Vietnam in Spring: Places, Festivals, and Travel Tips

Spring is one of the best times to explore Vietnam. As the country moves out of winter and toward summer, the weather becomes warmer, landscapes turn green, and many regions enjoy some of their most comfortable travel conditions.

For travellers planning a trip between March and May, here is what to expect across Vietnam, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in this diverse and beautiful country.

Table of contents

• What is spring like in Vietnam?

• Best places to visit in Vietnam in spring

• Spring festivals in Vietnam

• Spring travel tips for Vietnam

• Staying connected while travelling in Vietnam

• Using an eSIM in Vietnam

• Fixed data or unlimited data for Vietnam?

What is spring like in Vietnam?

Vietnam stretches a long way from north to south, which means the weather varies by region.

During spring:

• Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) enjoys mild, pleasant temperatures
  

• Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang) is warm and mostly dry
  

• Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is warm and humid, but still comfortable
  

Spring sits between cooler winter months and the heavier rains of summer, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Best places to visit in Vietnam in spring

Hanoi and Ha Long Bay

The iconic duo of northern Vietnam, Hanoi, offers vibrant city culture, a history in the Old Quarter, and wonderful food. The nearby Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking scenery of limestone karsts, emerald waters, and plenty of opportunities for cruises, kayaking, and cave exploration. Given their close proximity, if you are planning a trip to Vietnam, you can tick these off together; 4-6 days should be plenty of time to enjoy the area.

Hoi An and Da Nang

Located in central Vietnam, these neighbouring cities are only a short distance apart, yet both offer unique experiences. Da Nang is a modern, bustling city known for its great beaches, the Dragon Bridge, and the nearby Marble Mountains. Hoi An, on the flipside, is a tranquil, UNESCO-listed ancient town famous for its charming lanterns, tailor shops, and cultural immersion. You can tick both of these cities off at the same time, fly into Da Nang airport, and make your way across to Hoi An either to stay or just on day trips. The cities are only about 40 minutes apart.

Spring is a wonderful time to explore central Vietnam, with comfortable weather making long days on foot enjoyable.

Ho Chi Minh City

Southern Vietnam is lively all year round, but the best time to visit is between December and late April (Spring), when the weather is drier, and the humidity is lower. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city and economic hub, is known for its high energy, French colonial architecture, and rich history. You’ll find plenty of great street food and markets here.

Spring festivals in Vietnam

Spring brings several cultural celebrations, including:

• Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
  Usually in late January or February. While technically just before spring, its effects carry into the season with decorations, celebrations, and travel activity.

• Hung Kings’ Festival (April)
  A national holiday honouring the generations of kings who founded Vietnam. It is usually held around late April.

These events create a festive atmosphere but also increase domestic travel, so booking ahead is recommended.

Spring travel tips for Vietnam

• Weather & Packing: March in the North is cool with some drizzle; April is warmer with less rain. In the South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta), April is the hottest month in Spring. Pack light clothing, a light jacket or sweater, a rain poncho, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection.

• Key Dates & Crowds: The Tet festival in February can lead to closures and high transport demand, which often spills into March. Reunification Day in late April to early May is also significant to local Vietnamese and will result in heavy local travel, leading to high prices and crowded attractions. Book accommodation and travel as early as possible.

• Always carry cash: Given the events mentioned above and Spring being a generally busy time, queues for ATMs may be long, or ATMs may be completely empty during holidays.

• Bring bottled water: Do not drink tap water; use bottled or boiled water for drinking and brushing teeth.

Staying connected while travelling in Vietnam

Vietnam is well-connected, and mobile data plays a big role in everyday travel.

Travellers often use data for:

• Ride-hailing apps and transport

• Maps and navigation

• Translation

• Finding food and accommodation

• Staying in touch while moving between cities

Public Wi-Fi exists, but it is not always reliable outside hotels and cafes.

Using an eSIM in Vietnam

An eSIM offers a simple way to stay connected across Vietnam without swapping SIM cards or dealing with roaming.

With providers like Pocket Roam, travellers can:

• Install a Vietnam eSIM before departure
  

• Connect to local networks shortly after arrival
  

• Choose fixed data or unlimited data plans based on usage

This is especially useful when travelling between cities or using apps throughout the day.

Fixed data or unlimited data for Vietnam?

Both options can work well.

Fixed data plans suit travellers who:

• Mainly use maps and messaging
  

• Spend time on Wi-Fi
  

• Want a more budget-friendly option
  

Unlimited data plans are better if you:

• Use navigation and apps constantly
  

• Share photos and videos
  

• Travel at a fast pace
  

• Prefer not to track data use
  

Busy spring itineraries often favour unlimited data for convenience.

Final Thoughts

Spring is an excellent time to experience Vietnam, with comfortable weather, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes across the country. From historic streets to coastal towns and bustling markets, it offers something for every type of traveller.

Planning your connectivity in advance helps make travel smoother, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

You can explore our Vietnam eSIM bundles here.

Travelling beyond Vietnam? Check out our Asia regional bundle.