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Travel Guide

Travel Guide

Indochina Travel Guide

Practical planning advice, seasonal guidance, and travel inspiration for journeys through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

When To Go?

A guide to weather and the best time to travel

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km and boasts more than 800 km of coastline. It has always been an attractive destination for tourists from around the globe. Culturally part of the Sinosphere and geographically part of Southeast Asia, visiting Vietnam offers a chance to be exposed to two significant Asian cultures. Vietnam is generally safe and has constantly been one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia, welcoming about 17.5 million tourists every year. However, to travel smart and avoid unnecessary hassle, this article will guide you through everything you need to know before travelling to Vietnam at any time of the year.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, thanks to its tropical monsoon climate. The average temperature in Vietnam is around 25°C. The country’s tropical monsoon climate means the southwest monsoon affects most areas from May to September, while the northeast monsoon sets in from October to April. Choosing the best time to go depends on where you’re headed. Check our most loved Vietnam tours for your ideal itineraries. 

The weather changes dramatically when traveling from the North to the South, and each region has its own unique climate pattern. It’s important to understand the weather of where you are heading.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay)

The best time to travel is from mid-March to May and again from October to mid-December, when the temperature ranges between 20°C and 28 °C, with rare showers in May and occasionally storms may occur in October.

From June to September, it’s peak summer with the temperature ranging between 28°C and – 40°C. Heavy rains with isolated thunder often occur from August to September, causing landslides in the upper northern region.

From December to March, expect cool and refreshing weather, with temperatures between 14°C and 22°C — perfect for exploring the Red River Delta without the heat. However, it can be surprisingly cold and foggy in the mountain areas, with the temperatures dipping as low as 5°C. 

Explore our suggested itineraries for the northern part of Vietnam. 
Our Advice: 
Vietnam is a year-round destination if you want to explore Vietnam’s culture. Though the best time to travel to Vietnam is from March to May and from September to mid-December.

And if you are seeking for relaxation, it’s best to avoid the central region during the monsoon season (September to December) and the cooler winter months in the north. Southern beaches offer more sunshine and consistently warm weather, making them your perfect escape.
Checking Vietnam’s public holiday calendar can be a helpful way to plan your visit more smoothly. Vietnam’s calendar features several national holidays that may influence travel schedules and local activity.
  • New Year’s Day: January 1st (01 day)
  • Vietnam Reunification Day: April 30th (01 day)
  • Hung Kings Commemoration Day in Vietnam: March 10th of the lunar calendar
  • International Workers’ Day: May 1st (01 day)
  • Vietnam Independence Day: September 2nd (01 day)
  • Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet): 05 days (usually it takes place between the end of January and the third week of February,  from the last day of the previous year to the 3rd day of the following year according to the lunar calendar).
We recommend avoiding travel during the Tet holiday, as it can pose significant challenges for trip planning in Vietnam. 

During this festive period, much of the country slows down — many shops, restaurants, and tourist sites close, prices tend to rise, and logistics become more complicated. Domestic flights are often fully booked and more expensive, and hotel availability is limited due to high demand.

Vietnam’s length means diverse climates:

  • North: Four distinct seasons (spring blossoms, hot summer, cool autumn, chilly winter).
  • Central: Hot, dry coastlines and rainy autumn.
  • South: Tropical — Wet & dry seasons, always warm.
See our interactive “When to Go” slider for monthly weather breakdowns per region.

When To Go

Place
Daily Max Temperature
Conditions
Ha Noi
–°C
Ho Chi Minh City
–°C
Hue
–°C
Hoi An
–°C
Da Nang
–°C

Legend: ☀️ Best 🌤️ Good / Mixed 🌧️ Rainy / Least Ideal

Both Laos and Cambodia share a simpler tropical climate:

  • Cool Dry Season: Nov – Feb (20–28°C, best for outdoor activities, river cruises, and trekking).
  • Hot Season: Mar – May (30–40°C, Angkor temples can be exhausting mid-day).
  • Rainy Season: Jun – Oct (lush landscapes, fewer tourists, but humid with flooding risk in rural areas).
See our interactive “When to Go” slider for monthly weather breakdowns per region.

When To Go — Laos & Cambodia

Place
Daily Max Temperature
Conditions
Luang Prabang (Laos)
–°C
Vientiane (Laos)
–°C
Siem Reap (Cambodia)
–°C
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
–°C
Sihanoukville (Coast)
–°C

Legend: ☀️ Best 🌤️ Good / Mixed 🌧️ Rainy / Least Ideal

  • Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs widely available, but USD accepted in some hotels/tours.
  • Laos: Lao Kip (LAK), though Thai Baht and USD are also common.
  • Cambodia: The official currency is Riel (KHR), but USD is the de facto currency; therefore, it’s advisable to carry small bills.
👉 Tip: Always carry some local currency for small shops, taxis, or rural areas.

Visa Information

Visa and entry requirements for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

  • Vietnam: Most nationalities require a visa. Over 80 countries can now apply online for a 90-day e-visa.
  • Laos: Visa required, typically obtained on arrival (VOA) or e-visa.
  • Cambodia: Visa required; e-visa or visa on arrival available for most.
For your journey, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date and that you hold the appropriate visa (or a pre-approval letter if you are obtaining a visa on arrival for Vietnam).
It is essential to carry your travel insurance details at all times, including the policy number and your insurer’s international emergency hotline.
Our Advice: Always keep a photocopy or digital photo of your passport and visa stored separately from the originals. This simple precaution can save you time and stress in case of loss or theft.

Travelers from the countries below can enter visa-free for the indicated duration.

90 days 45 days 30 days 21 days 14 days

Country Passport Visa-free Stay
Chile6+ mo90 days
Panama6+ mo90 days
Belarus6+ mo45 days
Denmark6+ mo45 days
Finland6+ mo45 days
France6+ mo45 days
Germany6+ mo45 days
Italy6+ mo45 days
Japan6+ mo45 days
Norway6+ mo45 days
Russia6+ mo45 days
South Korea6+ mo45 days
Spain6+ mo45 days
Sweden6+ mo45 days
United Kingdom6+ mo45 days
Belgium6+ mo45 days
Bulgaria6+ mo45 days
Croatia6+ mo45 days
Czech Republic6+ mo45 days
Hungary6+ mo45 days
Luxembourg6+ mo45 days
Netherlands6+ mo45 days
Poland6+ mo45 days
Romania6+ mo45 days
Slovakia6+ mo45 days
Slovenia6+ mo45 days
Switzerland6+ mo45 days
Cambodia6+ mo30 days
Indonesia6+ mo30 days
Laos6+ mo30 days
Malaysia6+ mo30 days
Singapore6+ mo30 days
Thailand6+ mo30 days
Philippines6+ mo21 days
Brunei6+ mo14 days
Myanmar6+ mo14 days

Requirements: Passport valid ≥ 6 months from entry and at least one blank page; onward/return ticket recommended.

An e-visa is required for most countries, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. The process takes 3-5 days, with a maximum duration of stay of 90 days. The e-visa fee is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa.

E-visa Conditions:
  • Foreigners outside Vietnam
  • Passport or valid international travel documents
  • Not falling under the case of suspension from entry as prescribed under Article 21 of the law on foreigners’ entry, exit, transit, and residence in Vietnam.

For more information, please refer to our brochure

  • Online: Most convenient (e-visa websites).
  • On Arrival: Available at airports/land borders (check your nationality first).
  • Embassy/Consulate: For longer stays or specific conditions.
  • Vietnam: Only with pre-approval letter (for certain visa types).
  • Laos & Cambodia: Simple VOA for most travellers, fee in USD, bring a photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical information for planning your trip

At Mekong Mosaic, we understand that travelling contains certain risks. Hence, we strongly recommend that you obtain international personal insurance before travelling to the Mekong region. Depending on which insurance you go for, they mainly cover general medical expenses, cancellation fees, lost baggage, emergency assistance, and repatriation.
Vaccination
Travelling in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia poses no major health risks for the average traveler. No vaccinations are legally required for entry, but several are strongly recommended to ensure peace of mind during your trip.

For Vietnam, common recommendations include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters. For longer stays in rural areas, your doctor may suggest Japanese Encephalitis or Rabies if you expect close contact with animals.

Malaria remains present in some remote regions of Laos and Cambodia, and in limited rural pockets of Vietnam. All anti-malarial treatments have potential side effects, so only your doctor can recommend the best preventive option for your personal health.

Prevention is Key:
  • Wear light, long clothing in the evenings or when visiting mosquito-prone areas.
  • Use repellent on both skin and clothing.
  • Many hotels provide mosquito nets; otherwise, turning on the air conditioning in your room is usually enough to keep mosquitoes away.

First Aid Kit
While pharmacies are widely available, it’s wise to carry your own travel kit. We recommend including:
  • Your usual medications
  • Vitamin C or multivitamins
  • A broad-spectrum antibiotic (Doctor-prescribed)
  • Cold & sore throat medicine (Summer air-conditioning can cause issues)
  • Anti-diarrheal tablets
  • Anti-inflammatory ointment
  • Pain relief (Tylenol/Aspirin or equivalent)
  • Mosquito repellent & sunscreen
  • Credit cards accepted in cities & hotels, but cash is preferred in markets and villages.
  • ATMs widely available (VND, LAK, USD withdrawals).
  • Cambodia: Carry small USD notes ($1, $5).
  • Summer (May–Aug): Breathable clothing, sunblock, hat, mosquito repellent, light rain jacket.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Light sweater/jacket for Hanoi/Sapa, layers for mountain trips.
  • Spring/Autumn: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes.
  • Year-round: Adapter plugs, reusable water bottle, modest attire for temples.
Explore more in our “Insert Blog Link”
  • Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia all offer affordable 5G E-SIM or Physical SIM cards that can be purchased at airports and malls.
  • Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and tourist areas.
In general, tipping is not mandatory. However, in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, it has become customary to offer a small gratuity to guides and drivers at the end of their service. This gesture is always greatly appreciated and is now a well-established part of the tourism industry across Indochina.
Although tipping may not be part of your own culture, here it is seen as a sign of appreciation and often inspires excellent service.
Suggested Guideline (per traveller):
  • Guides: $3–5 (€3–5) per day
  • Drivers: $2–3 (€2–3) per day
  • Rowers, pedicabs, hotel porters: ~$1 (€1) per service
  • Boat crews (Ha Long Bay, Mekong Delta): Same guideline as guides (about $3–5 per traveler, per day)
  • Restaurants & cafés: Not customary. A small tip is optional but never expected
Cultural Notes:
  • If service was unsatisfactory, you are free not to tip.
  • It is better to give nothing than to offer a very small amount, which may be considered disrespectful.
  • In some cases, staff may politely refuse once before accepting — this is part of the local custom.
  • Tips may be given in USD, Euros, or local currency and usually at the end of service.
Tipping is a personal choice, but it is a meaningful way to recognize the people who make your journey smoother and more enjoyable!

Our Top Experiences

A curated collection of signature places and standout moments across Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia — designed to inspire the direction of your tailor-made journey.

Hoi An Old Town lanterns at night Vietnam

Hoi An Old Town

A UNESCO-listed treasure of golden shopfronts, lantern-lit evenings, and riverside charm. Wander heritage streets, browse local ateliers, and enjoy the town’s relaxed elegance. At night, warm colours and reflections transform Hoi An into one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric cultural experiences.

Ha Long Bay Vietnam

Ha Long Bay

A cinematic seascape of emerald water and towering limestone pillars. Cruise between hidden lagoons, kayak beneath sculpted cliffs, and explore ancient caverns shaped by the sea. Ha Long Bay remains Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonder — unforgettable in every light and every season.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Nha Trang Vietnam

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

A secluded peninsula of giant boulders, turquoise bays, and jungle peaks reached by boat. Snorkel coral reefs, hike to dramatic viewpoints, or unwind in quiet villas surrounded by nature. Ninh Van Bay offers a rare blend of privacy, wilderness, and luxury.

Boat on the Mekong River Delta Vietnam

Mekong Delta

A peaceful world of coconut groves, winding canals, and early-morning river life. Drift past stilt houses, taste local specialities, and experience the rhythm of floating markets at dawn. The Mekong Delta offers an intimate look at Vietnam’s timeless river culture.

Kuang Si Waterfall Laos

Kuang Si Waterfall

A striking layered waterfall cascading into mineral-rich turquoise pools. Wooden walkways, shaded forest paths, and natural swimming areas make it one of Luang Prabang’s most photogenic escapes. Kuang Si is a refreshing immersion in Laos’s pristine natural beauty.

Buddha Park in Laos Laos

Buddha Park

A surreal riverside park filled with stone sculptures inspired by Buddhist and Hindu mythology. Wander among monumental figures, quiet gardens, and symbolic artworks. Buddha Park offers one of Laos’s most distinctive cultural experiences in an open-air setting.

Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple Cambodia

Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple

The ancient walled city of Angkor Thom showcases the height of Khmer artistry. At its centre, Bayon’s serene stone faces rise above jungle pathways and intricate carvings. It is a powerful, atmospheric counterpart to Angkor Wat and an essential part of any Siem Reap journey.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Angkor Wat

Cambodia’s most iconic temple, famed for its lotus-tipped towers and monumental bas-reliefs. Sunrise over Angkor Wat is a defining moment, when the sky glows gold and pink behind the ancient silhouette. A timeless symbol of history, spirituality, and Southeast Asian heritage.

Must-Try Foods

Bowl of Phở Hà Nội with herbs and sliced beef Vietnam

Phở Hà Nội

A clear, aromatic broth simmered with star anise and cinnamon, served with rice noodles and thin-sliced beef. Clean, balanced and deeply comforting.

Classic Morning favourite
Vietnamese bún chả with grilled pork and noodles Vietnam

Bún Chả

Grilled pork belly and patties served with vermicelli, herbs and a light dipping broth. Smoky, sweet, savoury and one of Hanoi’s best-known lunch dishes.

Classic Charcoal grilled
Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich Vietnam

Bánh Mì

A crisp baguette filled with savoury meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, herbs and chilli. One of Vietnam’s most recognizable street food staples.

Street food Budget-friendly
Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup Vietnam

Bún Bò Huế

Built on a rich broth of beef bones, lemongrass and chilli, traditionally deepened with fermented shrimp paste. Served with beef, pork and thick round noodles, it has a robust and complex flavour profile than phở.

Hue’s specialty Flavourful
Vietnamese Shrimp Fresh Rolls Vietnam

Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Rolls)

Fresh rice paper rolls filled with prawns, pork, vermicelli, lettuce and herbs, typically served with peanut sauce. Light, clean and built around freshness.

Com Tam Vietnam

Cơm Tấm

Broken rice served with grilled pork, pickles, scallion oil, fish sauce and often a fried egg. An everyday staple known for its balance of smoky, savoury and lightly sweet flavours.

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