Visiting Vietnam in February

Beach

If you’re looking for some time at the beach, you can have your pick in Central and South Vietnam, before it gets too hot and humid. Revel in the tropical warmth at of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, where the water visibility makes it a great month for diving, or team your sunbathing with city sightseeing, winding down at Mui Ne after some time in Ho Chi Minh City, hitting Hoi An and the beach, or Phu Loc near Hue. You can also add Nha Trang and Palm Island to the list of tempting beaches in Vietnam in February.

Nature

Now’s when to get outdoors to make the most of the dry weather too. Find lakes and waterfalls at Ba Be National Park near Hanoi, or discover the lakes of the Central Highlands. You can explore the national parks as well, including Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Cat Tien National Park with its fantastic wildlife. Pull on your hiking boots this month and you can walk through rice fields and meet remote tribes, everywhere from Sapa and the mountains at Ha Giang to the Hmong village of Mu Cang Chai. Throw in a chance to explore Pu Luong, Dalat and Ninh Binh and you’re spoiled for choice whether you stick to Central Vietnam or head further north.

One of the few areas where you’ll need to watch out for the weather is in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay where the mist is often still hanging over the famous limestone peaks. If you want to get out on the water, it’s a perfect time to cruise along the Mekong Delta though, with floating markets and a chance to learn more about life by the river.

Festivals: Tet Nguyen Dan (or simply Tet), the Lunar New Year often falls towards the beginning of the month (or late January). Transport is busier and some businesses close, but you’ll also get to see traditional ceremonies, enjoy the bright colours and explosion of firecrackers everywhere, and try some of the special foods to mark the beginning of the year.

Best for: Visiting the whole country, beach weather, exploring the cities, trekking and hiking, getting outdoors

January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December