Vietnam’s high travel season unlocks the very best of the country: blue skies, calmer seas, cool mountain air, photogenic landscapes, and comfortable temperatures that make exploring easier and far more enjoyable. Whether you’re dreaming of ancient towns glowing in lantern light or pristine tropical islands, this period (November–April) lets you experience Vietnam at its most beautiful.
Below is a complete regional guide to help travelers choose the perfect destinations during the high season — based on weather, scenery, crowds, and travel style.
Tourism Performance: International Arrivals and Revenue
Vietnam’s tourism sector has shown a massive recovery and growth, nearly reaching pre-pandemic peaks.
| Metric | Figure (2024 Estimate/Actual) | Context |
| Total International Visitors | ~17.6 million arrivals | This figure is a 39.5% increase over 2023 and represents 97.6% of the pre-pandemic peak (2019). |
| Total Tourism Revenue | ~840 trillion VND (Approx. $33.07 billion USD) | An estimated 23% increase year-on-year. |
| Domestic Tourists | ~110 million trips | This shows the robust nature of the domestic market, which recovered fully earlier than international arrivals. |
| GDP Contribution | Estimated over 15% of GDP (Direct & Indirect) | Foreign tourism alone accounted for about 8% of GDP pre-COVID. The sector is a major economic spearhead. |
| Arrival Method | 84.4% arrived by Air (~14.8 million) | The dominance of air travel highlights the importance of international flight connectivity. |
🌏 Key Visitor Source Markets (Racial & Regional Groups)
Asian markets continue to be the dominant source of visitors to Vietnam, although European and American groups are showing strong, strategic growth due to recent visa policy changes.
1. By Geographic Region:
In 2024, the distribution of international visitors by region was:
- Asia: 79.6% of total arrivals
- Europe: 11.3% of total arrivals
- Americas: 5.7% of total arrivals
- Oceania (Australia/NZ): 3.1% of total arrivals
2. Top 10 Visitor Source Markets (2024 Figures):
The sheer volume from Northeast and Southeast Asia highlights their importance to the high season.
| Rank | Country (Market) | Arrivals (2024 Estimate) | Percentage of Total | Noteworthy Growth |
| 1 | South Korea | ~4.57 million | ~26% | Recovered to over 100% of pre-pandemic levels. |
| 2 | China | ~3.74 million | ~21.3% | Increased by 214.4% compared to 2023. |
| 3 | Taiwan (China) | ~1.29 million | ~7.3% | Strong growth, up 51.4% year-on-year. |
| 4 | United States | ~780,000 | ~4.4% | Exceeded pre-pandemic arrival levels. |
| 5 | Japan | ~711,000 | ~4.0% | |
| 6 | India | ~501,000 | ~2.8% | Impressive long-term growth (297% vs. 2019). |
| 7 | Malaysia | ~495,000 | ~2.8% | |
| 8 | Australia | ~491,000 | ~2.8% | Exceeded pre-pandemic arrival levels. |
3. High-Growth European Markets:
Markets benefiting from Vietnam’s expanded visa exemption policies (45-day stays since August 2023) showed significant year-on-year growth in 2024:
- Russia: Up 84.9%
- Italy: Up 55.8%
- France: Up 29.4%
- Germany: Up 24.5%
- United Kingdom (UK): Up 20.8%
NORTHERN VIETNAM: Cool, Scenic & Perfect for Adventure (November–April)
High season brings cool, dry, and comfortable weather to Northern Vietnam, making it the ideal time for culture, trekking, road trips, and photography.
1. Hanoi — Culture, Cuisine, and Timeless Character
Why visit in high season:
Hanoi’s cooler temperatures (15–22°C) make its chaotic charm easier to enjoy. Days are crisp and perfect for exploring the Old Quarter, sipping egg coffee, or strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake.
What to do:
- Wander the 36 streets of the Old Quarter
- Visit the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison
- Try iconic street foods: pho, bun cha, banh mi
- Explore the French Quarter’s yellow colonial buildings
- Take day trips to Bat Trang pottery village or Ninh Binh
High season tips:
- Book hotels early; Hanoi fills up quickly in December–January.
- Morning and sunset hours are best for photography around Hoan Kiem.
2. Ha Long Bay — Best Weather for Cruising
High season offers clearer skies, calmer waters, and cooler temperatures, making it the best time to cruise Ha Long Bay.
What to expect:
- Comfortable days (18–25°C)
- Smooth sailing with less rain
- Best conditions for kayaking and cave tours
Highlights:
- Overnight cruises with bay views
- Floating fishing villages
- Pearl farms
- Sunsets from the deck
Alternative bays:
- Lan Ha Bay — quieter, cleaner, ideal for kayaking
- Bai Tu Long Bay — less crowded, more serene
Tip:
Choose a 2-day, 1-night cruise for the best experience. Day trips feel rushed.
3. Sapa — Terraced Mountains & Ethnic Culture
High season brings dry trekking conditions and dramatic mountain views.
Weather:
- Daytime: 13–20°C
- Nighttime: can drop below 10°C
- Clear, photogenic mornings
Must-do experiences:
- Trek through rice terraces and stay with a Hmong or Red Dao family
- Ride the cable car to Fansipan Peak
- Explore waterfalls and scenic passes
Tips:
- Layer your clothing — Sapa is cold at night.
- Hire local ethnic minority guides to support the community.
4. Ha Giang — Vietnam’s Greatest Motorbike Adventure
Few places match Ha Giang during high season: dry roads, blue skies, and jaw-dropping landscapes.
Best for:
- Adventure seekers
- Road trip lovers
- Photographers
Highlights:
- Ma Pi Leng Pass
- Dong Van Karst Plateau
- Lung Cu Flag Tower
- Ethnic markets
Tips:
- Travel weekdays to avoid crowds.
- If you don’t ride motorbikes, choose a safety driver for the loop.
5. Ninh Binh — “Ha Long Bay on Land”
Misty mornings and cool weather create a magical atmosphere in Ninh Binh during high season.
Top attractions:
- Trang An boat ride (UNESCO site)
- Tam Coc river cruise
- Hang Mua viewpoint
- Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Tip:
Trang An is quieter and more scenic than Tam Coc — ideal for high season crowds.
CENTRAL VIETNAM: Warm, Dry & Perfect for Beaches (February–April)
Central Vietnam transitions from rainy season to sunny skies around February, making it an excellent destination from February to April during the high season window.
1. Hoi An — Ancient Town Filled with Lanterns
Hoi An is at its most beautiful during the dry months — warm days, cool evenings, golden light, and clear skies.
What makes Hoi An special:
- Ancient Town walking streets
- Lantern-lit nights
- Tailor shops
- Beaches (An Bang, Cua Dai)
- Cooking classes
- Basket boat rides
Festival highlight:
- Full Moon Lantern Festival (once a month)
Tips:
- Stay a bit outside Old Town (Cam Chau, Cam Thanh) for quieter nights.
- Visit Ancient Town early morning to avoid crowds.
2. Da Nang — City, Sea & Relaxed Vibes
Da Nang offers a perfect blend of modern city life and natural beauty.
Why visit during high season:
- Clear skies and great beach weather
- Calm ocean for swimming
- Easy access to Ba Na Hills & Hoi An
Highlights:
- My Khe Beach
- Dragon Bridge weekend fire show
- Marble Mountains
- Son Tra Peninsula
Tip:
Go to Ba Na Hills early morning to avoid tour group rush.
3. Hue — Ancient Capital Full of History
Hue’s high season is cool and comfortable — perfect for exploring temples, tombs, and palaces.
Must-see:
- Imperial City (Citadel)
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Tombs of Khai Dinh & Tu Duc
- Perfume River cruises
Tip:
Hue is best enjoyed slowly — consider a 2–3 day stay.
4. Phong Nha — World-Class Caves and Jungle Adventures
Dry season makes caves safe and trekking trails accessible.
Top experiences:
- Paradise Cave
- Phong Nha Cave boat trip
- Dark Cave (mud bath + zipline)
- Son Doong (book 6–12 months in advance)
Tip:
Stay near Son Trach village for convenient access to all major caves.
SOUTHERN VIETNAM: Sunny, Warm & Perfect for Islands (November–April)
Southern Vietnam enjoys its best weather of the year during high season — perfect for beaches, islands, and river life.
1. Ho Chi Minh City — The Heartbeat of Vietnam
Dry season turns Saigon into a vibrant playground.
What to do:
- War Remnants Museum
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ben Thanh Market
- Street food tours
- Rooftop nightlife
Tip:
Book accommodations early for Christmas and New Year.
2. Mekong Delta — Peaceful Rivers & Floating Markets
High season brings clear mornings and photogenic mist over the rivers.
Highlights:
- Cai Rang Floating Market
- Tra Su Forest
- Local homestays
- Coconut candy workshops
Tip:
Markets are best visited before 7 AM.
3. Phu Quoc — Vietnam’s Most Popular Island
This is peak season for Phu Quoc — blue skies, turquoise water, calm seas.
Must-do:
- Island hopping (May Rut, Mong Tay, Gam Ghi)
- Snorkeling & diving
- Long Beach sunset
- Night market
- Hon Thom Cable Car
Tip:
For quieter beaches, stay in Ong Lang or An Thoi.
4. Con Dao — Secluded Luxury
Con Dao remains one of Vietnam’s most untouched getaways.
Highlights:
- Empty beaches
- Coral reefs
- Turtle nesting (seasonal)
- Hiking trails
Tip:
Flights are limited — book weeks in advance.
5. Mui Ne & Binh Thuan — Sun, Sand Dunes & Sea
High season (Dec–Apr) brings ideal kite-surfing and beach conditions.
Top attractions:
- White Sand Dunes (sunrise is spectacular)
- Fairy Stream
- Mui Ne fishing village
- Cable car to Ta Cu Mountain
Tip:
Avoid weekends — locals from Saigon flock here.
🌺 Best Festivals & Events to Experience During High Season
Vietnam’s high season includes some of its most vibrant celebrations.
1. Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
When: Late January or February
Expect:
- Flower markets
- Fireworks
- Family celebrations
- Higher prices & limited availability
2. Hoi An Lantern Festival
Monthly, during the full moon — glowing lanterns, floating candles, and magical photo opportunities.
3. Perfume Pagoda Festival
Feb–Mar: One of Vietnam’s largest Buddhist pilgrimages.
4. Spring Flower Festivals
Across Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi & Da Lat — bursting with color.
5. International Kite Festival
Held in Vung Tau in April — a colorful seaside spectacle.
These numbers confirm that Vietnam’s high season is not just a pleasant time to visit—it is the period of peak inbound travel. The surge in arrivals from both core Asian markets and the high-value European/American markets underscores that your audience is planning their trips right alongside millions of other discerning travelers.
Would you like me to elaborate on the expected impact of the Tết (Lunar New Year) festival on travel logistics and crowds during the high season?