Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country to visit any time of year. However, October brings comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and a number of interesting festivals and events that make it a particularly ideal time to explore this fascinating destination. This travel guide will provide an overview of what to expect during a visit to Vietnam in October along with suggestions for top destinations, things to do, budget tips, and unique experiences.
Weather and Climate of Vietnam in October
October falls during Vietnam’s dry season in the north and wet season in the south. Northern Vietnam experiences warm, sunny days with temperatures ranging from 72-86°F (22-30°C). Hanoi and other northern cities are dry and comfortable to explore.
Central Vietnam around Hue still sees occasional rain showers in October, though less frequent than earlier in the wet season. Average highs are 84-90°F (29-32°C).
Southern Vietnam is quite wet in October as it is the peak of monsoon season. Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta get frequent downpours. Temperatures remain steamy and average 80-90°F (27-32°C). The tropical humidity makes it feel hotter than the actual temperature.
Pack lightweight clothes that dry quickly. Bring rain gear like umbrellas and ponchos if visiting southern Vietnam. The cooler temperatures in the north require pants, long sleeves, and layers for evenings.
Top 5 Destinations to Visit in Vietnam during October
Vietnam’s charming capital has pleasant autumn weather. Visit top attractions like the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Temple of Literature. Enjoy cultural performances at the famous water puppet theater. Sample delicious street food tours. October weather is ideal for long walks around scenic Hoan Kiem Lake.
Things to do and see in Hanoi during October
- Old Quarter – Explore over 1000 years of history in this maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and temples.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – View the preserved body of Vietnam’s famous revolutionary leader inside this monumental building.
- Temple of Literature – Founded in 1070 as a Confucian temple and Vietnam’s first university.
- Hoa Lo Prison – Learn about Vietnam’s colonial history at this former French prison.
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum – Exhibits highlight women’s roles in culture, history, and family life.
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake – Stroll along this scenic lake in the heart of the city.
- Water Puppet Theater – Catch a performance of this unique Vietnamese art form with puppets dancing on water.
- Vietnamese Food Tour – Sample pho, banh mi, and other iconic dishes on a street food tour.
- Nightlife – Hanoi comes alive after dark. Join locals drinking bia hoi (fresh beer) or try cocktails and live music.
Hoi An
The ancient port city on central Vietnam’s coast makes a perfect October getaway. Stroll narrow lanes lined with colorful buildings. Relax at cafes along the riverfront. Visit nearby My Son Sanctuary and marble mountain villages. Best of all, customize affordable clothing at Hoi An’s famous tailors.
Halong Bay
Cruise the emerald waters amid limestone peaks rising from the Gulf of Tonkin. Spend a night on a luxury junk boat with kayaking, swimming, and cave exploring. October’s cooler temperatures and mostly sunny skies create ideal conditions to fully experience the mystical beauty of Halong Bay.
Experience the Beauty of Halong Bay in October
Towering limestone islands rising from emerald waters make Halong Bay one of Vietnam’s top attractions. October brings ideal weather and smaller crowds. Here are the highlights of visiting in October:
- Sunny days and cool evenings with average temperatures around 72-84°F (22-29°C).
- Dry conditions allow full days on the water without rain interruptions common earlier in the season.
- Fewer tourists than peak season make for a more peaceful, serene atmosphere on the bay.
- Comfortable temperatures for joining all ship activities like swimming, kayaking into grottos, and island hikes.
- Luxury cruise ships and smaller boutique boats make overnight trips a special experience.
- Ideal conditions for stunning photography against dramatic rock formations shrouded in mist.
- Little rain means air quality is excellent providing crystal clear panoramas.
- Lower humidity makes time on deck enjoyable instead of uncomfortably sticky.
- Affordable off-season rates make October a great budget choice for cruising Halong Bay.
With October bringing ideal weather and smaller crowds, it’s an exceptional time to cruise the majestic landscape of Halong Bay.
Hue
Built along the Perfume River, this former imperial capital remains deeply connected to its royal past. Visit the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City. Tour royal tombs with unique architecture and ornate designs. While October still sees some rain, the wet season is winding down.
Discovering the Culture and History of Hue in October
As Vietnam’s former imperial capital from 1802-1945, Hue remains deeply connected to its royal past. Visitors can dive into this history during an October visit:
- Explore opulent palaces and temples of the Imperial City like the Forbidden Purple City and Thai Hoa Palace.
- Wander through traditional wooden homes among tranquil ponds in the Ancient Hue Village.
- Contemplate solemn Royal Tombs with unique architecture reflecting each emperor’s taste from lavish to austere.
- Admire intricate ceramics and ritual objects at the Museum of Royal Fine Arts showcasing royal collections.
- Relax aboard a dragon boat cruise on the poetic Perfume River enjoying scenic royal tombs along the banks.
- Practice meditation at historic Buddhist temples like Thien Mu Pagoda or Tu Dam Pagoda.
- Explore Hue’s famous culinary traditions with cooking classes and tours. Learn to recreate imperial recipes.
- Discover Hue’s reputation as the cultural center of Vietnam by attending theater and musical performances.
- Join locals dancing in the parks and streets during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
With comfortable weather in October, Hue offers the perfect blend of cultural treasures, natural beauty, and vibrant traditions.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s largest metropolis provides an urban contrast to the rest of the country. Dive into history at the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. Browse markets overflowing with local crafts and souvenirs. Indulge in an exceptional food scene, from street food to fine dining. Don’t let the rain deter you from visiting all that this dynamic city offers.
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City in October – A Travel Guide
As Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City offers boundless opportunities for exploration. Here are some top attractions and activities for an October visit:
- Cu Chi Tunnels – Crawl through the incredible network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
- War Remnants Museum – Powerful exhibits show Vietnam’s experience during and after the war with America.
- Reunification Palace – Iconic site where the first Communist tanks rolled into Saigon in 1975.
- Notre Dame Cathedral – Neo-Romanesque cathedral built during the French colonial period in 1877.
- Saigon Central Post Office – Historic French colonial building with a beautiful tiled interior. Send a postcard home!
- Ben Thanh Market – Haggle for deals on handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs in this massive market.
- Street Food Tour – Sample Vietnamese and Chinese influenced specialties like pho, banh mi, and hot pot.
- Mekong Delta Day Trip – Float through lush jungle along the Mekong River and visit island villages.
Bring rain gear and mosquito repellent for the hot humid weather. October sees frequent downpours, but the rain often comes and goes quickly.
Festivals and Events in Vietnam during October
Vietnam’s exciting calendar of festivals and celebrations make October an excellent time to experience traditional culture:
- Mid-Autumn Festival (nationwide) – Celebrate the full harvest moon with lantern displays, mooncakes, lion dances, and children parading with lanterns.
- Hue Festival – Cultural performances and elaborately staged reenactments honoring Hue’s imperial past.
- Da Nang Fireworks Festival – Competitive fireworks displays light up the sky over the Han River.
- Ok Om Bok Festival (Da Lat) – Degar ethnic minority’s New Year with music and traditional sports.
- Tet Trung Thu Festival – The Mid-Autumn Harvest is celebrated nationwide with mooncakes and lanterns. Kids parade under the full moon.
- Keo Pagoda Festival (Thai Binh) – Water processions, games, and circus acts at this Buddhist festival.
- Do Son Buffalo Fighting (Hai Phong) – Traditional matches between male buffaloes occur in Do Son Township.
- Kate Festival (Can Tho) – The Khmer ethnic group’s harvest celebration includes lion dances and boat racing.
Tips for Budget Travelers Visiting Vietnam in October
Vietnam offers tremendous value appealing to budget-minded travelers. Here are some tips to experience the most for your money when visiting in October:
- Opt for discount airlines like VietJet Air for cheap domestic flights.
- Overnight trains between cities offer basic sleeper cabins for reasonable rates.
- Book homestays through services like Airbnb to get better prices than hotels.
- Eat like a local by dining at street food stalls, markets, and small family-run cafes.
- When eating out, choose set menu options for the best value deals.
- Use ride-sharing apps like Grab rather than taxis to get around cities affordably.
- Haggle respectfully at markets and souvenir shops to bring down quoted prices.
- Take advantage of travel discounts like reduced museum entry for students or seniors.
- Join free walking tours in major cities to explore and learn about the culture.
- Buy local Vietnamese dong currency to avoid expensive conversion fees and rates.
- Visit during the off-season in October to take advantage of lower costs and fewer crowds.
The Best Beaches to Visit in Vietnam during October
While October falls in the rainy season, there are still excellent beach options in Vietnam offering drier weather and fewer crowds.
Nha Trang – Waters remain warm and ideal for snorkeling among colorful fish and coral reefs. Expect some cloudy skies mixed with sunny days.
Mui Ne – Kite surfing capital with excellent winds blowing off the South China Sea. Temperatures average around 84°F (29°C) and waves are still big.
Phu Quoc Island – Vietnam’s largest island closer to Thailand stays drier than the mainland. Warm waters for diving and snorkeling among coral gardens.
Con Dao Islands – Remote archipelago with postcard-worthy beaches surrounded by lush jungle interior. Home to endangered sea turtles.
Da Nang – Proximity to Hai Van Pass blocks the monsoon allowing dry weather. Bask under the sun at My Khe Beach.
Ho Tram Beach – Around 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, this expansive beach remains a hidden gem in October.
Doc Let – Quiet stretch of powdery sand on the central coast north of Nha Trang. Ideal for swimming and beachcombing.
Bring plenty of sun protection as even with clouds the tropical sun is powerful. Look for hotels and resorts offering low season promotional discounts ideal for budget travelers wanting beach time.
Tips to apply for Vietnam visa in October
1. Apply early. While the Vietnam eVisa processing time is typically within three business days, it is always best to apply as early as possible, especially if you are traveling during peak season (October is a popular month to visit Vietnam). This will give you enough time to address any issues that may arise with your application.
2. Double-check your information. Make sure that all of the information you provide on your eVisa application is accurate and matches your passport details. Any errors could result in your application being rejected.
3. Use a high-quality passport photo. Your passport photo must meet the specific requirements of the Vietnam eVisa system. Be sure to use a recent photo that is clear and in color, and that shows your face fully centered.
4. Have a valid credit or debit card. You will need to pay the eVisa fee online with a credit or debit card. American Express cards are not accepted.
5. Keep a copy of your eVisa. Once your eVisa is approved, you will receive a copy by email. Be sure to print out a copy and bring it with you when you travel to Vietnam. You will need to present your eVisa to immigration officials upon arrival.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when applying for a Vietnam eVisa in October:
- Be aware of the holidays. There are several Vietnamese holidays in October, including National Day (October 1), Mid-Autumn Festival (October 3-5), and Hung Kings Temple Festival (October 10). During these holidays, government offices may be closed or have reduced hours, so it is important to plan ahead and apply for your eVisa early.
- Check the weather forecast. October is the start of the rainy season in Vietnam, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you travel. If you are planning to visit areas that are prone to flooding, it is a good idea to purchase travel insurance.
- Pack accordingly. October is typically a hot and humid month in Vietnam, so be sure to pack light, comfortable clothing. You may also want to pack a raincoat or umbrella, as well as insect repellent.
Unique Experiences to Have in Vietnam during October
Looking for memorable activities beyond the standard tourist draws? Consider these unique experiences:
- Night cruise on a sampan boat through Halong Bay to witness the surreal karst topography glowing under the moonlight.
- Scuba dive amid coral reefs through the translucent waters around remote Con Dao Island.
- Learn the intricacies of Vietnamese coffee culture at workshops in Dalat and taste robust local coffee brews.
- See endangered langur monkeys and birds along jungle trails inside Cat Tien National Park.
- Admire the coastal beauty and sample fresh seafood in seaside villages near Hoi An.
- Ride a vespa scooter through cascading rice terraces around Sapa and stay overnight in ethnic minority villages.
- Cruise into the vast watery landscape of the Mekong Delta and experience floating markets.
- Watch the sunrise over the ancient temples of My Son Sanctuary near Hoi An.
- See handicraft villages near Hanoi crafting ceramic pots, embroidery, and traditional medicines.
- Get retro Hanoi snapshots developed in historic darkrooms using old-fashioned wet photography.
Vietnam offers endless opportunities for activities beyond classic sightseeing. An October visit during pleasant weather and fewer tourists lets you dive deeper into unique cultural encounters.
