Vietnam in July: Weather, best destinations to visit, tour ideas

“Is July a good time to go on a trip to Vietnam?” is one of the most frequently asked questions by travelers before deciding to organize their trip.

In July, from North to South and the offshore islands bask in magnificent sunshine. The number of foreign visitors remains lower compared to other periods, while locals flock to the beaches and known destinations before the children return to school.

In this article, we have gathered a lot of information regarding the places you can visit and the festivals you can attend in Vietnam in July.

1. Weather in Vietnam in July

In Vietnam, July is a mix of heat and heavy monsoon. Temperatures vary from region to region of the country, but the average temperature in Vietnam in July is 30-31 degrees.

1.1. Northern Vietnam in July

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Halong Bay, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa...) is in the monsoon and rain season in July. The average daily temperature remains at its maximum this month, around 29-30°C. However, there are some periods of high heat where the temperature is close to 38°C.

It is a little cooler in mountainous regions like Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Ha Giang, etc. Heavy rains are also received en masse, soaking the mountains, which means that hiking is somewhat affected. If you are not bothered by the rains and love nature, don't miss Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Ha Giang. It is undoubtedly a good time to contemplate the breathtaking landscapes of the rice terraces.

Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay experience one of the rainiest months. However, rains are generally short-lived and often occur in the afternoon, which still allows for a large number of daylight hours. Storms can sometimes occur in Northern Vietnam at this time of year and can affect tours and cruises in Halong Bay. We advise you to bring rain gear and have a second plan in this case.

1.2. Central Vietnam in July

In July, in Central Vietnam (Quang Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang...), it is dry and sunny, with an average temperature of 31°C. The sky is blue. It’s a good time to spend a seaside holiday under the sun on the beaches.

The average temperature remains higher from Quang Binh to Hoi An. It is actually advisable to plan visits earlier in the morning or late afternoon.

But in Dalat and the central highlands, monsoons bring a lot of rain. The atmosphere is then more pleasant.

1.3. Southern Vietnam in July

Southern Vietnam in July is in peak monsoon season, with heavy but short-lived daily rains in the afternoon. The weather is surely hot during the day. The average temperature is 30°C (86°F).

It is necessary to have a backup plan for outdoor activities. A seaside trip to Phu Quoc Island and the southern beaches is not recommended at this time due to the rains there.

2. The price of the trip in July

July is a low season for international tourism. It’s probably an ideal time for those who don’t like crowds. Particularly, the prices of international and domestic flights are generally cheaper and the price of the trip is also lower and sometimes negotiable.

However, it is the high national tourist season. Students are on summer vacation, and Vietnamese families like to enjoy vacations in seaside resorts, especially on weekends. It is advisable to reserve your hotel rooms in advance. The exception is in major cities like Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh, where hotel costs can be among the lowest of the year.

3. Places to Visit in Vietnam in July

Vietnam has a large number of tourist destinations to explore in July. Vietnam offers stunning coastlines, historic architectural sites, exotic adventure activities, modern museums, magnificent rice fields, mouth-watering foods, and bustling markets. Below is the list of cities and places to visit in July, from the North to the South of Vietnam.

3.1. Ninh Binh – Halong Bay on land

Located in the North of Vietnam, 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is known for its karst landscapes where scenes from the film Indochine with Catherine Deneuve were filmed. This place is one of the most visited destinations in Northern Vietnam. Forbes magazine has included Ninh Binh in the list of 23 best tourist destinations for 2023. Nothing is more wonderful than taking an excursion in a rowing boat in the exceptional setting of the limestone mountains of Tam Coc or Van Long.

Other major attractions include Hoa Lu, Trang An, Thien Ha, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Phat Diem Cathedral, and Cuc Phuong National Park...

>> Read more: The 11 must-see attractions of Ninh Binh

3.2. Hanoi

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam, fascinates travelers with its hustle and bustle, its fascinating history, its incredibly rich culture, and its fantastic cuisine. In July, it is quite hot (average temperature - 33˚C) and humidity is at its maximum, so it is better to visit closed areas.

During your stay in Hanoi, plan to visit the famous sites: Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and city museums. Hanoi's nightlife is also very lively in the old quarter of Hanoi. Taste excellent Hanoi street food while shopping in the night market.

>> Read more: 7 things to do during a family trip to Hanoi

3.3. Halong Bay

A trip to Vietnam would not be complete without a cruise to Halong Bay, classified as a natural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. In July, it is warm and sunny. The temperature ranges from 29 to 37°C (81 to 98°F). During the night, the atmosphere can cool down a bit.

Let yourself be seduced by sailing in its emerald waters through its thousands of strangely shaped islands and islets and a kayak excursion to places inaccessible by boat where untouched nature reveals all its splendor. All this is worth the detour.

If you are planning to travel to Halong Bay in July, you need to prepare for rainy days. Showers and even storms may occur. So check the weather forecast and stay in touch with your cruise line or travel agency to modify the itinerary and organize your trip as best as possible.

>> Read more: Top 10 in Halong Bay: the must-sees and things to do

3.4. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Located in central Vietnam, the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure travel enthusiasts in Vietnam. There are a large number of impressive caves there. By boat and on foot, you can visit some of these beautiful caves such as Phong Nha Caves and Paradise Cave which contain incredible settings of geological formations, stalagmites, and stalactites of various shapes.

Phong Nha Ke Bang is still home to Son Doong Cave, the largest cave in the world, 9 kilometers long, and its uninterrupted gallery is 200 meters high and 100 meters wide. So impressive! However, the number of visits to Son Doong is limited to 800 visitors per year, and the price is $3000.

>> Read more: Top 10 things to do in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

3.5. Hue

Hue, the last royal capital of Vietnam, listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, is a must for travelers during their trip to Vietnam. This city fascinates visitors with its historical cultural values and divine gastronomy.

To visit the historical sites (the tombs of the emperors, the pagodas) and appreciate all the poetic beauty of Hue, there is nothing like a boat trip on the Perfume River and bike rides in peaceful villages. Hue is still known for its magnificent beaches. July is the last month of the dry season, it is sunny, and it is an ideal stopover for a peaceful seaside stay if the weather permits.

>> Read more: 10 things to do in Hue

3.6. Hoi An

Hoi An shares the same climate as Hue in July. It is warmer than in June with an average temperature of 33°C. It’s always a good time to go on cultural visits. Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of historical sites, temples, and ancient houses. You can visit them a little earlier to avoid the heat. At nightfall, the city is illuminated by thousands of lanterns of several original shapes and colors. Particularly, the Lantern Festival, which is usually held on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, on the full moon of each month is always attractive.

At this time, it is recommended to enjoy a seaside stay at An Bang or Cua Dai Beach, which are easily accessible by bike. For those who have a little more time, it is possible to take a boat trip to the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham), located off the coast of Hoi An. Here, you can also go diving and snorkeling.

>> Read more: Hoi An of Vietnam: Top 10 things to do in Hoi An

3.7. Mui Ne

Mui Ne is a popular vacation spot for travelers wanting to spend some relaxing time at the beach during their tour in Vietnam. This place is not only known for the white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, without rocks for swimming, but also for the impressive orange dunes that allow you to slide down the slopes. In addition, you can also practice sports games like surfing, windsurfing... If you have time, discover the local fishing village, where you can watch the magnificent spectacle of the return of the fishermen and taste the variety of fresh seafood.

3.8. Mekong Delta

In July, the Mekong Delta which is in the rainy season is less crowded than the other months. However, with the impressive meandering waterways, this is the best time to visit the lush orchards that abound in the fertile lands of the Mekong Delta.

It is a half-terrestrial, half-aquatic land, covered with a multitude of canals and green arroyos. Get up a little early so as not to miss the atmosphere of the floating markets at the busiest time. It is considered the best experience in the Mekong Delta. From early in the morning, locals come there to do their business. We see hundreds of boats at the end of which are planted pyramids of fruits or vegetables such as tomato, pineapple, banana, durian, coconut, mango, dragon fruit...

4. Example of itinerary in July in Vietnam

4.1. Tour in Vietnam in 18 days (seaside stay in Hoi An) in July

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich
Day 4: Mai Hich – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Hoa Lu
Day 5: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi – night train to Dong Hoi
Day 7: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Cave – Phong Nha Cave
Day 8: Phong Nha – Vinh Moc – Hue
Day 9: Hue – city tour – boat trip on the Perfume River – discovery of the village of Thuy Bieu
Day 10: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – city tour
Day 11: Hoi An – discovery of villages in the surrounding area
Day 12: Hoi An – seaside stay
Day 13: Hoi An – seaside stay
Day 13: Hoi An – Da Nang – flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh – city tour
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Cai Lay
Day 16: Cai Lay – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen
Day 17: Long Xuyen Market – Ho Chi Minh
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh – departure flight

4.2. Tour in Vietnam in 15 days (seaside stay in Mui Ne) in July

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Van Long
Day 3: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An – visit the old town
Day 6: Hoi An – Kim Bong – Tra Nhieu – Cam Thanh by bike
Day 7: Hoi An – free day at the beach
Day 8: Hoi An – flight to Ho Chi Minh
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Cai Lay
Day 9: Cai Lay – Sa Dec – Long Xuyen
Day 10: Long Xuyen – Tra Su – Chau Doc
Day 11: Chau Doc – Ho Chi Minh
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh – Mui Ne – seaside stay
Day 13: Mui Ne – seaside stay
Day 14: Mui Ne – seaside stay
Day 15: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh – departure flight

4.3. Tour in Vietnam off the beaten track in July

Day 1: Hanoi – arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Giang
Day 4: Ha Giang – Yen Minh – Dong Van
Day 5: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac
Day 6: Bao Lac – Ba Be
Day 7: Ba Be – Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Hoa Lu
Day 9: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi – flight to Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 11: Hoi An – city tour
Day 12: Hoi An – bike ride through the villages
Day 13: Hoi An – seaside stay
Day 14: Hoi An – seaside stay
Day 15: Hoi An – flight to Ho Chi Minh – city tour
Day 16 Ho Chi Minh – Ben Tre – Can Tho
Day 17: Can Tho – visit the floating market – visit the villages – return to Ho Chi Minh
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh – departure flight

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