The summer monsoon season in Vietnam is already well underway, so you should prepare for heavy rainfall almost everywhere, with the exception of the coastal lowlands of Central Vietnam, which are still dry and sunny. This is the best time of the year to concentrate on a beach holiday because rain is already spreading across the northern mountains and Central Highlands.
Weather
Typhoon season officially begins this month as of June, however there are still major regional variances until the summer monsoon has arrived in full force. Although Northern Vietnam has slightly less rain than Southern Vietnam (the really strong rains will come in July and August), mountain climbing is not recommended due to the Central Highlands and mountain ranges being covered with rain. This month is also the hottest in Northern Vietnam, with an average high temperature of 86°F (30°C) in Hanoi. Also at their peak are mosquitoes, so carry plenty of bug repellent.
In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City and the south see daily downpours in June, making it one of the wettest months of the year. There will still be plenty of sunny and dry daytime hours because these normally happen in the afternoon. You might face some flooding in Ho Chi Minh City and other cities after extremely heavy downpours and protracted week-long rains, while the South China Sea can be turbulent and delays in transit are expected.
The average temperature drops to about 82°F (28°C) as a result of the clouds and monsoon rains, but highs can still frequently reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If there are prolonged downpours, you should prepare some backup plans.
Crowds & Costs
Early June is the least congested time of the month and has the fewest foreign visitors. However, by mid-June, when families and students are on vacation and schools are out, domestic travel in Vietnam is at its peak. It’s advisable to start planning your beach holiday sooner rather than later because by late June, popular spots like Halong Bay and beach resorts like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc get overcrowded. To avoid the rush, you must make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Also, don’t anticipate any discounts during the summer when prices are higher.
Where to Go
Unless you don’t mind frequent downpours and a large number of tourists, you might prefer to concentrate on a beach holiday in Central Vietnam.
Only in this region of the nation can you practically bet on bright days and clear skies in June. So grab a blanket and some sunscreen and head to Hoi An, Danang, Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc’s beaches. Add some cultural exploration to the mix because Hue and Hoi An are also having nice weather. Each city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting magnificent antiquity and architecture. Don’t skip the Lantern Market in Hoi An.
The month of June is also among the best for visiting Da Nang, the third-largest city in Vietnam and maybe its most vibrant and quickly developing. The Cao Dai Temple, Phap Lam Pagoda, Cham Sculpture Museum, and the must-see Dragon Bridge, where the dragon sculpture spouts fire every Saturday and Sunday night at 9 o’clock, should be on your list of places to see. It also offers wonderful beaches, a lively nightlife, and outstanding food.
In Northern Vietnam, the terraced rice fields are at their most stunning—luxuriantly green and dazzling yellow-gold with a fresh rice harvest, glittering in June—the “falling water season”—with cascades of water streaming from terrace to terrace. The most picturesque locations are in Mu Cang Chai, Pu Long, and Trang An at the Red River’s bank.
What to Do
On the pristine white sand beaches of the Con Dao archipelago, off the southern tip of Vietnam, green turtle nesting season begins in June. Turtles can be seen laying eggs on this old prison island, which is now a national park and marine tourism haven where young turtles can subsequently emerge from the sand. Between June and September, when they are most numerous, the female turtles come ashore. They lay their eggs on 14 of the 16 islands in Con Dao, with Bay Cahn Island receiving the great majority. The national park office has mandatory tours available. To watch the turtles, which can arrive at the coast as late as 2 or 3 am, you’ll need a lot of patience and good luck.
Visit Hoi An and go on a sunset sail on the Thu Bon River. If at all feasible, plan your vacation for the middle of a lunar month, when the Full Moon Lantern Festival displays this historic city at its most beautiful. This festival is highlighted by floating paper lanterns. When the lights are turned off and the ancient city is illuminated by thousands of decorative colored lanterns, take some time to stroll through the nearby streets.
June Events
Tet Ngo Doan – Mid-June marks the summer solstice in Vietnam. On the anniversary of the passing of Au Co, a mountain fairy who was regarded as the mother of all Vietnamese people, many cities and villages celebrate.
International Fireworks Festival in Da Nang. Every June, on a few nights during the entire month, international fireworks teams perform breathtaking displays next to the Han River.
Doan Ngo Festival
The Doan Ngo event, also referred to as “the festival of insect killing” in colloquial language, occurs on May 5 of the lunar calendar. The festival will be held on June 22nd in 2023. Typically, during this occasion, people eat traditional delicacies like “banh tro,” plums, lychee, fermented sticky rice, etc. in the hope that they will keep them healthy.
Feast of the Veneration of the Sea in My Long (Tra Vinh)
The Sea Veneration Festival in My Long, which is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam, has developed into a hub of activity for many residents of the coastal region, including visitors and fisherman alike. According to the lunar calendar, the holiday is held every year from 10 to 12 May (27 to 29 June 2023).
Vietnam Family Day (June 28)
The day that honors the good, fundamental values of the family, recalls the precious traditional values of respecting the ancestors.
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
The Han River bank in Da Nang City hosts the annual Da Nang International Fireworks Festival. Eight international nations, including China, the UK, Finland, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Brazil, and Vietnam, participate in the Fireworks tournament. One of the most eagerly awaited events is the pyrotechnic competition. Beautiful fireworks displays with appropriate background music and visual effects illuminate the sky. Visitors can take part in a number of auxiliary activities in addition to the main event, such as international art festivals and cuisine festivals.
Nha Trang Sea Festival
The colorful celebration takes place in early June every two years. The festival features kite flying competitions in addition to numerous sporting events and embroidery displays and photography exhibitions. The celebration is a lovely synthesis of art and beauty. Attend this amazing carnival if you are going to travel to Vietnam in June!
While it is hot and wet in Vietnam in June, the country still has tons of things to do. Make the most of dry conditions by hitting beaches along its central coast and do not be scared to venture into rainy areas to see how nature is transformed by the annual downpour.
