Rainy Season in Vietnam and Cambodia: Is it Worth a Visit?

The rainy season in Vietnam and Cambodia is similar in some ways but varies depending on the region. In Cambodia and South Vietnam, the rain usually falls from May to October. Central Vietnam gets wetter a bit later, from September to December, and North Vietnam lasts from May to September.

While rain may seem like a travel hindrance, it doesn’t have to be! With a bit of planning and a combination of indoor and outdoor activities, you can still have a wonderful trip. The rainy season is also the off-season, with fewer crowds, lower prices for hotels and flights, and a quieter experience at popular sites.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the rainy seasons in Vietnam and Cambodia, why it can be a smart choice to travel, and what essentials to pack can keep your journey smooth and stress-free!

Overview of Climate Features During the Rainy Season in Vietnam and Cambodia

The weather in Vietnam is complex, split into three defined regions, North Vietnam, Central Vietnam and South Vietnam, in which the Vietnam rainy season occurs at different times and in different ways.

In North Vietnam, the rainy season typically runs from May to September, with the heaviest downpours in July and August. Days are very hot and humid, up to 30–35 °C in summer. It often rains hard in the late afternoon.

Central Vietnam experiences its rainy season from September to December. Typhoons or storms often arrive in October and November, so be prepared for heavy rain and possible flooding.

In the south of Vietnam, the rainiest months are May to October. Rain usually comes in short, intense showers, often in the late afternoon, then clears up. Temperatures stay warm around 30 °C. Even when it pours, the sun often comes back out within an hour or two.

In Cambodia, the rainy season is similar to South Vietnam, The monsoon season runs from May to October. It is warm and very humid, average of 25–35 °C. Rain tends to fall as short, heavy downpours in the afternoon or evening, then the sky clears, and the landscape becomes lush green during this time.

In the rainy season in Vietnam and Cambodia, days are still hot, and the high humidity makes the air feel warm. For example, Hanoi in June can hit 35 °C with very high humidity. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap also stay in the high 35°C or low 26°C during the rains. The rain often comes suddenly but usually in bursts of only a few hours. This means you can often schedule outdoor sightseeing in the mornings when it’s dry, and save indoor activities for when the showers hit.

North Vietnam Rainy Season (e.g., Hanoi) - May to Sep

Central Vietnam Rainy Season (e.g., Da Nang) - Sep to Dec

South Vietnam Rainy Season (e.g., Saigon) - May to Oct

Cambodia Rainy Season (e.g., Siem Reap, Phnom Penh) - May to Oct

The streets of Hoi An Ancient Town are beautiful and peaceful during the Vietnam rainy season.

Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia in Rainy Season can be the Most Money-Saving

Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia during their rainy season can save a lot of money. The rainy season is the off-season for tourism, and everything is cheaper. You can enjoy the following advantages:

Cheaper hotel prices during Vietnam and Cambodia rainy season

Hotels slash their rates, and some offer freebies (free breakfast, spa credits, etc.) to attract guests. If you’re planning a Hanoi tour, Ho Chi Minh City tour, Phnom Penh tour, or Siem Reap tour, you’ll find that hotels in these cities often cut prices in half or more during the rains. Many resorts and guesthouses run special promotions (30–50% off) and package deals to fill rooms.

Cheaper flights during Vietnam and Cambodia rainy season

Flights in Vietnam and Cambodia often have their lowest prices right in the summer monsoon months. For example, flights into Vietnam between May and October can be up to 20–50% cheaper than in peak season.

Fewer crowds during Vietnam and Cambodia rainy season

The rainy season means fewer tourists, and the major attractions will be much quieter. For example, Angkor Wat, usually packed in the dry season, becomes only a few people during May to October. With shorter lines and wide-open photo spots, you can explore temples and sites without the crowds.

Local off-peak perks during Vietnam and Cambodia rainy season

Since beaches and islands get rainy, travel agencies and guides are more flexible with their prices. In cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, daytime activities in museums, malls, and cafés also have more space. Locals often respond to fewer customers by offering better service or small freebies like extra tea, a small discount on a second order, etc..

All this means you can travel on a smaller budget during the rainy season in Vietnam and Cambodia. The cheapest hotels and flights happen then, and even food and transport costs can be lower when operators have empty seats. If you don’t mind the occasional storm, you can enjoy the sights at a fraction of the normal cost.

Visit Saigon during the rainy season and try authentic Vietnamese iced coffee at a cafe.

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What to Pack for a Rainy Season Trip to Vietnam and Cambodia?

When traveling during the rainy season in Vietnam and Cambodia, what you pack is essential to enjoying the trip. Whether you’re planning a Vietnam tour or a Cambodia tour, here’s what to bring:

Raincoat and umbrella: bring a lightweight raincoat, which will protect you from showers yet not make you sweat, which you should take with you when out and about, and a small umbrella, which gives you the ability to make the most of dry spells in the city streets or parks and can also be used as parasol on those sunny days.

Quick-dry clothing: Pack garments made of synthetic or cotton blends that dry quickly, so if you do end up getting wet, you’re not left soggy for hours.

Waterproof shoes or sandals: Comfortable shoes are very important. Waterproof shoes or sandals save your feet from puddle soaking. Don’t wear heavy canvas sneakers, or leather mocs that take a long time to dry.

Waterproof backpack or bag cover: Carry a waterproof backpack, or put your bag in a waterproof dry sack so that your cameras, phones and cash can stay dry.

Insect repellent: Wet conditions usually mean a few more mosquitoes, so bring some DEET or picaridin to help keep those biters away.

Extras you’ll be thankful to have: A small microfiber towel for a quick dry, a sun hat and sunscreen to prevent the strong sun after the rain.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia during the rainy season is lush and green, with a unique charm.

Local Advice for Making the Most of the Rainy Season

Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia has plenty of tips for wet-weather fun. Here are some local suggestions:

Plan outdoor activities in the morning: Most rain falls in the afternoon, then during early morning and late afternoon can be surprisingly clear. Plan outdoor sights like temple tours or park walks for those times, and use midday or evenings for indoor fun.

Plan indoor activities: Plan to visit museums, galleries, and temples in heavy rain. Vietnam’s cities are full of indoor attractions, for example, Hanoi’s Women’s Museum or Ho Chi Minh City’s War Remnants Museum. In Cambodia, try the Angkor National Museum in Siem Reap or the National Museum in Phnom Penh. These cultural spots are perfect rainy-day activities.

Enjoy local food and drinks: Rainy weather is a great excuse to relax in a café or restaurant. Sit down with a famous Vietnamese iced coffee and watch the rain. Joining a Vietnam food tour, warm comfort foods are popular too, a steaming bowl of pho or bun bo Hue will warm you up and fill you up. In Cambodia, try a local soup like the spicy sour fish soup somlor m’chu prolit or mixed-vegetable samlor korko, or a glass of sweet sugarcane juice to stay cozy.

Explore markets and workshops: Many market areas have covered or semi-covered sections. For instance, Psar Chas, Siem Reap’s Old Market, and Night Market are mostly under roofs, so you can shop and snack while staying dry. You can also join an indoor activity like a cooking class, and learn to make amok curry or Khmer noodles in a kitchen, which is fun and keeps you out of the rain.

Experience local culture: Some rainy-season days coincide with festivals or performances. For example, Cambodia’s Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day) usually in September or October, and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in May occur during the wet months. Watch local dances or attend a performance like the Phare circus show in Siem Reap. In Vietnam, you might catch a smaller local festival or enjoy the quieter streets.

You can take part in Cambodia's indoor cooking class to learn how to make special Khmer dishes.

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Conclusion

It’s definitely worth visiting Vietnam and Cambodia during the rainy season! The rainy season in Vietnam and Cambodia brings out the best of the scenery, with peaceful temple tours, vibrant green rice fields, and cultural experiences with the locals. With a little planning and a good attitude, you’ll find that the rainy season is a great time to travel.

So if you don’t mind the rain, the rainy season in Vietnam and Cambodia can be fun, different, and affordable times to travel. Then, grab your bags, choose your indoor and outdoor activities, and don’t let a little rain keep you from the experience of a lifetime! If you have any other questions or information you want to know, just contact us.