Autumn Adventures: Explore The Best Places To Visit Vietnam In October

The diverse terrain and distinct weather patterns in different regions have made Vietnam an ideal travel destination year-round. Whether you’re falling in love with the 1.100-mile seashore or the untouched beauty of the mountainous areas, you can easily find your favorite spot that can satisfy your adventurous spirit when coming to Vietnam. You can discover the best places to visit Vietnam in October across all three regions: North, Central, and South. Let’s find out in this article!

Moc Chau’s tea hills, looking from above

The Weather in Vietnam in October

Vietnam in October, particularly in the North and parts of the Central, is turning to autumn. The temperature is cooling down, bringing comfortable and pleasant weather, with the average temperature ranging about 20-27°C.

The humidity may vary in many regions due to the rainfall. While in the North, the rainfall is going to decrease by the end of the month, many provinces in Central Vietnam are going into the rainy season with heavy rains and even storms. If you’re planning to travel to Central Vietnam in October, you should stay updated on weather forecasts every day as well as have backup plans ahead, as the influence of typhoons from the South China Sea might lead to postponements or cancellations of visits to certain destinations.

Northern Vietnam is turning to autumn.

Southern Vietnam in October is turning to the dry and hot season, with a significant decrease in rainfall and an average temperature of around 27°C. This is a perfect time for travelers to explore the coastal cities in the South, such as Phu Quoc or Vung Tau.

Main Events and Festivals in Vietnam in October

There are many events and festivals in each city and province that you can explore when visiting. Vietnam in October generally has two main events that you can find the locals celebrating in many places across the country, especially in the urban areas.

Vietnamese Women’s Day (October 20)

In history, October 20th marks the establishment of the Vietnam Women’s Union, an organization under the Communist Party of Vietnam. The Vietnam Women’s Union has made significant contributions to the nation’s construction and development, from wartime to the current era of peace. Nowadays, this day has become Vietnamese Women’s Day, an occasion to honor and express gratitude to all the Vietnamese women around us. During this day, travelers can experience the lively atmosphere as streets are adorned with vibrant flowers and local businesses offer special promotions. Many restaurants are often fully booked on this day, as many couples and families will celebrate with flowers, gifts, and good food.

Students buy flowers for their teachers on Vietnamese Women’s Day. Photo: Dantri.

Halloween (October 31)

Halloween in Vietnam, although not traditionally part of Vietnamese culture, is gaining popularity, especially in urban areas. Celebrated on October 31st, Halloween is marked by decorations, costumes, and themed parties in coffee shops, clubs, expat neighborhoods, and international schools. Tourists can discover Halloween-themed markets, join parties, and witness the convergence of local and Western customs.

Vietnamese young people during Halloween.

[Updated 2023] Top Places to Visit Vietnam in October

Witness The Blooming Beauty of Moc Chau (Son La)

Moc Chau, a district in Son La province, is considered one of the best places to visit Vietnam in October. Running away from the hectic life in the capital city, Moc Chau is 200km west away from Hanoi, taking about 4-5 hours to reach there by car or bus. With its mild climate and distinct four seasons, Moc Chau captivates tourists all year round with its natural beauty and blossoming flowers in each season. This is the perfect place for people who are looking for a weekend hideaway.

With a height of 3.460 feet above sea level and an average temperature of 15-26°C, Moc Cha has the ideal conditions to become a perfect place for tea planning and other agricultural activities. Over 3.000 hectares are invested in tea gardens, and many specialty teas in Vietnam are planted here. The local tourists often visit the tea hills, especially the famous ones like Tan Lap 3, Moc Suong, and the heart-shaped green tea hill, for sightseeing and photography.

Heart-shaped tea hills in Moc Chau.

In October, it’s harvest time, when tourists often go to see the golden color of the terraced fields in the mountains from afar or through a trekking tour. This is also the time when buckwheat flowers (hoa tam giac mach) bloom, usually lasting from October to December each year. Buckwheat is a tiny wild pink flower with triangular-shaped leaves (tam giac), commonly found in the northwestern mountainous regions of Vietnam (Tay Bac). During the blooming season, many tourists come to admire and take photos with them.

Buckwheat flowers.

Moc Chau’s specialties encompass traditional dishes from the northwestern region, such as be chao (beef), sweet potato (khoai so) soup, stream fish, grilled salmon, and multi-colored sticky rice (xoi ngu sac). Traditional types of liquor like corn wine and wild apple wine capture the curiosity of many tourists. For souvenirs, tourists often purchase Moc Chau fresh milk and other dairy products, kitchen-smoked buffalo/beef meat (thit trau, thit bo gac bep), green tea (che xanh), and seasonal fruits. When traveling in October, you can try persimmons, as it’s the peak season for persimmons here.

A persimmon garden in Moc Chau.

Hanoi in October: A Tranquil Autumn Retreat

What truly makes Hanoi one of the best places to visit Vietnam in October is the vibe of the capital city in autumn. Besides its rich cultural and historical heritage, Hanoi is also renowned for its nostalgic, romantic, and melancholic beauty, especially during the autumn season. Hanoi in autumn has inspired many artists, becoming a theme for many poems, paintings, and music concerts.

Hanoi street in the autumn.

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Hanoi like the locals during these days, you can try to do some of the activities below:

Walking along the most beautiful streets in Hanoi, such as Phan Dinh Phung street, Hoang Dieu street, Nguyen Tri Phuong street, Thanh Nien street, etc., and watching the falling golden leaves. The weather is more pleasant and cooler compared to the scorching days of summer. Therefore, not only tourists but also many locals try to take some time to stay outdoors and take photos on the beautiful streets.
Explore the streets of Hanoi on motorbikes and enjoy the blissful scent of milk flowers. You can avoid peak hours to ride at your preferred speed. The aroma of milk flowers is most fragrant after 6 P.M.
Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast like a local with pho bo, banh my, banh bao (steamed pork bun) with soy milk, then have a cup of ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) at sidewalk cafes. You can observe the daily lives of the locals when sitting on the sidewalk, as well as the hustle and bustle at the beginning of the day in this city.

Hanoi house cafe – a vintage cafe near St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon).

Hanoi in October marks a special day in history – October 10th, The Liberation Day of Hanoi. This day commemorates the liberation of Hanoi from French colonial rule in 1954, putting an end to the First Indochina War (1945 – 1954). The Liberation Day of Hanoi holds great historical and cultural importance, reflecting the love for the country and the strong will of the Vietnamese in their endeavor to achieve independence for the nation. On this day, tourists can see the streets of Hanoi come alive with vibrant celebrations, parades, and various cultural activities. If you’re visiting Hanoi on October 10th, you can experience the atmosphere of this special day at Ba Dinh Square, where significant moments in modern Vietnamese history are marked.

The nostalgic vibe of Hanoi at West Lake (Ho Tay) in the sunset.

Explore the Cultural Diversity and Beauty of Ninh Thuan

Ninh Thuan might not be one of the best places to visit Vietnam in October, as this province is going through the rainy season with frequent storms from the South China Sea. However, if you’re passionate about experiencing local culture, this is a great opportunity for you to explore and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Champa ethnic group. The Chams are an ethnic minority group among the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan are the two provinces with the largest Champa populations, along with numerous historical and cultural relics of the Chams in these areas.

Kate Festival.

In October, tourists can join the Kate Festival with the Chams. The Kate Festival is a long-standing and distinctive folk festival of the Chams, who follow the Balamon religion in Ninh Thuan. It is a way to honor the deities and pray for good weather, bountiful harvests, harmonious relationships, and the prosperity of all living beings. Amidst the Kate festival’s unique atmosphere, traditional Cham dances and melodies, combined with the harmonious rhythm of the Gi Nang drum, Paranung drum, and Saranai trumpet, all create a vibrant and sacred festival space. During the Kate Festival, Champa people from all over Vietnam get together with their families, friends, and loved ones, including the Chams who live and work in places other than Ninh Thuan. The festive and vibrant atmosphere, along with the local people, will provide tourists with an unforgettable experience.

The Kate Festival lasts for 3 days.

If you miss the chance to visit Ninh Thuan on the festival days, you can still explore the Champa culture by visiting Po Klong Garai Temple, one of the biggest Hindu Cham religious complexes in Vietnam; Bau Truc pottery village – an age-old pottery craft village of the Chams; or My Nghiep weaving village. During good weather days, you can plan ahead to the beautiful landscapes in this coastal area, such as the coral island, Binh Tien Beach, Hang Rai (Rai cave), Dinh Cape, Vinh Hy Bay, Nam Cuong sand dunes, etc.

Nam Cuong sand dune.

As for cuisine, some must-try dishes when tourists visit Ninh Thuan include:

Banh canh cha ca: Made of tapioca noodles (banh canh), clear broth soup, and some peppery fishcake (cha ca). The ingredients to make cha ca are a mixture of many fish, such as catfish or snakehead.
Banh xeo Ninh Thuan (Ninh Thuan crispy pancakes): The golden brown crust is filled with pork, squid, bean sprouts, and onions, served with other herbs and unique sauces.
Banh hoi long heo: Steamed rolls served with organ pork and local herbs, dipped in fish sauce (nuoc mam).

Banh xeo Ninh Thuan, or banh xeo Phan Rang.

Ho Chi Minh City: A Journey through the Metropolis

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), or Saigon, is the biggest city in Southern Vietnam. In October, HCMC is in the rainy season, with sudden rains at any time of the day and a humidity of over 85%. The average temperature ranges from 23-33°C. The quick rains on the day often soothe the hot temperatures, bringing cool winds to the urban area. HCMC during the rainy season might not be the ideal place to visit Vietnam in October, but it is still a must-visit one for any tourist who wants to explore a modern aspect of Vietnam.

HCMC from above.

In this city, it is easy for tourists to choose a suitable means of transportation. You can rent cars, motorbikes, taxis, or buses to visit any place you want. Many day trips to the suburbs of HCMC or the neighboring provinces are offered by local agencies, so you can optimize your plan.

To learn more about the history and culture of this city, here are some recommendations for your trip:

Independence Palace (Dinh Doc Lap): Originally inaugurated in 1871, the Independence Palace was initially named the Palace of Indochina Governor General. After 1954, it served as the workplace for the President of the Republic of Vietnam. Until April 30, 1975, when the Viet Cong’s armored units entered the palace, marking the end of the 30-year-long Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. Today, the building stands as a national monument, renamed the Independence Palace. Here, tourists can see the harmonious architecture blending Eastern feng shui values and modern styles, along with artifacts from the Republic of Vietnam era and war vehicles.

Independence Palace today. Photo: Wikipedia

Chinatown (Cho Lon): This place is home to numerous landmarks that reflect the Chinese influence in HCMC throughout history. Cho Lon was developed by groups of Chinese traders who moved to Vietnam in the 18th century. Nowadays, their legacy has become a cultural and commercial hub, with shophouses, temples, churches, and many colonial and post-colonial architectures that you can explore as you walk around.

A restaurant in Cho Lon.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of HCMC by taking an evening walking tour along Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Located in the heart of District 1 in HCMC, this street is the neighbor of many attractions in the city and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. In the evening, many people come to Nguyen Hue Walking Street with their friends, family, or lovers. They can watch a street performance, have some street food or takeaway beverages, walk around, chit-chat when sitting at a corner, and take some photos. Tourists can blend into the lively, cheerful atmosphere with locals when visiting the street. Especially during Halloween, many exciting events and activities are promised to take place here.

The crowds at Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night.

Phu Quoc – Kien Giang

Phu Quoc is one of the best places to visit Vietnam in October, as the dry season is about to begin. As summer comes to an end in northern and central Vietnam, in Phu Quoc, tourists can still enjoy a holiday with the blue sea, white sand, and pleasant weather with an average temperature of about 30°C.

This is also a perfect time for beach swimming and surfing in Phu Quoc, as the storms no longer visit, which often appear from July to September, and return the gentle coastlines to the island. For the best experiences, tourists are recommended to stay in hotels on the west side of the island, as the Northeast monsoon winds often affect the eastern coast, such as Bai Sao and Bai Khem, which cause rough waves, preventing tourists from going to the beach. At the beaches on the western coast of Phu Quoc, tourists can also watch the sunset over the sea. This scenery is only observable in a few locations in Vietnam.

Sunset in Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc is an excellent destination for those who are passionate about resort travel, with luxury resorts and quality services. Besides, there are also many places for you to explore on your own, to learn more about the historical and cultural side of Phu Quoc:

Phu Quoc prison: A military prison, built by French colonists during the Vietnam War. Many Viet Cong soldiers were exiled and imprisoned here. Nowadays, it has become a historical site, open for any tourists who are interested in the Vietnam War.

Some horror scenes during wartime are depicted in Phu Quoc prison.

Pepper gardens: Pepper is a distinctive local product in Phu Quoc. On this island, pepper farms are a popular destination for many tourists to visit, take photos, and buy souvenirs.
Night markets: This is an ideal place to enjoy fresh seafood and traditional local cuisines, such as bun quay (noodles with seafood), banh bo thot not (palm sugar honeycomb cake), etc.

Entrance gate to Phu Quoc night market.

Tips for traveling in Vietnam in October

When the weather can be unpredictable with sudden rains, tourists should prepare an umbrella, flip-flops, or sandals for easy cleaning and convenience. You can also bring a lightweight jacket, which is suitable for sun protection or keeping warm when the weather turns cold.

You should exchange money for Vietnam dong and keep some when going out for convenient payment. If you have a Vietnamese bank account, you can pay via online banking, as this method has been gaining popularity in Vietnam recently. Paypal or paying with credit/debit cards are usually available in major cities or in luxury hotels.

For means of transportation, it is recommended to rent a vehicle to explore yourself. Besides, buses and taxis can be found everywhere. If you’re going on a tour group, you don’t have to worry about this.

A morning in Hanoi during fall.

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced the best places to visit Vietnam in October. In northern Vietnam, the beauty of nature in Moc Chau and the romantic scenes of Hanoi might captivate many tourists. Meanwhile, central Vietnam may capture tourists’ interest with the colorful and lively festivals of the Chams. HCMC and Phu Quoc are the perfect spots to experience the mixture of tradition and modernity in Vietnam today. We hope these options will satisfy the needs and expectations of many tourists to explore the diverse beauty of Vietnam.