Vietnam in August: Weather, Attractions, and Travel Tips

You are planning to go to Vietnam in August, but many questions arise: What is the weather like in Vietnam in August? What are the must-visit sites? In this article, we will provide you with all the practical information and recommend the best destinations not to be missed during your trip to Vietnam in August.

Written by Jade NGUYEN, (local expert) Updated on 03-06-2024

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Weather in Vietnam in August

Before you start planning your trip, it is important to take into account the climatic conditions of the destination you are visiting. As a tropical country, Vietnam experiences weather characterized by heat and humidity throughout the year. The dragon-shaped country, 2000 km long, has three major regions with different climates depending on the season. When one region is humid, cold, or rainy, another may be pleasantly sunny.

• Northern Vietnam

August marks the end of summer in the north, with temperatures ranging from 28-35°C. Monsoons bring intense but brief rains, refreshing the atmosphere. Mountains like Sapa and Ha Giang offer spectacular lush landscapes, with rice terraces beginning to green up.

• Central Vietnam

Summer is at its peak, offering sunny weather perfect for relaxing by the sea.

• Southern Vietnam

Although it is the rainy season, the rains are generally short, lasting only one or two hours a day. The rest of the day is sunny, allowing you to fully enjoy excursions.

Given the climatic conditions, many travelers wonder, "What to do in Vietnam in August?" Here are our favorites among the most beautiful places to see in Vietnam during this period.

Top 7 Best Destinations to Visit in Vietnam in August

• Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam

Located in the heart of the north, Hanoi, the country's capital, is considered the starting point for a trip to Vietnam. No one can deny its authentic charm and its unusual contrasts! In August, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam is very often sunny. Visiting Hanoi in August is a great opportunity to enjoy beautiful days for a leisurely stroll in the city center. Discover the different facets of Hanoi, which reside in its colonial and ancestral legacies.

The capital is also renowned for its refined gastronomy! It is a "street-food tour" paradise where it is pleasant to sit on the terrace of a café to taste some of Hanoi's gourmet specialties, including egg coffee, while mingling with the locals. For more details on the Vietnamese capital: Hanoi travel guide.

• The Northern Mountains - Splendid rice terraces and colorful ethnic markets

For those visiting Vietnam in August and wanting to see rice terraces, the northern mountains are a must. Nghia Lo, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Bac Ha, Hoang Su Phi, and Ha Giang areas are the best choices. In August, the rice fields gradually change from a pretty dark green color to a beautiful honey yellow. The colors of the rice fields change as the rice begins to ripen.

If you come at the end of summer, you will have the chance to contemplate this beautiful region colored by these yellow rice terraces as far as the eye can see. It’s a great, unique, and annual experience to enjoy once in your life! These picturesque landscapes will appeal to all travelers in search of authenticity, photographers, and nature lovers.

You will have the opportunity to hike through traditional villages of minority ethnic groups such as the Hmong, the Tay, the Dzao, or the Black Lolo. You can also visit colorful weekly markets and spend a few nights with locals. This unique experience will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. 

• Halong Bay - UNESCO World Heritage

Halong Bay, one of the 7 wonders of the world and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is always worth a detour, regardless of the period or type of trip. The weather in the north of Vietnam in August at Halong Bay allows you not only to make plenty of discoveries but also to enjoy swimming and kayaking to explore every nook and cranny of the bay. The activities and programs on board the junk may vary depending on the itinerary and the weather but are always entertaining to give you the best possible experience! After a stopover in the northern mountains, nothing is more pleasant than resting or enjoying fun activities in the sumptuous Halong Bay.

To make the most of your visit, we advise you to opt for a cruise that includes at least one night aboard a traditional junk. These boats navigate between unusual limestone rocks of all shapes, covered with lush vegetation. They float over beautiful turquoise waters, gently advancing towards the horizon. At the end of the day, a magical moment takes place: the sunset falling on the immense sugar loaves. For more details: Halong Bay.

• Phong Nha Ke Bang, national park with magnificent caves

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is located in Quang Binh, a province in the central region of Vietnam. It is the narrowest land in the country (50 km between Laos and the Pacific Ocean). If the country resembles the silhouette of a pretty woman, this province would surely represent her slim waist.

Despite its small area, the region has a wide variety of landscapes with grandiose mountains, a complex of numerous spectacular caves and underground rivers extending over tens of kilometers, a national park with exceptional flora and fauna, beautiful rivers as well as heavenly beaches. Quang Binh is becoming a must-see site for nature enthusiasts.

• Hoi An – Old Town, Colorful Lanterns, and Dream Beaches

Located about thirty kilometers south of Da Nang (the capital city of the central region of Vietnam) and about a hundred kilometers north of Hue (the former imperial city), Hoi An has always remained the most charming city in Vietnam. It also remains an essential stopover for any itinerary from north to south, or vice versa, to discover the country.

Bordered by the East Sea (the Pacific Ocean), the city was a bustling port city in Southeast Asia between the 15th and 19th centuries. Today, Hoi An is famous for its well-preserved ancient town, colorful lanterns that light up the streets at night, and beautiful beaches. This blend of historical and natural beauty makes Hoi An a must-visit destination in August.

In August, the sunny and warm weather allows you to enjoy Hoi An's fine sandy beaches and explore the unique sights of the old town. For more details about Hoi An Vietnam.

• Mui Ne – Destination for Summer

Located 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne has always remained an important and privileged seaside resort in the south of Vietnam. It attracts tourists with its magnificent tropical beaches and warm climate almost all year round. The average temperatures are around 27°C, and the sea temperatures, ranging from 25° to 29°C, are very pleasant. After a journey from the north to the south of Vietnam, enjoying a moment of relaxation by the sea and transparent water is perfect !

Mui Ne is known not only for its beaches, voted among the top dream beaches in Vietnam, but also for its picturesque orange sand dunes by the sea, often called "the Sahara of Vietnam." If you visit them at sunrise or sunset, you will witness a captivating panorama, reminiscent of a cinematic scene in a North African desert.

This site is also a preferred meeting point for water sports enthusiasts, including windsurfing, kayaking, surfing, and kite surfing. Kite surfing in Mui Ne is listed among the "5 experiences adventure lovers must try in Asia." In high season, it is not difficult to see the sea dotted with multicolored kites.

• Mekong Delta – Canals, Fruit Trees, and Floating Markets

The rainy season in the Mekong Delta lasts from May to mid-October. Therefore, there is a risk of inclement weather in August. But don't worry, the rainfall is brief and typically occurs in the afternoon, which shouldn't affect your trip. This region is a unique world, half-terrestrial, half-aquatic, located at the southernmost part of the country. Here, you can enjoy picturesque boat excursions on the Mekong, navigating through arroyos, coconut trees, and other fruit trees.

Visiting Vietnam in August will amaze you during a trip to a floating market, which reflects the life of the Delta's inhabitants. It is a spectacular scene with its colors, bustling activity, and gatherings of boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and various other goods. This is a unique opportunity to discover the very original "river trade" on the Mekong.

>>> Learn more about: What to Do in Mekong Delta? Your Complete Guide in 2024

Conclusion

Vietnam is a great choice for a trip in August. With all this practical information on the weather and the top 7 places to visit during this period, we hope you have everything you need to shape your dream trip to Vietnam! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

>>> Traveling with family this summer ?

• Family Trip to Vietnam
• Vietnam Tour with Beach Extension