Vietnam, one of two amazing Southeast Asian nations that Condé Nast Traveler readers picked among the top 10 countries in the world, is best visited whenever it (probably) won't rain. Vietnam offers stunning natural settings like Hạ Long Bay, vibrant street scenes in cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, and beaches where you can relax or have a wild time.
So, wherever you end up traveling in this long, coastline country, you'll want the weather to cooperate. Two of Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists, Tisha Neufville of Neufville Travel and Catherine Heald of Remote Lands, who both consider Vietnam to be a country of specialty in their role as travel consultants, gave me the inside scoop on the ideal time to visit Vietnam. Here, they explain where to go for the first time, when to go, and how long to stay.
What time of year is ideal for traveling to Vietnam?
The best time to visit varies on whatever towns or regions you're viewing because Vietnam is a big and long country that is divided into northern, middle, and southern sections of the Indochinese Peninsula. Heald of Remote Lands states that the weather systems in each of these areas are unique. She suggests scheduling a trip during December and February, "when rain is minimal—though Northern Vietnam may be chilly during this time," if you want to see as much as you can up and down the coast.
The ideal times to visit each Vietnamese region are broken down by Neufville of Neufville Travel: The ideal time of year to visit Southern Vietnam, which includes Ho Chi Minh City and coastal regions like Phu Quoc, is from November to April; "that time of year when there is less humidity and rain, but the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches and water." She recommends traveling from September to December, "when the temperatures are comfortable enough where you can do without a coat," to places like Hanoi and Hạ Long Bay in Northern Vietnam. In contrast, Central Vietnam, which is home to Hội An, Danang, and Huế, is most hospitable from January to August when there is significantly less rainfall (although the weather is generally pleasant throughout the year).
What time of year is the most affordable to travel to Vietnam?
Neufville suggests going to Vietnam around November or December, just before the Lunar New Year celebrations in January or February, for a reasonably priced vacation. You can still enjoy nice weather and less rain during this period, and lodging and flights are far less expensive. According to Neufville, a vacation in September or October might be the most cost-effective time to visit Vietnam. "But, in the event of a monsoon or significant rain, you'll need to have contingency plans and travel insurance."
When is Vietnam's busiest time of year?
According to Heald, Vietnam's holiday season, which runs from late November to early January, is often the country's busiest time of year. "As many restaurants and shops are closed during Tết Nguyên Đán and Lunar New Year, it is best to avoid visiting Vietnam during these times," she advises. "And a smaller-than-usual staff will typically be working whatever is open."
Neufville concurs, stating that there will be a lot more people out and about during the holiday season, which runs from January to February, when the majority of the population takes their own holidays. "During these periods, you'll notice high rates and low availability," she explains. "If you intend to travel during these months, it is best to plan your trip well in advance."
Nevertheless, celebrating these traditional occasions with local Vietnamese communities may be a great experience, especially Tết Nguyên Đán, or Vietnamese New Year, which is marked with fireworks, flowers, and numerous get-togethers and festivities.
For a first-time visitor, how many days must I stay in Vietnam?
Neufville advises visitors to Vietnam to spend at least seven to eight nights on the ground in order to gain a sense of the nation. "You can stay in Hanoi for two nights, Ha Long Bay for one or two nights, Hội An for two nights, and Ho Chi Minh City for two nights during that time," she explains. A two-week schedule is the best option for a truly thorough visit, according to Heald: "Begin your journey in the mountainous region of the north, traveling to Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay." After that, travel to Huế in central Vietnam and stop at the southern beaches of Con Dao or Nha Trang.
Since not everyone has the same schedule flexibility, even a three- or four-night stay in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City will provide access to international airports and some of the greatest Vietnamese dining options, lodging options, and shopping opportunities. Ultimately, a brief visit just serves to increase your motivation to return later.
Is there anything more I should know before going to Vietnam?
The cultural and societal distinctions between the northern and southern parts of Vietnam should be noted as you travel there, according to Neufville: "The South is a bit more relaxed, while the North is a bit more serious and more traditional." Every element of life, including food, attire, and behavior, demonstrates this. To learn more about these disparate lifestyles, she advises doing some research and doing a cultural trip.
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