Best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia for travelers

Vietnam and Cambodia captivate travelers with breathtaking landscapes, rich history and unique cultures. From Vietnam’s misty mountains and vibrant cities to Cambodia’s ancient temples, combining both in one trip offers a truly enriching Southeast Asia experience.

This guide will help you choose the best time to visit Vietnam Cambodia, with insights on weather, festivals and travel tips to make the most of your journey.

Craft your unforgettable adventure with Hanoi Voyages. Discover the best time to visit Vietnam Cambodia and explore two stunning countries in one seamless tour.

Vietnam weather by region: What to expect

To understand the best time to travel to Vietnam Cambodia, it's essential to look at how Vietnam’s weather varies across its three main regions: North, Central and South. Each region offers a distinct climate, which can greatly affect your travel experience depending on when and where you go.

Northern Vietnam weather guide

📍Must-visit travel destinations in Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Ha Giang.

Northern Vietnam is known for its distinct four seasons, especially in the Red River Delta and mountainous regions. The weather here can range from chilly winters to hot, humid summers 

SPRING (March - April) Average temperature: 18°C to 25° C (64°F to 77°F) The weather is mild and pleasant, flowers are in full bloom, and it’s a great season for sightseeing, nature walks, photography, and various outdoor activities.	SUMMER (May - August) Average temperature: 30°C to 37°C (86°F to 99°F) Expect hot, humid days with occasional heavy rain. Ha Long Bay and mountain areas remain scenic, but trekking may be difficult due to the heat.

AUTUMN (September - November) Average temperature: 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) Often considered the best time of year to visit Vietnam, especially the north, with cooler weather, clear skies, fresh air, and stunning natural landscapes, especially in Sapa.	WINTER (December – February) Average temperature: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), can drop below 10°C in the mountainous region. Northern Vietnam can get surprisingly cold, especially in the mountains. Hanoi sees cool, misty days, while places like Sapa may experience frost or even snow.

You can also refer: Exploring Northern Vietnam: Top attractions and experience 

Central Vietnam weather guide

📍 Must-visit travel destinations in Central Vietnam: Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phong Nha Ke Bang national park

Central Vietnam has a distinct climate, differing from the north and south, with clear dry and rainy seasons.

• Dry season (Feb – Aug): Warm and sunny, ideal for travel. Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). The most pleasant weather is from March to May before peak summer heat.

• Rainy season (Sep – Dec): Heavy rains, especially Oct–Nov, sometimes with tropical storms. Temps range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F).

Southern Vietnam weather guide

📍 Must-visit travel destinations in Central Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh city, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc island, Con Dao islands,..

When looking at Vietnam weather by season, Southern Vietnam stands out with its consistent tropical climate and two distinct seasons: dry and rainy, rather than four seasons like the north.

• Dry season (December – April): This is the best time to visit Southern Vietnam, with sunny days, low humidity and temperatures ranging from 27°C to 35°C (81°F to 95°F). Ideal for beach holidays and exploring the Mekong region.

• Rainy season (May – November): Expect short, heavy showers, especially in the afternoon. Despite the rain, travel is still possible as storms rarely last all day. Temperatures stay warm, around 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F).

Read more information: Best time to visit Vietnam for first-time travelers

Cambodia weather by season: What you need to know

When planning your Southeast Asia adventure, understanding Cambodia weather by season is essential. Like its neighbor Vietnam, Cambodia experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). 

Dry season (November – April)

• Best time to visit – clear skies, low humidity and cooler temperatures about from 24°C–32°C (75°F–90°F)

• Ideal for:

• Siem Reap & Angkor Wat – best light for sunrise/sunset photos, less heat

• Phnom Penh – comfortable for walking tours and exploring cultural sites

• Sihanoukville & Koh Rong – perfect beach weather with calm seas

Rainy season (May – October)

• Lush and green, but with frequent short rains in the afternoon

• Temperatures rise from 25°C–35°C (77°F–95°F) and humidity increases

• What to expect:

• Siem Reap – Angkor temples are quieter; bring rain gear

• Phnom Penh – still accessible; short rain showers don’t last long

• Mekong region – rivers swell, floating villages are more vibrant

• Kampot & Kep – peaceful with fewer tourists, great for those seeking tranquility

While the dry season is more popular, the rainy season offers a different kind of charm, with fewer crowds, lower prices and lush, photogenic landscapes.

Best time to travel to Vietnam Cambodia together

When planning a combined trip, choosing the right season is key to making the most of your journey. The best time to travel to Vietnam Cambodia together is typically from November to March. During these months, both countries enjoy dry, pleasant weather - ideal for sightseeing, cultural exploration and outdoor adventures.

This period marks the best time of year to visit Vietnam Cambodia, especially if you want to avoid extreme heat and heavy rainfall. 

• In Vietnam, it's a great time to cruise through Ha Long Bay, wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or relax on the beaches of Phu Quoc. 

• Meanwhile, in Cambodia, the temples of Angkor are bathed in golden light and the capital Phnom Penh becomes a walkable, vibrant hub of local life.

If you want to experience local culture, this is also the season of major festivals

• In Vietnam, Tet (Lunar New Year) usually falls between late January and mid-February, offering colorful celebrations, flowers and local traditions.

• In Cambodia, Khmer New Year in mid-April is one of the country’s biggest events, with nationwide festivities, water splashing and traditional games.

• Other notable Cambodian festivals include Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day) in September/October and Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November, often held in Phnom Penh with boat races and lively crowds.

Recommended best season for every travelers

Different travelers seek different experiences - and choosing the right season can help you make the most of your journey. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Vietnam Cambodia based on your travel style

• First-time travelers: November to March is ideal. This is the best time to travel to Vietnam Cambodia with dry weather, mild temperatures and clear skies - perfect for sightseeing, cruising Ha Long Bay, or exploring Angkor Wat.

• For families with kids: December to February offers comfortable weather for all ages. Outdoor activities, beach stays and cultural visits are easier without heat or heavy rain.

• For adventure seekers: March to May or September to early November. These shoulder months offer fewer crowds and unique landscapes. Trekking in Sapa, exploring caves in Phong Nha, or cycling through Angkor becomes more enjoyable.

• For cultural and festival enthusiasts: Time your visit around January or February to experience Tết (Lunar New Year) – Vietnam’s most important and vibrant holiday. Or head to Cambodia in April for Khmer New Year, filled with water celebrations, music and tradition. 

• For budget travelers: May to October is the low season, with lower prices on flights, accommodation and tours. While it may rain, showers are often brief and nature is lush and green - especially in the countryside.

Suggested Vietnam and Cambodia tour itineraries for your trip

After choosing the best time to visit Vietnam Cambodia, let’s explore our handpicked itineraries that connect the best of these countries in one unforgettable journey. Whether you prefer to start in Hanoi or Siem Reap, each route offers flexibility to match your flight plans and travel preferences.

From world-famous landmarks to authentic cultural experiences, every day is designed to bring new discoveries and meaningful moments. With smooth transitions between destinations and thoughtful pacing, our itineraries let you enjoy the region without the stress of planning.

Let every day surprise you with unforgettable moments - all thoughtfully crafted with Hanoi Voyages. Ready for the journey of a lifetime? Check out the full tour below!

Check out more details: 

• Cheap Vietnam Cambodia Tour 15 days

• Cambodia Vietnam Tour 15 days

At Hanoi Voyages, we've carefully crafted a variety of Vietnam and Cambodia tour options - from cultural deep-dives to relaxing getaways - all tailored to different travel styles and budgets

Explore more itineraries and find the one that fits you best below!

Vietnam Cambodia tour 3 weeks Exploring the landscapes of Vietnam along with Phnom Penh and the treasures of Angkor	Vietnam Cambodia in 10 days Discovering the aquatic world with the Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, the pretty capital, Siem Reap and the jewels of Angkor	Vietnam Cambodia 20 days  A journey through ancient temples, vibrant cities, scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Hanoi Voyages designs private and personalized tours to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Don't wait any longer - get in touch with us now to plan an unforgettable journey with the best services just for you!

Choosing the best time to visit Vietnam Cambodia can make all the difference in crafting a smooth, enriching and unforgettable journey. Whether you're drawn to the cool, clear days of the dry season or the lush beauty of the rainy months, both countries offer remarkable experiences year-round.

Plan your perfect adventure with Hanoi Voyages – where every itinerary is tailored to match the season, your interests and your travel dreams across Vietnam and Cambodia.