Best places to visit in August

Best places to visit in August

Vietnam remains consistent in August, as both the north and south experience the humid monsoon season, while Central Vietnam enjoys its final month of dry, sunny weather before the monsoon arrives. With attractive shoulder season prices, don’t let the rain deter you – there is still plenty of sunshine to enjoy.

By August, Vietnam is deep into the summer monsoon and typhoon season, though regional weather varies significantly. In Hanoi and North Vietnam, August is the wettest month, making hiking difficult due to rain-soaked mountains. Temperatures are typically high, averaging around 85°F (29°C) in Hanoi, with Halong Bay prone to storms. Remember to bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes are prevalent, along with rain gear.

Central Vietnam’s beaches and coastal areas experience their last stretch of dry weather before the seasonal monsoon begins in September. Initially, rainfall may only include intermittent showers, but by the end of the month, expect more continuous rain and cloudy skies. The Central Highlands, on the other hand, see substantial rain, making July a poor month for trekking. Average temperatures peak at about 88°F (31°C) in Hue, the hottest region in the country, so pack plenty of sunscreen if you’re looking for sun!

In South Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, the monsoon season is in full swing, with frequent afternoon downpours. Despite this, you can still enjoy many sunny hours. Heavy rains lasting several days may result in localized flooding, and the South China Sea can be rough, leading to potential transport delays. Average temperatures stay around 80°F (27°C), but highs can reach the 90s Fahrenheit.

• Crowds & Costs

Domestic travel remains high, and international visitors are starting to return as well. Early August can be crowded, particularly at beaches, as families enjoy the last bits of summer before school starts. By late August, prices for summer peak season begin to drop, making it easier to find deals on airlines, especially for flights from the West Coast of the USA. Visiting in mid- to late-August is great if you want to avoid larger tourist crowds.

• Where to Go

Central Vietnam’s beaches and cities are ideal in August due to their sunny weather. This part of the country is adorned with beautiful beaches and cultural landmarks. Spend time relaxing on the beaches of Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, or An Bang, then explore the rich heritage of Hoi An, visit the Imperial Citadel and Hue’s historic sites, and enjoy the vibrant culinary and nightlife scene in Da Nang.

For a deeper understanding of the impact of the Vietnam War, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This site served as a shelter during the war and features an intricate network of tunnels spanning over 200 kilometers.

While in the Buon Ma Thuot coffee region, visit Trung Nguyen Coffee Village to discover the process behind kopi luwak (civet coffee). Also, take a trip to Ban Don to learn about the M’nong people, who have traditionally cared for wild elephants in Yok Don National Park. Since 2018, the focus has shifted to more ethical practices, allowing visitors to observe elephants from a distance as they adapt back to their natural habitat.

• What to Do

Vietnam’s stunning karst limestone formations offer fantastic opportunities for adventure. One of the main locations unaffected by monsoons in August is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Here, you can choose from a wide range of activities including caving, climbing, forest hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking through underground rivers. Spending three to four days is perfect to explore the extensive possibilities of this geologists’ and speleologists’ paradise.

August also marks the peak of green turtle nesting season on the pristine beaches of the Con Dao archipelago, located at the southern tip of Vietnam. This former prison island has transformed into a national park and marine tourism haven. Visitors can witness turtles laying their eggs (and baby turtles hatching later). Female turtles come ashore between May and October, with the first hatchlings appearing at night in mid-August, scrambling toward the sea. Turtles nest on 14 of Con Dao’s 16 islands, with Bay Cahn Island being the most popular. Guided tours are available through the national park office, but it requires patience and a bit of luck to catch a glimpse of the turtles, as they may come ashore as late as 2 or 3 am.

If you love Vietnamese cuisine, why not take a cooking class to recreate the dishes at home? Cooking courses are available in every major city. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Cookery Center has been teaching tourists traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques for over two decades.

• August Events

Ghost Festival (Vu Tan): Known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, Vu Tan occurs nationwide on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month. During this time, Vietnamese honor their deceased ancestors, believed to return to their former homes.

Chi Long Festival: This small village festival takes place in early August in Phong Chuong, roughly 20 miles (32 km) north of Hue. The celebration features a procession of votive tablets, traditional dancing, and offerings floated down the O Lau River on boats.

Hon Chen Festival: Celebrated on the Perfume River in Hue on August 21, this community event honors the Hon Chem Temple with processions and offerings. Colorful dragon boats carry participants dressed as characters from the Nguyen Dynasty, and lanterns light up the night sky.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam in August, consider these fantastic itineraries:

Cycling Vietnam’s Highlands & Coast – 6 Days: Experience July’s dry, sunny weather as you bike through pine forests and coffee plantations, then follow the picturesque coastline to Hoi An.

Head Off the Beaten Path in Vietnam – 7 Days: Explore the lesser-known yet fascinating sights, highlighted by a visit to the Vinh Moc Tunnels.