Vietnam has recently opened its doors to foreign tourists. But it has already managed to attract many travelers from all countries. Here is fabulously beautiful nature, gentle sea and sun. People come here to get acquainted with the history of the country, admire the most beautiful mountain landscapes, and go in for water sports. The beach and sightseeing season in Vietnam is open almost throughout the year. The territory of the country is very stretched. The climate in its individual parts at different times of the year can vary greatly. Knowing these conditions will help you organize your vacation properly.
General information about the country
The state is located on the Indochina Peninsula, in Southeast Asia. About 60 nationalities and ethnic groups live here. But more than 80% of the locals are Vietnamese. As for religion, Buddhism prevails here. An interesting fact: recent polls among the population revealed that 81% of Vietnamese are atheists. Part of the population speaks French, English and Chinese. However, most residents speak Vietnamese. Vietnam is an agricultural country. The main crop that is cultivated and exported here is rice. Vietnam is also a major supplier of coffee and tea. Industry in the state develops slowly. Most of the country is occupied by mountains. The flat part is mostly cultivated. The pristine nature is preserved in reserves, sanctuaries, in the Batma-Khaivan National Park.
Climate
The holiday season in Vietnam is open all year round. However, those wishing to spend a vacation there should wisely approach the choice of place and time. If we talk about the temperature regime, it can be noted that the climate in this country is tropical and subtropical. Winter and summer are not much different from each other. Even in the cool season it is much hotter here than, for example, here in Sochi or the Crimea. The difference in seasons is especially noticeable only in the northern part of the country. The temperature in Vietnam in summer often rises to +50 ˚С. People who tolerate heat well will enjoy a vacation at this time of the year. According to the weather conditions, the dry period and the rainy season can be distinguished here. At the time of heavy rains, high humidity and hordes of mosquitoes can be considered disadvantages of rest.
Rainy season
Week-long downpour, huge torrents of water… This is how the Vietnamese rainy season is portrayed in American films. However, this is somewhat different from the real natural phenomenon that can be observed here from May to October. The rainy season peaks in MaySeptember. At this time, you can relax here, saving up to 80% of the money set aside for vacation. What is a period of constant rainfall? When is the best time to go on holiday to Vietnam? The holiday season is open all year round. However, tourists should be aware that during the rainy season it becomes very humid here. Many people endure this almost worse than the heat, which is replaced by daily downpours. But still, not everything is so bad. It rains mostly in the evening or at night. And the duration of the downpour hardly exceeds 30 minutes. Local residents have adapted well to this time. The bypass structures around the settlements and the irrigation system in them minimize the possible damage from the elements.
South Vietnam: unforgettable holidays
The main tourist center of the country - the area of Mui Ne, Saigon, Phan Thiet. This is the south of Vietnam. It is perhaps the wettest region in comparison with other territories. From May to November, the rainy season begins in Vietnam, more precisely, in its southern part. It has its own characteristics. The showers here are very short-lived. As a rule, heavy rain falls for 10-15 minutes in the afternoon. Many tourists prefer to travel to the south of the country during this period, since at this time there is no scorching sun. However, often the inconvenience can be delivered not so much by showers as by a strong gusty wind, a sky completely covered with clouds, and high waves in the ocean. But on the island of Phu Quoc, located in the southern part of the country, the rainy season is very short. This is due to the proximity of this area.to the equator. Downpours go here for no more than one month. As a rule, this happens mainly in October. The water temperature here is +30 ˚С. December-April is the best tourist season here. In Vietnam, in its southern part, it is dry and sunny at this time. The weather during this period will not bring unpleasant moments.
Northern Vietnam
Depending on weather conditions, this country can be divided into three zones: North, South and Center. All regions are considered in detail here in terms of the attractiveness of the climate for tourist trips. Holidays in Vietnam in April-May are considered the most interesting. This is the time of the transparent ocean, peace and quiet on the coast, sunny weather, active water sports. But it is better to go to the northern regions of the country (Ha Long, Hanoi, Sapa) a little later - in May-October. This is a period of active sun and good weather. From November to April, hotel prices fall, which cannot but please tourists. However, don't be fooled. After all, at this time it is quite cool here. During the winter months, the temperature drops to +10 ˚С at night, and to +20 ˚С during the day. But this is not all the disadvantages of rest in this period. During the winter, the region often experiences heavy rainfall. In the Hanoi region during the rainy season, about 80% of the annual precipitation falls. From August to February it is cold and overcast here. Frosts are not uncommon in the mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Khao Bang. A strong wind will also not add optimism to vacationers. In winter, tropical typhoons are not uncommon in the north of the country.
Central Vietnam
You can relax in this country at any time of the year. However, there are somesubtleties that need to be taken into account so that later there are no unpleasant surprises and a well-deserved vacation is not spoiled by a train to Vietnam. Nha Trang, which opens its season in May, is one of the most visited places by tourists. In the central part of the country there are also such popular resorts as Dalat, Da Nang. The best time to visit here is from May to October. During this period, the center of Vietnam is dry and hot, with a lot of sun. Wet gets closer to November. The rainy season is starting. Moreover, from September to November, there is a high probability of hurricanes. And in December-February, a strong wind rises here. Typhoons often occur. The ocean is getting restless. Swimming during this period can be very difficult due to large waves. The ocean can be especially dangerous for surfers and scuba divers. The air temperature in winter drops to +25 ˚С. In the mountains of the central region of the country, the coldest month is January. Precipitation here falls somewhat earlier than on the plain. The rainy season is September and October. From the foregoing, it follows that it is better to plan a holiday in Vietnam in May, at least in its central part.
Vietnam sightseeing tourist spots
• Sapa. One of the most interesting places in this country. It is located in the north of Vietnam. They rarely come here for 2-3 weeks. Often tourists visit this small town, lingering all day for 2-3. This place is surrounded by beautiful mountains, emerald-colored rice fields, caves, waterfalls, hot springs. Near the villageFansipan is the highest mountain in Indochina. Near the city there are many villages where you can get acquainted with the life and way of life of the local population. Holidays in Vietnam in April can be simply unforgettable. If we talk specifically about the aforementioned place, then this month there is a Festival in the clouds. True, prices in hotels at such times increase by 5 times compared to other periods.
• Hoi An. The place is located in central Vietnam. Here you can combine a sightseeing holiday with a beach holiday.
• Hanoi. The capital of country. This city is also called the soul of Vietnam. Its history goes back over 1000 years. There are many attractions here: museums, temples, a mausoleum, beautiful lakes. What is the most recommended for tourists to see? Of course, the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh City, in which the body of the leader rests. And also the lake of the returned sword with two islands and temples on them.
• Ho Chi Minh City. It is a kind of economic capital of the country. It is recognized as the largest city in Vietnam. Life in this place is in full swing: skyscrapers are being built, new shops and hotels are opening everywhere. There are also historical sights. But most of them are connected with the history of the past XX century. As a rule, tourists come here to do shopping.
• Dalat. A city located in the south of the state. This is a mountain resort. The air temperature here is somewhat lower than in other areas. The place is famous for its picturesque landscapes. Low mountains, waterfalls, lakes and fields surround it. Dalat is called the city of coffee and wine. And alsothe atmosphere of warmth and comfort, creativity and creation reigning here will amaze tourists.
• Halong Bay. Often this place is visited, following from Hanoi. As a rule, tourists are accommodated on the largest islands of the bay. People come here to admire the picturesque landscapes. On the territory, which occupies only 1500 km², there are more than 3000 beautiful islands. Their shape is very bizarre. Many of them have amazing caves with original stone formations. During the trip, tourists here ride on ships, landing on the islands to visit the caves.
• Hue. If we consider the tourist season in Vietnam by months, it turns out that this place can be visited at any time. It is located in the center of the country. The whole city is a big attraction. Coming here is definitely worth it. In the center of it is an extraordinary imperial citadel. Tourists of this area consider it their duty to visit the graves of emperors located near the city.
Vietnam beach resorts
This country has become one of the favorite vacation spots for Russian tourists in recent years. Therefore, it is worth talking a little about the names of the best holiday destinations in Vietnam:
• Nha Trang. This is the most popular beach resort in the country. The city of Nha Trang is quite large. At its base formed a beautiful beach area. Here you can sunbathe, and soak up the gentle warm waters of the ocean, and have fun, and see some of the sights. Prices for tours to this area are among the mostlow. Holidays in Nha Trang will be another proof that the beach season in Vietnam is open all year round.
• Phan Thiet / Mui Ne. This resort area has already been chosen by our compatriots. There are probably more Russian tourists here than all other vacationers. The nearest town of Phan Thiet is only 5 km away. The resort stretches for 10 km along the beaches. This place is great for a beach holiday. However, in terms of attractions and activity of tourist life, this region is inferior to the resort of Nha Trang. The weather here is wonderful. It does not matter if it is a dry period or a rainy season in Vietnam, Phan Thiet is the best place to relax, according to many of our compatriots. The prices here are quite low. There are many shops, restaurants, hotels, where there is everything a traveler needs. This is the best place in all of Vietnam to practice sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kiting. But lovers of snorkeling and diving should find a more successful area. Many of our compatriots regard this pastime as the best holiday in Vietnam. It gets very crowded in May.
• Phu Quoc Island. Located in the southern region of the country. There are very good beaches, but there are few attractions. There are very few nightlife activities. A big plus of the island is wild, untouched by civilization nature. Prices are slightly higher than in other resort areas. Going here just to lie on the beach is not worth it. After all, the same pleasure will cost much less in other resort areas of the state. But if a tourist wants to explore the wildjungle, live in your own bungalow on a deserted beach or explore the underwater world of the island, then there is no better place for him.
• Da Nang. It is one of the largest cities in this country. Located in the center of Vietnam. Not a very popular place for tourists. There are no attractions here at all. The city is a commercial trade and port point. Its only plus is its excellent beaches.
• Hoi An. The town is located near Da Nang. It is a good excursion and beach place at the same time. The city is very interesting. Famous for its ancient architecture. There are many buildings and monuments that have been preserved since the Middle Ages. Everything is permeated with a special romantic atmosphere. There are excellent beaches a few kilometers from the city.
• Vung Tau. This city is the most important industrial zone of the country. There are no exotics and sights here. But there are good beaches. Not very popular with foreign tourists. More in demand by local residents and visitors from neighboring areas who come here in order to spend weekends and holidays on the beach.
Choose the best time to visit the country
In order to find out when it is worth visiting this state, it is recommended to use the following table:
Holiday season in Vietnam by months
| Resort/month | Jan. | Feb. | March | Apr. | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov | Dec |
| Hanoi | + | + | + | + | ! | ! | ! | ! | + | + | + | + |
| Sapa | ! | ! | + | + | + | ! | ! | ! | + | + | ! | ! |
| Halong Bay | ! | ! | ! | + | + | ! | ! | ! | + | + | ! | ! |
| Hue | ! | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | - | - | - | ! |
| Danang | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | ! | - | - | ! |
| Hoi An | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | ! | - | - | ! |
| Nha Trang | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | ! | ! | - | - |
| Dalat | + | + | + | + | ! | ! | ! | ! | ! | ! | + | + |
| Phan Thiet/Mui Ne | + | + | + | + | ! | ! | ! | ! | ! | ! | + | + |
| Ho Chi Minh City | + | + | + | + | ! | ! | ! | ! | ! | ! | ! | + |
| o. Phu Quoc | + | + | + | + | + | + | ! | ! | ! | ! | + | + |
"-" - not recommended to visit at this time;
"+" - acceptable rest period;
"!" - the best time to visit.
Price fall time
Find out when the most economical holiday in Vietnam. There are few tourists here in August. Therefore, the prices are correspondingly lower. As a rule, the decline in the cost of tourist vouchers is observed from May to September. This is the best time to visit the country, see its sights and save some money. During this period, many local guesthouses and hotels give good discounts for tourists staying in their rooms. Sometimes they can reach 30% of the cost. Also at this time there are many special offers from airlines selling tickets for flights at a reduced rate. From May to September, the weather in Vietnam will not bring any big unpleasant surprises. True, in the central part of the country (Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An) hurricanes are possible during this period.
Best timeholidays in Vietnam: reviews of tourists
The most truthful idea of a country can be made by getting the opinion of the people who were there. Despite the fact that Vietnam recently opened its doors to tourists, it has already become one of the most frequently visited resort places. The prices here are quite democratic. This, in all likelihood, attracts many travelers from all countries here. People note that at first it seems a little hot here. However, 2-3 days spent in this country allow the tourist to get used to the midday heat. Experienced travelers recognize that the best time to visit this country is March-August. At this time it is warm and sunny. It is during this period that people often go on vacation to Vietnam. Holidays in March, reviews of which are often positive, can be the most unforgettable for every traveler. Vietnamese cuisine was to the taste of our tourists. A lot of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs, lean meat and fish are the main products that make up the menu of the inhabitants of this country. The positive reviews of our compatriots who have been here include their statements about cleanliness and order, a calm and friendly atmosphere prevailing in most hotels. Foreign tourists here are amazed by the abundance of high-quality, but at the same time inexpensive goods that can be purchased. There are, of course, negative comments regarding holidays in this country. People note that flights to Vietnam are very tiring. The holiday season is open here all year round. But the heat and high humidity are not for everyone.taste. People say that excursions at this time can be difficult. In addition, many note that traveling to historical places did not seem interesting to them. But the winding road to them among the mountains in the heat was very tiring. Some tourists did not like the fact that you can only hire a Russian-speaking guide for excursions for a rather high fee.
Useful information for tourists
• Time in Vietnam is 3 hours ahead of Moscow.
• Don't worry about using electrical appliances. Two-pin sockets are used here, the same as we have in Russia. Therefore, no adapters are required. The voltage in the electrical network, just like ours, is 220 V.
• The Internet in this country is almost everywhere, and free of charge. Guests of hotels and hotels can easily access the Web at any time. At the reception most often there are computers with free Internet access. Also, in all tourist areas, you can easily find access points to the Network, from where you can call your relatives by international phone. The cost of a call is simply ridiculous - 2.5 rubles per minute.
• It is unprofitable to use the services of Russian mobile operators in Vietnam. When roaming, connection charges can be significant. It is much more profitable to buy a SIM card from some local operator and call home. Thus, you can count on the cost of 5 rubles per minute of conversation.
• As a rule, a tourist's passport in this country is takenat the hotel reception. And they give it on the last day at discharge.
• Punctuality and Vietnamese are incompatible concepts. Therefore, by the appointed time of any event, you can safely add at least half an hour, without fear of being late for it. This is especially true for bus arrival times. If you are assured that the tour will end at 18:00, then most likely it will last until 20:00.
• The Vietnamese are enterprising people. Therefore, you need to be careful when buying a sightseeing tour. You should definitely ask the guide what exactly is included in the price of the trip. When selling a tour, many companies may simply forget to notify the tourist of an additional fee, for example, for entry or going up on a funicular, and so on. And some practical guides, knowing that everything is already included in the tour, may require additional money from the traveler.
• Finding out how soon it will rain is easy. To do this, just look at the locals. If they put on raincoats and start hiding goods in the markets, then it will rain in the next half hour.
• The national currency of the country is dong. It is equal to 10 hao or 100 su. You can exchange currency in banks, exchange offices and markets. The last course is somewhat more profitable. ATMs give out, as a rule, only dongs. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere. In large cities, as well as in the capital of Vietnam, they accept euros, baht, yuan, yen.
Thus, we found out that a vacation from March to August is the best holiday in Vietnam. Nha Trang, reviews of tourists about which more oftenpositive, is one of the most popular places to visit by travelers from all countries.
