it is +30°C, the sea is +28°C. In February, dry, sunny weather sets in throughout the country.
March, April
March and April are the best months to go on vacation to Vietnam. In March, tropical heat comes to the southern and central regions. This is a great time for beach and sports holidays. In Mui Ne and Phan Thiet +34°C during the day, at night +24°C, water +28°C. In Nha Trang the air temperature is a couple of degrees lower. In Fukuoka it is hotter at night +27°C, +32°C during the day, sea +29°C. The northern coast is traditionally colder, but at the end of April you can swim there: during the day +23...+25°С, sea +23°С.
May
The rainy season begins in the south and north of Vietnam. At the beginning of the month they fall mainly at night, so some opportunities for beach holidays and excursions remain. In Hanoi during the day +31°C, at night +25°C. In Nha Trang during the day +32°C, at night +24°C, water +28°C. In Fukuoka during the day +35°C, at night +25°C, water +29°C.
June August
The rainy season is in full swing in the south and north of the country, daytime temperatures are +32...+34°C, hot, humid and stuffy. The summer months are the best time to relax in the center of Vietnam: Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue and Hoi An, where it is relatively dry. At the end of August, rains reach the central regions of the country.
September October
In the north of the country, the rainy season is ending, in the south there are short-term rains, in the center there are heavy downpours, there may be hurricanes and floods. Sea water +27°C. In Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet and Nha Trang +32...+33°С during the day, +24°С at night, in Phu Quoc +30°С during the day and +25°С at night. In October, weather conditions noticeably worsen, it becomes several degrees colder, it rains every day, the sea is stormy, and hurricanes rage in the center of the country. In Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An, this is the wettest month, with humidity reaching 80% and flooding often occurring.
November
In November, it is best to relax in the north of Vietnam: the weather there is dry and clear, during the day about +15...+20°C. There is still a high probability of typhoons in the central regions. In Nha Trang it is often cloudy, +26°C during the day, +22°C at night, the sea is cloudy and warm +24°C, in Da Nang +22...+24°C. In Fukuoka, clear and calm water is +27°C, clear during the day +32°C, at night +23°C.
Fruit season in Vietnam
Even Vietnam can envy the abundance of fruits. Mango and jackfruit season starts in March and lasts until summer. Avocados, rambutans and lychees appear in April, and mangosteens appear in early summer. Citrons and cherimoya ripen in June, tropical plums in July, and persimmons appear in August. The season of these fruits is not very long - only 3-4 months, and they can be found on sale until the end of the calendar autumn.
In November, the first winter fruits appear - local tangerines, in December - star apples (starapple). Durians also appear in January, but the season of these exotic fruits is much longer and lasts until October. The most delicious longan ripens from May to July, but you can buy it at any time of the year.
From our own experience, we can say that Vietnam is the fruitiest country in Southeast Asia. It seems that fruit season in Vietnam is all year round: oranges, pineapples, pomelo, watermelon, melons, bananas, grapes, papaya, sapodilla, guava, pomelo, coconut, dragonfruit - there is no shortage of fruits here, we always found them everywhere, moreover at low prices (except that in the north of the country prices are higher, and the cheapest fruit is in the south). We have a special article dedicated to them - we described them, collected their names in Vietnamese and Thai and gave prices and harvest seasons.
(Photo © John Loo / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0)
On the street of Saigon.
Most tourists, planning a trip to this wonderful country, ask themselves: when is the best time to go to Vietnam?In this article we will try to answer this question.
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, bordering China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west. It is washed by the waters of the South China Sea, and from the south by the Gulf of Thailand. Until 1945 Vietnam was a French colony. On September 2, 1945, the country's independence was proclaimed. As of 2013, the population of Vietnam is approximately 93 million people.
The Communist Party is in power, however, in recent decades, Vietnamese socialism has acquired a human face. Liberal reforms were carried out, which gave impetus to the development of the economy in general and the tourism industry in particular. Beautiful tropical nature, a gentle warm sea, a rich history, a large number of attractions and exotic culture have contributed to the fact that over the past couple of decades the tourist flow to the country has increased by orders of magnitude. Our compatriots also flocked to Vietnam, which was greatly facilitated by the opening of direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Now let's try to understand When is the best time to go on vacation to Vietnam? If we look at the map of Vietnam, we will see that the country is very stretched from north to south (almost 2.5 thousand km). Because of this, the weather in different parts of the country at the same time can be completely different. Conventionally, Vietnam can be divided into three climatic zones: Northern, Central and Southern. Each of them has its own resorts, its own attractions and each of them is worth visiting. But due to the difference in climate, it is comfortable to relax in them at different times.
Southern part of Vietnam.
In the south of Vietnam (from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City) two seasons can be distinguished - dry and wet. The air and water temperatures here fluctuate slightly - within a few degrees. The average annual temperature is 26-28. The dry season is from December to April. From February to May the weather is hot, with virtually no rain. The wet season begins in May and ends in November. The greatest amount of precipitation falls from June to August. However, the rains are short and one might even say that cloudy days provide a pleasant respite from the heat. To the south Vietnam is the best place to go on holiday from December to April. This period is considered high season. For those who want to relax economically, the wet period is suitable. At this time, prices are significantly lower for both flights and hotels.
Resorts of southern Vietnam.
Mui Ne.
The main south of Vietnam is Mui Ne, Vung Tau and Phu Quoc Island. Mui Ne is located about 200 km north of Ho Chi Minh City near the town of Phan Thiet. Over the past decades, the former fishing village has turned into one of the best resorts in Vietnam, and throughout Southeast Asia. We can say that Mui Ne is a year-round resort. Along with Nha Trang, this is the most visited resort by Russian tourists. All restaurants here have menus in Russian, and most of the signs are also in Russian.
The advantage is that all the hotels are located on the beach (on the first line), in addition there is a huge number of restaurants and bars. The disadvantages include the wind blowing throughout almost the entire year. But this is also a plus for lovers of water sports. The resort is considered the best place for kiting lovers. There are kite schools all along the coast. The best time for kiting is from November to March. Sometimes in strong winds the waves reach 4 meters in height. For lovers of swimming holidays it's best to go on vacation in Mui Ne from April to September. The sea at this time is calm and clear.
Red Dunes. Mui Ne.
Statue of Jesus in Vung Tau.
Vung Tau is a resort located just 128 km from Ho Chi Minh City, which has a very developed tourist infrastructure. This is one of the oldest resorts in the country. All along the coast are former villas of the Vietnamese nobility, now converted into restaurants and guesthouses. Vung Tau has several beaches: front, back and mulberry. There is also a small picturesque beach with the French name Rocher Noir. On the mountain above the city there is a huge statue of Jesus. Its height is 32 m and this statue of Jesus is very similar to the one in Rio. The disadvantages of the resort include its close proximity to oil production platforms, which is why the sea in Vung Tau cannot be called clean.
Beach on Phu Quoc island.
Phu Quoc Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand 45 km from the coast and is the largest island in Vietnam. The length of the island is 48 km, width 25 km. For a long time, the island was considered a disputed territory between Vietnam and Cambodia. Currently, the island belongs to Vietnam. This is perhaps the quietest and most beachy of the Vietnamese resorts. The beaches stretch from the town of Duong Dong to the south and are lined with hotels almost along their entire length.
In 2008, Fukuoka beaches were recognized as the cleanest and most beautiful in the world. Time, when is the best time to relax in this Vietnamese island - this is the period from October to March. From April to September there is a wet season. There are practically no attractions in Fukuoka, but the nature is beautiful and often untouched. It is noteworthy that, unlike other areas of Vietnam, rice is not grown here. But they grow black pepper. Phu Quoc ranks first in the world in pepper exports. You can get to the island by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, or by bus and ferry from Ha Tien.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is also located in the South of Vietnam and is certainly interesting for tourists. This is the largest city in Vietnam (population about 8 million people). During French rule and later from 1955 to 1975. Saigon was the capital of the country. At the end of the war with communist North Vietnam, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. But locals continue to call it Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is a young city - all historical buildings date back no earlier than the 19th century. Attractions mainly date back to the war period - these are the Cu Chi tunnels in the vicinity of the city and the War Museum. Ho Chi Minh City has an international airport through which all tourists enter southern Vietnam. Therefore, from Ho Chi Minh City it is convenient to travel around the country, move to resorts or go on excursions. For example, to the Mekong Delta or Cambodia.
Resorts of central Vietnam.
In this part of the article we will look at when is the best time to go to Vietnam to its central part.
The main resorts in central Vietnam are Nha Trang and Da Nang. In addition, the cities of Dalat, Hue and Hoi An are certainly interesting for tourists to visit.
City beach in Nha Trang.
Nha Trang is located 450 km from Ho Chi Minh City to the north. You can get to Nha Trang either by bus (about 9-10 hours on the road) or by plane. There is an airport 25 km from the city. Nha Trang is perhaps the most popular resort in Vietnam among Russian tourists. Russian speech can be heard everywhere, most of the signs are in Russian. And it’s easier to communicate with local Vietnamese in Russian than in English. Unlike Mui Ne, also popular among Russians, which is more like a village, Nha Trang is a city with a well-developed infrastructure. A number of luxury hotels, including well-known international chains, stretch along the seven-kilometer sandy beach. And the rest of the city is very densely built up with hotels.
The beach in Nha Trang is very clean and well-groomed, like the whole city. The mountains here approach the very coast, so there is less precipitation than in other regions of the country and the likelihood of typhoons is minimal. Nha Trang is suitable both for a relaxing beach holiday and for nightlife lovers. There are many bars, nightclubs and discos here. It is also a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Dive clubs in the city are literally at every turn. At the same time, diving in Vietnam is the cheapest in the world. Nha Trang is also known as a medical resort. There is a mud and mineral water treatment clinic in the city. People come here to be treated for joint diseases, bronchopulmonary and skin diseases. It's best to go on vacation to Nha Trang from February to May. At this time there is no rain, the weather is clear and the sea is completely calm. From September to December is the wet season. The rainiest months are November and December. At this time the sea is usually cloudy, cool and stormy.
Hotels on the Nha Trang embankment.
View of the Danang waterfront.
Danang is located 500 km north of Nha Trang. It is one of the largest port and industrial cities in Vietnam. It ranks fourth in terms of population. Despite the developed tourist infrastructure, a large number of hotels and good beaches (China Beach is recognized as one of the best in the country), the number of tourists coming to Da Nang is much less than in Nha Trang. Most travelers consider Da Nang as a transit point when moving from north to south or vice versa. There are no signs in Russian; the restaurants will not offer you a Russian or even an English menu. But this also has its advantages: people are not spoiled by tourists, prices are much lower than in Nha Trang and Mui Ne and, importantly, there is no hectic traffic on the roads. Getting around the city on foot or on a rented motorbike is much more comfortable than in most other cities in Vietnam. Best time to relax in Da Nang from February to August.
View from the sea to Da Nang.
Imperial Citadel.
25 km south of Da Nang is the small town of Hoi An, standing on the banks of the Thu Bon River, a few kilometers from the sea coast. Hoi An is a city frozen in time. Nowhere else in Vietnam are there places where the atmosphere of antiquity has been so preserved. Currently, there are about 850 monuments of historical significance in the city.
Covered Japanese Bridge.
North of Da Nang is the ancient capital of Vietnam - the city of Hue. Miraculously surviving the fierce fighting during the war, it has still not lost its romantic sophistication. From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the capital of Vietnam. During this time, thirteen generations of emperors of the Nguyen dynasty changed. In 1945, with the coming to power of Ho Chi Minh City, the capital was moved to Hanoi. The city has preserved a huge number of ancient buildings: palaces, pagodas, temples. The surrounding area of the city is also full of impressive monuments. All this makes Hue one of the most visited cities in Vietnam.
About 150 km from Nha Trang, in the mountains at an altitude of about 1500 m, there is one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam - Dalat. Any tourist who arrives in Dalat invariably gets the feeling that this is Europe. This can be felt in the architecture, the well-groomed environment, and the general aura of the city. There is certainly something to see in Dalat. These include natural beauties: waterfalls, lakes, magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and cultural attractions. For example: Buddhist monastery, pagodas, Buddha statues.
In the evening you will be pleased to sit in one of the many restaurants serving Vietnamese and European cuisine. In the center of the city is the amazingly beautiful Xuan Huong Lake, which has a curved shape and is surrounded by walking paths and a park. To the northeast of it are the central areas of the city, where most hotels and restaurants are concentrated. The road from Nha Trang to Dalat deserves special mention. About a third of the way is a mountain serpentine, from which unforgettable views open up. The road is especially impressive when you travel along it on a motorbike and have the opportunity to stop at any convenient place and admire the surrounding nature.
Northern Vietnam.
Winter in Northern Vietnam is quite cool; in December and January the temperature can drop below 10 degrees. Summers can be hot, sometimes even hotter than in the south. The landscape is mostly mountainous, with many nature reserves and national parks. Snow often falls in mountainous areas, especially in the Sapa region. In the north of Vietnam is the capital and main administrative center of the country - Hanoi. The main resort in northern Vietnam is Halong.
Hanoi. Cathedral of St. Joseph.
Halong Bay is a real pearl of Vietnam. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are buses and a train from Hanoi to Ha Long, so getting there is not difficult. There are more than 1,600 rocky islands scattered throughout Halong Bay. The view of the bay is stunning at first glance and leaves no one indifferent.
The beach season in Northern Vietnam, due to climatic conditions, is quite short. In winter, the water temperature drops to 15 degrees. Summer is very rainy. That's why best holiday in northern Vietnam from mid-March to late May and from September to October. At this time there is little rain, it is warm and the sea warms up to 24-26 degrees.
Every year the country experiences a rainy season, which occurs at different times depending on the region. Resorts in Vietnam can be divided into three regions: south, north and center. Therefore, when planning a vacation in one or another part of the country, it is necessary to separately view the weather forecast.
Rainy season in the south of Vietnam
The rainy season in Vietnam in the south begins in June and lasts until November. Heavy rains occur almost every day, but they are short-lived, no more than three hours, after which the sun shines in the sky again.
Here are the following resort towns:
- Dalat;
- Nha Trang;
- Mui Ne;
- Phan Thiet;
- Fanrang;
- O. Phu Quoc;
- O. Kandao.
Despite the fact that even during the rainy season a large number of tourists gather here who do not want to suffer from the heat, coming here is not recommended for those who are allergic to insect bites and intolerant of high humidity. Mosquitoes are a real scourge at this time; they multiply at an incredible rate.
A distinctive feature of rainy weather at this time is the splendor of nature. The trees delight with emerald foliage, the flowers are actively blooming and fragrant throughout the entire area. As a percentage, the humidity at this time in these cities is about 80%, the air temperature is on average +27ºС.
September is considered the wettest month; during this period, about 330 mm of precipitation falls here. It is worth saying that the rainy season in Vietnam is more active in the south; the north of the country does not suffer so much from moisture.
Rainy season in Northern Vietnam
In the northern part of Vietnam there are such resort towns as:
- Hanoi;
- Halong;
- Sapa.
In the north, the climate is similar to that prevailing in the central part. Monsoons actively dominate here, bringing moisture from the sea. The weather in Vietnam begins to clear up closer to mid-May; before that, light precipitation does not cause inconvenience to arriving tourists. The rainy season in Vietnam in the north of the country begins to gain strength from mid-May and lasts until October. August is considered the rainiest month. During this period, 310 mm of precipitation falls here. In total, about 1,300 mm of precipitation falls in the north during the rainy season.
Despite the large amount of moisture, it is quite hot here during this period. The air warms up to 27ºС, and June and July are considered the hottest, when the thermometer scale reaches 30 degrees Celsius, these are the best holiday seasons in Vietnam. However, at night, due to the proximity of the mountains, it can be quite cool in places in the north of the country. The air temperature drops to 10ºС. The coldest month in this region is January.
Rainy season in Central Vietnam
In the central part of the country there are such popular tourist resorts as:
- Danang;
- Hoi An;
Here, the rainy season in Vietnam is completely different from the south of the country. The rains begin only in September; the ocean is very restless throughout the winter. There is a high probability of a typhoon in the center of the country, so tourists are not recommended to come here at this time. The greatest amount of precipitation falls between September and January. The best time to visit the center of the country is when the rainy season in Vietnam ends, which is from February to May. However, many tourists are not at all afraid of wet weather, because it does not rain constantly in this region; it is limited to a few hours a day, after which the sky becomes clear again.
Often the rainy season in Vietnam passes without consequences for tourists, but there are several disadvantages that can really overshadow
Vietnam has recently opened its doors to foreign tourists. But it has already managed to attract many travelers from all countries. There is fabulously beautiful nature, gentle sea and sun here. People come here to get acquainted with the history of the country, admire the most beautiful mountain landscapes, and engage in water sports. The beach and excursion season in Vietnam is open almost throughout the year. The country's territory is very extended. The climate in its individual parts at different times of the year can vary greatly. Knowing these conditions will help you organize your vacation correctly.
General information about the country
The state is located in Southeast Asia. About 60 nationalities and ethnic groups live here. But more than 80% of the local residents are Vietnamese. As for religion, Buddhism predominates here. Interesting fact: recent public surveys have revealed that 81% of Vietnamese are atheists. Part of the population speaks French, English and Chinese. However, most residents speak Vietnamese. Vietnam is an agricultural country. The main crop cultivated and exported here is rice. Vietnam is also a major supplier of coffee and tea. Industry in the state is developing slowly. Most of the country is occupied by mountains. The flat part is mostly cultivated. Pristine nature is preserved in reserves, sanctuaries, and in the Batma Khaivan National Park.
Climate
The holiday season in Vietnam is open all year round. However, those who want to spend their holidays there should choose the place and time wisely. If we talk about the temperature regime, it can be noted that the climate in this country is tropical and subtropical. Winter and summer are not very different from each other. Even in the cool season it is much hotter here than, for example, in Sochi or Crimea. The difference in seasons is especially noticeable only in the northern part of the country. Summer temperatures in Vietnam often rise to +50˚С. People who can handle the heat well will enjoy a vacation at this time of year. According to weather conditions, we can distinguish here a dry period and a rainy season. During heavy rainfall, the disadvantages of rest can be considered high air humidity and hordes of mosquitoes.
Rain season
Rainfall that lasts for weeks, huge streams of water... This is how the Vietnamese rainy season is presented in American films. However, this is somewhat different from the real natural phenomenon that can be observed here from May to October. The peak of the rainy season is from May to September. At this time, you can relax here, saving up to 80% of the money set aside for your vacation. What is a period of constant rainfall like? And when is the best time to go on vacation to Vietnam? The holiday season here is open all year round. However, tourists should be aware that during the rainy season it gets very humid. Many people endure this almost worse than the heat, which is replaced by daily downpours. But it's not all bad. It rains mainly in the evening or at night. And the duration of the rainfall hardly exceeds 30 minutes. Local residents have adapted well to this time. Bypass structures around settlements and the irrigation system in them minimize possible damage from the elements.
unforgettable vacation
The main tourist center of the country is the regions of Mui Ne, Saigon, and Phan Thiet. This is the south of Vietnam. It is perhaps the wettest region compared to other territories. From May to November the rainy season begins in Vietnam, more precisely, in its southern part. It has its own characteristic features. Showers here are very short-lived. As a rule, it rains heavily for 10-15 minutes in the afternoon. Many tourists prefer to travel to the south of the country during this period, since at this time there is no scorching sun. However, often it is not so much downpours that can cause inconvenience, but rather strong gusty winds, a sky completely covered with clouds, and high waves in the ocean. But in the southern part of the country, the rainy season is very short. This happens due to the proximity of this territory to the equator. It rains here for no more than one month. As a rule, this happens mainly in October. The water temperature here is +30 ˚С. December-April is the best tourist season here. In Vietnam, in its southern part, it is dry and sunny at this time. The weather during this period will not cause any unpleasant moments.
Northern Vietnam
Depending on weather conditions, this country can be divided into three zones: North, South and Center. All regions are examined here in detail from the point of view of the attractiveness of the climate for tourist trips. Holidays in Vietnam in April-May are considered the most interesting. This is a time of clear ocean, peace and quiet on the coast, sunny weather, active water sports. But it is better to go to the northern regions of the country (Ha Long, Hanoi, Sapa) a little later - in May-October. This is a period of active sun and good weather. From November to April, hotel prices fall, which cannot but please tourists. However, do not delude yourself. After all, it is quite cool here at this time. In the winter months, at night the temperature drops to +10 ˚С, and during the day - to +20 ˚С. But these are not all the disadvantages of rest during this period. During winter, the region often experiences heavy rainfall. In the Hanoi area, about 80% of the annual precipitation falls during the rainy season. From August to February it is cold and cloudy. Frosts are common in the mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Khao Bang. Strong winds will also not add optimism to vacationers. In winter, tropical typhoons are common in the north of the country.
Vietnam Center
You can vacation in this country at any time of the year. However, there are some subtleties that need to be taken into account so that later there are no unpleasant surprises and a well-deserved vacation is not ruined by the train during the season in which it opens in May, is one of the most frequently visited places by tourists. In the central part of the country there are also such popular resorts as Dalat and Da Nang. The best time to holiday here is from May to October. During this period, the center of Vietnam is dry and hot, with a lot of sun. It gets humid closer to November. The rainy season begins. Moreover, from September to November there is a high probability of hurricanes. And in December-February there is a strong wind here. Typhoons occur frequently. The ocean is becoming turbulent. Swimming during this period can be very difficult due to large waves. The ocean can be especially dangerous for surfers and scuba diving enthusiasts. The air temperature in winter drops to +25 ˚С. In the mountains of the central region of the country, the coldest month is January. And precipitation here falls a little earlier than on the plain. The rainy period is September and October. From all of the above, it follows that it is better to plan a vacation in Vietnam in May, at least in its central part.
Excursion tourist places in Vietnam
Sapa. One of the most interesting places in this country. It is located in the north of Vietnam. People rarely come here for 2-3 weeks. Tourists often visit this small town, staying for 2-3 days. This place is surrounded by beautiful mountains, emerald-colored caves, waterfalls, and hot springs. Near the village is the highest mountain in Indochina - Fansipan. Near the city there are many villages where you can get acquainted with the life and way of life of the local population. Holidays in Vietnam in April can be simply unforgettable. If we talk specifically about the above-mentioned place, then this month there is a Festival in the Clouds. True, hotel prices at such times increase 5 times compared to other periods.
Hoi An. The place is located in central Vietnam. Here you can combine an excursion holiday with a beach holiday.
Hanoi. The capital of country. This city is also called the soul of Vietnam. Its history goes back more than 1000 years. There are many attractions here: museums, temples, mausoleums, beautiful lakes. What is most recommended for tourists to see? Of course, the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh City, in which the body of the leader rests. And also the lake of the returned sword with two islands and temples on them.
Ho Chi Minh City. It is a kind of economic capital of the country. It is recognized as the largest. Life in this place is in full swing: skyscrapers are being built, new shops and hotels are opening everywhere. There are also historical sights here. But most of them are connected with the history of the past 20th century. As a rule, tourists come here to do shopping.
Dalat. A city located in the south of the state. This is a mountain resort. The air temperature here is slightly lower than in other areas. The place is famous for its picturesque landscapes. Low mountains, waterfalls, lakes and fields surround it. Dalat is called the city of coffee and wine. Tourists will also be amazed by the atmosphere of warmth and comfort, creativity and creativity that reigns here.
Ha Long Bay. This place is often visited when traveling from Hanoi. As a rule, tourists are accommodated on the largest islands of the bay. People come here to admire the picturesque landscapes. In an area of only 1,500 km², there are more than 3,000 beautiful islands. Their shape is very bizarre. Many of them have amazing caves with original rock formations. During the trip, tourists are taken on ships here, landing on the islands to visit caves.
Hue. If we consider the excursion season in Vietnam by month, it turns out that this place can be visited at any time. It is located in the center of the country. The whole city is a great attraction. It's definitely worth coming here. In its center is an extraordinary imperial citadel. Tourists in this area consider it their duty to visit the tombs of the emperors located near the city.
Beach resorts in Vietnam
In recent years, this country has become one of the favorite holiday destinations for Russian tourists. Therefore, it’s worth telling a little about what the best vacation spots in Vietnam are called:
Nha Trang. This is the country's most popular beach resort. The city of Nha Trang is quite large. A beautiful beach area has been formed at its base. Here you can sunbathe, soak up the gentle warm waters of the ocean, have fun, and see some of the sights. Prices for tours to this area are among the lowest. A holiday in Nha Trang will be further proof that the beach season in Vietnam is open all year round.
Phan Thiet / Mui Ne. This resort area has already been chosen by our compatriots. There are probably more Russian tourists here than all other vacationers. The nearest town of Phan Thiet is only 5 km away. The resort stretches for 10 km along the beaches. This place is great for a beach holiday. However, in terms of attractions and tourist activity, this region is inferior to the resort of Nha Trang. The weather here is wonderful. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a dry season or a rainy season in Vietnam, Phan Thiet is the best place to relax, according to many of our compatriots. Prices here are quite low. There are many shops, restaurants, hotels that have everything a traveler needs. This is the best place in all of Vietnam to practice sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kiting. But lovers of snorkeling and diving should look for a more favorable area. Many of our compatriots regard this pastime as the best vacation in Vietnam. It gets very crowded here in May.
Phu Quoc Island. Located in the southern region of the country. There are very good beaches here, but few attractions. There is very little night entertainment. A big plus of the island is its wild nature, untouched by civilization. Prices are slightly higher than in other resort areas. It’s not worth coming here just to lie around. After all, the same pleasure will cost much less in other resort areas of the state. But if a tourist wants to explore the wild jungle, live in his own bungalow on a deserted shore or explore the underwater world of the island, then he cannot find a better place.
Danang. It is one of the largest cities in this country. Located in the center of Vietnam. Not a very popular holiday destination for tourists. There are no attractions here at all. The city is a commercial trade and port point. Its only plus is its excellent beaches.
Hoi An. The town is located near Da Nang. It is a good excursion and beach place at the same time. The city is very interesting. Famous for its ancient architecture. There are many buildings and monuments here that have been preserved since the Middle Ages. Everything is permeated with a special romantic atmosphere. There are excellent beaches a few kilometers from the city.
Vung Tau. This city is the most important industrial zone of the country. There are no exotics or attractions here. But there are good beaches. Not very popular among foreign tourists. It is more in demand by local residents and visitors from neighboring areas, who come here to spend weekends and holidays on the beach.
Choosing the best time to visit the country
In order to find out when it is worth visiting this state, it is recommended to use the following table:
Resort season in Vietnam by month
Resort/month | ||||||||||||
Ha Long Bay | ||||||||||||
Phan Thiet/Mui Ne | ||||||||||||
“+” - acceptable period for rest;
"!" - the best time to visit.
Time of falling prices
Let's find out when the most economical holiday is in Vietnam. There are few tourists here in August. Therefore, prices are correspondingly lower. As a rule, a decline in the cost of tourist packages is observed from May to September. This is the best time to visit the country, see its sights and save some money. During this period, many local guesthouses and hotels offer good discounts on tourists staying in their rooms. Sometimes they can reach 30% of the cost. Also at this time there are many special offers from airlines selling flight tickets at a reduced rate. From May to September the weather in Vietnam will not bring any big unpleasant surprises. True, in the central part of the country (Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An) hurricanes are possible during this period.
Best holiday time in Vietnam: reviews from tourists
The most truthful picture of a country can be formed by finding out the opinions of the people who were there. Despite the fact that Vietnam opened its doors to tourists not so long ago, it has already become one of the most frequently visited resort destinations. The prices here are quite affordable. This, in all likelihood, attracts many travelers from all countries. People note that it seems a little hot here at first. However, 2-3 days spent in this country allow the tourist to get used to the midday heat. Experienced travelers admit that the best time to visit this country is March-August. At this time it is warm and sunny here. It is during this period that people often go on vacation to Vietnam. Holidays in March, reviews of which are often positive, may turn out to be the most unforgettable for every traveler. Our tourists liked Vietnamese cuisine. Lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, lean meat and fish - these are the main products that make up the menu of the inhabitants of this country. Positive reviews from our compatriots who have visited here include their statements about the cleanliness and order, calm and friendly atmosphere that prevails in most hotels. Foreign tourists here are amazed by the abundance of high-quality, but inexpensive goods that can be purchased. There are, of course, negative comments regarding holidays in this country. People note that flying to Vietnam is very tiring. The holiday season is open here all year round. But not everyone will like the heat and high humidity. People say that excursions can be difficult at this time. In addition, many note that traveling to historical places did not seem interesting to them. But the winding road to them among the mountains in the heat was very tiring. Some tourists really didn’t like the fact that hiring a Russian-speaking guide for excursions is only possible for a fairly high fee.
Useful information for tourists
Time in Vietnam is 3 hours ahead of Moscow.
There is no need to worry about using electrical appliances. Here we use two-pin sockets, the same as we have in Russia. Therefore, no adapters are required. The voltage in the electrical network is 220 V, just like ours.
The Internet in this country is available almost everywhere, and it’s free. Hotel guests can access the Internet at any time without any problems. At the reception there are most often computers with free Internet access. Also, in all tourist areas you can easily find Internet access points, from where you can call your family by international phone. The cost of a call is simply ridiculous - 2.5 rubles per 1 minute.
It is not profitable to use the services of Russian mobile operators in Vietnam. When roaming, connection fees can be significant. It is much more profitable to purchase a SIM card from a local operator and call home. Thus, you can count on a cost of 5 rubles per minute of conversation.
As a rule, a tourist’s passport in this country is collected from the hotel reception. And they give it back on the last day upon discharge.
Punctuality and the Vietnamese are incompatible concepts. Therefore, you can safely add at least half an hour to the appointed time of any event without fear of being late for it. This is especially true for bus arrival times. If you are assured that the tour will end at 18:00, then most likely it will last until 20:00.
Vietnamese are enterprising people. Therefore, you need to be careful when purchasing a sightseeing tour. You should definitely ask the guide what exactly is included in the cost of the trip. When selling a tour, many companies may simply forget to notify the tourist about additional fees, for example, for entry or lifting the cable car, and so on. And some practical guides, knowing that everything is already included in the excursion, may demand additional money from the traveler.
It's easy to know how soon it will rain. To do this, just look at the local residents. If they put on raincoats and start hiding goods in the markets, it means that it will rain in the next half hour.
The country's national currency is the dong. It is equal to 10 hao or 100 sou. You can exchange currency in banks, exchange offices and markets. The latter rate is somewhat more profitable. ATMs usually only dispense dongs. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere. In large cities, as well as in the capital of Vietnam, euros, baht, yuan, and yen are accepted.
Thus, we found out that a vacation from March to August is the best vacation in Vietnam. Tourists' reviews of it are often positive, and is one of the most popular places to visit by travelers from all countries.