When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
Written by Blue Water Holidays - Friday 2nd May 2025
Vietnam and Cambodia stand out as two of Southeast Asia's most captivating destinations, offering travellers an incredible blend of ancient temples, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. However, knowing the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia can make all the difference in your experience. Weather patterns, seasonal festivals, tourist crowds, and accommodation pricing all vary significantly throughout the year.
In this guide, we'll explore the optimal times to explore these fascinating countries, breaking down weather conditions by region and season. Whether you're dreaming of misty mornings at Ha Long Bay, sunset at Angkor Wat, or bustling city life in Ho Chi Minh City, timing your trip correctly ensures you'll experience these destinations at their finest.
The Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam stretches over 1,000 miles from north to south, resulting in distinct climate zones that significantly impact when you should visit different regions. The best time to visit Vietnam depends entirely on which parts of the country you plan to explore. Northern Vietnam experiences four distinct seasons, with more temperature variation than the southern regions.
Northern Vietnam
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Northern Vietnam are during spring (March-April) and autumn (September-November). These seasons offer mild temperatures, moderate humidity, and typically clear skies - so, perfect conditions for exploring.
March through to April brings warm temperatures ranging from 15-23°C with occasional light rainfall. The countryside bursts with blooming flowers, and rice terraces begin their transformation from brown to vibrant green. However, spring can occasionally bring drizzly days with misty conditions in mountainous areas like Sapa.
Autumn delivers pleasant temperatures of 19-28°C with lower humidity and sunny skies. The rice fields turn golden during harvest season, creating stunning photo opportunities. Autumn also typically has fewer tourists than winter.
When winter hits (December-February) it can be chilly with temperatures sometimes dropping to 10°C in Hanoi and near freezing in highland areas like Sapa. Ha Long Bay often becomes shrouded in mist - beautiful but potentially obscuring views. That said, winter does bring Tet (Vietnamese New Year) celebrations, typically in late January or February.
Summer, from May until August, brings intense heat and humidity with temperatures reaching 30-35°C, along with the highest rainfall of the year. Flash flooding can occur in both urban and rural areas.
Where to Go & What to Do
Hanoi
Hanoi is best enjoyed during spring and autumn when comfortable temperatures make walking through the charming Old Quarter pleasant. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, and sample street food at Dong Xuan Market. During autumn, don't miss the Mid-Autumn Festival when streets fill with lanterns and mooncake vendors.
Sapa
Sapa offers spectacular rice terrace views that change dramatically with the seasons. Visit in late September or early October to see golden terraces ready for harvest, or in spring when planting begins. Trek to minority villages like Cat Cat or Ta Phin to experience unique cultures and handicrafts.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, with its iconic limestone karsts, is most comfortably visited during spring and autumn when visibility is clearest for kayaking and photography. Consider an overnight cruise to experience both sunset and sunrise over the bay.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam follows different weather patterns from both the north and south, with its own optimal visiting times.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Central Vietnam spans from February through August, with February to May being particularly ideal. During this period, you'll experience minimal rainfall, abundant sunshine, and temperatures ranging from 23-30°C.
From February to May, the weather is warm but not overly hot, perfect for both beach activities and cultural exploration. The ocean remains calm and clear, ideal for snorkelling and diving.
June through August brings higher temperatures, often exceeding 35°C, but the coastal breeze helps mitigate the heat if you're staying near the shore.
September through November marks the typhoon season in the central region and is generally not the best time to visit Vietnam. Heavy rains can cause flooding in Hoi An's Ancient Town and rough seas along the coast. Major typhoons sometimes make landfall, potentially disrupting travel plans.
Where to Go & What to Do
Hoi An
Hoi An captivates visitors with its well-preserved Ancient Town, featuring distinctive yellow buildings and colourful lanterns. The monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival is spectacular, when the town turns off electric lights and illuminates streets with hundreds of traditional lanterns. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, explore Chinese assembly halls, and have clothing custom-made by the town's renowned tailors.
Hue
Hue, the former imperial capital, showcases Vietnam's royal history through its Imperial Citadel and royal tombs. Don't miss a boat ride on the Perfume River or sampling imperial cuisine unique to this region. The Hue Festival, held biennially (typically in April), features cultural performances and royal rituals.
Da Nang
Da Nang serves as Central Vietnam's modern hub with stunning beaches like My Khe and spectacular mountain views from the Marble Mountains. The city's International Fireworks Festival (usually in June) draws competitors from around the world for pyrotechnic displays over the Han River.
Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. This creates a more straightforward decision about the best time to visit Vietnam.
Best time to visit
The dry season from December through April marks the best time to visit Southern Vietnam. During these months, you'll enjoy consistent sunshine, minimal rainfall, and relatively lower humidity.
December through February offers the most comfortable temperatures, typically ranging from 22-32°C. This period coincides with peak tourist season, so popular destinations will have higher prices and require advance bookings.
March and April remain dry, but temperatures climb, sometimes exceeding 35°C. The pre-Tet period sees cities like Ho Chi Minh come alive with flower markets and festive decorations.
The wet season spans May through November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between June and October. Typical rain patterns involve short, intense afternoon downpours rather than all-day precipitation. The wet season brings lower hotel rates and fewer tourists, but prepare for occasional flooding in urban areas.
Where to Go & What to Do
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy year-round. During the dry season, explore the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and French colonial landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral. Experience the city's famous street food scene at Ben Thanh Market. For those visiting during the wet season, the city offers numerous indoor activities when afternoon showers arrive.
The Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta reveals rural Vietnamese life among a maze of waterways. The dry season offers easier navigation and comfortable boat trips through floating markets like Cai Rang and Cai Be. The wet season brings lush scenery, but some areas may become difficult to access. If you haven’t been on a river cruise before but like the sound of exploring a river from its surface, have a read of our tips for first-time river cruisers.
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island presents Vietnam's premier beach destination with white sand shores and emerald waters. The dry season from November through March delivers ideal beach conditions with clear visibility for snorkelling and diving. Explore the island's national park, visit pepper plantations, or simply relax at resorts ranging from budget to ultra-luxury.
The Best Time to Visit Cambodia
Unlike Vietnam's varied regional climates, Cambodia experiences relatively consistent weather patterns throughout the country, with three distinct seasons.
Cool/Dry Season (November-February)
What to Expect
The cool/dry season stands out as the best time to visit Cambodia for most travellers. During these months, temperatures remain moderate (typically 24-30°C) with minimal rainfall and lower humidity. Skies stay predominantly clear, creating perfect conditions for exploration and photography.
Where to Go & What to Do
This season marks the peak tourist period, particularly at major attractions like Angkor Wat. The comfortable temperatures mean you can explore the temple all day without the exhaustion that comes with intense heat. Sunrise at Angkor Wat becomes particularly magical during these months, with clear skies enhancing the experience - what better way to catch the sunrise than on a cruise from the Mekong Delta to the Angkor Temples.
The Tonle Sap Lake contracts during this period, concentrating fish populations and making it an excellent time for fishing tours and visiting floating villages. Wildlife viewing opportunities also improve in protected areas like the Cardamom Mountains.
Other popular destinations during this season include Siem Reap, where the temperate weather creates perfect conditions for exploring the vast Angkor Archaeological Park. In Phnom Penh, the cool/dry season paves the way for pleasant walks along the riverfront and extended exploration of outdoor sites like the Royal Palace complex.
Festivals & Events
Cultural events during this period include Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) in November, commemorating the reversal of the Tonle Sap River's flow with boat races, concerts, and fireworks. Chinese New Year (January/February) also brings colourful celebrations to cities with significant Chinese communities.
Hot Season (March-May)
What to Expect
Cambodia's hot season brings challenging conditions with temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C and occasionally reaching 40°C. Humidity levels increase as the season progresses, making outdoor activities increasingly uncomfortable.
Despite these challenges, the hot season offers significant advantages for budget-conscious travellers. Tourist numbers drop substantially, resulting in discounted accommodation rates - sometimes 30-50% lower than peak season prices. Popular attractions experience fewer crowds, allowing for more peaceful temple experiences.
Where to Go & What to Do
Smart travellers adapt to the heat by scheduling activities during cooler morning and late afternoon hours. Temples like Ta Prohm and Bayon become much less crowded during this season. The hot season coincides with the blooming of many tropical flowers, adding vibrant colours to the landscape, so make sure you pack your camera for a few photos!
Phnom Penh provides numerous indoor attractions, such as the National Museum, for midday refuge. Beach destinations like Sihanoukville and the islands of Koh Rong offer respite with ocean breezes making the heat more bearable along the coast
Festivals & Events
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey), Cambodia's most important holiday, occurs in mid-April. While many businesses close as locals return to their hometowns, tourists can witness colourful ceremonies at pagodas throughout the country.
Rainy Season (June-October)
What to Expect
Cambodia's rainy season transforms the landscape dramatically as regular afternoon downpours nurture lush vegetation. Rather than constant rain, typical patterns involve sunny mornings followed by intense afternoon thunderstorms lasting 2-3 hours before clearing again.
The monsoon rejuvenates Cambodia, turning parched earth into vibrant green landscapes. Rice paddies fill with water and take on an emerald hue. While humidity remains high, temperatures moderate to 25-32°C, providing some relief from the preceding hot season.
Tourist numbers reach their annual low during these months, creating opportunities for significant savings on accommodations and tours. Many hotels offer rainy season discounts of, while the most popular attractions like Angkor Wat can be explored with minimal crowds.
Where to Go & What to Do
The Tonle Sap Lake expands dramatically during the rainy season, creating perfect conditions for boat tours to floating villages. Wildlife viewing improves in areas like the Cardamom Mountains as increased water availability disperses animals throughout their habitat.
Challenges during this season include occasional flooding in urban areas and rural roads becoming muddy and sometimes impassable. Temple exploration requires flexibility, as afternoon downpours may interrupt sightseeing plans.
Battambang showcases stunning landscapes during the rainy season, with countryside tours revealing vibrant green rice fields against dramatic skies. Kampot and Kep transform into verdant paradises during these months, with the nearby Bokor National Park coming alive with flowing waterfalls.
Festival & Events
Cultural events during the rainy season include Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) in September/October, when Cambodians honour deceased relatives by bringing food offerings to temples.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia Together?
-
Planning a combined Vietnam and Cambodia trip requires strategic timing to maximise experiences in both countries. The ideal window falls between November and February, when both countries enjoy favourable weather conditions, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall across most major attractions.
-
For travellers prioritising Vietnam's northern regions alongside Cambodia, November through December offers an excellent compromise. You'll experience autumn colours around Hanoi and Sapa while benefiting from cool, dry conditions at Angkor Wat. January through February works well for combining Cambodia with Central or Southern Vietnam, as all these regions experience their dry seasons simultaneously.
-
For budget-conscious travellers willing to navigate some weather challenges, shoulder seasons (October/March) can offer significant savings across both countries while still providing generally favourable conditions. May through September presents the greatest weather challenges but rewards flexible travellers with lush landscapes, minimal crowds, and the lowest prices of the year.
-
River cruises along the Mekong represent an excellent way to experience both countries seamlessly. These typically operate year-round but offer their best experiences during the November-February period when water levels remain navigable without the intense heat of later months.
-
Many cruises journey between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, providing an effortless border crossing experience. If you’re looking for an example itinerary of a Mekong river cruise, we have plenty to choose from - check out our 7-day classic Mekong cruise for inspiration.
-
When planning your combined itinerary, consider starting in northern Vietnam and moving south before crossing into Cambodia if travelling during the early dry season (November-December). For late dry season travel (January-February), the reverse route often works better, beginning in Cambodia while temperatures remain moderate before exploring Southern and Central Vietnam.
Summary
The overall best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia falls between November and February, when both countries experience dry conditions and comfortable temperatures. However, each region offers unique advantages throughout the year, and with proper planning, any season can provide remarkable experiences.
When determining your ideal travel time, consider personal preferences alongside weather patterns. Wildlife enthusiasts might prefer the rainy season's lush landscapes, while temple explorers will appreciate the cooler temperatures of winter months. Festival chasers might plan around events like Tet in Vietnam or Khmer New Year in Cambodia, regardless of weather conditions.
By understanding regional weather patterns and aligning them with your travel preferences, you'll discover the perfect time for your Vietnam and Cambodia adventure, whether that means perfect weather or unique seasonal experiences
Ready to uncover the beauty behind Vietnam and Cambodia? Here at Cruising Holidays, our vast selection of Vietnam and Cambodia cruises will leave you spoilt for choice, with something to offer every type of traveller. If you’re unsure which cruise is best for you, though, get in touch with our expert team, who are on hand to help make your dreams a reality.