Most travelers will find that 13 to 15 days is perfect for a well-paced Vietnam trip with stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 12 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country. Keep reading for more inspiring Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa itineraries.
May is a transition month between spring and summer, with a good deal of rainfall and high temperatures in most of the country. Central and southern Vietnam enter into the steamy wet season, while Hanoi and the north remain relatively temperate and perfect for active adventures. With relatively few visitors this month, May offers plenty of reasons to visit, including plenty of days of sunshine.
February is a great month to travel in Vietnam, with mostly gorgeous sunny weather throughout the country. Visitor numbers are higher than January or March: in fact, this is the second busiest month of the year. And Vietnam’s premier celebration, Tet (Vietnamese New Year), culminates a month full of festivals that add cacophonous color and fun.
Travelers to Vietnam typically plan a trip for 14 to 15 days when combining Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve with Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Can Tho. If you're not interested in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Can Tho, eight to nine days are enough for your trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in one week for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve trips below.
Vietnam is a long, skinny country bookended by extremes: the northern areas bordering China are mountainous, while the Mekong Delta in the south is tropical. In between are vibrant cities, temperate highlands, and a huge range of natural attractions. While you can visit at any time of year, it's important to plan where you go around the country's climatic differences—you won't want to hit the beaches in summer, for example, or the northern mountains in winter. Read on for more tips on when to visit Vietnam.
Vietnam is well into its summer monsoon season by now, and most everywhere except the coastal lowlands of Central Vietnam—which remains dry and sunny—you’ll need to account for high rainfall. With rain now spreading across the northern mountains and Central Highlands, this is a time to focus on a beach vacation while visitor numbers are the lowest of the year.
Most travelers will find that 12 to 14 days is perfect for a well-paced Vietnam trip with stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Can Tho, and Ha Long Bay. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in 11 days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region, like Bai Tu Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Keep reading for more inspiring Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, Can Tho, and Ha Long Bay itineraries.
Nine to 10 days is a great length for a Vietnam trip, with stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as six to eight days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Hue or Phu Quoc. Get inspired with our trip ideas below.
By April, Vietnam’s spring peak season is drawing to a close. Prices remain low. And the weather is still sublime throughout the length of the nation, with little rainfall and plenty of bright sunny days. Plus, there are several important festivals to enjoy. Visit in April and you’ll experience Vietnam at its very best.
Most people visiting Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, and Ha Long Bay spend about 10 to 14 days in Vietnam, which usually includes some time in another stop like Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, or Siem Reap as well. If you're only headed to Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, and Ha Long Bay, you can enjoy a comfortably paced trip in seven to nine days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as six days. For the best itineraries, including Hoi An, Hanoi, Hue, and Ha Long Bay, keep reading below.