Vietnam time: Key facts that every world traveler should know

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Vietnam is an appealing destination to visit in Southeast Asia (Source: Collected)

We often forget to notice what UTC or GMT zone Vietnam time follows and how different it is from other countries’. To have flawless Vietnam travel without encountering any troubles caused by jet lag, it is essential to learn about time in Vietnam in advance. If you have not been well prepared, do not worry. This article will get you covered! 

1. Vietnam time: How many countries have the same time zone as Vietnam?

What is the Vietnam time zone (UTC)? Vietnam time follows Indochina Time (ITC), which is seven hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This country does not observe daylight saving time (DST), so this time zone is applicable all year round. 

UTC +7 time zone (Source: Collected)

Vietnam shares the same time zone with not only countries in Indochina Time but also other countries and regions, including: 

• Indochina time: Laos, Thailand, Cambodia
• Indonesia: Sumatra, Java, and West and Central Kalimantan
• Russia: Siberian Federal District
• Mongolia: the west of Mongolia (Khovd, Uvs, Bayan-Ölgii, Govi-Altai, and Zavkhan)

2. How different is it between Vietnam time zone and others?

Traveling across different time zones, especially when you take a flight, would be pretty tiring. Plus, some might encounter difficulties when resetting the hour on their clock. As there would be differences between the time zones of Vietnam and the other countries, checking the time in advance would make it easier to plan your itinerary. 

Below is the Vietnam time difference from other nations so that you can be well prepared for your upcoming Vietnam trip. 

2.1. Malaysia time to Vietnam time

Malaysia follows UTC +8, which means Malaysia time is one hour ahead of Vietnam time. For example, if it is now 7:00 AM in Malaysia and all the tourist sites and eateries are open, it is currently 6:00 AM in Vietnam, and most of the properties are still closed. 

2.2. Hong Kong time to Vietnam time

Hong Kong also belongs to the UTC +8 time zone, so Vietnam time is one hour behind Hong Kong time. 

2.3. Singapore time to Vietnam time

Despite being located to the west of Vietnam in terms of longitude, Singapore follows the same time zone as Malaysia, which is UTC +8. It is one hour ahead of Vietnam time.  

2.4. Japan time to Vietnam time

The difference between Japan time and Vietnam time is two hours. Japan’s time offset is UTC + 9 while Vietnam’s time is UTC +7. 

2.5. Dubai time to Vietnam time

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, follows the UTC +4 time zone, so it is three hours behind Vietnam time. 

2.6. Canada time to Vietnam time

Canada is one of the world’s largest countries, and regions and states in this nation follow different time zones. There are six standard time zones in Canada, and the country also observes six Daylight Saving Time (DST) periods.

The specific time offsets in Canada are as follows:

Time zones in Canada (Source: Collected)

2.7. London time to Vietnam time

The time zone in London and the rest of the United Kingdom is UTC +0. Vietnam time is thus seven hours ahead of London time. 

2.8. Melbourne time to Vietnam time

Following the UTC +11 time offset, Melbourne, Australia, is four hours ahead of Vietnam time. 

2.9. Paris time to Vietnam time

Paris, France follows the UTC +1 time zone (Central European Time), so it is six hours behind Vietnam time. 

Countries that follow Central European Time (Source: Collected)

2.10. Germany time to Vietnam time

Similar to mainland France, Germany uses only one time zone. It belongs to the same Central European Time (CET), which is six hours behind Vietnam time. 

3. When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

Even though the whole country shares the same time zone, the weather in each region in each month is different from the others. Vietnam appeals in every season, but deciding when to visit depends on what you want most from a trip: Ideal beach weather? Cultural events? Less tourist traffic? Or a medley of all three? 

Down below is specific information about the climate and the best destinations to visit in Vietnam in 12 months. Check your to-do list and pick the best time to travel to Vietnam! 

3.1. January in Vietnam time

The north and south of Vietnam experience dry weather in January, while the central part is still witnessing the very beginning of the rainy season. In comparison to further south, the area around Hanoi and Halong Bay is significantly cooler. Temperatures as low as 5°C are not uncommon in the hilly Far North in the mornings and evenings. 

Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tet Holiday, often occurs in January. It is also Vietnam time for several cultural occasions all across the country. Hotels are packed during this period of time, while many eateries and retail establishments are closed.

Between January and February is the spring festive season in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

3.2. February in Vietnam time

Given that most of the country experiences warm, dry, and sunny weather in February, numerous flocks of tourists head to Vietnam during this month. February boasts the perfect weather for trekking and cycling, but remember to put on sunscreen and prepare a warm jacket for the pretty chilly nights. The beaches in coastal cities like Hoi An and Danang are crowded with sunbathers and beachgoers. 

Together with January, February is the time when the Tet holiday might fall, causing hotels to fill up and many businesses to close.

3.3. March in Vietnam time

The peak season in Vietnam begins in March thanks to the country’s warm, dry weather. Still, by the month’s end, the temperature in the south of the country begins to rise. Resorts in Vietnam are packed with travelers coming to enjoy beach vacations. March is regarded as the ideal month to sail across Halong Bay’s stunning limestone islands while enjoying clear, non-rainy weather. Phu Quoc Beach during this time is stunning, too, while Vietnam’s northern and central regions boast ideal weather conditions for trekking and cycling. 

The stunning beach in Phu Quoc in March (Source: Collected)

3.4. April in Vietnam time

April is one of the months that has the most ideal weather conditions, and the popular tourist attractions are reasonably crowded. The mountainous northwest is the best place to go if you want to escape the crowds while taking in the spectacular scenery of the spring blooms. The weather is perfect for intrepid travel.  

Even though the temperature in the South is rising day after day, the coastline is stunning for beach activities. 

3.5. May in Vietnam time

You should be further north, in the highlands, Hanoi, or the central coastline in May because the south of Vietnam can occasionally exceed temperatures of 40°C. As the monsoon season draws closer, Ho Chi Minh City is becoming increasingly humid, with a chance of afternoon showers. Although there may be a short window of rain in northern Vietnam, the temperatures are much more comfortable. During this time, cycling and hiking are still very enjoyable, and you may frequently get a good deal when peak season comes to an end. 

It is extremely hot in summer in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

3.6. June in Vietnam time

June is a great time to travel to Vietnam if you are looking for a low-season deal. The muggy South is seeing quick, intense rains that can occasionally cause flooding in some areas of the Mekong Delta but rarely impede travel. Additionally, because of the frequent showers in the mountains and the muddy trails caused by heavy rain, trekking in northern Vietnam is not recommended. In contrast, the central coast is warm and dry, so you can head to this region to enjoy some sunbathing and beach activities. 

3.7. July in Vietnam time

Vietnam experiences a similar amount of rainfall in the north and south as well as in the Central Highlands in July, making trekking and cycling excursions unsuitable. It’s extremely hot and muggy, and occasionally heavy rains make it difficult, if not impossible, to access some of the more distant locations.

Meanwhile, despite occasionally exceeding 30°C, the central coast’s beaches continue to be picture-perfect.

3.8. August in Vietnam time

The stunning coast in Central Vietnam is the ideal destination in August. Hoi An and Da Nang are also still enjoying the wonderful sunny weather. However, because of the prolonged downpour, trekking in remote and rugged areas is not advisable. South Vietnam, despite seeing some occasional rainfall, is still dry enough to wander around. 

Vu Lan Festival, one of the most significant traditional festivals of Vietnam, often takes place this month, so make sure you do not miss it. 

Vu Lan Festival in the seventh lunar month (Source: Collected)

3.9. September in Vietnam time

In the North and South, although it is still raining at the end of September, conditions are beginning to improve. However, the situation is very different in Central Vietnam. You can schedule a beach vacation in the early part of the month, but the coast and highlands may end up getting hammered by rain and storms as the month goes on because typhoon season is approaching.

The Moon Festival takes place on the full moon between September and October, with parades of children carrying lanterns and traditional lion dances. 

3.10. October in Vietnam time

With the rains letting up, temperatures that are warm but not stifling, and the next peak season still a few months away, Vietnam in October can be stunning in both the North and the South. Central Vietnam, in contrast, is still experiencing heavy rains and storms. The floating markets of the Mekong Delta are brimming with fresh vegetables. It is also a delightful experience to visit the countryside and observe the locals harvesting rice. 

The charming beauty of the Mekong Delta during the wet season (Source: Collected)

3.11. November in Vietnam time

November in Vietnam heralds the beginning of another peak tourist season. The conditions remain warm and dry in both the north and the south of Vietnam throughout this month. While the southern beaches are gorgeous at this time of year, trekking in the far north near Sapa and Ha Giang is very rewarding. November is also the ideal month to travel to Vietnam if you want to spend a day or two cruising around Halong Bay thanks to the clear skies. 

3.12. December in Vietnam time

If you want to celebrate the holidays in one of the lovely beach resorts in the south of Vietnam, it is advisable to make your reservations early because this is a busy travel period, especially around Christmas and New Year. Both the North and the South are pleasant and dry, while the nights are becoming noticeably cooler at higher altitudes. The end of December sees a slowing of the rainfall in central Vietnam, but showers are still possible.

The weather conditions at the same time in different tourist destinations are different, so if you are planning to travel to any place, whether it is Hanoi, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, or Ho Chi Minh City, it is recommended that you check everything well in advance so that you will not encounter any difficulties during your vacation. Besides the weather, preparing a detailed itinerary, including the worth-visiting destinations and entertainment playgrounds, is also essential. If you are seeking a place to unwind during your Vietnam trip, the system of amusement parks at VinWonders would be ideal spots to go. 

• VinWonders Nam Hoi An: Located close to the heritage town, this is not only a destination to get exposure to the vibrant Vietnamese culture but also a wonderful place to entertain with record-breaking games and a river safari. 

VinWonders Nam Hoi An

• VinWonders Nha Trang: Nestled on the pristine Hon Tre Island, the VinWonders Nha Trang complex is a wonderland of festivities and entertainment with fascinating games, enchanting cultural performances, and green spaces. 

VinWonders Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island

• VinWonders Phu Quoc: Proudly being the largest theme park in Vietnam, VinWonders Phu Quoc is the perfect place to relax and chill out on the paradise island. It features various forms of recreation, from cultural shows and fancy games to museums and an aquarium. 

VinWonders Phu Quoc – the largest theme park in Vietnam

• Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE in Hanoi: VinWonders Times City (VinKE) is a huge indoor playground with hundreds of career-oriented and adrenaline-filled games that are ideal for families with children. The nearby Vinpearl Aquarium is one of the most modern aquariums in Vietnam, opening the door to the colorful marine world. 

Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE, Hanoi

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Vietnam time follows UTC +7:00, sharing the same time zone as Indochina countries, and the nation does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Hopefully, the information about the Vietnam time zone and its differences from other countries can help you convert the time easier when preparing for your Vietnam tours. 

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