The peak season in the North is from September 9-11 and May 3-4; Central from April to 8, Southern from October to 4. Seasonal intervals between high and low in the North: from December to February, May to 8; Central around May 9-3; the South is May 9-12. Low season: the North from May to October, the Central from September to May and the South from May to 9.
Quang Binh Cave - Photo: Oxalis
Times are not crowded
The rainy season (May 5-10 in the North, May 9-5 in the Central, May 5-9 in the South) will attract fewer people to travel.
Coming to Vietnam this time has many privileges because of the cheap price of renting hotel rooms and air tickets. Restaurants, tours to less popular spots, offer a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can leisurely sit and enjoy the famous noodle cha on plastic chairs on the sidewalk without fear of crowding.
However, the rains and cloudy weather can hinder hiking in Sapa or cruises on Ha Long Bay, two experiences that any visitor to Vietnam will want to take part in.
Ha Giang - Photo: Shotgun
Best time to visit
For visitors who want to visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the Central region, the best time to visit is the dry season. May 2, 3 is the best time to cross Vietnam. February may coincide with the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, so Matthews advises foreign guests to choose destinations near the sea to relax and visit big cities when Tet is over. Tet everyone wants to go home to reunite with family, restaurants are less open.
If you want to explore Hanoi, please visit on May 9-11 or 3-4 because of the dry weather. If you want to experience sunny beaches like Hoi An, Nha Trang should visit May 4-8. From October to May 4 next year is the most beautiful time to explore the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc.
Ninh Thuan - Photo: Quang Ngoc Nguyen / Alamy Stock Photo
Cheap times
Vietnam is an "affordable destination all year round", ample street food, comfortable hotels but still suitable for all budgets. To have an economical trip, enjoy the best time, visitors should visit in months 4,5,10 and 11. These months the warm weather is less touristy.
Best time to visit Sa Pa, Ha Long Bay
A visit to the golden terraced fields in Sapa is not to be missed for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Matthews noted the area starts getting colder from December to February, so it's best to plan a trip from September to 11 or in March to 4. The rice harvest season is also a time to visit: in late August to September, the brilliant green hillsides turn yellow as the rice ripens.
Ha Long Bay is a favorite destination for both domestic and international visitors. For a less crowded experience, travelers should consider an overnight excursion. This itinerary will take visitors deeper into the bay or visit the neighboring Lan Ha Bay "equally beautiful".
Months 3,4,10 and 11 are ideal occasions to visit because the weather is warm, sunny and less humid. Visitors also avoid that rush and can comfortably kayak, hike on Cat Ba island, scuba diving.
Photo: Sutter stock
Bad weather times
Guests should avoid travelling during the monsoon or rainy season. When the monsoon hits, Vietnam is very wet. Avoid the mountainous area of Sa Pa, Ha Long Bay as rainstorms can make the trip unsafe.
If you still decide to travel in the rainy season, you should be flexible in your plans or you should not book everything in advance due to unpredictable weather.
Keeping an open mind can help you benefit from discounts on tours and low-season rooms.
According to Travel & Leisure