Explore Vietnam’s diverse regions!
Best Times To Visit Vietnam
With a country spanning over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, Vietnam offers a wide range of seasons and weather all year round.
Northern Vietnam
March to April & September to November, when days are normally warm and sunny with mild temperatures and general absence of rain. Monsoon season usually falls between June-August. The north has four distinct seasons: a comparatively chilly winter (temperatures can dip below 15°C/59°F in Hanoi); a hot and wet summer; a pleasant spring (March-April); and a mild autumn (October-December). However, in the Highlands both extremes are amplified, with occasional snow in the winter and temperatures hitting 40°C (104°F) in the summer.
- The First Ancient Capital
Embark on a scenic journey to Ninh Binh, where you’ll explore the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc, ancient temples, and rich history.
Meet your guide at your hotel and depart for Ninh Binh, located about 2.5 hours south of Hanoi. Enter the stunning Tam Coc Region, also known as ‘Inland Ha Long Bay.’ The area is famous for its soaring karst mountains, which many consider even more spectacular than Ha Long Bay itself. You’ll visit the Tam Coc grottoes and enjoy the peaceful scenery while cruising along the river, surrounded by rice paddies and limestone peaks. After the boat ride, stop at the Thai Vi Temple, then cycle through the mountains and local villages. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries under the Dinh and Le dynasties. If the weather is clear, hike to the top of Ma Yen Mountain for a panoramic view of the Sao Khe River and Truong Yen village. In the late afternoon, transfer back to Hanoi.
- Cuc Phuong National Park Explorer
Step into the heart of Vietnam’s oldest national park, where ancient history and vibrant nature come together in the stunning Cuc Phuong.
You are picked up early from your hotel for the journey to Cuc Phuong National Park, located 120 km southwest of Hanoi, about a 2.5 hour drive. Established in 1960, the National Park is Vietnam’s oldest nature reserve, offering a refreshing escape from the city with its rich biodiversity. The visit begins at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, a non-profit focused on the rehabilitation and conservation of endangered primates. Afterwards, either enjoy a simple and traditional lunch at a local restaurant or take a short trek through the park to learn about its diverse flora and fauna. Visit the ‘Cave of Early Man’ to learn and explore where ancient human beings were discovered.
- See Halong From Above
Take to the skies for an unforgettable Halong Bay scenic seaplane, offering a breathtaking aerial view of Vietnam’s most iconic landscape.
Soar over the emerald waters and explore the towering limestone karsts that dot the bay, creating a mesmerizing panorama. As you glide over Halong Bay’s crystal-clear waters, witness the picturesque islands, hidden caves, and floating villages that make this UNESCO World Heritage site a natural wonder. This scenic flight allows you to experience Halong Bay like never before, far from the crowds below, and captures its beauty from a perspective that’s simply unmatched.
Central Vietnam
January to July, when days are milder in temperature and dry. Summer months of May to August are hot and humid. Monsoon season falls between September-October, with monsoon conditions of strong winds, large sea swells and rain from September until February. These conditions can make it a difficult time to travel through central Vietnam.
- Pedaling through the Heritage of Artisan Living
Visit a local family home, 20 minutes outside of Old Town. Listen to the family’s neighborhood preservation story over a freshly made ca phe sua da.
From here, you’ll cycle through rice paddy fields to start your leisure adventure of visiting all of the village’s well-known yet humble artisans. Compare old vs. new methods of milling rice. Stop by the local incense manufacturer couple, who still use traditional methods by hand. Cruise by fishermen repairing their boats and stop by the whale temple to check out the local rice wine producer and colorful textile weavers by hand loom. Your last stop is to board a coracle (small round fishing boat) and try traditional fishing methods. Return to the family home to relax over a cold beverage and a local meal.
- Monkey Mountain Wildlife
Monkey Mountain Da Nang is renowned for its stunning mountains, rich biodiversity, and its role in preserving the Red-shanked Douc Langur population.
Located about 40km north of Hoi An, within Son Tra Nature Reserve, it also hosts remnants of a former US military base from the Vietnam War. On your morning tour, you will be picked up at 5am from your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang (or join the afternoon tour at 1:30pm). The highlight of your eco-wildlife adventure is trekking through the rainforest for two hours, observing the rare Red-shanked Douc Langur in their natural habitat. The reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, home to 118 species including the Blue Rock Thrush and Black Eagle. You’ll also spot reptiles, insects, and diverse plant species like Parashorea stellata, vital for the langur’s diet. After your trek, explore the peninsula, visiting war relics before heading to the mountain’s peak.
- Discover Hue, The Authentic Way
On this fascinating tour you will get a real taste of what life is like for the people of this beautiful city.
With our local guide, you will learn about Hue through the eyes of ordinary local residents – hear their childhood stories about living through the war, family histories, the city’s relationship with the arts, and explore locales and side streets that are often overlooked. Travel along the peaceful Perfume River by boat to experience the bronze workshops of Phuong Duc. Have lunch at a secluded spot overlooking the outer wall of the Imperial City, a delightfully local respite after a morning of discovery. In the afternoon, learn more about the history with a visit to the Imperial City and end your tour with a special encounter with a princess from the House of Nguyen, the last dynasty of Vietnam.
Southern Vietnam
November to April, when days are still warm but with cooler evenings down to 20° (68°F). Southern Vietnam has three somewhat distinct seasons: hot and dry from March to May/June; rainy from June/July to November; and then cool and dry from December to February. April is the hottest month, with mid-day temperatures of 33°C (91°F) on most days. During the rainy season, short downpours can happen every afternoon, and occasionally streets can flood.
- Capturing the Vibrant Street Life of Saigon
Sneaking through Alleyways, Capturing Stories – witness a different viewpoint of Saigon.
This 2.5 hour curated tour takes you to discover Saigon’s street life and culture beyond the usual highlights. During the walk, you stop by several locations including French colonial and war-era apartment buildings, a local hardware market, and a beautiful Buddhist temple. You get to see how Vietnamese families live their daily lives in an intricate network of alleyways and have an opportunity to meet some of these fascinating characters. This tour is suitable for an enthusiast who is looking to capture a different kind of experience in Saigon. There is a lot of walking to uncover the atypical street life locations and it is not for a luxury experience. If you are an aspiring photographer of basic level, you might take home some memorable shots with you.
- Exploring the tributaries of the Mekong Delta
Embark on a scenic journey through the Mekong Delta, exploring vibrant markets, local crafts, and picturesque waterways.
Start the visit to the vibrant My Long market, where you witness locals sorting fresh fish and produce, and watch the traditional rice paper cake being made. You board your boat and cruise the waterways, navigating through coconut jungles and palm-lined canals. You stop at a local farmer’s house to observe the craft of making coconut jam, and enjoy a taste of tea and jam in a charming setting. Next, you hop onto a XE LOI and ride through local villages to see how coconuts are processed in a nearby workshop. You also meet villagers and hear stories about their way of life. You glide along small canals in a wooden rowboat, capturing the serene scenery. Afterward, savor a delicious local lunch at a riverside restaurant. Finally, visit a traditional brick kiln to learn about the craft of brick-making.
- Crafting Coffee, Discovering Flavors from North to South
Vietnam’s coffee culture is unlike anywhere else in the world with its many coffee variations and unique drinking styles.
In this experience, learn about the art of crafting 3 signature Vietnamese coffees from friendly local professional baristas. Start with the rich and creamy Cà Phê Trứng, an egg coffee from the North that combines robust espresso with whipped egg yolks. Next is the savory Cà Phê Muối from the Central region, a tangy blend with a hint of sea salt. Last is the delicious Cà Phê Sữa Đá from the South, a sweet and creamy coffee mixed with condensed milk. Enjoy tasting your delightful creations and decide which coffee variation is your favorite.
Reach out to your travel design experts at sales.vietnam@khiri.com to start planning your exciting Vietnam adventure.