Where To Travel In Vietnam In November: Weather, Itinerary & Tips

Is November a Good Time to Visit Vietnam?

Vietnam in November is one of the best months to explore the north and south of the country. It’s dry (or drying), pleasantly cool, and far less crowded than the December holiday rush. Whether you’re looking for a cultural city break, adventurous mountain hikes, or tropical beach time, November gives you all three without the chaos of high season.

However, central Vietnam, especially Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, is often still affected by typhoons and heavy rainfall in November. Roads can flood, beaches remain stormy, and lantern-lit streets lose their charm under gloomy skies. That’s why we recommend focusing your itinerary on the north and south, where the weather is much more favorable.

What’s the Weather Like in Vietnam in November?

Before planning where to go or what to pack, it's important to understand how Vietnam’s weather in November shifts across the country. Each region tells a different story, from the cool breezes of the northern mountains to the tropical sunshine of the southern coast. Let’s break down the forecast so you can travel smarter.

Northern Vietnam in November

By November, northern Vietnam feels like autumn. Hanoi typically sees temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, with low humidity and very little rain. It’s ideal weather for strolling through the Old Quarter, sipping egg coffee, or biking around West Lake.

Up in the mountains, such as Sapa, Ha Giang, and Mu Cang Chai, you’ll encounter fresh, cool air (as low as 12°C at night), golden late-harvest rice fields, and the tail end of buckwheat flower season, painting the hillsides in shades of pink and purple.

Central Vietnam in November

Unfortunately, central Vietnam is not the best choice in November. The monsoon season often lingers until late in the month, bringing unpredictable downpours and even flooding in places like Hoi An and Hue. Outdoor activities and beach days are frequently disrupted, and some tours may be suspended due to weather.

Instead of trying your luck with Central Vietnam’s unpredictable rains, it’s best to skip the region entirely in November and head straight for where the weather shines - the cool mountains of the north or the sunny beaches in the south.

Southern Vietnam in November

In contrast, southern Vietnam welcomes the dry season in November. Expect temperatures around 25°C to 32°C, with sunny skies becoming more consistent throughout the month.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) shakes off its rainy spell, and rooftop bars, walking streets, and street food tours return to full swing. Meanwhile, the Mekong Delta opens up for lush river cruising, and Phu Quoc Island shines as one of Southeast Asia’s most pleasant beach destinations this time of year.

Where to Go in Vietnam in November

With Vietnam’s weather varying so much by region in November, choosing the right destinations can make or break your trip.

Hanoi

Hanoi in November is a joy to explore. Average temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C, perfect for walking around the Old Quarter, enjoying lakeside coffee, or biking around West Lake without breaking a sweat.

You can comfortably visit outdoor attractions like the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or take day trips to Bat Trang pottery village or Ba Vi National Park. Hanoi in November invites you to slow down and savor its charm, one cup of egg coffee at a time.

Pu Luong

Tucked away in Thanh Hoa Province, Pu Luong offers a peaceful alternative to more popular destinations like Sapa. In November, the air is fresh, the terraced hills are still green after harvest, and early mornings often bring the magical sight of clouds drifting through valleys and across rice terraces - a perfect time for cloud hunting.

Ha Giang

If there’s ever a time to ride the legendary Ha Giang Loop, it’s November. Cool mountain air brushes your face as you wind through limestone peaks, golden valleys, and villages draped in pink buckwheat flowers.

Temperatures hover around 14°C to 24°C, perfect for motorbiking by day and bundling up in cozy mountain lodges by night. A ride through Ha Giang this time of year doesn’t just feel like a trip; it feels like freedom.

Mu Cang Chai

By November, Mu Cang Chai settles into a peaceful rhythm after the golden rice harvest. While the terraced fields have already been cut, the region still stuns with its mountain views, fresh air, and early winter tranquility. Temperatures range from 13°C to 22°C, perfect for hiking or simply soaking in the scenery.

If you prefer quiet, off-the-beaten-path travel with crisp air and fewer tourists, November in Mù Cang Chải offers that rare kind of still beauty that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Da Lat

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Đa Lat becomes a misty, romantic retreat in November. Located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, it enjoys cool, dry air with daytime temperatures around 18°C to 24°C, and crisp evenings dipping to 13°C, perfect for sweater weather and strolls through pine forests.

You can visit iconic spots like the Valley of Love, Xuan Huong Lake, or the Da Lat Flower Garden in November to fully experience the poetic charm of this flower-filled highland town.

Ho Chi Minh

November marks a refreshing shift in Ho Chi Minh City, as the rainy season finally gives way to sunshine and drier skies, with daytime temperatures averaging around 26°C to 32°C.

This is a great time to explore bustling Ben Thanh Market, walk down Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, or sip coffee from a rooftop bar overlooking the skyline. You can feel the city's rhythm picking up as locals return to outdoor cafés and events.

Mekong Delta

With temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C, the Mekong Delta in November offers a tranquil yet vivid window into southern Vietnam’s unique rhythm.

This is the ideal time for floating market visits in Can Tho, boat cruises through coconut groves in Bến Tre, and cycling along peaceful village roads in Vinh Long or An Giang. You’ll also find blooming orchards, fresh tropical fruits, and vibrant local life along the canals.

Phu Quoc

November is the perfect time to relax on Long Beach, snorkel around the An Thoi Archipelago, or explore the lush interior of Phu Quoc National Park.

Temperatures hover between 26°C and 31°C, offering that classic island vibe - calm, sunny, and beautifully tropical.

Festivals and Events in Vietnam in November

While not a festival in the traditional sense, Vietnamese Teachers' Day is a nationwide cultural event that reveals a lot about Vietnamese values and traditions. On this day, students across the country honor their teachers with flowers, letters, performances, and gratitude visits.

You’ll often see students in ao dai (traditional dress) presenting flowers, and school campuses buzzing with heartfelt ceremonies. In classrooms and in cafés, you’ll notice a warm, respectful energy that shows how deeply teachers are appreciated in Vietnamese society.

Travel Cost & Crowd Levels

November is one of the best-balanced months to visit Vietnam, with pleasant weather in the north and south, fewer crowds, and better prices before the December surge. Flights and hotels are more affordable, especially if booked early. Tours like the Ha Giang Loop or Mekong cruises also offer good value. Most destinations are calm, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City feel lively but not packed, and even Phu Quoc stays relatively quiet until late month.

Suggested Itinerary Options for Vietnam in November

Ready to experience Vietnam in November, from misty mountains to tropical beaches? At Asia Mystic Travel, we create personalized, seamless itineraries that match the season’s strengths. Whether you want cloud-hunting in Pu Luong, cruising the Mekong, or unwinding on Phu Quoc’s sunny shores, our local expertise ensures you travel smarter, not harder.

>>> The 8-Day Tonkin Vietnam Tour is perfect for November travelers to explore Hanoi’s charm, sail through Ha Long Bay, trek Sapa’s golden hills, and unwind in peaceful Ninh Binh.

>>> The 7-Day Family-Friendly Tour Saigon & Mui Ne offers the ideal mix of culture and beachside relaxation. Enjoy the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, then head to Mũi Né for dunes, sea breezes, and quality downtime in November.

Vietnam in November is a sweet spot for travelers—cool, dry air in the north, sunny beaches in the south, and fewer crowds across the country. From cloud hunting in Pù Luông to cruising the Mekong Delta or soaking in the sun on Phú Quốc Island, November offers the perfect mix of comfort, scenery, and cultural experiences. With better prices and beautiful weather in the right regions, this is one of the most rewarding months to explore Vietnam, before the tourist rush begins.

Have questions or want a custom itinerary for Vietnam in November? Our local travel experts are here to help. Contact us now for personalized advice, fast replies, and trip planning made easy.