Visiting Vietnam in September

Central Vietnam

Dalat and the Central Highlands are very wet, so trekking is not recommended this month, and the Phong Nha caves may also be flooded. At the southern edge of Central Vietnam, there’s a slightly longer dry season in Nha Trang, so you’ve got more chance of sunny days here if you are planning a holiday in Vietnam for September.

South Vietnam

The rainy days are also continuing in the south, with the monsoon weather sticking around for the rest of the month, so it’s better to postpone your trip until the weather improves in October.

North Vietnam

However in the north, conditions are changing with less and less rainfall in September, and trekking is an option once again in Sapa. It’s still hot and you won’t escape the showers entirely, but there are bonuses this month including the rice fields turning gold as the crop becomes ready to harvest, especially around Mu Cang Chai although you can find similar sights in Ha Giang, Pan Hou, Ninh Binh and Pu Luong.

The humidity drops at Bai Tu Long Bay this month as well, and while it’s not totally dry, the temperatures are more pleasant for a cruise amid the limestone peaks. The rain is also easing off in Hanoi, although it’s still over 30C there this month.

Festivals: The Mid-Autumn Festival takes place on the full moon in September (sometimes October), with lanterns lit to make the most of the darker nights, dragon and lion dances, as well as a chance for people to get together and give thanks for the harvest. Don’t miss the mooncakes.

Vietnam National Day also takes place on September 2 with a parade through Hanoi, marking the country’s declaration of independence from France in 1945.

Best for: Trekking, seeing the rice harvest, Bai Tu Long Bay, festivals