Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in August

Unsure about visiting Vietnam in August? Then have a read and feel at ease to stick to the plan with our recommended destinations!

Travelling to Vietnam in August can mean encountering a bunch of domestic tourists who are on their summer holidays. However, the extent is definitely much less compared with either in June and July when school breaks take place or on national holidays like Tet in February. What’s more, while the two periods from March to May and October to December are the peak season for international tourists, the number of which remains lower in August, allowing for more private space and moments with your beloved ones.

The great news is that in August the temperature is not as fierce as in June and July. However, you may want to look for some ideal places with regards to escape the occasional downpours and overwhelming humidity, especially away from the North where August is among the wettest months and with most rainfalls. The wet season also dominates the South, with daily downpours expected. While the temperature remains high, rain doesn’t take place frequently in central Vietnam, making the region the highlight of your trip in August. Take a look now at our top 5 destinations ranging from heritage sites to stunning beaches and pick out your favourites.

TOP DESTINATIONS

Hue

Lang Co beach (Hue) - Best places to visit in Vietnam in August
The hidden gem of Hue - Lang Co beach

The city of Hue offers visitors the best of both worlds. The Imperial Citadel and Royal Fine Arts Museum are attractions themselves, but the beaches beckon with their world-class bays and turquoise vistas. Lang Co beach is only twenty kilometres away and is also close to the jaw-dropping Hai Van Pass and Bach Ma National park. An alternative is Thuan An, located on a lagoon at the mouth of the Huong river. You can camp overnight here, and should make the most of the ride from Hue to this beach as it is particularly scenic; traditional villages emerge from amongst verdant lush scenery.

Hoi An

To the south of Hue, Hoi An with its laid-back ancient charm should not be missed. You can hop on a cyclo, admiring the beauty of the Old Town combining the seemingly untouched colonial architecture, the historic trading port and the poetic Thu Bon riverside. The beaches close to Hoi An offer a relaxing retreat into the ocean, cooled by a sea breeze. An Bang beach is particularly recommended, as it is only six kilometres away from Hoi An, and is known for its white sand and palm tree border. You can spend your daytime on the beach, and then head back towards Hoi An for the incredible night markets lighten up by hundreds of colourful lanterns.

Quang Binh

Paradise Cave in Quang Binh - - Best places to visit in Vietnam in August
Would you name this Paradise? (Instagram: @alanaraee_)

If you are into outdoor adventures, then Quang Binh is a must-visit without question. Located in the North Central part of Vietnam, Quang Binh has plenty of natural elements to offer alongside August’s pleasant sunlight. You can expect to explore one of the largest complexes of caves in the world and immerse in the diversity of natural landscapes and wildlife in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Going underwater at Nhat Le beach or Nuoc Mooc spring, and indulging in several activities such as jungle trekking, cycling, kayaking, ziplining, outdoor camping are great alternatives as well.

Mui Ne

Red sane dunes in Mui Ne - Best places to visit in Vietnam in August
"Little Sahara dessert" of Vietnam (Instagram: _soleil._)

Binh Thuan Province, where Mui Ne resides is known for being dry all year round and receives little rain even in the rainy season. This unique climate pattern makes Mui Ne one of our favourite destinations in August. Here you can either chill out on the white sand beaches or get energized by taking part in a range of recreational activities such as watersports, windsurfing, and riding quad bikes. There are several phenomenal landscapes and structures awaiting to wow you, namely the White and Red Sand Dunes, the Fairy Stream, and the ancient Po Sha Inu Cham towers. Don’t forget to explore traditional fishing villages plus savour the freshest seafood for the best authentic coastal experience in Mui Ne!

Con Dao Island

Con Dao Island - Best places to visit in Vietnam in August
Jaw-dropping beauty of Con Dao Island (Instagram: jonmesic)

For a real escape, head to Con Son (Con Dao) island off the south coast of Vietnam. In mid-August, you can take pleasure in watching the turtle hatchlings coming out of the ground and joining boat trips to assist in releasing them into the sea. Beach resorts also provide a cooling respite from the 30°C / 86°F heat, and some of these are extremely luxurious. Although rain showers are likely, visibility for diving should remain good between storms. In addition, for advanced divers, Con Son offers access to Vietnam’s only shipwreck dive site.

FYI…

Given the disturbing weather, there are some destinations you may want to spare for your next trip to Vietnam at the other periods of the year. In Saigon, temperatures sizzle at an average of 30°C /86°F, which feels hotter with the stifling humidity. Meanwhile, the North region registers the highest rainfall and humidity in August. This severe weather can prevent junks sailing, sometimes at the last minute while storms and the risk of typhoons mean that cruises are often cancelled in Halong and Lan Ha Bay. In the North West, Sapa also experiences heavy rain making it dangerous for trekking and other outdoor activities.

TOP TIPS FOR THE DRIZZLING SUMMER

Ready to go to Vietnam in August? Don’t forget those simple tips to ensure you survive the humid August and enjoy your trip!

Always bring umbrellas or raincoats with you as you go outside due to the high chance of downpours.

Always put on sunscreen, even if it’s not sunny. Remember to put some on after each time you go in the water.

Try to avoid sun exposure during the hottest time of the day (12-2 PM) and stay in the shade as much as possible

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A blog covering all things Vietnam: from itinerary planning to destination highlights and handy travel tips & tricks. Wander wisely with our travel articles!

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