Vietnam in November: Weather, Practical Tips, and Top Attractions
Is November a good time to visit Vietnam? Absolutely!
November is considered one of the best months to travel to Vietnam. The weather is cooler and drier, that's why it's ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and cruising. Even better, you’ll avoid the peak summer crowds while still enjoying vibrant cities, peaceful countryside, and cultural festivals.
In this guide, based on the 17 years of experience of travel expert Hung Dao, we’ll cover everything you need for a smooth trip to Vietnam in November: from the best destinations to visit, local foods to try, and where to stay so you can plan your journey with confidence.
Written by Hung DAO (Local Expert)
Updated on Oct 06, 2025
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Originally from Phu Tho, a beautiful mountainous region in the north of Vietnam, Hung DAO did his higher education in France (University of Nantes) before returning to work in Vietnam. He has a great passion for Vietnamese and Asian culture as well as travel. Aside from Vietnam, his native country where he knows every corner, he lived 3 years in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. All his knowledge acquired from his travels and studies makes him an expert on the Southeast Asian region. He shares with you all his knowledge and experiences in these articles. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact him by leaving your comment at the bottom of his article.
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.
Vietnam is divided into three distinct regions: the North, the Center, and the South.
Region
Average Temperature
Weather Description
Across Vietnam
18–32°C (64–90°F)
Average temperatures across the country typically range from 18–32°C (64–90°F). The weather varies from cool in the north to warm and humid in the south.
Northern Regions
16–24°C (61–75°F)
The north experiences pleasant, sunny days with cooler mornings and evenings as autumn transitions into winter. In mountainous areas, temperatures may drop below 16°C (61°F).
Central Coast
23–27°C (73–81°F)
The central region begins to dry out after the rainy season, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.
Southern Regions
22–32°C (72–90°F)
The south remains warm and humid, with daytime highs around 32°C (90°F) and nighttime lows near 22°C (72°F).
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and the mountain ranges bordering China, the four regions have distinct four seasons. 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.
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.
Kampa Tour travelers on a tour of the Mekong Delta in November
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 Hanoi Train Street, sample specialties like egg coffee, and watch everyday scenes of life.
The poetic charm of autumn in Hanoi
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 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.
Trains pass through narrow streets on "Train Street" in Hanoi
Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
One of the greatest times to visit the northern Vietnamese coast is in November, when Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay are at their most stunning. Halong Bay, one of the Seven New Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has sunny skies, calm waters, and ideal conditions for swimming, kayaking, and cruising.
The quieter sister of Lan Ha Bay, which is right next door, is equally beautiful but much less crowded, that's why the both bays are perfect for November visits.
Postcard-perfect landscapes of Halong Bay in November
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.
Boat ride on the Thung Nang River, the land-based Halong Bay
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.
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.
Impressive landscape of Hoang Su Phi
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.
Unlike the mountainous regions of the North, the Mekong Delta in the South is a blend of waterways and lush greenery
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.
Our dear travelers on a boat ride in the Mekong Delta
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.
The deserted beaches of Phu Quoc
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.
Held every autumn in Ha Giang, northern Vietnam, the Buckwheat Flower Festival celebrates the stunning bloom of buckwheat flowers across the region.
Visiting Vietnam in November offers a perfect chance to admire the picturesque landscapes and take part in vibrant local cultural activities.
Ok Om Bok Festival – Mekong Delta
In southern Vietnam, the Khmer ethnic community celebrates the Ok Om Bok (also known as Ooc Om Bok) Festival on the full moon of the tenth lunar month.
The festival is a tribute to the Moon Goddess, expressing gratitude and hopes for a prosperous harvest. As the most significant of the Khmer people’s three traditional festivals, it features exciting boat races, lively parades, and captivating dance performances.
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.
Vietnam travel itinerary for November, 2 weeks
Day 1–2: Arrival in Hanoi, exploring Vietnam’s millennia-old capital.
Day 3: Discover Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” a stunning natural wonder.
Day 4–5: Cruise through Halong Bay, an unforgettable journey aboard a traditional junk boat.
Day 6: Fly to Hue, the former imperial capital, and explore its historic sites.
Day 7: Travel from Hue to Hoi An, passing through scenic mountains and beaches.
Day 8: Enjoy the charm of Hoi An, the lantern-lit ancient town.
Day 9: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, and explore its dynamic mix of modern life and colonial heritage.
Day 10–11: Venture into the Mekong Delta, discovering lush nature, floating markets, and local craftsmanship.
Day 12–13: Relax on Phu Quoc Island, famous for its pristine beaches.
Day 14: Departure from Phu Quoc.
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.
Angkor Thom, a temple in the Angkor Wat complex
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.
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- Personalized advice from a local agency with 15 years of expertise
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- Peace of mind: avoid surprises from preparation to the realization of your trip
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