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Best time to visit Vietnam?

xin chĂ o
March

  • Low rainfall
  • Cheaper accommodation
  • Less crowded
  • Warm weather
  • Cheaper flights
  • Best for social scene

If you’re looking for warm weather and cheaper flights and accommodation, March is the month to travel to Vietnam. You’ll miss typhoon season happening later in the year, meaning you won’t be restricted by bad weather for all of the amazing outdoor activities and tours on offer. Temperatures in the center and south of Vietnam enter the high 20’s for travellers chasing the sunshine.

Weather in Vietnam

For the best weather for your holiday, travel to Vietnam during the dry season which runs from December through to April to avoid heavy rainfall and monsoons. This way you’ll enjoy dry and hot weather and avoid the heavy rainfall of the monsoon season.

North Vietnam

In the north of Vietnam the summer months of July and August. See the most typhoons and the highest rainfall.

Center

The central part of Vietnam is usually the most affected by typhoons, particularly during July through to October.

South Vietnam

The southern region of Vietnam experiences typhoons from the months of May through to October as a result of strong winds from the Indian Ocean.

Average rainfall in Vietnam by month

in millimetres

41mm23mm28mm58mm155mm204mm218mm220mm308mm335mm191mm91mm
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Average temperature in Vietnam by month

in degress celcius

27°C28°C29°C30°C30°C29°C28°C29°C28°C28°C27°C27°C
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Vietnam flights

The cheapest month to fly to Vietnam is October, which is also the peak typhoon month for most of the country, so if you’re looking to save on flights this is a great time to visit. For those looking for cheaper flights without the accompanying downpours, flying during the months of February and March are excellent options. The most expensive months to travel to Vietnam are December and January during the holiday period when people are more likely to travel abroad.

Average price of return flights to Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) by month

Brisbane departure, accurate as of June 2019, averages collected by kayak.com.au

$ Cheapest $$ Expensive
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Vietnam accommodation

Predictably the cheapest months for accommodation in Vietnam are during typhoon season, specifically August and September. For cheaper than average accommodation rates during the drier seasons, March will be the best month. Prices spike for the holiday season around December and January which are when tourist numbers are highest.

Average accommodation price by month

prices are based off an average of hotel prices for 7 nights with 2 guests
(3 star hotels located within Ho Chi Minh City)

$$ Expensive $ Cheapest $ Cheapest
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Vietnam ON/Off peak periods

December through to April sees the highest number of tourists arriving in Vietnam. Drawn in by the dry season and all the activities on offer without the threat of heavy rainfall, international arrivals into the country soar despite the slightly colder temperatures of winter. Understandably there are less travellers making their way to Vietnam during typhoon season from May through to November.

Vietnam ON/OFF periods

BusyBusyBusyNot too busyNot too busyNot too busyNot too busyNot too busyNot too busyNot too busyNot too busyBusy
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
BusyNot too busy

International arrivals into Vietnam 2018

1.4 Million1.4 Million1.3 Million1.3 Million1.1 Million1.1 Million1.1 Million1.3 Million1.2 Million1.2 Million1.3 Million1.3 Million
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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Places to visit in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

Previously called Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is the busiest city in Vietnam receiving the most amount of visitors in the country. Make sure you visit the shops in Ho Chi Minh if you’re after a bargain, or embark on one of the many Vietnam tours that start in the city.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Home to the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong, Phong Nha-Ke Bang boasts an array of fun activities including a zipline journey over the river, hiking through the jungles or exploring the many caves.

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island

Hidden away in the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam and has something to please everyone, from sandy white beaches and deep forests to luxury resorts and a relaxed social scene.

The Golden Bridge Da Nang

The Golden Bridge Da Nang

Located in the Ba Be National Park, The Golden Bridge or Da Nang is a pedestrian bridge that provides visitors with stunning views of the national park and is one of Vietnam’s most impressive tourist attractions.

Truong Son Mountain Range

Truong Son Mountain Range

If you’re looking to head off the beaten track, make your way to the Truong Son Mountain Range where you might spy the rare fauna that live in the mountains such as the Annamite rabbit, the Chinese Pangolin and the Douc Iangur.

Events and Festivals in Vietnam

Lantern Festival

Lantern Festival

The Hoi An Lantern Festival is held every month to celebrate the full moon. Considered to be one of the most sacred times in the Buddist calendar, the full moon lantern festival has its origins in the 16th century, and is celebrated by placing brightly coloured lanterns on the Thu Bon river and holding musical performances and poetry readings.

Hue Festival

Hue Festival

Taking place in Hue City, the Hue Festival is held every two years to celebrate the cultural and historical values of the city. Commencing with an opening ceremony, the Hue Festival encompases many different events, from the Kite Flying Festival, the Poetry Festival and many sporting events.

Lunar New Year or Tet Holiday

Lunar New Year or Tet Holiday

Taking place on the first day of the first month of the Vietnamese calendar, Tet is the most important holiday in Vietnam. People celebrate by making as much noise as possible, setting off firecrackers, playing drums, bells and gongs while parades are held all over the country.

Visit Ha Long Bay

Visit Ha Long Bay

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Ha Long Bay is just a short drive from the capital of Hanoi and is home to striking limestone islands and inlets surrounded by emerald waters. You can take your choice of exploring the beautiful bay by boat, swimming, snorkeling, hiking or kayaking. Eat at one of the floating restaurants before you explore the many unusual rock formations hidden in the caves dotted around the islands.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, here are some things to know before you go.

  • On arrival in Vietnam, you must have a visa, a visa exemption certificate or an approval letter for a visa-on-arrival.
  • If the duration of your stay will be longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa directly from the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam.
  • Your passport must have a minimum of 6 months validation from the date you arrive in Vietnam and have at least one blank visa page to be stamped on entry.

This information was sourced from smartraveller.gov.au as of 2019.

Health risks in Vietnam

There are no specific health risks travellers are advised to be aware of when travelling to Hawaii. It is advised that travellers take reasonable precautions when deciding when to travel to Hawaii as natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are known to take place there.

Hepatitis A

Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Extreme cases can result in liver damage.

Typhoid

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Malaria

Malaria is transmitted through mosquito bites. There are no available vaccinations to protect against Malaria, therefore bite prevention is the main deterrent. Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, fatigue and abdominal pain.

Rabies

Rabies is a result of the rabies virus which is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals such as dogs and monkeys. Symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, musclespasms and headaches.

What vaccinations do I need for Vietnam?

IMPORTANT

Vaccinations need to be taken before leaving for your trip. Try to get your vaccines 4-8 weeks before your trip.

High priority: Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccine

This will prevent any contamination of the diseases through food and water whilst in Vietnam.

High priority: Malaria

Malaria is contracted through mosquito bites. Whilst you should take precautionary acts against bites whilst in Vietnam, it is highly recommended to take prescription medicine before, during and after your trip to prevent malaria.

High priority: Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in Vietnam. It is important to vaccinate against this prior to your trip, especially if you will be doing outdoor activities that put you at a higher risk of coming in contact with animals.

Medium priority: Japanese Encephalitis

You might need this if travelling in Vietnam for longer than a month, or travelling to rural areas. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you should be vaccinated against this before your trip.

This information was sourced from wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam as of 2019.

Vietnam travel alerts

See Smartraveller for
travel advice for Vietnam

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Vietnam FAQ's

What is the best month to go to Vietnam?

March is the best month to travel to Vietnam with cheaper flights and accommodation and warmer weather.

What is the rainy season in Vietnam?

Typhoons are most common in the months of September, October and November.

What month is the cheapest to fly to Vietnam?

October is the cheapest month to fly to Vietnam, however this is also the peak typhoon month for most of the country.

Am I covered for motorcycling when I go travelling?

To be covered for claims on a two and three wheeled motor vehicle you must comply with the following conditions:

  • As the driver or passenger you must wear a helmet (this is irrespective of the law of the country you are in)

As the Driver:

  • You must hold a driving licence appropriate for the country you are in and
  • If using a motorcycle rated 125cc or higher, you must hold a current and valid licence required for driving the equivalent rated motorcycle in Australia.

When can I claim my rental vehicle excess?

If you are liable to pay a rental vehicle excess as a result of damage to, or theft of a rental vehicle, we will pay up to the amount shown on the table of benefits for your level of cover as shown in the Product Disclosure Statement.

If I get sick or injured or lose my passport while overseas, will I be able to get help?

Yes – all our international travel insurance policyholders can access our worldwide, 24/7 overseas medical and emergency assistance service. If you have a medical emergency, you (or someone else on your behalf) must contact us as soon as possible.

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