Don’t Visit Vietnam During These Times! And Here’s Why

As one of Southeast Asia's most exciting destinations, Vietnam offers everything from lantern-lit towns and dramatic limestone landscapes to vibrant café culture and world-famous street food.

But if there’s one thing seasoned travellers quickly learn, it’s this: timing can completely change your experience in Vietnam.

Visit during the wrong period, and your dream getaway could turn into a trip filled with packed beaches, sold-out transport, flooded streets, or soaring hotel prices. Fortunately, with a little planning, it’s easy to avoid the busiest and most difficult travel periods.

Here are the dates and seasons worth knowing before booking your Vietnam trip.

When NOT to travel to Vietnam

Tet: Vietnam’s Biggest Travel Season (January to February)

Tet, also known as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is by far the most important holiday in Vietnam. Celebrated sometime between January and February, depending on the lunar calendar, it marks a major nationwide migration as millions travel back to their hometowns.

Image credit: Fuu J | Unsplash

For travellers, this means airports, trains, and buses become incredibly busy, often selling out well in advance. Prices for accommodation and flights can also rise sharply. In some areas, especially smaller towns, local restaurants and independent shops may temporarily close as families celebrate the holiday together.

While Tet offers a unique cultural atmosphere filled with decorations and celebrations, it may not be the easiest time for first-time visitors looking for a smooth and flexible itinerary.

Reunification Day and Labour Day Holidays (30 April to 1 May)

Around the end of April and beginning of May, Vietnam enters another busy domestic travel period due to the Reunification Day and Labour Day holidays.

Popular destinations such as Da Nang, Da Lat, and Phu Quoc often become crowded with local holidaymakers escaping the cities. Beaches fill up quickly, roads become congested, and hotel prices tend to increase.

For those hoping for peaceful coastal escapes or relaxed sightseeing, this may not be the ideal window to travel.

Vietnamese National Day (2 September)

Vietnam’s National Day creates another spike in domestic tourism, particularly for short weekend-style trips. While not quite as hectic as Tet, major tourist destinations and beach areas can still become noticeably busier than usual.

Travellers visiting around this period should expect heavier crowds at attractions and increased demand for hotels and transport.

Rainy Season in Southern Vietnam

From roughly May to October, southern Vietnam enters its rainy season. Cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and regions like the Mekong Delta experience frequent tropical downpours and humid conditions.

The rain often arrives in short but intense bursts, and while many travellers still visit during this time, occasional flooding and transport disruptions can affect plans.

That said, the rainy season also brings lush green scenery and fewer international crowds, making it a trade-off some travellers are happy to accept.

Typhoon Season in Central Vietnam

Image credit: Cecelia Chang

If you are planning to visit central Vietnam, particularly destinations such as Hoi An, Hue, or Da Nang, it’s worth noting that September to November is generally the wettest and stormiest period.

Heavy rain and occasional typhoons can lead to flooding, especially in Hoi An’s historic old town. Sea conditions may also affect island tours and beach activities.

Although central Vietnam is stunning year-round, this period can make outdoor travel less predictable.

Summer Heat and School Holidays

Between June and August, many parts of Vietnam experience intense heat and humidity. Northern and central cities such as Hanoi and Ninh Binh can feel particularly exhausting for travellers spending long hours outdoors.

This period also coincides with school holidays, meaning domestic tourism rises significantly across beaches, resorts, and major attractions.