Vietnam

Summary
When to go
Where to stay

Vietnam boasts amazingly varied landscapes, from precipitous mountains to uncharted forests, and emerald terraced rice fields to deserted pristine beaches. Its many and varied cultural influences reflect centuries of Chinese rule in the North, the Viet Kingdom of Champa in the centre of the country, and French colonial rule from 1883.

Following communist victory in the prolonged and bitter civil war between 1956 and 1975, Vietnam today it is a youthful nation, fuelled by a huge desire for modernisation while still protective of its traditional past.

The capital Hanoi in the north has retained a colonial feel with wide boulevards lined with French architecture, while the smell of baguettes baking hangs in the air. Although it is developing rapidly the city and people retain many cultural traditions, so it is still possible to observe elderly people doing Tai Chi by the lake, while some streets in the Old Quarter still bear the names of the trades that have survived the centuries such as Silk Street, Tin Street and Bronze Street. 

Central Vietnam contains the ancient capital of Hue, home to 13 Nguyen emperors whose palaces and tombs provide insight into the secretive world of their court. A scenic drive over the Hai Van pass leads to the buzzing city of Danang, with its tree lined boulevards, beaches and restaurants. Just 20 minutes further south is the riverside town of Hoi An which once drew merchants from around the globe bringing silk, spices and porcelain. Its Old Quarter is beautifully preserved, the streets still lined with old tile-roofed shop houses, shady pagodas and colourful communal halls, earning it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An is close to deserted beaches and is surrounded by attractive countryside where you can observe the traditional way of life of farmers and fishermen.

Nha Trang lies on a seven kilometre long stretch of golden sand, making it an ideal place to relax, swim, surf, fish and eat delicious fresh seafood. Traces of human settlement here date back to the Cham Empire and its attractions include a cluster of Cham Towers built between the 7th and 12th centuries. 

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), in southern Vietnam, is a sprawling metropolis and the country’s commercial centre. The city’s dynamic energy is apparent in the bustling street scenes with thousands of people on motorbikes constantly on the move. Although Saigon has rapidly developed into a modern city with skyscrapers, remnants of its past are still visible in the historic landmarks, timeless alleys, teeming markets and beautiful French colonial buildings.

Vietnam’s long coastline is studded with secluded coves and white sandy beaches which slope gently into the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Scattered around these waters is a myriad of secluded and luxurious tropical islands among which is the Con Dao archipelago , a chain of 15 islands all ringed with white sandy beaches, secluded bays and coral reefs.

  

The best time to travel to Vietnam largely depends on which part of the country you plan to visit and the type of experiences you desire. Let’s explore the weather in different parts of Vietnam and the ideal time to travel to each region:

 

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa):

Best Time to Travel: October to April

Weather: Northern Vietnam experiences four distinct seasons. The cool and dry season (October to April) offers pleasant weather, making it the best time to visit. During this period, the temperatures are cooler, and there is less humidity. This is an ideal time for exploring Hanoi’s vibrant streets, cruising in Halong Bay, and trekking in Sapa. The summer months (May to September) are hot and humid, while the monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons, making outdoor activities less favorable.

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang):

Best Time to Travel: February to August

Weather: Central Vietnam experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (February to August) is the best time to visit, offering sunny days and minimal rainfall. This is an ideal time for exploring the ancient town of Hoi An, visiting the historical city of Hue, and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Da Nang and Nha Trang. The wet season (September to January) brings heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, making some coastal areas less accessible.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc):

Best Time to Travel: November to April

Weather: Southern Vietnam experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (November to April) offers pleasant weather, making it the best time to visit. During this period, the temperatures are more moderate, and there is less rainfall. This is an ideal time for exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets, cruising the Mekong Delta, and relaxing on the beaches of Phu Quoc. The wet season (May to October) brings heavy rainfall and occasional storms, making outdoor activities less favourable.

In conclusion, the best time to travel to Vietnam depends on the region you plan to visit and the experiences you seek. For most parts of the country, the dry season from October to April offers the most pleasant weather and is ideal for exploring cultural sites, enjoying outdoor activities, and visiting Vietnam’s stunning landscapes. However, specific regions, like central Vietnam, are best visited during the dry season from February to August, while the southern region is most enjoyable during the dry season from November to April. Before planning your trip to Vietnam, it’s essential to consider the weather conditions in the specific areas you intend to visit and plan accordingly to make the most of your journey.

 

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