Good Idea or Not for a Trip?

Vietnam, like the “pearls of Asia”, experiences a fairly marked period of rain, but varies depending on the region. Traveling to Vietnam during this season can prove to be an exhilarating experienceas nature flourishes and constitutes a superb green setting for the various jewels of the country. Which part of the country to go to during the monsoon in Vietnam? What to expect? We tell you everything!

When does the monsoon occur in Vietnam depending on the region?

To help you prepare for your trip to Vietnam during the monsoon, know that the rainy season does not occur at the same time throughout the country. This is explained by the fact that Vietnam is a very stretched country, 1600 km long from north to south. In addition, the disparity of relief plays a fundamental role in the weather. It therefore turns out that during the same period, the climate of certain regions is dominated by showers and intense heat, while in others, it is possible to benefit from a pleasant climate, quite conducive to activities outdoors.

The north of the country

Stretching from Hanoi, the capital, to the high mountains that form the border with China and Laos, northern Vietnam has two seasons :

• Winter, between November and May : the climate is then cool, even cold in the mountains, and very gray. The rains are present, often in the form of drizzle.
• Summer, between May and October : Although it is monsoon in Vietnam, this period is driest in the northern part of the country. The other side of the coin: the heat can be strong, with maximums between 35 and 40° during the day. You will then have short but intense showerswhich often take place in the late afternoon or at night. The rest of the weather is sunny! At the end of the season, from September to November, typhoons are not rare. If you are traveling during this time, check the weather forecast before traveling.

Central Vietnam

The summer monsoon spreads from May to Novemberwith a period of intense heat between May and August. Note that the High Plateaux, around Dalat, experience much cooler temperatures than on the coast due to the altitude.

During this monsoon period in central Vietnam, the frequency and intensity of rains remain very reasonable until the end of August most often, as in the north, with showers at the end of the day.

September and October are the worst periods to consider a stay in this part of the country due to typhoons. November is also very wet and cities like Hue and Hoi An are often flooded.

The south of the country

The monsoon in South Vietnam will from May to Octoberbut the intensity of showers is at its peak between July and September. If you are traveling as a family during school holidays, it is better to avoid this region, unless you have an adventurous soul!

So, expect the Mekong to be in flood and that the delta, already vast in ordinary times, becomes even more impressive during this period. On the side of the island of Phú Quốc, facing the Cambodian coast, the rain is at its peak and many hotels even close their doors at this time of year.

To read: Where and when to go to Vietnam to have a favorable climate?

What activities to do during the monsoon in Vietnam?

You should know that even if the rains can be abundant during the monsoon, they persist rarely more than 3 hours. So in Vietnam, the adage “after the rain, the good weather” takes on its full meaning! Indeed, once the rains have subsided, the sky clears in record timeletting the beautiful sun illuminate the rest of the day. You can therefore take advantage of the beautiful clearings to discover Vietnam in all its splendor.

In the North, the rainy season, instead of being an obstacle to visiting, is rather conducive to an authentic stayespecially if you are passionate about cultural riches and magnificent landscapes.

• The Sapa region reveals all its beauty during the monsoon in Vietnam. Less rainy and cold than the rest of the year, this period is particularly suitable for hiking in the rice terraces. The latter, worked using ancestral techniques, are then a bright green, the color of which varies depending on the time of day.
• Hanoithe capital of the country, is an absolutely essential stopover. The rains, by refreshing the atmosphere, make the discovery even more pleasant. Get lost in the streets lined with colonial houses, you will be amazed!
• Along Bayalthough very touristy, is a true masterpiece of nature. Even during the monsoon in Vietnam, it will charm you with its impressive karst domes that emerge from unreal blue-green water.

As said previously, the center of the country experiences a less marked monsoon at the start of the season. Take advantage of this period to explore the must-see sites:

• Cities located on the coast benefit from relatively mild weather. You will therefore be able to make the most of the cultural treasures they contain. Full of charm and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Hue and Hoi An are both worth several days of visiting. Pack your bags in a central hotel and go wandering as you wish! The region is easily visited by day trip, as transport times are quite short. It is also in this corner of Vietnam that you can savor the joys of the beach, so you might as well enjoy it between two downpours!
• Remote corners at altitude constitute a perfect plan B if the rains intensify. You will have the opportunity to explore authentic villages, which will change you from the usual tourist circuits.

Even if this monsoon period in Vietnam is not not the ideal season to visit the souththis part of the country is no less fascinating. The best is to get up early to take advantage of the sunny hours in the morning. You can consider next steps depending on the weather:

• The beaches of Nha Trang are renowned and can experience beautiful days without rain.
• The village of Dalatlocated on the heights, is generally less watered. This health resort is home to a splendid historical heritage, artificial lakes and magnificent gardens where you can take a bucolic stroll.
• Ho Chi Minh Citythe ancient Saigon, is today a modern and vibrant megalopolis. It is a perfect stopover for shopping and immersing yourself in a vibrant nightlife!
• The Mekong Deltanicknamed “the rice granary of Vietnam”, is an aquatic plain where rice fields, gardens and canals extend. During a memorable cruise, you will discover the immense floating market of Cài Râng.

As you will have understood, it is entirely possible to visit Vietnam during the rainy season. However, this is not a trivial period and it is better organize your stay well in advance :

• Have a flexible schedule is essential: although annual weather forecasts are relatively reliable, the global warming we are experiencing is significantly disrupting the climate. It is therefore impossible to predict in advance what the extent and frequency of the showers will be. So plan to spend several days in the same place. So, if the weather is not great upon arrival, you can visit the following days!
• Plan activities to do indoors : for example, museums are perfect in case of rain. It's also a good time to go on a shopping trip! If you are traveling with children, take some board games to keep them entertained: UNO or Yam are always a huge hit!
• Take something to protect yourself from the rain in your suitcases, or buy what you need on site. An umbrella is always a good idea during the Vietnam monsoon, but you can also do like the locals and opt for brightly colored waterproof capes, plastic flip-flops and quick-drying clothes.

Leaving during the monsoon in Vietnam will be an opportunity to discover the country in all its authenticity and live experiences that will stay with you for a long time. Far from being a hindrance, this season is on the contrary a great opportunity to explore remote corners, especially in the north. So don't hesitate any longer, grab your tickets and let's go for the adventure!