Vietnam has been an astonishing country to rejuvenate and is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year. The summers in Central Vietnam and the monsoons in North and South Vietnam in July are perfect for enjoyment. The number of foreign visitors is still lower in July than in other summertimes, making it easy to find affordable bookings and enjoy the destinations in a quieter space. While July in Vietnam comes with challenges like high humidity and frequent rain showers, it also offers travelers the chance to experience lush landscapes and fewer crowds at popular attractions.
Weather in Vietnam in July
Weather in July is a blend of warmth and plentiful monsoon in Vietnam, which is somewhat similar to June. This is the time when this southeastern peninsula is moderately affected by southwest monsoons, leading to daily downpours in South Vietnam. Different parts of the country experience a range of temperatures, but 31 degrees is the average temperature that hovers over Vietnam in July.
Northern Mountain Region - Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai, Haiphong
July is the monsoon month in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. If you are not bothered by light rains in hilly areas, then you must not skip Sapa and Mu Cang Chai. Yellow rice fields, dusky weather, drizzling, and warm coffee are the reasons that make July a peak month to visit SaPa and Mu Cang Chai. Families must not prefer to go to mountain regions as trekking is off the cards in July.
North Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh
North Vietnam has hot weather with heavy rains, with temperatures ranging from 26-34°C. Hanoi and Halong Bay bear one of the wettest months in July. However, rains are short and often occur in the afternoon, thus promising many daylight hours.
Central Vietnam - Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Dalat, Quy Nhon & Nha Trang
Central Vietnam promises dry and sunny weather in July, with an average temperature of 31°C. Coastal lowlands - Hoi An, Danang, and Hue make July the best time to rejuvenate under the sun, but be prepared for crowded breaches. Meanwhile, in Dalat and Central Highlands, there is plentiful rainfall.
South Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc and Con Dao, Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, Ho Tram & Long Hai
July is the peak monsoon season in Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta, with humid and daily heavy but short-lasting afternoon pours with temperatures ranging from 26-35°C. Meanwhile, in the far south, sunny weather allows for visits to the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao.
Events and Festivals in Vietnam in July
What could be more exciting on a tour than enjoying the cultural festivals of that place? Vietnamese celebrate two major festivals in July, which can’t be missed. Check below the description of the cultural events of Vietnam that you can rejoice under sunny days and cold yet soothing nights.1. Tra Co Festival
The seaside city of Mong Cai celebrates the one-week festival ‘Tra Co Festival’ from the 30th day of the fifth lunar month to the 6th day of the sixth lunar month. The Tra Co Festival is organized at Tra Co Communal House, which is decorated with antiques. Vietnamese honor the spiritual guardian of the community, whose shrine was built during the Le Dynasty. After the ritual processions, there are contests like cooking contests, calligraphy writing, tug of war, stilts, and other fun games. ‘Mr.Elephant’ is a unique feature of the Tra Co Festival, where the person who owns the fattest pig wins.
Why Should You Visit Vietnam in July?
- Technically, July is the last month that is preferable for outdoor activities and adventure in Vietnam. So sandy beaches, markets, Buddhist temples, gothic-style Catholic churches, tribal villages, and at places, mountains decorated with rice paddies are magnets at this time.
- In the major cities, the prices are the lowest of the year. July is the cheapest month in Ho Chi Minh City. You can plan to visit the major markets to purchase souvenirs, collectibles, and gifts.
- Nature is at its best in July in Ninh Binh, Con Dao, Bac Son Valley, and Phan Tiet.
- July is the end of summer vacation month in schools in Vietnam, so expect crowded beaches and an increase in the prices of accommodations. Also, there won’t be any bargaining entertained.
Places to Visit in Vietnam in July
There are lots of places in major cities of Vietnam to explore and learn about in July. Vietnam offers bonnie coastlines, historical architectural sites, exotic adventure activities, air-conditioned modern museums, flowering fields, mouth-watering foods and lively markets.
1. Ninh Binh
Located in North Vietnam, Ninh Binh Province is famous for its Karst Landscape in Tam Coc. July is one of the best seasons to visit Ninh Binh because it is the harvest season. A boat can be hired to see the limestone cliffs in Tam Coc. A two-hour excursion takes you through three natural caves - Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.
Other major attractions include Hoa Lu, Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Phat Diem Cathedral, and Ken Gha.
2. Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province
In the summer season of July, biodiversity is moderate in Cuc Phuong National Park, which is located in Ninh Binh Province. You can trek through the grass jungle and observe ancient trees and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Vietnam’s oldest national park includes the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, where Monkeys, Langurs, and Gibbons were rescued and kept national park.
Note: Do not forget to apply mosquito repellent and wear good hiking shoes. Check daily weather before planning the trip to Cuc Phuong.
3. Hanoi
Hanoi is the only capital of a country which isn't its largest city. The capital of Vietnam - Hanoi, is a place for every traveler. July is the warmest month (average temperature - 33˚C) with humidity at its peak, so we prefer to visit closed areas. There’s a lot to do in Hanoi; in the morning, travelers can visit historical sites and enjoy markets to save the nights for the view of Old Quarter Hanoi at the weekend and Hoan Kiem Lake for a boat ride.
Other major attractions include Hanoi Train Street, Cau Giay Park, Dong Xuan Market, Rose Park, Smiley Ville, Lotte Observation Deck, Long Bien Bridge, Ba Vi National Park, and Perfume Pagoda.
4. Halong Bay
Halong Bay, located in North Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there’s much to explore and spend a hot and sunny July here. Apart from rejuvenating and getting tanned on beaches and islands, travelers can go for a cruise, swimming, and cooking classes. It is the perfect month for kayaking and snorkeling.
Other major attractions include HaLong Queen Cable Car, Sun World Halong Complex, Stacking Rocks, Tuan Chau Island, and Cannon Fort.
Note: Nights are hot; storms or typhoons may occur in humid July. Take note of the weather forecast.
5. Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay
Cat Ba Island is one of the most amazing and highly visited Islands connected to Halong Bay. July is a peak month to visit here if you love tropical summers; the average temperature is around 33˚C. There are three famous sand beaches- Cat Ba 1, 2 and 3, enjoy the time under the sun or swim in the water.
Other major attractions include Dinh Lagu Lam, Cat Ba Archipelago, and Monkey Island.
6. Quan Lan - Minh Chau
Two unspoilt beaches near HaLong Bay are good to go for private space in July. Quan Lan Beach and Minh Chau Beach are adorned with white sands. One can hire an electric car to travel around Quan Lan Beach. Minh Chau Beach is the freshest of all beaches in Vietnam and has green water. There is seafood to enjoy and various beach activities to be part of.
Other major attractions include Quan Lan temple, Van Don ancient port
7. Bac Can
Bac Can is a mountainous region in North Vietnam and has a dry-cold season in July. It is famous for its natural resources and major attractions, namely Ba Be National Park and Dau Dang Waterfall. Ba Be consists of three large lakes - Pe Lam, Pe Lu, Pe Leng. Bac Can offers to visit Ba Goa Island or Widow’s Island and various caves and caverns such as Phuong Cave, Hua Ma Cave, and Lo Mo Cave.
Other major attractions include An Ma Temple, Thach Long Pagoda, Fairy Pond.
8. Hue
Hue is an ancient city in Central Vietnam that is also recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hue has preserved its old-fashioned cuisine, language, art, and architecture. It is located on the banks of the picturesque Huong River, commonly known as the Perfume River. Starting from Imperial City, Hue has a plethora of historical sites to visit. Ngo Mon Gate is the entrance to Imperial City, and It has museums, lawns, temples, art galleries, and markets.
Other major attractions include An Hien Garden House, Huyen Tran Princess Temple, and Vong Canh Hill.
9. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is a part of a district ‘Minh Hao’ in Central Vietnam. Phong Nha is the home of Son Doong Cave - the largest cave in the world covered by Karst Mountain and has the longest underground river. There are a tremendous number of species of flora and fauna to explore by rowboats. To experience unforgettable scenery one must visit Phong Nha Cave or The Wet Cave and Tien Son Cave, or The Dry Cave. The national park also offers a beautiful Horizontal Spring, ‘Nuoc Ngang,’ and a field to catch a glimpse of bulls in Ran Bo.
Other major attractions include Nuoc Troi, Chopping Board Shaped Stone, Crouching Stone, Chai Waterfall.
10. Da Nang
Da Nang is a first-class city located in Central Vietnam, which is visited by many mainly because of its beaches but there’s more to see. If you want to experience the vibes of SaPa or DaLat, visit Ba Na Hill Station, which provides a cable car ride and a fantasy park. Marble Mountains are a collection of mountains of Metal, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Water. Monkey Mountain is the place of the tallest statue of the Goddess of Mercy in Linh Ung Pagoda.
Other major attractions include Am Phu Cave, Son Tra Mountain, Dragon Bridge, Giant Hand Bridge, Han River Bridge, Imperial City, My Son Hindu Sanctuary, Da Nang Museum, Black Rock Beach.
11. Hoi An
Another major tourist city in central Vietnam is Hoi An, which was formerly known as FaiFoo. The ancient Town of Hoi An is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has an attraction spot near the riverside of Thu Ban River. Japanese Covered Bridge is a must-go site in the mornings or evenings.
Other major attractions include the Museum of Ceramics, Fujian Assembly Hall, Terracotta Park, Van Duc Pagoda, Hoi An Fine Art Gallery.
12. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is located in Central Vietnam and is great to visit in July to enjoy various water sports at Monkey Island Hon Tre Island and have relaxing hours at Thap Ba Hot Spring. You can spend a couple of hours at Hon Ba Mountain and worship in the aesthetically pleasing Long Son Pagoda (White Buddha Pagoda) and Panogark Tower.
Other major attractions include Vinpearl Cable Car, YangBa Waterfall, Ba Ho Waterfall Cliff Jumping.
13. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island lies in Southwest Vietnam, apart from the mainland. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is the largest island of Vietnam, with its own international airport. There are four major beaches - Bai Sao (a silky white sand beach with starfishes spotted in crystal water), Hon Xuong Beach (a white sandy beach, perfect for snorkeling), Starfish Beach (white sand beach with floating eateries, red sea starfish being a picturesque) and Bai Truong also known as Long Beach. Long Beach is the main stop-spot for visitors because of the yellow sand, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and beach massage.
Other major attractions include Vinpearl Safari, Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, Trúc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery, and Phu Quoc National Park.
14. Con Dao Islands
Con Dao Islands, separated from the mainland, lies in Southeastern Vietnam. These are a set of various islands where green turtles nestle in July. You can spot turtles coming out around two at night. These islands are great for wildlife lovers and families. You can spot a variety of exotic fishes, eels, and stingrays here. Con Dao National Park protects many endangered species like green turtles, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, and dugongs. Con Dao Prisons, better known as ‘Tiger Caves’ and Con Dao Museum, are sites where people can learn about history.
Other major attractions include Van Son Pagoda and Con Dao Market.
While Vietnam in July presents its challenges with frequent rain and high humidity, it remains an alluring destination for those willing to embrace the elements. With fewer crowds, vibrant green landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, July in Vietnam can be a rewarding time to explore the country's diverse regions. Just be sure to pack wisely, plan your activities around the weather, and enjoy the unique beauty that Vietnam offers during the rainy season.
