Best Places to Visit in Vietnam In September

As you may wonder about the weather in Vietnam in September.
this is a transitional month from rainy season to dry season. The Central part is mostly prone to the increasing frequency of rain and possible storms. Hue and Hoi An, therefore, unfortunately, should be avoided. The South remains hot and humid with relatively frequent rainfall, which takes place less often as the month progresses. Saigon is an option if you check the forecast thoroughly, for dry and bright daylight hours can still be expected. Meanwhile, Northern Vietnam in September comes with pleasant sunshine and gentle breeze. There tends to be less rainfall and lower humidity towards the end of the month. We thus recommend you make the Northern region highlights of your September trip to make the most of the positive climate.

Let’s take a look at our top 5 destinations to tick off your travel bucket list for September!

TOP DESTINATIONS

Sapa

Sapa - Best places to visit in Vietnam in September
Credit: Instagram @glycocalyx.0

For the most magnificent mountain landscapes, don’t hesitate to jump on an overnight train to Lao Cai. As in the harvesting season, mid-September is among the perfect times to admire the lush golden terraced fields of Sapa  Rain is less likely to occur during this month, making trekking and hiking back again the must-do experience in this mountainous town. If you wish to challenge your adventurous self, go conquer the roof of Indochina, Fansipan. Otherwise, take the trekking routes into remote tribal villages. This enables you can to experience the unique local lifestyles and rich cultures of five distinctive ethnic minorities dwelling here.  

Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai - Best places to visit in Vietnam in September
Credit: Instagram: thomasstuyck

If you intend to capture the most breathtaking shots of rice terraces, don’t leave out Mu Cang Chai in your northwest trekking journey. Coming to this highland area of Yen Bai in September, you would be surrounded by the to-the-fullest beauty of yellow terraced fields spreading endless over mountain slopes. Specifically, you would get to celebrate the harvesting festival including several cultural activities together with local tribes. This is absolutely a good chance for you to gain deep insights into the daily life and traditional customs of the H’mong ethnic group, which makes up 95% of the population here. For the best viewing and photographing experience, don’t hesitate to head onto the peak of Khau Pha pass. The Tu Le sticky rice is also a must-try to round off your authentic trip here.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh - Best places to visit in Vietnam in September
Credit: Instagram @sameersidhu

The “Halong bay on land” is another must-see in September given the wet rice harvesting season and cooler weather. You can enjoy the best views of the impressive limestones cliffs scattered across the lush rice fields by taking a boat ride through either Tam Coc or Trang An. There are several spiritual and historical spots on sites that worth visiting such as Bich Dong cave temples, Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, and the ancient capital, Hoa Lu. If you are a nature lover, Cuc Phuong National Park should be your pick. This ecological spot offers great hiking experience and a wide range of species for you to explore from both flora and fauna.

Pu Luong

Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Best places to visit in Vietnam in September
Credit: Instagram @yenchee07

Your photo collection of Northern ripe rice paddies wouldn’t be complete without Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This off-the-beaten-track retreat can be easily accessible from Hanoi via Mai Chau or Ninh Binh. The temperature is lower than in summer months (around 30°C) in September with a clear sky, plus a cool and dry atmosphere. You thus can freely explore the splendid rice terraces, limestone panoramas and untouched tropical forests of Pu Luong without worry much about the weather. Trekking or cycling through villages is the best way to get up close to the picturesque scenery. Ban DonBan Hieu or Ban Kho Muong, namely,  are on top of the list. For the best authentic and unforgettable experiences, staying in the stilt-houses of ethnic Thai people is recommended.

Dalat

Scenic Da Lat - Best places to visit in Vietnam in September
Credit: Instagram @sstasspace

Dalat is an ideal getaway from early autumn’s heat that shouldn’t be missed. Situated in the central highlands, this poetic hill town features a unique year-round cool climate. Despite expected rainfalls in September, this actually makes the romantic essence of the city, as commonly dubbed “Le Petit Paris”. A cultural blend is no doubt an obvious charming side of Dalat. During a city stroll, you can come across French-styled villas, Buddhist pagodas, summer palaces, and ethnic villages at the same time. There are also various stunning landmarks for nature lovers including Da Lat Flower Garden, Love Valley, Elephant or Pongour Falls. As late September marks the beginning of the ripe season, you would be able to savour the famous persimmon (hồng). Finally, prepare yourself to be stunned by the pristine beauty of the white buckwheat flowers blossoming around this foggy town.

READY FOR THE FESTIVE SEPTEMBER?

Streets full of national flags on Independence day in Vietnam
The celebration of National Independence Day in Vietnam

Vietnam’s National Independence Day

The Independence Day of Vietnam falls on the 2nd of September, at which time streets being coloured with red and yellow backgrounds of Vietnam flags is a sight to be seen. In some major cities like Hanoi and Saigon, you can expect to enjoy the festivities out of parades and fireworks on this national day.    

Mid-Autumn Festival

Vietnam in September (or sometimes early October) is even more exciting with the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, which takes place on the 15th of lunar August. Streets are in the festive vibe and packed with colourful toys, masks, lanterns and family shopping. Watching street lion dances and eating moon cakes are part of the traditional celebrating ways. It is within this time of the year that the best green rice is made, so make sure you won’t miss this must-try traditional delight on Mid-Autumn Festival! FYI, you would adore the most beautiful lantern town of Hoi An on this day of the year.

Lanterns and toys for Vietnamese children to celebrate the Mid-autumn Festival
Street lion dances in Mid-autumn festival in Vietnam
Vietnamese moon cakes for Mid-Autumn Festival

TIPS FOR EARLY AUTUMN

Ready for your Vietnam’s trip in September? Keep in mind these simple tips to relish the unpredictable early autumn in Vietnam!

 

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

The heat will, not as much as previous months, but still bother you so remember to always put on sunscreen, even if it’s not sunny.

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.

About Spoton Vietnam

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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