Visas

Most visitors need an e-visa, applied for online before travel: the standard tourist e-visa allows up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. Apply at least a week ahead and print the approval letter.

Citizens of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, South Korea and several others get 45 days visa-free. Check the current exemption list before you fly, since it changes.

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival, with a blank page.

When to visit

North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long): October to April is cool and dry; December to February can drop below 10 C in the mountains. May to September is hot, humid and rainy.

Centre (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang): February to May is the sweet spot. September to December brings heavy rain and occasional typhoons; Hoi An floods most years in October or November.

South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): dry November to April, wet May to October. Temperatures sit around 30 C all year.

The classic north-to-south trip runs best in March-April or October-November, catching good weather almost everywhere.

The classic north-to-south trip runs best in March-April or October-November, catching good weather almost everywhere. The south is dry November to April and wet May to October, while the centre is best February to May and floods in autumn.

JanDry south, cool northTet falls late Jan or Feb: book ahead✦ Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
FebDry south, cool northTet holiday: book ahead✦ Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
MarClassic seasonGood weather almost everywhere✦ Hue Festival
AprClassic seasonGood weather almost everywhere✦ Hue Festival✦ Hung Kings Festival
MayHot and humidRains begin; still good in the centre✦ Hue Festival
JunWet seasonHot, humid and rainy
JulWet seasonTyphoon risk in the centre
AugWet seasonTyphoon risk in the centre
SepWet seasonHeavy rain and typhoons in the centre✦ Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
OctClassic seasonHoi An floods most years this month✦ Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
NovDry south returnsClassic north-to-south window
DecDry season southCool and dry in the north

When are you going?

Pick your travel months above.

General guidance from regional climate patterns, not a forecast. Event dates follow their traditional pattern; confirm exact days before booking.

What to pack

Light, quick-dry clothing; a warm layer for the northern winter and Da Lat; rain gear in the wet season.

Sturdy walking shoes for the Old Quarter's pavements and temple steps; sandals for the beach towns.

Sunscreen and insect repellent are expensive locally; bring them. A dry bag is useful for Ha Long Bay and the delta.

Official resources

  • Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (vietnam.travel): the official destination portal, with regional guides and event listings: vietnam.travel
  • Vietnam e-visa portal: the Immigration Department's official application site at evisa.gov.vn, the only place to apply online. Single entry $25, multiple entry $50, processed in about 3 working days.
  • Vietnam Railways: timetables and booking for the Reunification Express on the official site at dsvn.vn (English version available; Baolau is the easier foreign-card alternative).