Best Places to Visit in Vietnam In October

Hay there! Unsure about visiting Vietnam in October? The country is as little as 50 kilometres (31 miles) across but wide about 600 kilometres (370 miles) in the north. Every month is good to visit and so, just like the leaves in autumn, you’ll fall for it!

Ok, enough with the autumn puns. Let us tell you what places should definitely be on your list if you visit Vietnam in October. But first, let’s look at Vietnam’s regions, because this “little big country” – 1.000 km (600 miles) in length, is as diverse in weather and climate as it gets.

This easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula can be divided into 3 parts. How are they in October?

Northern Region (Hanoi, Ha Giang) – if you will visit in October, you will experience the end of the hot and humid season. Temperatures depend on the place (hilly means more chilly) but the usual range is 20°-24°C (68°-75°F)

Central Region – if you really want to visit here in October, you will experience a wet season. However, do not let that scare you. There is a possibility of monsoons too but if you consult local experts from local travel agencies while planning a trip (doesn’t cost a dime) you will be fine 🙂 Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F-77°F)

Southern Region (Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Dalat) – if you will visit at the very beginning of October, you might experience the end of the hot and humid season. Dry and fresh (and most popular season) is from October to April. There is a possibility of rain but nothing that would melt you, sweet traveller. It is warm too, around 28 – 30°C (86°F)

Now, take a look at our top 5 destinations:

TOP DESTINATIONS

Hanoi

Motorbike is definitely the most famous and popular mean of transportation in Hanoi

Old Quarter in Hanoi

Must definitely be on your list! Why? It is the country’s capital, plus October 10 marks an important anniversary, a day when King Ly Cong Uan chose Hanoi to be the capital of Vietnam in 1010.

Another important date for Vietnamese is October 20, Women’s day. You will see many flowers being sold on the streets and men buying them for their special loved ones.

Temperatures are milder than September and there is a light breeze. The averages are 23°C (73°F) at night and 28 °C (82°F) in the day time. There is less humidity too.

One other thing you may notice by your nose is the smell of the flowers of the blackboard tree, also known as the devil’s tree. Its distinct smell engulfs little Hanoi as the trees are planted everywhere. It is so overwhelming at times that there are actually complaints from the Vietnamese! Still, enjoy the one-of-a-kind smell of Fall while it lasts. Once October ends, the blackboard tree’s seeds also fall all over the streets, fly into your house and get stuck on your clothes. If Japan has the signature spring’s sakura falling every time the wind blows, Hanoi, no doubt, has the autumn’s blackboard tree seeds.

Check out all the places and activities you should not miss when visiting Hanoi.

Our secret tip: Go on a cyclo tour combined with street food tasting! Bun cha and egg coffee are a must try in Hanoi.

Ha Giang

Ha giang ultimate guide valley. See flowers on your visit to Vietnam in October

One of the most beautiful roads in the world, friendly ethnic people, amazing views with mountains, rocks and green fields… and Tam Giac Mach (Fagopyrum esculentum flowers) or if you do not want to break your tongue, triangle buckwheat flowers. They are characteristic for the northern mountainous provinces like Lao Cai or Cao Bang. But in Ha Giang, they will leave you in awe. Pho Cao and Sung La are great spots.

And what about the weather, you might ask? Definitely bring a thin coat along, since hills surround this beautiful mountain area. Temperatures vary between 18°C (64°F) and 24°C (75°F).

Check out all the places you must see and food you must try when visiting Ha Giang.

Our secret tip: Watch out for the Circuit Triangle Flower Festival, an annual event in Ha Giang province! Last year it had activities such as flower competition, flower street, photo gallery, Ha Giang cuisine presentation and many more.

Can Tho

Vietnam in October calls for a Mekong visit

Credit: Falco, Pixabay

Visit the epicentre of the Mekong Delta and witness life. Yes, life. The Mekong brings life to the land and people. You will never forget the taste of fresh fruit, the food you bought directly from the boat, floating markets or an overnight cruise. People are candid, warm and sensuous just like the lush green canals and plantations.

But how about weather and temperature situation? From 26 to 33 °C (78-91°F), with around 40% chance of rain. But worry not, it does not rain for long, maximum an hour. It is hot and humid though, so prepare spare clothes, sunscreen, water and repellent (we recommend DEET or lemon-scented spray)

Check out what places you can see in Mekong Delta.

Our secret tip: Lang Stork Garden, 52 km (32 miles) from Can Tho city, where you can see thousands of storks in various colours and types. 12.500 m2 (3 acres) and 150.000 birds of 20 different species are just spectacular. Arrive late in the afternoon, when birds are returning to their nests.

Beaches – Phu Quoc or Con Dao in October?

Phu Quoc island guide cable car

Credit: @ley_eryin

Craving a beach? Central beaches like Hoian or Nha Trang still have a wet season. But on Phu Quoc, the biggest Vietnamese island, the dry season starts at the end of October and lasts till March. But even early October is great, and psshhht: prices of flights, services and accommodations are lower! Not every day is a guaranteed to be “beachy” so as said before, chances increase towards the end of the month.

Check out top activities, beaches, and food on the island of Phu Quoc.

Our secret tip: Take the world’s longest oversea cable car! It is 8 km long and links An Thoi Town and Hon Thom island.

Afraid to go to Phu Quoc in between wet and dry season and getting soaked? We have another local tip for you: Con Dao island is considered less touristy and better for snorkelling. If you contact a travel agency or book a place on your own, pick one in South West area, not North, as North has more raindrops. Temperatures range from a max. 29˚C (84°F) and a minimum of 24˚C (75°F) Humidity levels are very high, at 85 %.

Our secret tip: Have lunch at Con Dao Market. And as a snack, snatch some hat bang kho (dried country almond) since it is a speciality of the island. Do you love animals? Turtles nest and hatch on Con Dao from May to October! Bay Canh Islet inside the Con Dao National Park is actually the largest marine turtle conservation area in Vietnam.

Dalat

Scenic Da Lat - Best places to visit in Vietnam in September

Credit: Instagram @sstasspace

Located 1500m above the sea level, Dalat enjoys a cool climate all year round. Surrounded by mountains and pine forests, the rainy season here lasts from April to November. So yes, you can expect raindrops in October but nothing terrible. Moreover, the air is fresh and cool and if you visited huge cities like Saigon or Hanoi before, you will love the refreshing feeling. Temperatures are at about 10-16°C (50-61°F) so pack trousers and jumpers. If you are riding a bike, pack an extra layer. Dalat is the coolest city 🙂

Check out the complete travel guide to Dalat here.

Our secret tip: Do not support animal cruelty in Prenn Waterfalls by riding an ostrich or an elephant. Rather visit the Crazy house, a famous spot in Dalat. It has no right angles and everything inside and outside mirrors nature (mushrooms, sea creatures, caves or spiderwebs)

TIPS FOR AUTUMN

Ready for your trip to Vietnam in October? Keep in mind these simple tips to relish the unpredictable but gorgeous autumn in Vietnam!

For fear of somewhat unexpected downpours, don’t forget to bring umbrellas or raincoats with you as you go outside.

Always put on sunscreen, even if it’s not sunny or you risk a sunburn. If you are in hilly areas, use a mosquito repellent.

In order to stay dry during your journey, make sure you check the weather forecast for possible rainfalls and storms before heading outside and are unprepared.

Looking for more?

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