When to Sell Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos: A Seasonal Planning Guide for Tour Operators

When to Sell Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos: A Seasonal Planning Guide for Tour Operators

In short: across most of Indochina, the drier months run roughly from November to April and the rainy monsoon from May to October. The main exception is Vietnam, which stretches over 1,600 km from north to south. Northern Vietnam has a cool winter, while the central coast gets its rains and typhoons later in the year. This guide summarises each destination’s seasons so you can match itineraries to your clients’ travel dates.

Vietnam: three regions, three patterns

North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, the mountains). Winter lasts from November to April. Hanoi’s coldest month is January, with a mean temperature of about 17°C. From early February to the end of March there is often a persistent drizzle, and March–April is a transitional period. Summer, from April or May to October, brings heat, heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons.

Central and South (Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta). Between June and November, the southwest monsoon brings rain, and typhoons can affect the eastern slopes and coastal plains. December to April is drier, with high temperatures in the south. Average annual temperatures are around 25°C in Hue, 27°C in Ho Chi Minh City and 21°C in the highland town of Da Lat.

Cambodia: a clear wet–dry rhythm

Cambodia’s official tourism guide for Phnom Penh describes three seasons:

• Cool season, November–March: around 22–28°C. December and January are the coolest months, and January–February is the driest period.
• Hot season, March–May: around 28–38°C, with April the hottest month.
• Rainy season, May–October: around 24–32°C with humidity up to 90%. The heaviest rain falls in September and October.

About three-quarters of Cambodia’s annual rainfall comes during the southwest monsoon months.

Laos: dry and cool in the north in winter

Laos has a typical tropical monsoon climate. The rainy season runs from May to October and the dry season from November to April. The official Laos tourism site names October to March as one of the most popular times to visit, with warm, dry weather that suits hiking, cycling, caving and river trips. Mountain villages in the north can feel cool enough for a jumper. The rainy months turn the landscape green and the waterfalls full, and Laos has festivals throughout the year.

Seasons at a glance

Planning tips for tour operators

• Multi-country trips: November to March falls in the drier season for Cambodia, Laos and southern Vietnam, which makes it the easiest window for combined Vietnam–Cambodia–Laos itineraries. Advise clients that northern Vietnam will be cool in this period, especially in December and January.
• Central coast: for trips that focus on Hue, Hoi An and the central beaches, plan with the June–November monsoon and typhoon risk in mind, and keep some flexibility in coastal and boat excursions.
• Hot season: from March to May, especially in Cambodia, plan temple visits and walking tours for early morning and late afternoon.
• Rainy season: the rainy months suit clients who want green landscapes and full waterfalls. Build in flexible days for outdoor and river activities.
• Book ahead: we recommend booking at least 1–3 months in advance, and earlier for groups and peak periods.

These are general climate patterns. Weather varies from year to year, so check up-to-date forecasts closer to departure.

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Sources: Britannica – Climate of Vietnam · Britannica – Climate of Cambodia · Tourism Cambodia – Phnom Penh climate · Britannica – Laos · Tourism Laos – Laos in any season