Vietnam in November: Weather, Practical Tips, and Top Attractions

Did you know that November is one of the best times to visit Vietnam? Traveling in November allows you to enjoy your visits in the best weather conditions and avoid the summer holiday crowds.

In this article, we provide a practical guide for an easy visit to Vietnam in November. From climate and weather to must-see places and itinerary ideas, we share our expertise and top tips for a smooth and enjoyable stay!

Written by Hung DAO (Local Expert) Updated on 05-11-2024

Comments

Climate and Weather in Vietnam in November

To start planning your ideal trip, it's important to consider the climate and weather in Vietnam in November. Keep in mind that Vietnam is divided into three distinct regions: the North, the Central, and the South. These regions experience different climatic conditions during the same period.

• Northern Vietnam

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and the mountain ranges bordering China, the four regions have distinct four seasons; spring season, summer season, autumn season and winter season. The month of November is late autumn, with fresh, warm temperature of about 25-30°C. It is the perfect time of the year to tour this area. Within its highlands, the picturesque view is still gorgeous even before the winter sets in in the month of December.

• Central Vietnam

As for the Central region (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An), it is the end of the rainy season; storms are less frequent, so there is a lower risk of rain.

• Southern Vietnam

This is the dry season in the Mekong Delta and coastal areas of Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Vung Tau; Con Dao Island and Phu Quoc. Expect good, sunny weather, with ideal conditions to go outdoors. The white sandy beaches are now inviting, and it is equally a great time to take a boat trip through the Mekong Delta.

💡✈️Explore the country's panorama on a 10-day tour: Best Vietnam Tours in 10 Days

The 6 Best Places to Discover in Vietnam

The favorable weather in November allows travelers to visit all the sites from North to South, from cities to mountains. Here are the top destinations to visit for a trip to Vietnam in November.

• Hanoi: The Thousand-Year-Old Capital

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, and it is right in the heart of the north, serving as a starting point for all excursions. Visiting Hanoi in November is a good time to discover the city in its beautiful attire of autumn colors: trees turn yellow gently and endow Hanoi with poetic charm. Enjoy the days of soft sun and take your time for leisurely walks around the city center, adorned with delicate white daisies. It is the right time to sit down at a café on Train Street, sample specialties like egg coffee, and watch everyday scenes of life.

Be sure to explore the peaceful air and gardens of the temple of literature during this period. Attend to indoor activities as the days grow shorter like the ethnography museum that has some historical artifacts on the history of Vietnam and other tribes living in the country.

As the cold month of November sets in, it presents an opportunity to enjoy some hot dishes such as the famous Vietnamese soup Pho, Bun Cha that is considered to be among the best soups worldwide before watching a traditional performance of water puppets. Remember to walk around Hoan Kiem lake whose dreamy setting is enhanced with the golden lights around it prior to going back to your guesthouse. To understand more of the capital city of Vietnam, the following article would be useful: The 8 Best Things To Do in Hanoi

>>> Also read: Train Street in Hanoi: A Complete Guide by Locals 2024

• Ha Long Bay: The UNESCO World Heritage Site

There is no doubt that one of the best times to experience this breathtaking destination in Vietnam is in November. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay belongs to the Seven New Natural Wonders of the World. November is more or less sunny and is similar to the beautiful pictures found on the internet. In addition to being on a cruise on Halong Bay, you can also kayak or swim because the weather is very nice.

>>> More details about Ha Long Bay? Read now!!!

• Ninh Binh, the Inland Halong Bay

With the nickname "Inland Halong Bay," Ninh Binh promises many interesting things to see and do. Located about a two-hour drive from Halong Bay, this beautiful region is characterized by mountains covered in lush vegetation all year round. Additionally, it is a typical destination for any trip to Vietnam. From here, you can enjoy a dreamy boat ride along lakes and rivers lined with limestone cliffs and rice paddies. Many of our clients proclaim that the inland bay is as magnificent as the maritime bay.

>>> Read More: Don't Visit Tam Coc, Vietnam Without Knowing These 9 Basics!

• Ha Giang and Its Pristine Region, Hoang Su Phi

In the case that your next November destination is Vietnam and you have ample free time, then this is a trip highly advisable for Hoang Su Phi and Ha Giang. Ha Giang region might be one of the actual destinations, right deep in the north of the country, still untouched by mass tourism and very naturalistic with some of the beautiful sceneries, mainly from landscapes and natural wonders. It is famous for the motorbike loop in Ha Giang, with a lot of ethnic minorities and very popular among photographers and bikers due to its stunning scenery. 

Learn more about: The Ultimate Ha Giang Guide: Must-See Stops & Insider Tips

You have many off-the-beaten-path hiking itinerary options available, from short to long duration. Whatever the length of the hikes, you will find outstanding landscapes of terraced rice fields, palm forests, bamboo forests, and ancestral tea plantations cultivated in a traditional manner by ethnic groups, not mentioning encounters with the numerous ethnic minorities that inhabit this fabulous territory.

Mekong Delta

Originating from the enormous Himalayan range, it flows through five countries upstream in Southeast Asia: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos-to the point where it empties into the Pacific Ocean on Vietnamese territory. The river has carved out a great fertile delta of deposits in the southern area of the country, which is called the Mekong Delta.

Nowadays, the Mekong Delta is an indispensable destination in the course of every traveler's journey in the country-from north to south and vice versa. In November, when the rain begins to subside, the journey to explore the Mekong Delta could not be better. Inserting this destination into your November trip to Vietnam will add diversity and completeness to your journey.

Take a boat ride in the Mekong River aboard small boats that row through water palm-lined creeks, or take cycling tours to plunge into the daily life of the delta. Ben Tre forms one of the must-visit beautiful cities in the Mekong, with its lush region popularly known as the coconut kingdom.

Another important activity to do when you come to explore the region of the Mekong Delta is to visit floating markets. Every morning, from big to small boats, they gather and present a colorful spectacle: local people exchange fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of goods with smiles on their faces, showing a specific "riverine commerce" of the inhabitants living in the Mekong region. Also read: What to Do in Mekong Delta? Your Complete Guide in 2024

💡✈️Explore the country from north to south in 2 weeks: Best 2-week tours in Vietnam

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island, also known as the "Emerald Isle," situated at the southernmost tip of Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand, is the largest island in Vietnam. It boasts both cultural and natural tourist attractions, with its park being recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since 2006. Its fine sandy beaches and jade-colored waters enchant travelers seeking tranquility under the shade of a palm tree, while its production of pearls, pepper, and fish sauce (nuoc mam) reflects a long-standing cultural craftsmanship. Visitors can even tour some of the factories, offering a unique activity and an original souvenir to bring back home.

Heading to Vietnam in November for a beach vacation in Phu Quoc also ensures you'll enjoy magnificent diving spots in ideal conditions. The An Thoi archipelago boasts a rich and abundant ecosystem, particularly in terms of coral, with 17 documented species.

>>> Also Read: Phu Quoc Island's Top Beaches: Your Complete Guide in 2024

Recommended itinerary for your trip to Vietnam

If you're looking for a travel itinerary in Vietnam for November, here's an example of a two-week circuit. Note that the North and South generally offer the most spectacular landscapes. The Central region can be unpredictable, with rainy days but also rain-free days. Therefore, it is advisable to be flexible.

• Day 1 and 2: Arrival in Hanoi, exploring the millennia-old capital.
• Day 3: Ninh Binh's terrestrial Halong Bay, a natural gem.
• Days 4 and 5: Cruise on Halong Bay, an unforgettable time aboard a junk boat.
• Day 6: Hue, exploring the imperial city.
• Day 7: Hue - Hoi An, between mountains and beaches.
• Day 8: Hoi An, the charming lantern-lit town.
• Day 9: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City, discovering colonial heritage.
• Days 10 and 11: Mekong Delta, nature, craftsmanship, and floating markets.
• Days 12 and 13: Phu Quoc Island and its beaches.
• Day 14: Phu Quoc - Departure

Following this itinerary, you'll not only visit must-see sites from North to South but also enjoy Phu Quoc Island at the end of the journey.

And for a few more days...

Let yourself be enchanted by the mysterious temples of the Khmer city, exploring UNESCO heritage sites. Given the geographical proximity to southern Vietnam, many travelers are drawn to this extension to Cambodia at the end of their Vietnam tour. A journey up the river from the Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, before reaching Siem Reap, will bring you unforgettable experiences.

The dry season from November to March is preferred for excursions in Cambodia due to its mild air, clear blue skies, and minimal rainfall. If you're considering a trip there, read our tips on Cambodia Visitor Guide: Essential Information Before Your Trip

And for those looking for ideas for combined Vietnam-Cambodia trips, get inspired by our Vietnam-Cambodia Tours

What to Pack for a Trip at This Time?

• Going north: There is pleasant and cool weather in main cities like Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong. Bring simple clothes and a jacket for cooler days. For mountainous areas at high altitudes, including Sapa, Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai, it often gets cold in the early morning and evening, and it would be advisable to wear a coat. It will also require gear for trails and hiking.
• Center: Bring rainy season clothes, light clothes, and sandals so your sneakers do not get dirty.
• South: The weather is fine and a bit warm. Bring light clothes.