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Visiting Vietnam: Your guide to the North, Central and South in a nutshell
Hoping to head to Vietnam for a holiday but not sure which part to go to? Start here.
Ancient towns, bustling cities, fabulous street food, loads of culture and otherwordly landscapes … Vietnam has it all and more!
So, where to start? And when to go? This quick guide gives you the lowdown on some of the must-see spots and the best times to visit, helping you make the most of your trip.
- North: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa
- Best from October to April. The north has four seasons and can get cold in December and January (pack a layer for Sapa). If you’re going specifically for Sapa’s rice harvest terraces, September to November is the season to aim for, and it’s worth building the rest of your itinerary around it.
- Ha Long requires at least two nights on the water.
- Sapa: Two to three nights minimum, plus the overnight train from Hanoi.
- Central: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, My Son
- Best from February to August. The central coast’s wet season runs September to November, and Hoi An in particular can flood in October, so plan accordingly.
- Hoi An floods October to November.
- My Son Sanctuary is a worthwhile half-day add-on from Hoi An.
- South:Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc
- Best from November to April. The south’s wet season runs May to October, with heavy afternoon downpours that tend to clear quickly.
- Mekong Delta is a day trip or one-night from HCMC.
- Phu Quoc makes a great beach finale.
If you’re thinking of a full north-to-south experience, the sweet spot is probably November to April, when all three regions are broadly in their dry seasons.
How many days do you need in Vietnam?
- 7 days: North (Hanoi + Ha Long Bay) OR South/Central (Ho Chi Minh City + Hoi An). Don’t try to do both, as you’ll spend half the trip in airports.
- 10 days: Hanoi to Ha Long (2 nights) to Da Nang by flight, then Hoi An, Hue, and fly out from Ho Chi Minh City.
- 14 days: Classic north-to-south: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City. The right pace for a first trip.
- 21+ days: Full experience: adds Sapa in the north, Mekong Delta overnight, and Phu Quoc as a beach finale. This is the trip people plan for the second time.
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