Country guide
Vietnam Travel Guide: Pho at dawn, lantern-lit old towns and limestone bays
Vietnam is a long, narrow Southeast Asian country famous for Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands, Hoi An’s lantern-lit ancient town and Ho Chi Minh City’s street food. The best time to visit the north and south is November to April; central Vietnam is driest February to August.
Vietnam at a glance
| Timezone | ICT (UTC+7) |
|---|---|
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Languages | Vietnamese |
| Population | 100 million |
| Coordinates | 14.0583, 108.2772 |
Why visit Vietnam
Vietnam packs a 1,600km north–south journey into one unforgettable trip: Hanoi’s chaotic Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay’s karsts, Hoi An’s lanterns, Ho Chi Minh City’s energy and the Mekong Delta’s waterways. It’s also among Asia’s best-value destinations, with legendary coffee culture and street food at every kerb.
When to visit Vietnam
Vietnam spans three climate zones, so there is no single perfect month for the whole country. November to April suits the north and south; February to August suits the central coast. Most travellers find March–April or October–November the best overall compromise.
Tet (Lunar New Year, late Jan–Feb) shuts much of the country for a week — magical atmosphere, but book transport far ahead. Read the full month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Vietnam.
Destinations in Vietnam
Vietnam travel questions
What is the best month to visit Vietnam?
March, April and November are the best months to visit Vietnam as a whole — warm, mostly dry weather in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with manageable crowds. The central coast (Hoi An, Da Nang) is driest from February to August, so beach-focused trips can shift later.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.