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Best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia

The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia: A full guide

01/11/2024 552 views

Before planning your trip to Southeast Asia, researching the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia is essential. This helps you choose an ideal time to travel with good weather, festivals, or cost-saving opportunities.

1. Overview of the weather in Vietnam and Cambodia

Before getting to the best time of the year to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, it is essential to understand the weather conditions of both countries.

1.1. Weather in Vietnam

Vietnam has three regions, each with distinct characteristics of Vietnam weather:

  • Northern region: North Vietnam weather is characterized by a subtropical climate with four seasons. Spring (February – April) features warm temperatures around 21°C. Summer (May – August) is characterized by prolonged heat waves. During autumn (September – October), the temperatures gradually cool with fog. Winter (November – January) is cold, with average temperatures around 15°C.
  • Central region: Central Vietnam weather enjoys a temperate climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from February to August, with sunny weather and temperatures ranging from 28 to 32°C. The rainy season occurs from September to January, with rainfall ranging from 250 to 450 millimeters, sometimes leading to floods and landslides.
  • Southern region: South Vietnam weather is influenced by tropical monsoons, divided into the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. Temperatures are high throughout the year, typically ranging between 25-27°C. The annual rainfall is considerable, ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 millimeters.
North Vietnam weather

The 3 regions in Vietnam have unique weather characteristics (Source: Collected)

1.2. Weather in Cambodia

Cambodia, located near the equator, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year (21-35°C). The weather in Cambodia can be divided into three seasons: cool, hot, and monsoon.

  • The cool season runs from November to February with sunny, dry weather and temperatures ranging from 21 to 32°C.
  • The hot season stretches from March to June with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Occasional rain showers can bring high humidity, making the weather feel even hotter.
  • The monsoon season from June to November is marked by heavy rains and strong winds, which can cause floods. Temperatures range from lows around 23°C to highs around 30°C.

Cambodia

More on: Asia weather

2. When is the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?

The best time of the year to visit Vietnam and Cambodia varies depending on your travel preferences.

2.1. For outdoor activities

The peak season in Vietnam varies depending on the region of Vietnam travel. For outdoor activities, the best time to visit northern Vietnam is from September to November or from March to April, when the weather is dry. The sunny beaches of Hoi An and Nha Trang in central Vietnam are best visited between April and August. Meanwhile, from October to April is the ideal time to explore Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam.

For Cambodia, the cool season from November to February, especially December and January, is the best time to visit. The weather is perfect for exploring all major tourist destinations including Siem Reap, Kampot, Phnom Penh, etc. 

All things considered, the best time for a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia is from November to February.

Sapa Vietnam in January

The best time of the year to visit Vietnam and Cambodia is from November to February (Source: Collected)

2.2. For festivities

For those who enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of festivals, there are many occasions that can be considered the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia. 

The most significant festivals in Vietnam are the Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Tet usually occurs at the end of January or the beginning of February, with exciting cultural activities such as watching fireworks, going on street parades, giving lucky money, and enjoying traditional dishes. During this time, the streets are adorned with peach blossoms and apricot flowers.

The Mid-Autumn Festival takes place around September, with the streets beautifully lit by lanterns. In Hoi An, Hoi An Lantern Festival is held monthly, offering visitors a dreamy experience of strolling through the ancient town illuminated by countless colorful lanterns. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also a time for cultural activities like moon-watching, eating mooncakes, parading lanterns, and performing lion dances.

In Cambodia, two of the largest festivals are the Khmer New Year in April and the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in October or November. During the Khmer New Year, people prepare a variety of delicious fruit cakes and enjoy traditional dance performances, music concerts, and parades. Other activities include visiting temples and donating gifts to the poor. Meanwhile, the Water Festival marks an auspicious time for harvest. You can watch boat races, feasts, dances, parties, and fireworks.

Mid-Autumn Festival

When is the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia? – During the major festivals (Source: Collected)

2.3. For a budget-friendly trip

Vietnam is an affordable destination year-round. However, for the most cost-effective experience, it is best to visit during April, May, October, or November, when the weather is warm and the tourist crowds are thinner. In Cambodia, the rainy season from June to November is an excellent time to visit for those looking to save money, when hotels are less crowded.

Discover: Cheap Asia travel destinations: 23 suggestions for an affordable trip

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3. Guide to having the best time in Vietnam and Cambodia

After figuring out for yourself the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, check out these extra travel tips to ensure a smooth journey.

3.1. How much time to spend in Vietnam and Cambodia?

In general, a stay of 10-14 days is recommended to fully experience both countries. For a more in-depth trip, 2-3 weeks are ideal. A Vietnam-Cambodia itinerary 14 days or longer allows you to explore a broader range of destinations at a more relaxed pace.

Exploring Cambodia

When to visit Vietnam and Cambodia? – Year-round! (Source: Collected)

3.2. What to see in Vietnam and Cambodia?

The best places to visit in Vietnam include Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are both the country’s centers of economy, culture, history, and entertainment. Ha Long, Sapa, and Ninh Binh offer stunning landscapes. Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang are perfect for those seeking pristine beaches. Hoi An and Hue offer many historical sites, while the Mekong Delta offers bustling floating markets. 

Notable things to do in Vietnam include:

  • Watching the sunrise and sunset on Phu Quoc’s beaches
  • Snorkeling amidst the vibrant coral reefs of Nha Trang
  • Strolling around and shopping for tailor-made outfits in Hoi An
  • Cruising around Ha Long Bay
  • Taking a cyclo tour in Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Conquering Fansipan Mountain in Sapa – the roof of Indochina
  • Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Cycling along the Huong River in Hue
  • Having fun in a floating market in the Mekong Delta
  • Indulging in the regional cuisine of Vietnam
Cruising around Ha Long Bay

Note the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia and plan ahead (Source: Collected)

Notable tourist destinations in Cambodia include Phnom Penh – offering insight into the country’s heritage, Siem Reap – home to the magnificent Angkor Wat, Sihanoukville – renowned for its beaches, and Battambang – a city rich in culture. Other destinations include Ratanakiri – known for its natural beauty, and Tonle Sap – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. 

Some not-to-be-missed experiences in Cambodia are:

  • Taking a boat trip at Tonle Sap
  • Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat
  • Visiting Preah Vihear Temple in the Dangrek Mountains
  • Tasting the local food 
  • Exploring historical sites such as the Killing Fields, the Royal Palace, and Tuol Sleng Museum
  • Going on a safari in the Cardamom Mountains
  • Paddleboarding on the Teuk Chhou River near Kampot
  • Relaxing on Cambodia’s stunning beaches
Kampot River Exploration

When is a good time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia? – Anytime! (Source: Collected)

For a two-week trip to both Vietnam and Cambodia, consider the following itinerary:

  • Day 1: Hanoi (Vietnam)
  • Day 2: Ninh Binh (Vietnam)
  • Days 3-4: Hue (Vietnam)
  • Day 5-6: Hoi An (Vietnam)
  • Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
  • Days 8-9: Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
  • Days 10-11: Siem Reap (Cambodia)
  • Day 12: Koh Rong Samloem (Cambodia)
  • Day 13: Ratanakiri (Cambodia)
  • Day 14: Battambang (Cambodia)

While you are in Vietnam, don’t miss the opportunity to unwind at VinWonders, a series of world-class entertainment complexes located in various tourist destinations. At VinWonders, you can enjoy amusement parks, safari parks, aquariums, shopping streets, festivals, and more.

For the ultimate comfort, consider staying at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl. As a leading hospitality brand in Vietnam, Vinpearl offers luxurious rooms with all-inclusive amenities for a truly pampering trip.

 

Book VinWonders Phu Quoc ticket now

 

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

 

Book VinWonders Nam Hoi An ticket now

 

VinWonders Nha Trang

VinWonders Nam Hoi An

VinWonders has everything you need for a fun-filled trip

3.3. What to note for visiting Vietnam and Cambodia?

Besides the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, travelers should also be aware of the following:

  • Is it safe to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia? – Yes!
  • Several border checkpoints are available for crossing the border between Vietnam and Cambodia, such as Binh Hiep (Vietnam) – Prey Vor (Cambodia), Moc Bai (Vietnam) – Bavet (Cambodia), Tinh Bien (Vietnam) – Phnom Den (Cambodia), etc. 
  • If you are not eligible for visa exemption, you should obtain both a Vietnam visa and a Cambodia visa.
  • Various transport options including buses, taxis, and cars are available for crossing the border. 
  • Make sure to have the necessary papers such as passports and visas, be prepared for possible wait times at the border, and respect the local customs during your travels.
  • Learning a few basic Vietnamese/Cambodian phrases will be very helpful for communicating with the locals.

Explore: Travel to Vietnam tips: 17 things travelers whisper to each other

Regarding what is the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, it depends on your travel preferences. Whether you are seeking pleasant weather, vibrant festivals, or budget-friendly options, the period from November to February offers ideal conditions. By carefully planning ahead, you will ensure a memorable trip to these two fascinating countries.

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