A Travel Guide to Visit Vietnam in August

Many people decide to leave for a holiday in the middle of the year. The world is big, and there are so many wonderful countries to discover, among which Vietnam is a place in the list for the unique oriental culture, being well-known for hospitality and definitely a developing country after a long time of war. With so many questions about how Vietnam in August is, the Izitour team wants to share our knowledge with you.

Things to know when you visit Vietnam in august

1. All information about weather, temperature and climate in Vietnam in August

Planning to travel to Vietnam in August, travellers should note down some of the main characteristics about weather and climate to pack your suitable luggage.

1.1. Northern Vietnam

August arrives with many signs of autumn in the North of Vietnam. Although the temperature is still high this month, there are still light winds blowing, making the atmosphere cooler and less stuffy. The average daily temperature remains close to the peak, at around 32oC. August is also the rainy month of the year with some sudden storms and downpours. However, on days without storms, especially in Ha Long Bay, the weather in August is good enough for trips. On the heavily rainy days, the weather in Lan Ha Bay will be better than in Halong Bay because its limestone rock system is more intense.

You can feel pleasant of Hanoi atmosphere in Autumn

1.2. Northern mountain of Vietnam

In the northern mountains, the weather is cooler with the temperature around 29oC. During August, the rice fields are deep green because they are almost ripe within the next month. Travelling to the Northwest would be more pleasant than heading to the Northeast as heavy showers can affect your trips.

Sapa's lush green rice field in August

1.3. Central Vietnam

In August, Central Vietnam is beautiful with blue skies and less rain. With the autumn breeze, it is cooler than the other summer months. However, on stormy days in Northern Vietnam, it also rains in the Phong Nha and surrounding, water level rising, so tourists can not visit caves.

1.4. Southern Vietnam

South Vietnam in August, especially in the Mekong River Delta area, is rainy. There are even floods. For many of us, floods are a bad thing but local people in the Mekong Delta really like this season. With rising water levels, thousand schools of fish arrive in the area which encourages fishing activities. Furthermore, the floods also bring alluvium for agriculture.

Although mentioned as the flood season, the rains in August are reported with the shortest duration and the average temperature is around 30oC.

2. The flow of tourists and the cost of travel to Vietnam in August

August is normally not the period that is too crowded with tourism. However, it should be noted that the first half of August still falls on the summer holidays so there are still many Vietnamese families on their vacation, especially at the seaside of Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang or in the area such as the Bay of Tonkin. So if you want to take advantage of your holiday for a few days at the beach, you need to book the hotel in advance to get the best services at the same price. In this month, there are many promotions of hotels (especially 4-5 stars) and airlines.

Tourists in airport are not too crowded

3. Things to see in Vietnam in August

3.1. Places to visit in Vietnam in August

Hanoi: August is the first autumn month in Hanoi, you still feel the heat but you can also feel the coolness in the air. The streets like Phan Dinh Phung and Hoang Dieu are covered by the yellow leaves and you can see the street women selling “Com” - premature rice, a typical dish of Hanoi autumn. The scenery is very poetic, indeed there are also the themed songs and poems of Hanoi in August.

Com - a Hanoi specialty just in autumn

Sapa: In August, if you go to Sapa, you can see the yellow terraces of ripe rice. It depends on the year. If the locals in Sapa harvest early, we can have amazing photos of ethnic people working on the terraced rice field. On dry days, the Sapa’s sky is very deep and you can participate in a special type of tourism: "chasing the clouds", that is, get up early to see clouds when they are still low, it seems that you are walking on clouds. Furthermore, soaking your feet in traditional herbal water of the Dzao ethnic group in Sapa is also a very special experience to refresh after the long trekking day.

Mai Chau and Pu Luong: Being the countries in the North-West, Mai Chau and Pu Luong offer a very fascinating panorama. Going for a bicycle ride or trekking amidst the intense green rice fields and admiring the houses on stilts and daily activities of the locals make it a truly getaway from the chaotic cities’ life. August is also the season of "mang" - the bamboo shoots.

Lan Ha Bay: Lan Ha Bay is located in the centre of the Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve. Arriving at Lan Ha Bay, you can not only see the beauty in harmony between limestone rocks and clear water but also experience the adventures of Cat Ba National Park, caves, fisherman's village and admire the diverse ecosystem in this area.

Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay is not affected as much as in Halong Bay

Central Vietnam: All of central Vietnam including Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang have very nice weather. There is no longer the sultry heat with high humidity like in the summer, the Central Vietnam in August’s climate is cooler but you can still take advantage of the sea for a seaside stay. In August, since there are not so many international tourists, the Forbidden Citadel of Hue and the ancient citadel of Hoi An are less touristy. Strolling and bicycling will be more pleasant because it is less hot.

Mekong River Delta: Because it's the flood season, we can see so many activities of the locals. Even the floating markets are more vivid with lots of boats around here and there to trade. Some people ask the price of the goods while others peel the fruits to sell directly to the market. Waking up early to  enjoy your breakfasts on a boat will be an interesting experience. In the Mekong Delta there are many floating markets such as Cai Rang, Phong Dien, which are not to be missed once you arrive in Vietnam.

Rustic beauty on Mekong Delta river

3.2. Sea in Vietnam in August

Like other summer months, in August you can choose among these beaches to relax.

Lang Co Beach (Hue): This is a very beautiful and less touristy beach being in the transfer stage from Hue to Da Nang. With many resorts, Lang Co offers a great get-away for any travellers.

The weather favours a visit to Lang Co Beach

Bac My An Beach and Non Nuoc Beach (Da Nang): These beaches are located halfway between Da Nang and Hoi An. In this area, the beaches are less touristy but you should usually book a seaside stay at 5-star resorts such as Fusion, Naman Retreat,... in advance to guarantee a nice-view room.

Danang Beach on a sunny day

Ha My Beach and An Bang Beach (Hoi An): They are not exactly near the ancient centre of Hoi An but it is easy to reach. You can take a taxi or use the free hotel bus. Some hotels offer bicycles, shuttle buses on a schedule, which you should ask the receptionist to know exactly.

People love the leisure time on An Bang Beach

Quy Nhon: In recent years, Quy Nhon has become one of the most favourite places by Vietnamese people. Quy Nhon’s sea is endowed with emerald water and secluded nice beaches. Its cost of living is quite low so you can taste seafood at a very reasonable price. Besides, travelling to Ky Co - Eo Gio or Nu Hoang beach is a recommended activity when you come to Quy Nhon.

Clear-blue skies above Quy Nhon beach

Beaches of Nha Trang Bay: The beaches in Nha Trang are among the most beautiful in Vietnam with white sand and blue clear water. Depending on your preference to stay in the busy locality or stay in the quiet areas, you can decide to stay in the city or visit the beaches in Cam Ranh Bay, Ninh Van Bay. Heading towards the south of Nha Trang, you can reach Ninh Thuan, a still very wild country with few hotels (there is a very nice 6-star resort)

Mui Ne: The beaches in Mui Ne are also recommended during this time. With abundant winds, the sea of Mui Ne is ideal for surfing. Besides, going to Mui Ne, you can also visit the famous picturesque sand dunes.

Mui Ne sand dunes is a must-see destination for outdoor activities

>> See more: Mui Ne Travel guide - Plan your vacation to a southern paradise beach destination

4. Vietnam holidays in August 2023

Vu Lan Festival (August 30, 2023). 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 29, 2023). 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.

5. Recommended itineraries for travelling to Vietnam in August

In general, August is a good time to visit some 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 beauties of Vietnam in general.
>> See more: Authentic Vietnam tours

If you have more days, you can try this itinerary, also reaching Sapa to visit the ethnic minorities.
>> See more: Easy Sapa Tour | by Train & Shuttle Bus from Hanoi - 04 Days

Don't forget to schedule a few days at the beach in Hoi An, Da Nang if you want a beach holiday. In case you want to go to other places to enjoy the most beautiful sea, also take another flight to Nha Trang or Quy Nhon while if you are interested in surfing, include Mui Ne in your travel itinerary.
>> See more: Beach Holidays in Vietnam

To customize a personalised itinerary for you and your group, please drop us a message to [email protected]