Magnificent temples, enchanting cities, and stunning natural wonders - Vietnam and Cambodia ignite travelers’ senses with immersive experiences of history, cultures, and cuisines. But when is the best time to explore these Southeast Asian gems? It depends on many factors, from weather conditions to your personal preferences. In this post, we'll help you figure out the suitable answer and suggest must-visit destinations for your Vietnam and Cambodia trip as well.
Best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia
Most Vietnam and Cambodia travel guides will suggest the best time to visit these two fascinating countries is from March to April.
Vietnam and Cambodia have two distinct seasons-dry and wet-and similar climate patterns. The dry season lasts from November to April, offering clear skies, enjoyable temperatures, and lower humidity, which makes it the peak season of traveling with high service prices and more crowds. The wet season runs between May and October, considered the low tourist season, yet it has its own advantages. With regular rain showers and more humidity, the landscapes become lush green with fewer tourists, and the travel costs are cheaper.
Naturally, Vietnam and Cambodia have diverse regions with varying climates and points of interest. As a result, the ideal time to travel also depends on your travel goals and experiences.
For instance, you can visit Cambodia at any time of year to view the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, which are always breathtaking and amazing. You might, however, want to go in the early morning or late afternoon, or in the shoulder months of May and October, if you want to avoid the heat and the throng.
In conclusion, your travel schedule and personal tastes will determine the ideal time of year to visit Vietnam and Cambodia. But regardless of when you go, there's always something spectacular and unforgettable to see and do. Being flexible and prepared, and you will have an amazing journey.
Is the New Year a good time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
Though Tet Holidays (January or February in Vietnam) and Khmer New Year (April in Cambodia) are special occasions of the year, we typically suggest travelers avoid them to make the most of their trips. Since during these periods, domestic flights are frequently overbooked, hotels and airports may be crowded with locals, some services don’t operate, and guides stop working.
If you stick with the idea of traveling during these holidays, we advise a resort stay and no domestic travel if possible.
Customize your Vietnam and Cambodia trip to your interests
Vietnam and Cambodia feature many beautiful destinations, with a wide range of activities, sights, and cultures. But everyone has different goals, tastes, and ways of traveling. The mountains and forests may be more appealing to some people than the sun and sand.
That is why, beyond the seasons, it is critical to personalize your vacation to your desires. Depending on your preferences, you can select the best destinations, experiences, and times to explore Vietnam and Cambodia. Let's look further into common travel themes and pick some places of interest for your next trip to this magical Southeast Asian corner.
Nature Encounters
Best time to visit: from July to August (rainy season)
Halong Bay, northern Vietnam: day-trip/overnight Halong Bay cruises exploring the natural splendor of this UNESCO-listed site.
Kratie, eastern Cambodia: boat trips to see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, cycling tours around villages and fruit orchards on Koh Trong Island.
Mekong River, southern Vietnam and Cambodia: multiday cruise across Vietnam and Cambodia; Mekong boat trips exploring the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, fruit farms, and local workshops; kayaking adventure through flooded forests of the Tonle Sap.
Cultural Immersion
Best time to visit: from November to April (dry season)
Hue, central Vietnam: city tours visiting the Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including royal palaces, tombs, and temples; scenic boat rides along the Perfume River; walking around Dong Ba Market for local food.
Hoi An, central Vietnam: waking through lantern-lit streets of Hoi An ancient town, joining a lantern-making workshop, cycling to Hoi An countryside for basket boat rides and cooking classes with locals, boating along the beautiful Thu Bon River.
Siem Reap, northern Cambodia: visits to the world-famous Angkor temples, jungle walks to Kbal Spean Rock Bridge and waterfalls, boat tours around floating villages of the Tonle Sap, tuk tuk or motorcycle tours to Siem Reap countryside for local experiences.
Beach Vacations
Best time to visit: from December to April (dry season)
Nha Trang, central Vietnam: relaxing on sandy beaches; island tours to Hon Mun, Hon Tam, and Hon Tre for swimming or snorkeling.
Phu Quoc, southern Vietnam: relaxing on sandy beaches, island-hopping to nearby islets for swimming or snorkeling, visiting local fishing villages.
Mui Ne, southern Vietnam: relaxing on sandy beaches, exploring spectacular sand dunes, city tours by Jeep, visiting local fishing villages.
Sihanoukville, southern Cambodia: relaxing on sandy beaches, beach stay in the Koh Rong archipelago, visiting the nearby Ream National Park.
Adventure Thrills
Best time to visit: from November to April (dry season)
Sapa, northern Vietnam: trekking through terraced rice fields to less-visited hill tribe villages; cable car rides to the Fansipan Mountain - the roof of Indochina; visiting waterfalls and great passes; herbal bath experiences in Taphin village.
Kirirom National Park, southern Cambodia: hiking through the pine forest of the national park, enjoying a beautiful view of the Cardamom mountain range from the mountain cliff.
Banlung, northeastern Cambodia: hiking around Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake, visiting the elephants of the Airavata Conservation Project.
Top Tips for Vietnam and Cambodia Travel
Whichever season you set for your Vietnam and Cambodia visit, it’s always good to be prepared, and here are some insider tips to make the most of your trip:
- Book early to avoid any shortage of flights, hotels, and tours. Sometimes you can get discounts for early-bird reservations.
- Be flexible and open-minded. If you happen to travel in the high season, expect long queues of tourists at attractions. For a more relaxing visit, be flexible with your schedule and timing. You can visit those spots early in the morning or late in the afternoon, or opt for out-of-town trips to less-crowded sites.
- Pack smart depending on the season you travel and get prepared for any weather changes. You should pack light clothes that can be layered, and bringing a jacket will be a nice choice.
- Know the basic etiquette in advance. It’s necessary to understand some phrases and customs of each destination you visit. For instance, Cambodians often greet one another with palms together, as if in prayer, while Vietnamese people typically greet with a handshake, a gentle bow, or a polite nod.
Suggested Vietnam and Cambodia Tour Ideas
To help you save time from researching and building a detailed itinerary, let’s take a look into our suggestions of tour ideas to Vietnam and Cambodia:
Unveiling the Best of Vietnam and Cambodia
- Destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
- Duration: 16 days
- Themes: Heritage & Culture, Adventure & Outdoor
More details at: Unveiling the Best of Vietnam and Cambodia
Unforgettable Vietnam & Cambodia Family Adventure
- Destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong, Siem Reap
- Duration: 12 days
- Themes: Family, Heritage & Culture, Adventure & Outdoor, Nature & Wildlife
More details at: Unforgettable Vietnam & Cambodia Family Adventure
Cambodia Vietnam Tour Package
- Destinations: Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong, Danang, Hoi An, Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay
- Duration: 16 days
- Themes: Heritage & Culture, Adventure & Outdoor
More details at: Cambodia Vietnam Tour Package
Amazing Vietnam and Cambodia
- Destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
- Duration: 15 days
- Themes: Heritage & Culture, Adventure & Outdoor
More details at: Amazing Vietnam and Cambodia
A voyage across the legacy of Vietnam & Cambodia
- Destinations: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Cai Be, Vinh Long, Can Tho, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
- Duration: 16 days
- Themes: Heritage & Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure & Outdoor
More details at: A voyage across the legacy of Vietnam & Cambodia
Vietnam and Cambodia are frequently visited together due to their close proximity, and finding the best time of year to visit these two countries can make your experience more pleasurable and memorable. Feel free to contact our Southeast Asia Travel Experts, and we will help you create a trip of your lifetime in Southeast Asia.
