Wet Season in Vietnam - What To Do and Where To go?

When we mention the "rainy season" or the "monsoon season", we immediately think of images of floods, storms,... That's why many people think it's not a good idea to travel during the rainy season, as it's a waste of time and money and won't get you anywhere. However, that's a wrong notion when it comes to Vietnam. The rainy season in Vietnam is one of the most worth visiting periods not only because of its comfortable weather but also because it is the time when many regions across the country reveal their beauties that only appear at the right time of the year.

Two typical places that become very beautiful during the rainy season in Vietnam are the Mai Hich pouring season and the An Giang floating season.

1. When Does The Rainy Season in Vietnam Start?

There will be no precise and complete answer to the question "Which month will the rainy season start in Vietnam?" because the rainy season in Vietnam always changes depending on the terrain and climatic characteristics of each region and locality. However, we can predict approximately how long the rainy season will last in each region of Vietnam.

1.1. Rainy season in Northern Vietnam

It's difficult to determine when the rainy season begins in North Vietnam, as the northern climate is divided into 4 seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring weather in the North is characterized by flying drizzle and cool average temperatures. Summer brings heavy rain and high average temperatures.

Normally, the rainy season in the North-West and North-East regions starts in May. In some years, the rain will stop in August or September, but in others, it may not stop until October. In Hanoi and the surroundings, the wet season occurs along with the summer (May-August).

Above all, at present, the rainy season in the North could be shorter or longer due to global climate change.

1.2. Rainy season in Central Vietnam

Unlike in the North, the rainy season in Central Vietnam generally arrives later, starting between September and February of the following year. Every year, the rains come sooner or later. Rainfall in the central region is often heavy with up to 3,000 mm of precipitation.

Around September and October, when the first rains of the season begin, the climate is still in transition, which is why during this period the Central region often experiences mild sunshine and cool, comfortable evenings. In November, the rainy season in the Centre region will be accompanied by cold, but it's not as cold as in the North.

1.3. Rainy season in Southern Vietnam

Normally, when summer comes (from May to July), in the southern region, the rains will start from May to October, as winds are blowing from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, this type of wind brings high humidity, which easily causes rain.

However, rainfall in the southern region is often patchy. Heavy rainfall often tends to increase along the south-west - north-east axis. In addition, the climate in the South during the rainy season is relatively cool and is considered the most pleasant time of the year. For Saigon in particular, and the South in general, the rains often come and go just as quickly. There will be rain but it will stop immediately.

2. Should You Visit Vietnam During The Rainy Season?

Although the rainy season is the high tourist season for Vietnamese, nationals travel for a short period. It's considered the low season for foreign tourists because heavy rains easily appear, making travel difficult. However, heavy rains don't appear often, so this period is also ideal for any foreign tourist wishing to explore Vietnam, and have an unforgettable experience in a new land. 

If you're concerned about the dangers of traveling to Vietnam during the rainy season, consider the following reasons for a safe but worthwhile trip!

• Being the low tourist season for foreign tourists, it's ideal for low-cost travel to Vietnam. It's also the time when accommodations run promotions to boost tourism. 

• This period is a "golden" opportunity for those who enjoy a unique experience. Tourists won't have to rush to famous tourist spots but can enjoy the beautiful scenery, the people, and other cultural values at their leisure.

• Enjoy the cool atmosphere after heavy rains and the magnificent scenery during the unique pouring-water season in the northern mountains or the high-water season in the Mekong Delta.

3. Vietnam's Unique Beauty During The Rainy Season

When traveling in Vietnam, sudden rain is sometimes somewhat romantic, but it's short and intense, which can interrupt your journey to discover a new country. So what can you do while enjoying your tour during the rainy season? Instead of lying sadly on your hotel bed, why not try immersing yourself in an unforgettable experience while discovering the unique beauty of this S-shaped country with the following interesting activities:

3.1. Visit Museums And Galleries

As a country with a history and a long-standing culture, it is no wonder that in Vietnam, there are many museums and exhibitions that preserve traces of the past and present. The themes of these museums and exhibitions range from history, medicine, war, art, etc.

Famous locations are Museums in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City Museums, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, and Hoi An Museums for Heritage and Culture Trips.

3.2. Go Shopping at Local Markets

The market is probably the place where the most popular buying, selling, and exchanging of goods and services takes place in Vietnam. This place is not only a place of business but also a place to preserve many precious cultural values ​​of the Vietnamese people. 

Typically, we have floating markets: Cai Rang, Phong Dien of the Mekong Delta, ethnic markets in the Northwest, night markets of Hoi An, sea markets: Phu Quoc, Da Nang, love markets, flower markets, etc.

3.3. Sip Coffee while waiting for your clothes to be designed

When you come to Vietnam, the first drink that comes to the mind of tourists is definitely coffee - one of the most popular beverages in Vietnam. So there's nothing better than spending a rainy day with a good cup of coffee. It's the perfect time to relax and observe your surroundings. 

In particular, a cup of coffee is a perfect choice for those wishing to buy a custom-made Ao Dai in Vietnam, as you'll have to wait a few hours to receive your outfit. Normally, tourists can get it after finishing their day's sightseeing.

3.4. Attend Shows

Attending art shows is always an interesting activity not to be missed on a trip to Vietnam. You can enjoy unique performances in theaters in Vietnam such as water puppet shows, A O shows, musical shows, etc.

3.5. Take part in Vietnamese Cooking Classes

If you're a gourmand, consider participating in Vietnamese cooking classes to enjoy fully the unique cuisine of this land. You will be able to cook the most iconic dishes of Vietnam such as Hanoi specialties (pho, bun cha, cha ca), Saigon specialties, Can Tho specialties, Hoi An specialties, Hue specialties, Da Lat specialties, Lai Chau specialties, Ha Giang specialties, etc.

3.6. Experience Handicraft Villages in Vietnam

Similar to museums, craft villages in Vietnam are also places to preserve and develop many cultural beauties of Vietnam. Many craft villages in Vietnam have existed for hundreds of years with items from wood, sculpture, weaving, fish sauce making, ceramics, etc., such as Ninh Binh craft villages and Hoi An craft villages.

3.7. Take a Basket Boat or Cruise

The rainy season in Vietnam is considered the best time to take a cruise or a basket boat and admire the lush landscapes in the Mekong Delta or the magnificent views in Halong Bay as the increased rainfall makes it easy to travel on rivers, bays, etc.

3.8. Discover Street Food

Vietnam prides itself on being one of the countries with the most delicious cuisine in the world and street food is always an essential part of that pride. Street food can be found everywhere in all cities in Vietnam. One of the most famous food alleys is the Hanoi street food alleys.

3.9. Take Massages and Spas 

If you're tired after a long day of sightseeing, unwind with therapeutic experiences at one of Vietnam's top spa and massage salons. You'll find many types, from Red Dzao herbal massage services to mud baths and hot mineral spring baths. Any experience will bring freshness and rejuvenation like never before.

The locations with the best quality spas are spas in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

4. Things To Know Before Traveling to Vietnam During The Rainy Season

With the fun activities above, traveling to Vietnam during the rainy season isn't as risky as you might think. If you're well prepared and know a few good tips, traveling during the rainy season can be just fine. Don't hesitate to pack your bag and come to Vietnam during the monsoon season, with the following notes in mind:

• Check all the important information such as the weather forecast, plane schedule, ticket, etc., to ensure a safe and fun trip to Vietnam. However, if you want to travel without worrying about anything, we recommend you book a tour organized by a local agency.

• Prepare the necessary items and appropriate clothing: Use a waterproof backpack in case of rain. Make sure your belongings are always dry and limit water penetration. Remember to bring waterproof clothing footwear, and an umbrella.

• Risk of traffic jams: Heavy rain makes traffic more difficult; in mountainous areas in the north there are reports of landslides causing severe traffic jams. This phenomenon could also occur in other regions of Vietnam. In particular, some locations in Central Vietnam are likely to be flooded and some areas could be isolated (e.g. Hue, Hoi An).

Traveling to Vietnam during the rainy season will be a unique and rewarding experience for foreign tourists. Although showers can be frequent, they are usually short and intense, and the sun often returns quickly. This season is also a blooming time for many plants in Vietnam, giving the country a magnificent appearance. So don't hesitate to contact us to plan a tailor-made tour and book your trip to Vietnam now via Whatsapp: +84 382 536 266 or by mail: sm@izitour.com.

Get more ideas for traveling to Vietnam:

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• A Comprehensive 14-day Vietnam Itinerary from South to North