Vietnam in April - Weather, Best Places, Events and Festivals

April is a great time to visit Vietnam as the weather is pretty good and economical. Traveling up north, especially Halong Bay, is best when you can click perfect pictures. As April falls in the shoulder season, the crowds are relatively less, and booking is affordable. In April, Vietnam has some religious festivals, and you can soak in the cultural milieu of Vietnam by participating in them.

Weather in Vietnam in April

The spring season comes to an end in April, although the wet season is still quite far away. The northern parts of Vietnam are delightfully warm in April. Places like Hanoi and Halong Bay experience temperatures ranging from 20-27°C. It is a great time to visit Sapa and other trekking destinations to avoid the chilly weather.

The central highlands like Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang have relatively warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 24-30°C, making it perfect for exploration of historical sites. However, The southern regions experience much higher temperatures, heat, and humidity. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, the temperatures range between 25-33°C, and you can explore boating tours in the Mekong Delta, which are prevalent during this period.

Do not forget to pack some sunscreen, shades, swimwear, and light clothing if you are heading to the islands and southern region of Vietnam. There might be heavy rains towards the end of April, so it is best to take some rainproof clothing as well. April is the best time to visit Vietnam if you plan on cruising, water sports, and trekking. You can also avoid the risk of typhoons in the autumn months. 

Best places to visit in Vietnam in April

1. Halong Bay

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam, Halong Bay is truly a wonder of nature. With its emerald green waters and ancient lime karsts, cruising along Halong Bay is a delight. There are innumerable little islands and isles which add to the beauty of this place. The location has also been featured in a number of movies. Other fun activities to take part in include underwater diving, cave spelunking, trekking in the jungle, parasailing, traveling to Cat Ba Island, squid fishing, and barbecuing. The clear blue skies in April are perfect for clicking pictures for your social media. Since a lot of tourists travel to Halong Bay during the month of April, the tickets might be a tad bit expensive.

2. Ly Son Islands

Ly Son is made up of five mountains, four of which are dormant volcanoes. The group consists of the Dao Lon Island, Dao Be Island, and the Mu Cu islet. This island group is home to the popular ‘lonely garlic’ believed to improve immunity and is exported to other countries. The islands now have homestays and resorts that blend in perfectly with the beautiful natural backdrop. Paddling, kayaking, and scuba-diving are some sought-after activities. Another attraction on these islands is the colorful murals, which also try to bring about awareness of controlling marine pollution and conservation of marine biodiversity.

3. Ninh Binh

Another lesser-known destination in Vietnam, it is one of the prettiest landscapes you can witness. Located in northern Vietnam, about 100 km south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is also known as the Ha Long Bay on land. It has hundreds of limestone karsts emerging from beneath the ground amidst the green paddy fields. It is also a great place to visit if you wish to experience rural Vietnamese life from close quarters. The serene ambiance only makes the tryst memorable.

4. Hanoi

Hanoi is rightly called the cultural capital of Vietnam. In April, Hanoi has perfectly warm weather with cooler evenings when you can wear a jacket, hop on a bicycle, and explore what this city has to offer. A must-visit attraction is the center of ancient Hanoi, the Imperial citadel of Thang Long, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hanoi also has beautiful lakes, such as the Ho Tay and Hoan Kiem. Shopping is a fun activity you can indulge in when in Hanoi. You can buy souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, accessories, and much more. Do not forget to try out the street food here!

Festivities to participate in Vietnam in April

1. Hung Festival

The people flock to the Hung King temple to revel in the celebrations. A lot of cultural activities are conducted in the ten days of the festival, such as Cheo, Quan Ho, and Xuan singing performances and playing games like chess, chicken kicking, rice cooking, etc. On the main day of the festival, a procession is carried out, which stops at every small temple before reaching the High temple, where prayers and incense are offered. Traditional holiday food is also cooked and served on this day.

2. Xen Xo Pho Festival

This festival happens in the fourth month of the lunar calendar and involves the White Thai people of the Mai Chau Who perform the traditional ritual of rain dancing. It is also the harvest festival of Vietnam. The crops are completely dependent on the rains for irrigation, and hence, the people of this community pray to the Rain god for a good harvest that can sustain them for the rest of the year. The youngsters of the community sing during the night in a torchlight vigil.

Events to attend in Vietnam in April

Reunification Day

The Reunification Day is celebrated every year on the 30th of April to celebrate the defeat of the South Vietnamese forces backed by the US forces in the Vietnam War, thus unifying South Vietnam into North Vietnam. It is also known as the Liberation Day and is marked by military parades in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The country is carried away with patriotism and pride, and Vietnamese flags are flown in hamlets, towns, and cities alike.

Overall, April is a great month to travel with diverse climates, allowing travelers to experience the country's cultural richness and natural beauty.