Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Thailand: A Comprehensive Seasonal Travel Guide

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. By Legend Travel Group.

A Seasonal, Cultural, and Sustainable Journey Awaits

Vietnam and Thailand, two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, offer a dazzling blend of ancient temples, pristine beaches, vibrant street food, and rich cultural heritage. From the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to the golden spires of Bangkok’s Grand Palace in Thailand, timing your visit perfectly ensures optimal weather, fewer crowds, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of Vietnam Travel through misty rice terraces or Thailand Travel along turquoise coasts, choosing the right season elevates your adventure. Legend Travel Group crafts seamless Vietnam Tours and Thailand Tours that align with nature’s rhythm, letting you explore with ease and peace of mind—deposit just 10% and pay the rest up to 30 days before departure.

This guide reveals the best months to visit each country, highlights must-see festivals, and shares insider tips to maximize your journey. Let’s unlock the seasons together.

Administrative Note

Vietnam and Thailand welcome international travelers year-round. Entry requires a valid passport (6+ months) and visa exemptions or e-visas depending on nationality. Cultural sites like Angkor Wat (Thailand border proximity) or Hoi An charge modest fees. Daily costs range from $40–$120 per person. Book with Legend Travel Group for hassle-free Vietnam Tours and Thailand Tours—secure your spot with a 10% deposit and enjoy flexible payments.

Cool & Dry Season (November–April): Ideal for Nationwide Exploration

• Weather: 18–28°C in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay), 24–32°C in the central (Hoi An, Hue) and south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta).

• Highlights: Clear skies, low humidity, perfect for cruising Ha Long Bay, wandering Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, or trekking Sapa’s rice terraces.

• Festivals: Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, typically February) fills streets with flowers, dragon dances, and family feasts.

• Crowd Level: Peak season—book Vietnam Tours early for best availability.

• Tip: Northern Vietnam can dip to 10–15°C in December–January; pack a light jacket.

Hot Season (May–September): Best for Beach Lovers & Budget Travelers

• Weather: 28–35°C nationwide; high humidity, occasional afternoon showers.

• Highlights: Uncrowded beaches in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang; vibrant green landscapes in the Mekong Delta.

• Festivals: Buddha’s Birthday (May) features colorful lantern releases in Hue.

• Crowd Level: Low—ideal for relaxed Vietnam Travel and savings on accommodations.

• Tip: Focus on coastal areas; early mornings beat the heat.

Wet Season (September–November): Shoulder Season for Authentic Experiences

• Weather: 24–30°C; frequent but short rains, especially in central Vietnam.

• Highlights: Lush greenery, fewer tourists, lower prices; perfect for cultural immersion in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

• Festivals: Mid-Autumn Festival (September) lights up streets with lanterns and mooncakes.

• Crowd Level: Very low—great for intimate Vietnam Tours.

• Tip: Pack a lightweight raincoat; rains clear quickly.

Cool & Dry Season (November–February): Peak Season Bliss

• Weather: 24–30°C in Bangkok and central Thailand; 18–25°C in Chiang Mai and the north.

• Highlights: Ideal for exploring Bangkok’s temples, island-hopping in Phuket or Koh Samui, and hiking Chiang Mai’s mountains.

• Festivals: Loy Krathong (November) fills skies with floating lanterns; Christmas and New Year celebrations sparkle in Bangkok.

• Crowd Level: High—secure Thailand Tours in advance.

• Tip: Northern Thailand nights can drop to 15°C; bring layers.

Hot Season (March–May): Best for Festivals & Beach Escapes

• Weather: 28–35°C nationwide; intense heat, especially in Bangkok.

• Highlights: Songkran (Thai New Year, April) brings epic water fights nationwide; uncrowded beaches in Krabi or Phi Phi.

• Festivals: Songkran is a bucket-list experience—join the fun with Thailand Travel.

• Crowd Level: Moderate—great for festive energy.

• Tip: Stay hydrated; plan indoor activities (museums, cooking classes) for midday.

Wet Season (June–October): Green Season for Savings & Serenity

• Weather: 25–32°C; daily afternoon showers, lush landscapes.

• Highlights: Vibrant rainforests in Khao Sok, quiet beaches in Koh Lanta, and low-season rates everywhere.

• Festivals: Vegetarian Festival in Phuket (October) features vibrant parades.

• Crowd Level: Low—perfect for peaceful Thailand Tours.

• Tip: Rains are short; mornings and evenings are dry and pleasant.

• November–February (Cool Season): Fly into Hanoi → cruise Ha Long Bay → fly to Bangkok → explore Grand Palace → relax in Phuket. Perfect weather in both countries.

• April (Songkran & Shoulder Season): Start in Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → fly to Bangkok for Songkran → end in Chiang Mai. Festive and fun.

• July–August (Wet Season): Hanoi → Hoi An → fly to Phuket → Koh Samui. Rainy but serene, with great deals on Vietnam Tours and Thailand Tours.

• Greetings: Use “xin chào” in Vietnam and “sawasdee” in Thailand with a smile and slight bow.

• Dress: Cover shoulders and knees at temples (e.g., Wat Pho, Temple of Literature); carry a scarf for impromptu visits.

• Behaviour: Remove shoes before entering homes or temples; avoid touching heads (sacred in both cultures).

• Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (Vietnam) or “khob khun” (Thailand) to show gratitude—locals light up!

Book your perfectly timed adventure with Legend Travel Group—secure your spot with just a 10% deposit and pay the rest up to 30 days before departure.

1. Vietnam Northern Highlights (November–April)

• Duration: 5 days

• Itinerary: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh

• Cost: From $499/person

• Includes: English-speaking guide, cruise, meals, entries

• Book: Vietnam Tours at legendtravelgroup.com

2. Thailand Golden Triangle (November–February)

• Duration: 4 days

• Itinerary: Bangkok → Ayutthaya → Chiang Mai

• Cost: From $399/person

• Includes: Guide, transport, temples, elephant sanctuary

• Book: Thailand Tours at legendtravelgroup.com

3. Vietnam & Thailand Combo (Year-Round)

• Duration: 10 days

• Itinerary: Hanoi → Ha Long → Bangkok → Phuket

• Cost: From $1,299/person

• Includes: Flights, guides, cruises, beach stay

• Book: Combined Vietnam Travel and Thailand Travel at legendtravelgroup.com

• Daily Budget: $40–$120/person (meals, transport, entries)

• Peak Season Surcharge: +10–20% (November–April)

• Off-Season Savings: Up to 30% (June–October)

• Tip: Book Vietnam Tours or Thailand Tours early for peak season; enjoy discounts in green season.

• Pack Smart: Light layers, raincoat (wet season), sun protection (hot season).

• Book Early: Secure Vietnam Travel and Thailand Travel 3–6 months ahead for peak season.

• Stay Flexible: Legend Travel Group offers free date changes up to 30 days before departure.

• Health Prep: Stay hydrated; use mosquito repellent in wet season.

• When is the best weather in Vietnam? November–April (cool and dry).

• When is Songkran in Thailand? Mid-April—join the water festival!

• Can I visit both countries in one trip? Yes! 10–14 days is ideal.

• How do I book? Visit legendtravelgroup.com and deposit 10%.

Travel responsibly with carbon-offset Vietnam Tours and Thailand Tours:

• Eco-lodges in Ha Long Bay and Chiang Mai

• Community-supported homestays

• Plastic-free initiatives Book now at legendtravelgroup.com—10% deposit, full payment 30 days before departure. Keep peace of mind.

The best time to visit Vietnam and Thailand depends on your vibe—cool and festive (November–April), hot and playful (March–May), or green and serene (June–October). With Legend Travel Group, every season is the perfect season. From Vietnam Travel through misty mountains to Thailand Travel along golden shores, secure your adventure with a 10% deposit and explore with total flexibility. Visit legendtravelgroup.com today and let the journey begin—By Legend Travel Group.