HANOI – Vietnam is a fascinating country with diverse landscapes, rich culture and history, and friendly people. If you are planning to visit Vietnam as a tourist, you may wonder what is the best time to go and what is there to be seen.

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons: spring (February-April), summer (May-August), autumn (September-November) and winter (December-January). The weather varies greatly from north to south, so you may experience different conditions depending on your itinerary.

In general, the best time to visit Vietnam is from December to April, when the temperature is pleasant and the rainfall is minimal. This is also a good time to enjoy cultural festivals such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or early February, or Hoi An Lantern Festival in February or March. However, this is also a high season for tourism, so you may encounter higher prices and more crowds.

If you want to avoid the peak season and enjoy lower costs and fewer tourists, you may consider visiting Vietnam from September to November or from April to June. These are shoulder seasons when the weather is still good but not too hot or rainy. You may also witness some spectacular natural phenomena such as golden rice fields in September-October in northern Vietnam, or water lilies blooming in Mekong Delta in April-May.

The worst time to visit Vietnam is from July to August, when it is very hot and humid throughout the country. This is also the rainy season (monsoon season) in most regions, which means frequent downpours and possible floods or landslides. Moreover, this is the typhoon season in central and northern Vietnam, which can cause severe damage and disruption.

No matter when you visit Vietnam, there is always something interesting and beautiful to see. Vietnam has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its long history of influences from China, France, Japan and other countries. You can explore ancient temples, colonial buildings, museums, markets and more in cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue or Hoi An.

Vietnam also has stunning natural scenery that ranges from mountains and forests to beaches and islands. You can enjoy trekking, cycling, kayaking or cruising in places such as Sapa, Mai Chau, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh or Phu Quoc island. You can also discover the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of national parks such as Cuc Phuong , Cat Tien, Phong Nha-Ke Bang or Ba Be.

Vietnam is a country that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, adventure or relaxation, you will find it here. The best time to visit Vietnam depends on your preferences and plans but whenever you go, you will have an unforgettable experience.