5+ Best Places To Visit Vietnam In September: Your Ultimate Travel Bucket List 2024

Vietnam is considered one of the must-visit countries in South-East Asia. With the richness and diversity of the culture, the breathtaking view of the natural landscape, and the modern beauty of the rising urban areas, tourists can find many aspects of Vietnam that they can fall in love with when visiting different places in this country.

For best timing, tourists can travel to Vietnam in September. This is the time when the summer is coming to an end, and it is peak travel season for locals. You can avoid crowds and save a significant amount of money when visiting Vietnam during that time. In this article, we will give you a comprehensive travel bucket list as well as information on the best places to visit Vietnam in September. You may find the best plans for both solo travel and traveling with families.

Tnung lake, or Bien Ho, at Gia Lai province.

Basic information about Vietnam

Vietnam is an S-shaped nation lying on the eastern edge of the Indochina peninsula in South-East Asia. China is its northern neighbor, and Laos and Cambodia are to the west. To the east and south is the South China Sea, or “Bien Dong” (East Sea) in Vietnamese. Most of Vietnam’s western side is made up of the Annam Cordillera mountains (Vietnamese: Day Truong Son), while most of Vietnam’s eastern side is made up of a 1.100-mile (1.600-kilometer) seashore.

Vietnam is home to about 270 kinds of animals, 180 kinds of reptiles, 80 types of amphibians, and 800 kinds of birds, thanks to its diverse terrain and natural landscapes. There are about 30 national parks and reserves in the country to conserve and preserve rare flora and fauna species, as well as tropical rainforest areas.

The population of Vietnam, up to August 2023, was over 98 million, according to Worldometer. Most Vietnamese live in the countryside, concentrating in the north and south, especially around the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong River Delta in the south. More and more people are moving to major cities like Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Hanoi – the capital city, or Da Nang.

Map of Vietnam, divided by regions.

The weather in Vietnam in September

The weather in Vietnam is highly varied due to the distance spreading out from north to south. It has both subtropical and tropical climates. In northern Vietnam’s mountainous areas, you can feel the differences between the four seasons, while in the south, it is warm all year round. The diversity of the weather makes Vietnam an ideal place to visit any time of the year. Tourists may need to get some basic information about the characteristics of each region in Vietnam to know where to go.

Overall, Vietnam in September is going through the rainy season. Typhoons and floods are conquering central Vietnam. However, the rainy conditions will decrease as we enter October. You may wonder whether the best places to visit Vietnam in September are affected by the weather or not, so we’re going to learn more here.

Northern Vietnam

In northern Vietnam, September is heading into autumn. However, most days will be rainy or sunny, like in the summer, with the average temperature around 28°C (82°F). If you are planning to visit the mountainous areas, such as Moc Chau (Son La), Sa Pa, Ha Giang, etc., the weather will be cool and much more pleasant than in the plain region (Northern Delta). Especially during harvest time, you can witness the unique beauty of terraced rice fields there.

Central Vietnam

The weather in September in Central Vietnam is extremely harsh, with prolonged hot spells and typhoons from the South China Sea. However, with frequent checks and a bit of luck, many tourists still enjoy a peaceful vacation in Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, etc. The Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen), famous for trekking and hiking tours, are not recommended places during this time.

Southern Vietnam

In southern Vietnam, the rainy season lasts from May to November. Therefore, the rainfall in September is going to decrease over time. The hot and humid weather, along with heavy rainfall, are factors that make many people hesitant to travel to the southern part of Vietnam during this time. The average temperature ranges from 28-33°C.

Vietnam in September is going through the rainy season.

What are the locals doing in September?

National Day Holiday

National Independence Day in Vietnam, celebrated on September 2nd, marks the declaration of independence from French colonial rule in 1945 by President Ho Chi Minh. All over the country, people celebrate with parades, fireworks, and different kinds of cultural events.

However, many businesses and government offices might be closed on the holiday, so it’s recommended to plan activities and essential services ahead of time. Popular tourist destinations may be crowded due to locals participating in celebrations, which could impact your travel schedule.

Vietnamese households hang flags on major holidays, including National Day.

The beginning of the new academic year

In Vietnam, a new school year usually starts in the first week of September, which is a time of excitement for both students and educators. While planning a trip to Vietnam during this period, tourists should be aware that popular tourist destinations, especially those near educational institutions, may be more crowded and have more traffic during peak hours.

The new school year often begins in September.

Mid-autumn Festival

Vietnam’s Mid-Autumn Festival, or Trung Thu, is a lively and important cultural event, usually in September or October. During the mid-autumn festival, tourists have the unique opportunity to witness and participate in a cherished Vietnamese tradition with moon cakes, star lanterns (den ong sao), and many exciting local events, which are often held for children, young adults, and families.

The beauty of Hang Ma Street (Hanoi) during the Mid-Autumn Festival

[Updated 2023] Top places to visit Vietnam in September

Enjoy the autumn vibes of Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital city

Hanoi is one of the best places to visit Vietnam in September, as it is going into autumn – the most beautiful time of the year in this capital city. The vibes of Hanoi in autumn have inspired many artists, becoming the theme for many songs, paintings, poems, etc.

Hanoi in September will no longer have harsh sunny days like the previous months. The chill weather and the golden sunlight, at dawn or during sunset, bring a pleasant and unforgettable experience for anyone. Many people believe autumn gives Hanoi nostalgic yet romantic scenes. Tourists can see many locals choosing their wedding day during this time, with many couples taking wedding photoshoots on famous streets and attractions like the St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon), Hanoi Opera House, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Trang Tien Street, Nguyen Tri Phuong street, and so on.

Phan Dinh Phung street is considered the most beautiful road in Hanoi.

Coming to Hanoi in the autumn, one of the must-try local snacks is com (green rice) with banana. Com is made of selected young glutinous rice, roasted over very low heat, then pounded in a mortar and pestle until flattened. The final result is freshly green, chewy rice wrapped in lotus leaves. Com is a seasonal dish that you can only find in Hanoi in the autumn. For better taste, people often eat com with bananas. Another pastry made with com you should try and buy as a souvenir is banh com (green rice cake), which has mung bean filling inside. They are friendly options for vegan and vegetarian diets.

As a city with a rich and ancient cultural heritage, visitors can explore numerous historical landmarks and sites in Hanoi, such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, Vietnam National Museum of History, The Old Quarters, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, etc.

People often enjoy fresh bananas topped with com (green rice) in the autumn.

Sa Pa – A perfect September retreat

On the list of the best places to visit Vietnam in September, many tourists are captivated by the beauty of Sa Pa at harvest time. The average temperature in Sa Pa in September is about 20°C, much lower than in urban areas, making it an ideal weekend getaway for local and international tourists. As September goes on, it rains less and less. This makes trekking and going around Sa Pa less challenging and more fun. You can plan a trip to Sa Pa from Hanoi for a few days, as it may take about 4 to 6 hours by car to reach Sa Pa.

During harvest time, visitors will be able to see the mesmerizing view from the terraced rice fields. The stunning golden color of the fields in the mountains makes Sa Pa one of the must-visit places for anyone visiting Vietnam in September. You can go trekking around the fields or sightsee from the balcony of a coffee shop.

A coffeeshop in Sa Pa.

There are many activities that you can do at Sa Pa, even when you are solo, with friends, or with your family. You can explore the beauty of both nature and culture when walking around there:

Visit the highest peak in Vietnam – Fansipan mountain
Buying local handicrafts at the local markets
Visit Thac Bac (silver waterfall) at the foot of O Quy Ho pass
Visit Cat Cat, Ta Phin, and Lao Chai villages
Try local snacks and cuisines such as xoi ngu sac (colorful sticky rice), thit trau gac bep (dried jerky buffalo meat), thang co, ca suoi nuong (grilled stream fish), ruou tao meo (wild apple liquor), etc.
Join a H’Mong sewing class

The beauty of Sa Pa during harvest season

Discover the enchanting Central Highlands

Many tourists choose to travel through the Central Highlands (Tay Nguyen) in Vietnam, instead of all the famous and busy beach routes in the central coastal regions during the peak season. You can find another Vietnam when coming to the Central Highlands, with the untouched and mysterious beauty emanating from lush forests, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, as well as the diverse cultures of numerous ethnic minorities, such as J’rai, E-de, M’nong, residing here.

The Central Highlands consist of five provinces, namely Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, and Lam Dong. The area is made up of a number of plateaus, with Laos and Cambodia right next door.

Dray Nur Waterfall in Dak Lak

There are many offers from travel agencies that help first-timers visit all the hot spots in the Central Highlands for 3-4 days. However, if you are into solo traveling, trekking, or exploring places yourself, you can take a look at our suggested lists below, so as not to miss any important places on your schedule:

Dak Lak: Yok Don National Park, Lak lake, Ea Kao lake, World Coffee Museum, Troh Bu Botanic Garden, Dray Nur – Dray Sap waterfalls
Dak Nong: Dieu Thanh waterfall, Tay Dak Mil lake, Chu Bluk volcanic cave complex – the longest volcanic cave in Asia, Ta Dung National Park
Gia Lai: Yali Falls Dam, Tnung Lake (Bien Ho), Chu Dang Ya volcano, Xung Khoeng waterfall, Pleiku prison
Kon Tum: Kon Klor communal house, grave house, Kon Tum wooden church, Indochina intersection (nga ba Dong Duong), Mang Den town
Da Lat/Lam Dong): Cat Tien National Park, Tuyen Lam lake, Pongour waterfalls, Da Lat night market, St. Nicholas Cathedral (Nha tho Con Ga), Cu Lan village

Kon Klor communal house of Ba Na ethnic minority.

Mekong Delta – a journey of culture and nature

Located in Southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is one of the best places to visit Vietnam in September, as it is the flood season (mua nuoc noi) of the year. Flood season is a natural flooding phenomenon in the Mekong Delta region that often occurs from August to November (from the 7th to the 10th month of the lunar calendar). Despite being a flood event, the inhabitants of the Mekong Delta embrace the flood season to transition to aquaculture and revitalize their lands. Tourists visiting the Mekong Delta during this season will have the opportunity to witness the abundant natural scenery and vibrant local life, as well as the bustling daily activities and trade of the locals at the floating market (cho noi).

U Minh Thuong & U Minh Ha National Park

The Mekong Delta is famous because it is the only area in Vietnam where you can visit a floating market (cho noi). This market is a popular spot for locals to trade, as most of the area in the Mekong Delta is enveloped by an intricate network of rivers and canals. It is highly recommended to have a meal like a local on the boats, such as bun rieu (crab noodle soup), hu tieu kho Sa Dec (dry noodles), banh cong (nom kapong), or buying fresh tropical fruits like coconut, pineapple, mango, etc.

Cai Rang floating market

There are many tours offered by travel agencies that help tourists explore the Mekong Delta from one day to a week, visiting several provinces in the Mekong Delta, starting from Ho Chi Minh City. Below is a list of places and activities that you should not miss when visiting each province:

Can Tho: Ninh Kieu wharf, Cai Rang floating market, Binh Thuy ancient house, Khmer Munir Ansay Pagoda
Soc Trang: Khmer Kh’léang Temple, Chau Doc floating market, Khmer Museum, Tan Long stork garden, Som Rong Pagoda
Kien Giang: Phu Quoc island, Ba Lua islands, U Minh Thuong National Park, Ha Tien town

Binh Thuy ancient house

Ca Mau: Dat Mui Landmark, U Minh Ha National Park, Khai Long beach, Cai Tau strawberry garden
Ben Tre: Quy Islet, Phung Islet, Dao Dua Relic Site, try coconut candy
An Giang: Tra Su cajuput forest, Masjid Al Ehsan, Latina lake, Kon Kas pagoda
Dong Thap: Sa Dec flower village, Huynh Thuy Le ancient house, Tram Chim National Park

Tra Su cajuput forest

Tips for traveling in Vietnam in September

Payment

Most local tourist spots accept cash. It’s recommended to bring some VND for easy spending and shopping. Credit card payments are not widely accepted at many tourist destinations. If you have a bank account in Vietnam, you can save time by transferring money via online banking, which is becoming more common in Vietnam.

Food

If you have allergies to certain ingredients or follow a special diet, don’t hesitate to ask the vendors or the staff about the components of the dishes for the best experience when visiting local restaurants. You can do some research about the local cuisine on the Internet before trying it during the trip. Some common ingredients in Vietnamese dishes that may impact your dietary preferences include milk, eggs, soybeans, peanuts, etc.

Vietnamese cuisine features a wide variety of vegetables and rich spices.

Transportation

For solo travel, you have many affordable options: buses, taxis, rented motorbikes, or cars. If you are going with a group of friends or family, you can rent a limousine or go on a tour. Some popular taxi apps in Vietnam include Grab, Be, Xanh SM, and so on. You should avoid calling a taxi during peak hours or in bad weather, as they may charge much more.

Accommodation

There are numerous accommodation options for tourists in Vietnam, ranging from homestays, guesthouses, and hotels to luxurious resorts. If you prioritize exploration and cost-effectiveness, you can opt for homestays or locally-rated 3-star hotels in convenient locations for easy commuting. For those who want a fancy vacation experience, you can pre-book rooms at high-end tourist destinations. The average prices for local homestays and hotels can range from 300-1.000.000 VND/day.

A common hotel room in Vietnam, with average prices of about 300-600.000VND/day.

Conclusion

With highly varied climates, Vietnam may have a different hot spot for traveling in each month and each region. For the best places to visit Vietnam in September, we recommended tourists explore the beauty of Hanoi and Sa Pa to the north, the Central Highlands to central Vietnam, and the Mekong Delta to the south. Based on your needs and preferences, you can plan the perfect trip yourself with our suggested list for each place.

Ta Dung National Park