Vietnam in September & October is a blend of autumn and monsoon. During this time, it is neither too hot nor too cold. It is one of the peak times to visit North Vietnam and the Central Highlands for hiking and other recreational activities. As it comes under the off-season, there are fewer crowds, and you can enjoy affordable bookings. Let us know more about the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Places to Visit in Vietnam in September
Why visit in September? What are the things to take care of?
- September almost marks an end to beach time and reopens the opportunity for hiking and other recreational activities in North Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, Sapa, and Mu Cang Chai. The latter half of the month is suitable for Halong Bay as well. Overall, it is a picturesque month in rural areas of Vietnam.
- In Hanoi, the ‘milk flower’ blossoms and brims the streets with its unique scent. Tourists can plan to visit Hanoi on the National Day of Vietnam to witness beautiful flower beds decorated on the streets along with colorful signboards.
- On a public holiday, natives hit the coastal cities, leaving Hanoi and Saigon in a peaceful environment. This is the golden time to explore the culture and history of Vietnam closely.
- Although September attracts foreign tourists to North Vietnam and some parts of South Vietnam, Central Vietnam isn’t very crowded, so you can expect low airfares and low prices of hotels and accommodations.
Where to Go?
Vietnam offers bonnie coastlines, historical architectural sites, exotic adventure activities, air-conditioned modern museums, flowering fields, mouth-watering foods, and lively markets. Where one major place is known for its art, another is an attraction point for its nightlife, all-in-all Vietnam wisely preserves its culture. September is a good-to-go time to North Vietnam highlands, while later September is suitable for South Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta. Below is the list of the cities and places from North Vietnam to South Vietnam to visit in September.
1. SaPa
Located in the Northwest Mountain region of Vietnam, this beautiful town SaPa has various small villages. SaPa is warm, with an average temperature of 21°C; autumn winds make the surroundings more beautiful in September. Travelers must visit the ‘SaPa Museum’ and ‘Cat Cat Village’ (one of the oldest villages of Sapa) to learn the history of people here and the ‘Cloud Yard’ to complement the beauty of clouds. SaPa gives an opportunity to hike Vietnam’s Highest Peak ‘Mt. Fansipan’s viewpoint is called Heaven’s Gate.
- Other major attractions include Fairy Cave, Silver Waterfalls, Tram Ton Pass, Muong Hoa Valley, and Muong Khuong Bird Market.
2. Mai Chau
Mai Chau is a northwestern mountainous district in Hoa Binh Province. Although there isn’t much to explore here yet, the peaceful and colorful environment of Mai Chau (home of Thai ethnic groups) is worth visiting in autumn. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is good for hiking, and if you want to enjoy snow, go to Deo Thung Khe. Stilt houses are noteworthy architectural features of the Mai Chau district.
- Other major attractions include Go Lao Waterfall, Chieu Cave, and Thung Ke Pass Flagpole.
3. Mu Cang Chai
mu cang chai
Mu Cang Chai is a northwest mountainous rural district in Vietnam that creates jaw-dropping scenery in September. You will see golden rice crops swaying proudly, ready to harvest. This is the best time to know the lifestyle of Mong Ethnic farmers. Khau Pha Pass, called ‘Sky’s Horn’ develops magnificent scenery. There are other small villages in the city to visit to adore the beauty of paddy farming and to experience their local culture by the homestay. Visit to Mu Cang Chai is incomplete without visiting two of its breathtaking waterfalls – Mo and Phu Nu waterfalls. Mu Cang Chai has its own market, too.
- Other major attractions include Ba Nha Bridge, Mam Xoi Hill, and Kim Noi Village.
4. Ninh Binh
Located in North Vietnam, Ninh Binh Province is famous for its Karst Landscape in Tam Coc. August is one of the best seasons to visit Ninh Binh because it is the harvest season. A boat can be hired to see the limestone cliffs in Tam Coc. A two-hour excursion takes you through three natural caves – Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. A journey of about five hundred steps to the ancient temple on a hilltop – Hang Mua, will lead to a panoramic view from Tam Coc.
- Other major attractions include Hoa Lu, Trang An, Phat Diem Cathedral, and Ken Gha.
5. Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province
In late September, biodiversity was great in Cuc Phuong National Park, located in Ninh Binh Province. You can trek through a grass jungle and observe ancient trees and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Vietnam’s oldest national park includes the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, where Monkeys, Langurs, and Gibbons were rescued and kept, and the Turtle Conservation Centre. There is a Cave of Prehistoric Man where centuries-old skeletons and tools are preserved. Families must not miss a trip to the national park. Do not forget to apply mosquito repellent and wear good hiking shoes.
6. Hanoi
Hanoi is the only capital of a country which isn’t its largest city. The capital of Vietnam – Hanoi, is a place for every traveler. September is a peak month to explore Hanoi and to witness the blooming of ‘Milk Flower’ or Alstonia scholars. I definitely taste ‘Com’ – a green-colored rice flake that originates from Vong Village.
- Other major attractions include Hanoi Train Street, Cau Giay Park, Dong Xuan Market, Rose Park, Smiley Ville, Lotte Observation Deck, Long Bien Bridge, Ba Vi National Park, and Perfume Pagoda.
7. Halong Bay
Halong Bay, located in North Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there’s much to explore and spend a soothing September here. The weather starts to cool down, but the average temperature remains around 30 degrees, so it isn’t a great time to rejuvenate and get tanned on beaches and islands. Nevertheless, travelers can go for a cruise, swimming, or cooking classes. It is a good month for kayaking and snorkeling. There are caves to explore and floating villages to visit. Halong City (divided into East HaLong – Hon Gai and West HaLong – Bai Chay) in the North part of Halong Bay has an artificial beach, ‘Bai Chay Beach,’ and a Bai Chai Market to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, gifts or souvenirs.
- Other major attractions include HaLong Queen Cable Car, Sun World Halong Complex, Stacking Rocks, Tuan Chau Island, and Cannon Fort.
8. Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay
Cat Ba Island is one of the most amazing and highly visited Islands connected to HaLong Bay. September is one of the less crowded months in Cat Ba Island and the best to visit if you love monsoon; the average temperature is around 31˚C. Although there are frequent and short-lasting rains in September, cancellation of voyages is rare. Also, in September, tourists can enjoy the splendid scenery at low prices.
- Other major attractions include Dinh Lagu Lam, Cat Ba Archipelago, and Monkey Island.
9. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is located in Central Vietnam and is great to visit in September to enjoy various water sports at Monkey Island, and Hon Tre Island and have relaxing hours at Thap Ba Hot Spring. You can spend a couple of hours at Hon Ba Mountain and worship in the aesthetically pleasing Long Son Pagoda (White Buddha Pagoda) and Ponagar Tower. There is Tri Nguyen Aquarium Vinpearl Waterpark for kids to enjoy. Roam at night in Nha Trang Night Market to buy food or clothes; you can get gifts, souvenirs, and embroidered items from street shops.
- Other major attractions include Vinpearl Cable Car, YangBa Waterfall, and Ba Ho Waterfall Cliff Jumping.
10. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island lies in Southwest Vietnam, apart from the mainland. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, with its own international airport. By mid-September, the summer season replaces monsoon, giving out bright sunshine and perfect weather for beaches. Phu Quoc is one of the best places to visit in September.
- Other major attractions include Ham Ninh Fishing Village, Vinpearl Safari, Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, Trúc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery, and Phu Quoc National Park.
11. Phan Thiet – Mui Ne
To the south of Vietnam lies a coastal port area, ‘Phan Thiet,’ which is, again, one of the best places to visit in September. It is divided between the city center and the famous Mui Ne Beach and has plenty of accommodations. Right from tropical forests to mesmerizing beaches to ancient architecture, Phan Thiet has some or other engaging parts for every traveler.
Mui Ne Beach has clean and rock-free water, which makes it suitable for swimming, jet skiing, banana riding, surfing, and kayaking. There are some outlets that sell local handicrafts, jewelry, and beachwear. Try the seafood here, which is served with Vietnam’s famous fish sauce.
- Other major attractions include Mui Ne Fishing Village, Cham Tower, Ta Chi Pagoda, and Ganh Beach.
Overall, September is a great time to visit Vietnam. It’s a great time for those who appreciate the lush greenery and are prepared for sporadic rain showers, adding an extra layer of adventure to their journey.
