August is the wettest month of the year, nevertheless, it is one of the peak times to visit Vietnam. Natives enjoy the outdoors maximum before mid-August hence making the other half of the month a golden time to hit the beaches of Central Vietnam. Although North Vietnam and South Vietnam are affected by monsoon and typhoons in August yet there are many alluring destinations which promise pleasant weather. Although August weather in Vietnam isn’t consistent yet it promises a blend of warm sunshine and plentiful monsoon. This is the time when this South-Eastern Peninsula is moderately affected by Southwest Monsoon leading to daily downpours in South Vietnam while Typhoons affect North Vietnam. But Central Vietnam remains best for beach vacations. Different parts of the country experience a range of temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius.
Stay till the end of the article to know about the breathtaking attractions and beauty of Vietnam in August:
Vietnam Weather in August - North, Central and South
Northern Mountain Region - Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai, Haiphong
August is monsoon month in the north mountain region hence trekking is unadvisable. However, August is a peak month to visit SaPa and areas around Mu Cang Chai. This is the month when golden rice crops sway under light showers of rain. Sun appears equally hence the weather is not bad.
North Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh
By August, North Vietnam is in the summer monsoon phase with an average temperature of 29°C. Hanoi and Halong Bay are prone to heavy showers while other areas are very humid.
Central Vietnam - Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Dalat, Quy Nhon & Nha Trang
First three weeks of August offer a good amount of sunshine in the coastal lowlands of Central Vietnam. Some areas get light rains by the end of the month, so technically this is the last dry summertime. Hoi An, Danang and Nha Trang experience an average temperature of 30°C.
South Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc and Con Dao, Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, Ho Tram & Long Hai
During August, rains affect South Vietnam with an average temperature of 29°C. Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta are affected by daily afternoon showers but you can expect plenty of daylight hours for outdoor activities. August is also the month of Green Turtle's first hatchlings on Con Dao island.
Places to Visit in Vietnam in August
Vietnam offers bonnie coastlines, historical architectural sites, exotic adventure activities, air-conditioned modern museums, flowering fields, mouth-watering foods and lively markets. Where one major place is known for its art, another is an attraction point for its nightlife, all-in-all Vietnam wisely preserves its culture. August is good-to-go time for Central Vietnam while later August is suitable for South Vietnam. Below is the list of the cities, places from North Vietnam to South Vietnam to visit in August.1. SaPa
Located in the Northwest Mountain region of Vietnam, this beautiful town SaPa has various small villages. SaPa is warm with an average temperature of 21°C, drizzling makes the surroundings more beautiful. Travellers must visit ‘SaPa museum’ and ‘Cat Cat Village’ (one of the oldest villages of Sapa) to learn the history of people here and ‘Cloud Yard’ to compliment the beauty of clouds. SaPa is great for hiking (do not skip Heaven Gate), boating on SaPa Lake, having warm beverages and tasting local cuisine or delicious desserts in restaurants.
You can buy handicrafts from SaPa Market or visit ‘Ta Phin Village’ to witness Communal Church Singing - a marriage tradition. 3 or 4-star hotels are available at cheap rates in June, book your stay and enjoy the beauty of hills.
Other major attractions include Fairy Cave, Silver Waterfalls, Tram Ton Pass, Muong Hoa Valley, Muong Khuong Bird Market.
2. Cao Bang
Cao Bang is an underrated city of North Vietnam. In August, Cao Bang experiences the rainy season with hot and humid sky but it doesn’t hinder the tour. Cao Bang is home of the world's fourth-largest waterfall ‘Ban Gioc’ which is surrounded by lush jungle. Near the waterfall, there is Nguom Ngao Cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites that take the form of mythical creatures. Thang Hen Lake is a collection of 36 other lakes which flow into one another in the rainy season. You can go for a boat trip around the lake to appreciate the turquoise water and peaceful environment. If you wish to glance at the local culture of the area, hit Phuc Sen Forge Village and Pac Mieu Market (opens on 1st, 5th, 10th or 15th day of the lunar month). Diverse cuisine of Cao Bang includes Coong Phu Cake, Sour Noodles, Steamed Rolled Rice Pancakes, Trung Khanh hazelnuts.
Other major attractions include Pac Bo Cave, Phia Oac - Phia Den Forest, Truc Lam Pagoda
3. Hue
Hue is an ancient city in Central Vietnam which is also recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hue has preserved its old fashion, cuisine, language, art and architecture. It is located on the banks of the picturesque Huong River, commonly known as Perfume River. Starting from Imperial City, Hue has a plethora of historical sites to visit. Ngo Mon Gate is the entrance to Imperial City, inside has museums, lawns, temples, art galleries and markets. Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts and Forbidden Purple City are a must-visit spots. Thien Mu Pagoda (a seven-story Buddhist Temple), Ta Mieu Temple, Minh Mang Tomb are some of the historic sites for worshipping.
For outdoor activities and camera lens view travellers can go to Thanh Toan Bridge, Trang Tien Bridge and Thuy Tien Lake. For hiking, to explore wildlife in Hue visit Bach Ma National Park. Then there are ancient tombs of emperors constructed according to Feng Shui - Tomb of Tu Duc, the Tomb of Minh Mang and the Tomb of Khai Dinh. Hue offers Thuan An Beach to relax under the sun on off-white sands and multiple spa centres and hot springs. Buy traditional Ao dai, souvenirs, handicrafts, gifts from Dong Ba Market and do not skip Hue’s famous dishes like Com Hen, Hue Beef Noodle Soup, Steamed rice cakes, Vietnamese Crepe.
Other major attractions include An Hien Garden House, Huyen Tran Princess Temple, Vong Canh Hill.
4. Quang Binh
Quang Binh Province is in Central Vietnam which is mainly famous for Nha Ke Bang National Park. August is the summer season with moderate precipitation which creates a good time to visit Quang Binh. Later phase of August is one of the peak tourist months however accommodations are cheap. There are numerous local villages, caves, parks and lakes to adore in Quang Binh.
The Ecological tour of Quang Binh includes Phong Nha Ke Bang National park, Phong Nha Botanical Garden, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Can Duong Village (also known as Whale Village) and the caves of Phong Nha and Tien Son. For relaxation, there is Bang Mineral Hot Spring with a temperature of 105ºC. Summers without beaches are incomplete, enjoy at Da Nhay beach or Jumping rock beach, Ly Hoa Beach which offer white fine sands and clear waters. For more fun, Quang Phu Sand Hill is fantastic, it allows you to take slides in white sand hills.
Other major attractions include Van Lu tunnel, Dong Hoi temple, U Bo Mountain, Tam Tao Church.
5. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is a part of a district ‘Minh Hao’ in Central Vietnam. August is technically the last best month (rain is observed for about 4-5 days only) to travel to the national park. Phong Nha is the home of Son Doong Cave - the largest cave in the world covered around Karst Mountain and has the longest underground river.
There are a tremendous number of species of flora and fauna to explore by rowboats. To experience an unforgettable scenery one must visit Phong Nha Cave or The Wet Cave and Tien Son Cave or The Dry Cave. The national park also offers beautiful Horizontal Spring ‘Nuoc Ngang’ and a field to catch a glimpse of Bulls in Ran Bo.
Other major attractions include Nuoc Troi, Chopping Board Shaped Stone, Crouching Stone, Chai Waterfall.
6. Hoi An
Another major tourist city in central Vietnam is Hoi An which was formerly known as FaiFoo. Ancient Town of Hoi An is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has an attraction spot near the riverside of Thu Ban River. August is the last summer month in Hoi An with an average temperature of 33-degree celsius. UV radiation is the most intense in daytime causing skin burns within minutes of exposure to the sun, use shades and sunscreen lotions every time you are going for outdoor activities.
Japanese Covered Bridge is a must-go-to site in mornings or evenings. To study the art and culture of the city go to the Heritage Art gallery and Hoi An Museum. To explore the natural beauty of the city, travellers must visit Cua Dai Beach, An Bang Beach and An Hoi Sculptor Garden. There's a plethora of food to taste and gifts to buy from Hoi An Day and Night Market, don't forget to visit Silk Market. Nightlife in Hoi An offers a wide range of bars, restaurants and streets coloured in paper lanterns.
Other major attractions include Museum of Ceramics, Fujian Assembly Hall, Terracotta Park, Van Duc Pagoda, Hoi An Fine Art Gallery.
7. Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon is a small coastal city in South Vietnam, famous for its wide range of seafood and a long stretch of clean sandy beaches. In August the weather is clear, hot and sunny and the sea is calm, making it a golden opportunity for swimming and other beach activities. Some of the beaches include Bai Xep Beach (has turquoise-blue water and white sand) near Bai Xep Village, Queens Beach and Gene Rang Beach for egg-shaped stones. You can also visit Maldives of Vietnam aka Ky Co Island and take in the untouched beauty while taking a ride on canoe and enjoying warm coffee. Twin Towers in Quy Nhon follow Cham architecture which is spellbinding and is a must-visit spot. The sacred tour covers Buddhist temples like Long Khanh, Minh Tinh, Pho Minh.
Other major attractions include Windy Pass, Phuong Mai Peninsula, Beach Promenade Amusement Park, Da DiaBeach, Binh Dinh Museum.
8. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is located in Central Vietnam and is great to visit in August to enjoy various water sports at Monkey Island, Hon Tre Island and have relaxing hours at Thap Ba Hot Spring. You can spend a couple of hours at Hon Ba Mountain, and worship in aesthetically pleasing Long Son Pagoda (White Buddha Pagoda) and Panogark Tower. There is Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Vinpearl Waterpark for kids to enjoy. Roam at night in Nha Trang Night Market to buy food or clothes, you can get gifts, souvenirs, hand embroidered items from street shops.
Other major attractions include Vinpearl Cable Car, YangBa Waterfall, Ba Ho Waterfall Cliff Jumping.
9. Con Dao Islands
Con Dao Islands separated from the mainland, lies in Southeastern Vietnam. These islands are a set of various islands where Green Turtles breed in August. You can spot turtles coming out around 2 at night. Near mid-August, baby-turtles start hatching. These Islands are great for wildlife lovers and families, you could spot a variety of exotic fishes, eels, stingrays here. Con Dao National Park protects many endangered species like Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, dolphins and dugong. Con Dao Prisons, also known as ‘Tiger Caves’ and Con Dao Museum are the sites to know the history.
Other major attractions: Include Van Son Pagoda, Con Dao Market.
10. Phan Thiet - Mui Ne
To the south of Vietnam lies a coastal port area ‘Phan Thiet’ which is, again, one of the best places to visit in August. It is divided amongst the city centre and famous Mui Ne Beach and has plenty of accommodations. Right from tropical forests to mesmerising beaches to ancient architecture, Phan Thiet has some or the other engaging part for every traveller. Doi Duong Beach, Phu Quy, Mr Dia Rock are some of the spectacular outdoor sites. Mui Ne is a magnetic point because of sand dunes, natural beauty and ancient architecture. A place for everyone is Red and White Sands where you can slide down the slopes. Vietnam’s largest statue of reclining Buddha is in Linh Son Truong Tho Pagoda which is constructed at the top of Ta Cu Mountain.
Mui Ne Beach has clean and rock-free water which makes it suitable for swimming, surfing and kayaking. Some outlets sell local handicrafts, jewellery, beachwear. Try the seafood here which is served with Vietnam’s famous fish sauce.
Other major attractions include Mui Ne Fishing Village, Cham Tower, Ta Ch Pagoda.
11. Can Tho
Can Tho is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. Famous for its floating market, Can Tho sees fruit ripening month in August when the temperature is around 30-degree celsius. Different sized boats are adorned with vibrant flowers and fresh fruits in Cai Rang floating market. Some of the tropical fruits include dragon fruit, durian, jackfruit, pomelo. So, if you are vegetarian or a botany lover, this is a place to visit in August.
Can Tho Bridge, Mai Khanh tourist village, Bang Lang Stork Garden are some of the outdoor attractions. The city also offers historic art displays at Binh Thuy ancient house and Can Tho Museum. Can Tho has tremendous sites of worshipping - Nam Nha Pagoda, Binh Thuy Temple, Quang Duc Pagoda.
Other major attractions include Kai Khe Market, Phong Dien Floating Market, Can Tho Cathedral, Ninh Kieu Park, Luu Huu Phuoc Park.
Events and Festivals in Vietnam in August
1. Chi Long Festival
Chi Long Festival is a small village festival that marks celebrations on the 13th day of the sixth lunar month in Phong Dien District. The villagers worship Lady Dau Cang who won this land by leading four clans of Vietnam, five centuries ago. The festival majorly holds processions of votive tablets, Ky Phuoc Ceremony and Truc Yet Ceremony. Like many festivals of Vietnam, the offerings are presented and cultural events like Bong Dancing, Reading Funeral Oration, speeches take place. Travellers can view and learn about the ceremonies followed in Chi Long Festival during their visit.
2. Hon Chen Festival
Perfume River in Hue is often referred to as ‘Romantic River’ which is one of the main venues of the Hon Chen Festival. This festival is celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month (spring festival) and third day of the seventh lunar month (autumn festival). Mother of homeland is worshipped following many rites on the day and processions on Huong River on colourful dragon boats. People of Hue wear vibrant dresses to look like a prince and princess of the Nguyen Dynasty. The end marks at night with glistening floating lanterns.
3. Wandering Soul Day or Trang Nguyen or Vu Lan
One of the major festivals of Vietnam is Wandering Soul Day or Trang Nguyen, celebrated on the 15th day of 7th lunar month. This cultural festival which is also known as Hungry Ghost Festival holds importance nationwide. Just like in many mythologies, Vietnam Mythology says that this is the day when the gate of hell is set to open and spirits wander on the land. Vietnamese consider this day a negative time for new beginnings; they avoid marriages, major contracts, new projects. But prioritise forgiveness and charity. The streets are adorned with lanterns and families prepare a big feast then offer fake money, fruits, flowers, paper clothes to the spirits. Travellers can enjoy the festival best in Hue by visiting Buddhist temples.
4. Hoi An Lantern Festival
Spectacular night view on the 14th night of every month in Hoi An, Vietnam is worth experiencing as the city celebrates the festival of lights. Lighting lanterns is considered to be good luck and fortune charm in Vietnam. Hoi An lantern festival is considered to be an incredible moment to follow the rituals of worshipping the deceased relatives. The festival not just brings closeness and happiness but is a wise method to save electricity.
Visitors and locals gather at An Hoi Bridge and on the banks of Hoai River as the sunset begins, to enjoy the luring food of Vietnam. The view is the best at the ancient town area of Hoi An where natives light paper lanterns around 9 pm and hang on streets, bars, shops. Families give each other presents like flowers, foods and fake money in the belief of future prosperity. The streets are sparkled with musicians, instrumentalists, poetry readings and mini craft classes for kids too. The traffic is prohibited in the area allowing a hassle-free movement. Not to worry if you are vegetarian as there are numerous vegetarian foods and mouth-watering snacks to grab.
Vietnam in August - Tips
- Where most of Vietnam is affected by the monsoon in August, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park remains unaffected. This month is great for recreational activities like climbing, hiking, mountain biking. The karst limestone formations of caves and caverns in this national park can not be missed in August.
- Tortoise is the only living creature worshipped by Vietnamese out of four sacred animals. August is the peak nesting month of Green Turtles spotted at multiple Con Dao Islands. If lucky, you can spot first hatchlings at 2 or 3 at night on the beaches.
- As August is a peak travel season in Vietnam, beaches are occupied by the locales before school summertime gets over. After mid August, rates of air-fares drop and accommodations are easily accessed at bargained prices.