Planning a trip to Southeast Asia? Vietnam and Cambodia are two incredible countries that offer stunning landscapes, rich history, and unbeatable value for budget travelers. But choosing the best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia can make or break your experience.
The weather, crowds, and prices vary dramatically throughout the year. Visit during the wrong season, and you might face torrential rain, sweltering heat, or inflated prices. Pick the right time, and you’ll enjoy perfect weather, fewer tourists, and incredible deals.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best time to visit to Vietnam and Cambodia, month by month, so you can plan the perfect budget-friendly adventure.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Best Time to Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia
November to February is the best time of year to visit Vietnam and Cambodia. Here’s why:
- Perfect weather – Dry season with comfortable temperatures (70-85°F / 21-29°C)
- Clear skies – Ideal for beach days and temple exploration
- Festive atmosphere – Experience local holidays and celebrations
- Good visibility – Perfect for photography at Angkor Wat and Ha Long Bay
Trade-off: This is peak season, so expect higher prices and more tourists.
Budget tip: Visit in March-April or September-October for 30-40% cheaper prices with decent weather!
Understanding the Climate: Vietnam vs Cambodia
Before determining the best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia, it’s important to understand their different climate patterns.
Before diving into the best months, let’s understand the climate differences:
Vietnam’s Climate Zones
Vietnam is a long, narrow country with three distinct climate zones:
- Cool winters (November-February): 60-70°F (15-21°C)
- Hot, humid summers (June-August): 85-95°F (29-35°C)
- Monsoon season: May-September
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa)
Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang)
- Different monsoon pattern from north and south
- Wettest period: September-January
- Best weather: February-July
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)
- Tropical year-round: 80-95°F (27-35°C)
- Dry season: November-April
- Wet season: May-October (but short afternoon showers)
Cambodia’s Climate
Cambodia has a simpler, more uniform climate:
Two main seasons:
Dry Season (November-April)
- Perfect weather for temple exploration
- Temperatures: 75-95°F (24-35°C)
- Peak season: December-February
Wet Season (May-October)
- Heavy afternoon rains
- Lush, green landscapes
- Fewer tourists, lower prices
- Angkor Wat temples less crowded
Month-by-Month Guide: When is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia and Vietnam
Choosing the best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia depends on understanding the seasonal patterns. Here’s your complete month-by-month breakdown:
January – February: Peak Season (Best Overall)
Vietnam:
- ✅ Best weather across the entire country
- ✅ Dry and sunny in the south
- ✅ Cool and pleasant in the north
- ✅ Perfect beach weather in central coast
- ❌ Highest prices (20-40% more expensive)
- ❌ Most crowded tourist sites
Cambodia:
- ✅ Perfect temperature for temple exploration (75-85°F)
- ✅ Minimal rain
- ✅ Clear skies for photography
- ❌ Peak crowds at Angkor Wat
- ❌ Higher accommodation prices
Budget: $60-100/day per person Best for: First-time visitors, beach lovers, temple enthusiasts
March – April: Shoulder Season (Best Value!)
March-April offers the best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia for budget-conscious travelers seeking fewer crowds.
Vietnam:
- ✅ Still great weather before the heat
- ✅ 30% cheaper than peak season
- ✅ Fewer tourists
- ⚠️ Getting hotter (85-95°F / 29-35°C)
Cambodia:
- ✅ Lower prices (up to 40% off)
- ✅ Fewer crowds
- ❌ Very hot (90-105°F / 32-40°C) – especially April
- ❌ Dusty conditions
Budget: $40-70/day per person Best for: Budget travelers who can handle heat, photographers wanting empty temples
Pro tip: April is Cambodia’s hottest month. If you visit, explore Angkor Wat at sunrise (5:30 AM) before the heat!
May – August: Wet Season (Lowest Prices)
Vietnam:
- ✅ Northern Vietnam still pleasant
- ✅ 40-50% cheaper accommodation
- ⚠️ Central Vietnam can be rainy (especially May-August in the south)
- ❌ Beach weather unreliable
Cambodia:
- ✅ Greenest landscapes
- ✅ Cheapest prices of the year
- ✅ Tonle Sap Lake at its fullest (unique ecosystem)
- ❌ Daily afternoon rain (2-3 hours)
- ❌ Some rural roads impassable
Budget: $30-50/day per person Best for: Extreme budget travelers, nature lovers, those avoiding crowds
Reality check: “Wet season” doesn’t mean all-day rain. Expect 1-3 hours of afternoon downpour, then sunshine!
September – October: Early Shoulder Season
Vietnam:
- ✅ Prices dropping
- ✅ Northern Vietnam beautiful (clear skies)
- ⚠️ Central Vietnam still experiencing monsoon tail
- ⚠️ Typhoon risk (rare but possible)
Cambodia:
- ✅ Rain decreasing
- ✅ Countryside incredibly lush and green
- ✅ Great photography opportunities
- ✅ Lower prices returning
Budget: $35-60/day per person Best for: Flexible travelers, landscape photographers
November – December: Return of Peak Season
Vietnam:
- ✅ Weather improving nationwide
- ✅ Perfect temperature (70-80°F / 21-27°C)
- ✅ Dry season begins
- ⚠️ Prices rising but not peak yet (November especially)
Cambodia:
- ✅ Monsoon ending
- ✅ Cooler temperatures return
- ✅ Countryside still green from rains
- ⚠️ Prices increasing toward December peak
Budget: $50-80/day per person (November cheaper than December) Best for: Those wanting good weather without full peak-season prices
👉 Also Read: The Best Time to Travel to Laos: Your Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Trip
Best Time for Specific Experiences
Best Time for Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Optimal: December-February (dry, cooler mornings for sunrise) Budget alternative: November or March (good weather, 20-30% cheaper) Avoid: April (too hot for all-day temple exploration)
Sunrise tip: Angkor Wat sunrise is magical year-round, but December-February offers the clearest skies.
Best Time for Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
Optimal: October-April (clear skies, calm seas) Avoid: May-September (monsoon, rough seas, poor visibility)
Budget tip: October and April offer 30% discounts vs. December-February peak.
Best Time for Vietnamese Beaches (Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang)
Southern beaches (Phu Quoc): November-March Central beaches (Nha Trang, Da Nang): February-August Avoid: September-December for central coast (monsoon)
Best Time for Sapa Trekking (Northern Vietnam)
Optimal: September-November and March-May Rice terrace season: September-October (harvest time – stunning!) Avoid: December-February (cold, foggy – can drop to 40°F / 4°C)
Should You Visit During Tet (Vietnamese New Year)?
Tet (usually late January or early February) is Vietnam’s biggest holiday.
Pros:
- ✅ Incredible cultural experience
- ✅ Festive atmosphere
- ✅ Beautiful decorations
Cons:
- ❌ Many businesses closed (3-5 days)
- ❌ Transportation packed
- ❌ Prices spike 50-100%
- ❌ Locals traveling, so crowded everywhere
Verdict: Experience it if cultural immersion is your priority. Avoid if you want smooth logistics and value.
👉 Also Read: Ultimate Vietnam Travel Itineraries: 10 Incredible Days
Best 2-Week Itinerary by Season
Dry Season (November-February): The Classic Route
Week 1: Vietnam
- Days 1-3: Hanoi + Ha Long Bay
- Days 4-5: Hoi An
- Days 6-7: Ho Chi Minh City + Mekong Delta
Week 2: Cambodia
- Days 8-11: Siem Reap (Angkor Wat temples)
- Days 12-14: Phnom Penh + return
Budget: $1,200-1,800 per person (flights, accommodation, food, activities)
Shoulder Season (March-April or October-November): Budget Explorer
Same itinerary, but:
- ✅ 30-40% cheaper
- ✅ Fewer tourists
- ⚠️ Slightly warmer (manageable)
Budget: $800-1,200 per person
👉 Also Read: Cambodia Travel Itinerary 2026: Perfect 7-14 Day Routes (Expert Guide)
Money-Saving Tips by Season
How to Save in Peak Season (December-February)
- Book 2-3 months ahead – Secure lower prices before demand spikes
- Stay outside tourist centers – Accommodations 5km from Angkor Wat are 40% cheaper
- Eat where locals eat – Street food stays affordable year-round
- Travel midweek – Weekend prices higher in popular spots
How to Maximize Wet Season (May-October)
- Embrace the rain – It’s warm rain! Enjoy it.
- Negotiate aggressively – Hotels are desperate for business (50% discounts possible)
- Book last-minute – Unlike peak season, last-minute deals are common
- Visit museums/indoor attractions during afternoon downpours
👉 Also Read: Travel to Phnom Penh Cambodia: Your Complete Guide to Exploring Cambodia’s Vibrant Capital
Final Recommendation: When Should YOU Go?
So what’s the best time of year to visit Vietnam and Cambodia for YOUR specific needs?
Choose November-February if:
- ✅ This is your first trip to Southeast Asia
- ✅ You want guaranteed good weather
- ✅ You can’t handle extreme heat
- ✅ Budget isn’t your primary concern
Choose March-April or October-November if:
- ✅ You want the best balance of weather + value
- ✅ You’re comfortable with warmer temperatures
- ✅ You want to avoid peak-season crowds
- ✅ Budget matters (30-40% savings!)
Choose May-September if:
- ✅ You’re an extreme budget traveler
- ✅ You love rain and green landscapes
- ✅ You prefer zero crowds
- ✅ Flexibility is your superpower
Pack Smart for Your Season
Dry Season (November-April)
- Light, breathable clothing
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Light jacket for northern Vietnam evenings
Wet Season (May-October)
- Quick-dry clothing
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Sandals that can get wet
- Small umbrella (buy locally for $2-3)
Year-round essentials:
- Modest clothing for temples (covered shoulders, knees)
- Mosquito repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter (Type A/C/G)
👉 Also Read: Ultimate Vietnam Travel Package Deals: Plan Your Dream Trip Easily
Ready to Book Your Trip?
The best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia depends on your priorities – weather, budget, or crowds. For most travelers, November through February offers the perfect experience, while March-April and September-October provide incredible value with acceptable trade-offs.
No matter when you visit, the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia ultimately depends on YOUR priorities. Both countries will reward you with unforgettable experiences, delicious food, and some of the best travel value in the world.
Start planning your adventure today – Southeast Asia is waiting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to travel to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?
February to April offers the best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia with comfortable temperatures (20-28°C), low rainfall, and clear skies – perfect for both northern mountains and southern beaches.
Should I visit Vietnam or Cambodia first?
Most travelers visit Vietnam first (fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City), then travel to Cambodia. This route flows naturally south to north or vice versa, with easy bus connections between the countries.
How many days do I need for Vietnam and Cambodia?
Plan minimum 14 days: 10 days for Vietnam (3 days Hanoi, 2 days Hoi An, 3 days Ho Chi Minh, 2 days Halong Bay) and 4-5 days for Cambodia (3 days Siem Reap/Angkor Wat, 1-2 days Phnom Penh).
Plan Your Perfect Vietnam Adventure
📧 Have questions about planning your Vietnam and Cambodia trip? Drop a comment below or Contact us for personalized budget travel advice
🗺️ Check Out Our Other Vietnam guides:
- Vietnam Travel Cost Guide
- 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary
- Best Places to Visit Vietnam
- Vietnam Travel Insurance
💡 Pro tip: Bookmark this page and share it with fellow travelers planning their Vietnam adventure!
✈️ Ready to book? Check current flight deals to Vietnam and top-rated hostels.
Last updated: January 13, 2026