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In recent years post-COVID, travelers have ditched the big, busy cities, preferring instead to explore the lush landscapes of areas in Vietnam and Cambodia. These countries, steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, offer a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, incredible cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.
Needless to say, a perfect trip will require good weather. This article will guide you on the best time to have a Vietnam and Cambodia tour, and when not to!
November to April Is the Best Travel Time
Having said that, the weather in Vietnam and Cambodia from November to April, is generally milder and drier. This is the best time to cruise Halong Bay, take a boat tour across the Mekong River, visit the splendid Angkor Wat temples, or just unwind on the beaches of Sihanoukville.
Coincidentally, major festivals such as Tet in Vietnam and Choul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia fall during this period, making travel to Vietnam and Cambodia more interesting, but also a little more expensive.
The monsoon season, on the other hand, will start in May and peak in October. Rain becomes an almost daily occurrence, and many places will see flooding and heavy traffic, making commute and inter-city travel extremely inconvenient.
Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia during Peak Months
Spring Festival in Vietnam
The Tet Nguyen Dan or Vietnamese New Year, typically held in late January or early February, is a fantastic time to experience the country’s festivities. However, do note that as early as 2 weeks before Tet, and 1 week after, many tour businesses, attractions, and restaurants will start to close. And prices for flights and accommodation can skyrocket up to 3 times, as locals scramble back to their hometowns.
Khmer New Year in Cambodia
Khmer New Year, also known as Choul Chnam Thmey, is a vibrant and joyous celebration in Cambodia. Observed in mid-April, the three-day festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the traditional New Year. Travelers can experience the Khmer New Year, which bears similarities to the more popular Thai New Year (Songkran), in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh. Similarly, to Tet, do avoid traveling to Cambodia within 2 weeks before and after the celebrations.
Summer Months in Vietnam and Cambodia
Due to the start of the rainy season, the summer months from May to August are not considered to be the peak for travel in Vietnam and Cambodia. However, this may attract families who wish to take advantage of the school vacation, as well as lower prices. Tourists who book their travel to Vietnam and Cambodia for summer can expect to enjoy discounts on flights, hotels, and tours by as much as 20-30%. During this period, you may wish to avoid mountainous areas such as Sapa, or beach destinations including Da Nang and Sihanoukville.
Christmas and New Year in Vietnam and Cambodia
The festive season from late December to early January is another popular time to visit (in conjunction with the year-end peak travel period). Tourists who flock to Vietnam and Cambodia can expect to experience a different kind of Christmas and New Year celebration, infused with local traditions and customs.
Rainy Season Is Cheapest Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia
The cheapest months to visit Vietnam and Cambodia will coincide with the rainy season from May to October, especially during the monsoon months of June to August. During this off-peak travel season, you can often find discounted hotel rates and cheaper flights. You can also take advantage of promotional offers from travel agencies and tour operators. Shops and stalls are also more willing to listen to you bargain for a better price.
Conclusion
The best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia depends on what you want to do and see. If you don’t mind the rain and want to save on travel costs, the rainy season may be a good option. However, if you prefer dry weather and don’t mind the crowds, then the peak season may be more suitable. No matter when you choose to visit, having an Indochina tour including Vietnam and Cambodia is sure to captivate you with rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Your journey of discovery awaits!