Are you thinking about going to Vietnam in August or not? If you are, you might be wondering if it’s a good time to visit this lovely Southeast Asian country. This travel guide blog will cover the weather in Vietnam in August, the best places to go, how much it might cost, how busy it gets, and we’ll also answer some common questions. It’ll help you decide if it’s the right choice for your trip.
What is August’s weather like in Vietnam?
Vietnam has a mixed weather forecast for August, with strong tropical rain showers frequently occurring in South Vietnam and scorching temperatures remaining in North and Central Vietnam. It’s crucial to remember that August in Vietnam has hot, muggy weather, especially after rain. Vietnam is a tropical nation, hence the country experiences high humidity and temperatures throughout the summer. Here’s what you can expect in different regions of the country:
Vietnam’s North
August is the middle of summer in the northern section of Vietnam, which includes Hanoi and the Halong Bay. There will likely be regular downpours due to the high temperatures. Rain may help alleviate some of the heat, but it may also make it more difficult to go outside and take in the views. Because there are still beautiful green fields to be seen during this time of year, trekking in the northern highlands may be excellent.
Vietnam’s Central
August is a hot, dry month in central Vietnam, which includes towns like Hue and Danang. On the other hand, the frequency of rain rises as the month goes on. In spite of this, visitors seeking to unwind and take in the coastal landscape with less crowds may still find plenty of sunshine on the center beaches.
Vietnam’s South
August is the start of the wet season in southern Vietnam, which includes Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. During this period, you may still travel to Southern Vietnam (with the exception of Phu Quoc, where storms are quite likely). Though they often don’t last long, daily showers are prevalent. The verdant surroundings are breathtaking to behold, and the rain relieves the heat. Just remember that rain might hinder outdoor activities, so make plans appropriately.
Best Places to Visit Vietnam in August
Here are some of the top destinations in Vietnam to consider if you decide to go in August:
Hanoi: Vietnam’s main city, Hanoi, provides a blend of culture, history, and a lively street life. August is a great month to visit Hanoi’s attractions, such the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature, despite the sporadic rain.
Sapa: Known for its breathtaking rice terraces and ethnic minority populations, Sapa is tucked away in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains. Even in August, Sapa is still verdant and lush, with stunning rice paddies all around. Rain showers may impede hiking in Sapa at this season, but the benefits are great as you get to see the beautiful foliage and the traditional way of life of the nearby hill tribes.
Pu Luong: A hidden treasure in Thanh Hoa Province, Pu Luong offers serene surroundings and stunning landscape. This environmental reserve has verdant woods, streams, and terraced rice fields. Pu Luong is particularly picturesque in August, with lush scenery and colorful vegetation. It’s a great place to go if you want to get away from it all and enjoy the quiet.
Hue: Well-known for its imperial past, Hue provides a window into Vietnam’s past. You may take a boat trip on the Perfume River, visit the Imperial City, and the Thien Mu Pagoda in August.
Danang: Danang is a well-liked vacation spot in August because to its stunning beaches and close proximity to sites like the Marble Mountains and Hoi An. You may still visit the beach and take in the lively culinary scene of the city even in the event of an odd downpour.
Hoi An: Known for its exquisitely maintained architecture, this quaint old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may explore the Japanese Covered Bridge, stroll through the lantern-lit streets, and take in the rich cultural legacy of the city in August.
What to eat in Vietnam in August?
In August, Vietnam offers a delightful array of dishes to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s a sampling of what to eat during this time:
Pho: A quintessential Vietnamese dish, pho is a flavorful noodle soup typically enjoyed for breakfast or any time of the day. It’s made with rice noodles, savory broth, herbs, and your choice of meat, such as beef or chicken.
Banh Mi: This iconic Vietnamese sandwich is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. It features a crispy baguette filled with various fillings like grilled meats, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Bun Cha: Originating from Hanoi, bun cha consists of grilled pork patties and slices of pork belly served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It’s a popular choice for lunch or dinner.
Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls): In the hot weather of August, refreshing fresh spring rolls are a popular choice. These rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles, and sometimes lettuce, offering a light and healthy option.
Bun Bo Hue: If you’re craving something spicy, try bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup hailing from the city of Hue. It features thick rice noodles in a spicy and aromatic broth, garnished with beef slices, pork knuckles, and fresh herbs.
Mi Quang: Originating from Hoi An, this is a unique dish featuring thick rice noodles, slices of pork, crispy croutons, fresh herbs, and a flavorful broth. It’s a must-try for visitors to this charming ancient town.
Com Tam: For a hearty meal, indulge in com tam, or broken rice, typically served with grilled pork chops, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and a side of fish sauce. It’s a popular dish enjoyed throughout Vietnam.
Che: End your meal on a sweet note with che, a traditional Vietnamese dessert. This sweet soup can be made with various ingredients like beans, tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and fruit, offering a delightful and refreshing treat in the August heat.
Fruit Smoothies and Shakes: Beat the heat with refreshing fruit smoothies and shakes made from an abundance of tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, dragon fruit, and passion fruit. They’re widely available from street vendors and cafes.
Seafood: With Vietnam’s extensive coastline, seafood is abundant and delicious. Indulge in fresh seafood dishes like grilled prawns, fried squid, steamed fish, and seafood hotpots, available at coastal destinations and seafood restaurants across the country.
Cost & Crowds
August is not the busiest time for tourists in Vietnam. That means there are fewer people around, and you might find cheaper prices for things like flights, places to stay, and tours. But keep in mind, some popular places might still have a fair number of visitors, especially on weekends and holidays.
FAQs
Here are answers to some questions people often ask about visiting Vietnam in August:
Is August a good time to visit Vietnam?
The weather in Vietnam during August can be a bit unpredictable, and it varies depending on where you are. While it might not be perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, it can still be a good time to explore cities, check out cultural sites, and hit the beach in some places. Just be ready for some rain now and then, and plan your activities accordingly.
Which months are the best and worst to go to Vietnam?
April, May, and October are usually seen to be the best months to visit Vietnam because of the beautiful weather and less precipitation. July and August, which occur during the rainy season, are often the worst months in terms of weather and visitor traffic.
Is it a good idea to visit Vietnam in August or September?
Since August and September fall within Vietnam’s wet season, there will likely be more rain during this time. It may still be a nice time to travel, though, if you don’t mind the odd shower and want to see the nation while it’s less busy. Just remember to organize your activities and have the proper rain gear.
There are advantages and disadvantages to visiting Vietnam in August, since local weather varies. Even while the south has daily downpours and the north may be wet, the center beaches are still rather sunny.
Vietnam holidays in August 2024
Vu Lan Festival (August 18, 2024). The Vu Lan festival, also known as Hungry Ghost Day, is one of the main festivals of Buddhism (Mahayana) which takes place on July 15 of the lunar calendar. It is held annually to show children’s gratitude to their parents and ancestors.
Hungry Ghost Festival (August 18, 2024). Lunar July is the time for everyone to memorise ancestors, sending offerings and foods to them, however, there are believed to be spirits who receive nothing so normally a table full of offerings is set up for the hungry ghosts on the street. Those souls will receive the thoughts of the living. This festival normally takes place on lunar July 14.
Recommended itineraries for travelling to Vietnam in August
In general, August is a good time to visit certain places in Vietnam. Sometimes it is likely to encounter storms, but you can admire the beauty of the whole country.
So, a trip off the beaten track would be a nice choice to visit Vietnam from North to South. With this itinerary, we can exhaust all the beauties of Vietnam in general.
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