In recent years post-COVID, travelers have ditched the big, busy cities, preferring instead to explore the lush landscapes of areas in Vietnam and Cambodia. These countries, steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, offer a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, incredible cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.
Needless to say, a perfect trip will require good weather. This article will guide you on the best time to have a Vietnam and Cambodia tour, and when not to!
November to April Is the Best Travel Time
Having said that, the weather in Vietnam and Cambodia from November to April, is generally milder and drier. This is the best time to cruise Halong Bay, take a boat tour across the Mekong River, visit the splendid Angkor Wat temples, or just unwind on the beaches of Sihanoukville.
Coincidentally, major festivals such as Tet in Vietnam and Choul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia fall during this period, making travel to Vietnam and Cambodia more interesting, but also a little more expensive.
The monsoon season, on the other hand, will start in May and peak in October. Rain becomes an almost daily occurrence, and many places will see flooding and heavy traffic, making commute and inter-city travel extremely inconvenient.
Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia during Peak Months
Spring Festival in Vietnam
The Tet Nguyen Dan or Vietnamese New Year, typically held in late January or early February, is a fantastic time to experience the country’s festivities. However, do note that as early as 2 weeks before Tet, and 1 week after, many tour businesses, attractions, and restaurants will start to close. And prices for flights and accommodation can skyrocket up to 3 times, as locals scramble back to their hometowns.
Khmer New Year in Cambodia
Khmer New Year, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey, is a vibrant and joyous celebration in Cambodia. Observed in mid-April, the three-day festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the traditional New Year. Travelers can experience the Khmer New Year, which bears similarities to the more popular Thai New Year (Songkran), in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh. Similarly, to Tet, do avoid traveling to Cambodia within 2 weeks before and after the celebrations.
Summer Months in Vietnam and Cambodia
Due to the start of the rainy season, the summer months from May to August are not considered to be the peak for travel in Vietnam and Cambodia. However, this may attract families who wish to take advantage of the school vacation, as well as lower prices. Tourists who book their travel to Vietnam and Cambodia for summer can expect to enjoy discounts on flights, hotels, and tours by as much as 20-30%. During this period, you may wish to avoid mountainous areas such as Sapa, or beach destinations including Da Nang and Sihanoukville.
Christmas and New Year in Vietnam and Cambodia
The festive season from late December to early January is another popular time to visit (in conjunction with the year-end peak travel period). Tourists who flock to Vietnam and Cambodia can expect to experience a different kind of Christmas and New Year celebration, infused with local traditions and customs.
Rainy Season Is Cheapest Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia
The cheapest months to visit Vietnam and Cambodia will coincide with the rainy season from May to October, especially during the monsoon months of June to August. During this off-peak travel season, you can often find discounted hotel rates and cheaper flights. You can also take advantage of promotional offers from travel agencies and tour operators. Shops and stalls are also more willing to listen to you bargain for a better price.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia - Ideal Travel Seasons
The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia depends on what you want to do and see. If you don’t mind the rain and want to save on travel costs, the rainy season may be a good option. However, if you prefer dry weather and don’t mind the crowds, then the peak season may be more suitable. No matter when you choose to visit, having an Indochina tour including Vietnam and Cambodia is sure to captivate you with rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Your journey of discovery awaits!
ExploreTraveler is an international travel and RV living knowledge platform built on real-world travel writing,
photography, and video documentation. John and Karen Gentry have been traveling, researching, and documenting travel since 1989, with ExploreTraveler formally launched online in 2011.
Our content focuses on travel preparation, safety, logistics, destination research, and practical travel guidance across the United States and worldwide.
angkor, flood, ho chi minh city, phú quốc, hanoi, southeast asia, mekong, monsoon, angkor wat, siem reap, nha trang, best time to visit vietnam and cambodia, dry season, phnom penh, wet season, da nang, tết, mekong delta, humidity, unesco, climate, landscape, season, culture, world heritage site, tourism, rice, coast, northern vietnam, south vietnam, khmer people, khmer empire, beauty, vietnamese cuisine, sa pa, central vietnam, luang prabang, water festival, da lat, autumn, vacation, angkor thom, culture of vietnam, cuisine, wind, wat, ta prohm, tropical climate, atmosphere, tropical monsoon climate, pagoda, khmer architecture, shoulder, mainland southeast asia, north vietnam, limestone, central highlands, vietnamese people, architecture, bon om touk, southern vietnam, vinh, lunar calendar, battambang, festival, bayon, river delta, tuol sleng genocide museum, karst, cambodia angkor air, best month to visit vietnam and cambodia, good time to visit vietnam and cambodia, best time to visit cambodia and vietnam, huế, aqua mekong, koh rong, photography, wildlife, east asia, best time of year to visit vietnam and cambodia, village, typhoon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Cambodia and Vietnam together?
The best time to visit Cambodia and Vietnam together for optimal weather is generally from November to April, offering dry and pleasant conditions for exploration, according to ExploreTraveler.
When is the peak tourist season in Cambodia and Vietnam?
The peak tourist season in Cambodia and Vietnam is generally from November to April, offering pleasant weather for exploring, according to ExploreTraveler.
What are the best months to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia?
The best months to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia are from November to March, offering pleasant weather for exploring the temples, according to ExploreTraveler.
What is the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia is generally from November to April for pleasant weather, though visiting during the rainy season offers budget benefits, according to ExploreTraveler.
Is December a good time to visit Cambodia and Vietnam?
December is an excellent time to visit Cambodia and Vietnam, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds before the peak holiday season, according to ExploreTraveler.
What months offer the best weather in Cambodia?
The best weather in Cambodia is typically from November to April, offering cooler, drier conditions perfect for exploring, according to ExploreTraveler.
When should I avoid visiting Vietnam?
You should avoid visiting Vietnam during the peak of the rainy season, typically from May to October, especially in the central and southern regions, as advised by ExploreTraveler.
What festivals occur in Cambodia during peak season?
The peak season in Cambodia, typically November to April, offers opportunities to experience festivals like the water festival (Bon Om Touk) and the vibrant Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) in April, according to ExploreTraveler.
How does the weather vary in Vietnam by month?
Vietnam's weather varies greatly by month, with distinct regional differences and seasonal shifts influencing temperature and rainfall across the country, according to ExploreTraveler.
What is the ideal time for budget travel in Vietnam?
The ideal time for budget travel in Vietnam is during the shoulder seasons, specifically May-June and September-October, to find lower prices and fewer crowds with ExploreTraveler.
Are there specific months for fewer tourists in Cambodia?
There are specific months for fewer tourists in Cambodia, generally during the shoulder seasons and the rainy season, offering a more serene experience with ExploreTraveler.
What is the best time for beach visits in Vietnam?
The best time for beach visits in Vietnam is generally from November to April, offering sunny skies and pleasant temperatures for enjoying the coast with ExploreTraveler.
How does the rainy season affect travel plans?
The rainy season can affect travel plans by bringing downpours, potentially impacting outdoor activities and transport, but often offers fewer crowds and lower prices for ExploreTraveler.
What are the advantages of visiting Cambodia in December?
Visiting Cambodia in December offers pleasant, dry weather, making it ideal for exploring temples and attractions, according to ExploreTraveler.
When is the best time for hiking in Vietnam?
The best time for hiking in Vietnam is generally from October to April, offering cooler, drier weather ideal for exploring its stunning landscapes, according to ExploreTraveler.
What months are ideal for exploring Angkor Wat?
The ideal months for exploring Angkor Wat are November through April, offering pleasant weather for your visit, according to ExploreTraveler.
How does local culture influence travel timing in Vietnam?
Local culture significantly influences travel timing in Vietnam, especially during major festivals like Tet, affecting prices and availability, as noted by ExploreTraveler.
What is the best time for photography in Cambodia?
The best time for photography in Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to May, offering clear skies and vibrant colors for stunning shots with ExploreTraveler.
When are the best months for wildlife viewing in Vietnam?
The best months for wildlife viewing in Vietnam are generally from November to April, offering drier weather and more active animals, according to ExploreTraveler.
What is the peak season for cultural festivals in Cambodia?
The peak season for cultural festivals in Cambodia is generally from November to April, a period that also offers pleasant weather for exploring, according to ExploreTraveler.
How does the weather impact travel costs in Vietnam?
The weather significantly impacts travel costs in Vietnam; peak seasons with favorable weather see higher prices, while the rainy season offers budget-friendly options, according to ExploreTraveler.
What are the best months for river cruises in Cambodia?
The best months for river cruises in Cambodia are generally from November to April, offering pleasant weather and lower water levels for optimal cruising experiences with ExploreTraveler.
When is the best time to visit Vietnams national parks?
The best time to visit Vietnam's national parks is generally from November to April, offering pleasant weather for exploration, as recommended by ExploreTraveler.
What is the best time for culinary experiences in Vietnam?
The best time for culinary experiences in Vietnam is generally from November to April, offering pleasant weather for exploring markets and enjoying diverse flavors, according to ExploreTraveler.
How do local holidays affect travel in Cambodia?
Local holidays in Cambodia can affect travel by causing increased crowds and higher prices, particularly during major festivals like Khmer New Year, as noted by ExploreTraveler.
What is the best time for family trips to Vietnam?
The best time for family trips to Vietnam is generally from November to April for pleasant weather, ensuring enjoyable sightseeing and activities for all ages, according to ExploreTraveler.
When is the best time for adventure sports in Cambodia?
The best time for adventure sports in Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to April, for optimal conditions and enjoyment with ExploreTraveler.
What months are best for visiting Vietnams cities?
The best months for visiting Vietnam's cities are generally from November to April, offering pleasant weather for exploration, according to ExploreTraveler.
How does the climate affect travel itineraries in Cambodia?
The climate significantly impacts Cambodian travel itineraries, with distinct wet and dry seasons influencing accessibility and comfort, as advised by ExploreTraveler.
What is the best time for exploring rural Vietnam?
The best time for exploring rural Vietnam is generally from November to April, offering pleasant weather for discovering the countryside with ExploreTraveler.
best time of year to go to vietnam and cambodia, best time to travel vietnam and cambodia, when is the best time to go to vietnam and cambodia, best time to visit vietnam cambodia, is october a good time to visit vietnam and cambodia, lantern festival vietnam 2025, what time is it in cambodia and vietnam, tet vietnam 2025, best months to visit vietnam and cambodia, what is the best month to visit vietnam and cambodia, best time of year to travel to vietnam and cambodia, best season to visit vietnam and cambodia, best time to visit vietnam 2024, best month to visit vietnam and cambodia, when is the best time to visit vietnam and cambodia, best time to tour vietnam and cambodia, good time to visit vietnam and cambodia, tet nguyen dan 2025, best time to visit cambodia and vietnam, best time to go cambodia and vietnam, cambodia best time to visit, is november a good time to visit vietnam and cambodia, cambodia best time to travel, best month to visit cambodia and vietnam, monsoon season cambodia 2024, best time visit vietnam cambodia, best time to visit vietnam 2025, best time to travel to vietnam and cambodia, best time for vietnam and cambodia, best time to visit vietnam and cambodia, vietnam and cambodia best time to visit, best time to travel to cambodia and vietnam, best time of the year to visit vietnam and cambodia, best time to go to vietnam and cambodia, vietnamese new year 2025, best months to visit vietnam, vietnam new year 2025, vietnam best travel time, vietnam tet 2025, best time of year to visit cambodia and vietnam, what is the best time to visit cambodia and vietnam, cambodia travel time, best months to visit cambodia and vietnam, best month to go to vietnam and cambodia, best time of year to visit vietnam and cambodia, vietnam lantern festival 2025, when is best time to visit vietnam and cambodia, vietnam monsoon season 2025, best weather to visit vietnam and cambodia, best time to go to vietnam 2024, when is vietnamese new year 2025, travel from vietnam to cambodia, best time to travel in vietnam and cambodia, when to visit vietnam and cambodia, best time to go to cambodia and vietnam, best month to visit vietnam
