Visiting Vietnam in June

Central Vietnam

The weather means it’s a much quieter month for a holiday in Vietnam, but it’s still a good time to explore the central region, where there’s little rain and the sun is out. Make the most of being able to explore Hoi An and Hue without the crowds, while you can still relax by the sea at Nha Trang and Palm Island, or the beach near Hoi An and Phu Loc near Hue. It’s hot and humid at Halong Bay but still mostly dry, so it’s also a good month to enjoy a more peaceful cruise through the water here.

You can still get out exploring at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, with its caves, limestone peaks and chance to float down the river, although the Central Highlands see the official start of the rainy season this month, with wetter weather around Dalat.

South Vietnam

If you can cope with the daily downpours, there’s sunshine to be found on the beaches of the south. It’s also the start of green turtle nesting season on the beaches of Con Dao, with an opportunity to learn more about conservation efforts in the area. If you’re ready to embrace the rain, the scenery across the Mekong Delta lends itself to some great photographs, with emerald green rice fields and swirling thunderclouds.

North Vietnam

In the north, temperatures have soared to the low 30Cs, with storms and more rain, so it’s not just trekking in the mountains which is off the cards this month, as many trails and hill destinations are too hard to reach or hike in by June.

Festivals: Vietnam marks the summer solstice (using the lunar calendar, this is normally in June), known as Tet Doan Ngo. One of the best-known parts of the celebrations is the Dragon Boat Festival, with plenty of traditional fun including a string of activities featuring dragons, boat races, and lots of food.

Danang International Fireworks Competition also normally takes place in June, with teams from Europe and China, as well as from Vietnam, competing with displays of fireworks and music.

Best for: Central Vietnam beaches, Hoi An and Hue, turtle nesting at Con Dao, escaping the crowds