Vietnam

Vietnam stretches a long way north–south, so seasons flip. The south (including the Mekong and Phu Quoc) is generally drier from about December to April. Central Vietnam can see heavy rains and typhoons in autumn. The north has cooler winters and hot summers; Ha Long and Hanoi are popular in spring and autumn. Tet (Lunar New Year) is the biggest holiday—beautiful, but transport and services change. Check regional forecasts rather than a single national summary before you lock island or mountain plans. Local festivals and school holidays can shift crowds even inside a “good” month, so a quick check of dates for your year is worth it.

A classic path is Hanoi → Ha Long or Ninh Binh → overnight train or flight to Hue/Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City, with optional Mekong or beach time. Motorbike loops (for experienced riders) in the north or around Hai Van are popular. Don’t underestimate distances; internal flights save exhaustion. Hoi An’s old town is a highlight worth two nights. Grab and similar apps help in cities; agree taxi fares or use the meter where it is trusted.

Lantern-lit Hoi An and Ha Long’s limestone karsts are signature scenes—blue hour over midday. Rice terraces in the north need trek timing and respectful distance from homes. Street life in Hanoi and Saigon is chaotic and vivid; a short lens and patience help. Humidity fogs lenses when moving between AC and street. Train windows on overnight sleepers give soft countryside frames if you clean the glass. Keep location on down the long coast.