According to the website, for those who hope to see Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and all that is there, it is better to go in the dry season.
Melissa Matthews, regional director for Southeast Asia and North America at the luxury travel company Red Savannah, shared in the article that February and March are therefore the best months to see the whole country from the north to the south, since guests can do it in relatively dry weather.
She noted that Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, falls during this time and can last up to 10 days.
“During this time, most of the key sites in the cities are closed, as everyone returns to their family villages to celebrate,” he says.
The regional director recommended that visitors should go to the beach during the festival and end their trip with time in the major cities of the country.
Matthews also revealed that if visitors want to explore Sa Pa, they should go from September to November, or in March and April.
He went on to share that a sunny beach visit to Hoi An or Nha Trang in the central region is best from April to August, while the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island in the south are warmer from October in April.
Vietnam is a relatively affordable destination all year round, with plenty of cheap street food and comfortable hotels to suit all budgets.
“For your best chance of scoring low-cost flights and accommodation, consider traveling outside the peak tourist season. April, May, October and November are excellent times, as you’ll still find warm weather throughout country, but will have fewer tourists to deal with,” Travel+Leisure advised.
However, according to Matthews, while the varied local climate means that there is never really a bad time to visit, visitors should avoid traveling to the country during the monsoon season.
“When the monsoon hits, it’s hard and heavy and very wet,” says Matthews, who suggested visiting the city during the wet season, where travelers can still visit historic museums and temples between storms.
The website also shared the views of Benjamin Kreuz, general manager of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, saying that if vacationers decide to travel during the rainy season, then it is better to be flexible in their planning.
“Consider not booking everything in advance because of unpredictable weather,” says Kreuz, adding that staying open can help you take advantage of possible low-season discounts.
Insightful piece