Best Time to Visit Thailand and Vietnam for a Combined Tour: November – February

The best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam together is from November to February, when both countries enjoy cool, dry, and sunny weather. This period offers perfect conditions for exploring vibrant cities, relaxing on tropical beaches, and joining exciting tours without worrying about heavy rain. With plenty of flight connections and overlapping tourist seasons, planning a combined trip is simple and rewarding.

From bustling Bangkok to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, each season brings its own charm and travel advantages. Peak season delivers ideal weather, the shoulder season balances comfort with fewer crowds, and the green season offers lush landscapes at lower costs. Knowing when to go will help you enjoy the highlights of both countries to the fullest—read on to discover the best months for your perfect Thailand–Vietnam adventure.

Thailand and Vietnam Weather & Climate at a Glance

Vietnam has a varied climate with the north part of the country experiencing all four seasons, and the south having classic tropical conditions. Thailand’s weather is more uniform but with some cooler weather in the mountainous region around Chiang Mai, and rains hitting the coasts at different times. Luckily for travelers on a Thailand and Vietnam tour, the cool, dry season and monsoon rains have enough overlap to make planning simple

Peak Season: November to February
The cool, dry weather from November to February brings the peak travel season. Average temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s and sunny skies are perfect conditions for enjoying beaches and exploring the outdoors. Take a cruise of Halong Bay, or enjoy the sea and sand of Phuket in comfortable weather, but make sure to book early to beat the peak season crowds.

Shoulder Season: March to April
The shoulder season strikes the best balance between comfortable weather and smaller crowds. Beaches and popular attractions are less crowded with only a small increase in temperature and rain. It’s a time for smart travelers to save some money and enjoy a quieter experience.

Green Season: May to October
Rain can be intense and frequent from May to October, but the advantage is beautiful, lush vegetation. The jungles and countryside come alive during the green season with blooming flowers and picturesque landscapes. It’s also one of the least expensive times to visit Southeast Asia, costing significantly less than the peak season.

The beautiful scenery of Phuket Island of Thailand in December.

Peak Season (November–February): Best Time to Visit Thailand and Vietnam for Ideal Weather

November to February is the most popular time to visit Thailand and Vietnam to enjoy ideal weather conditions. The peak season has sunny, warm weather that is not too hot, and little rain. Tourism is in full swing during these months, and you’ll find lively crowds at popular beaches and attractions for a great social environment.

In Thailand, temperatures are mild, ranging between 20°C and 30°C. Drier weather with little rain keeps the humidity low, so it’s comfortable to go out and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Vietnam is similar, with clear skies to take in views of the Mekong Delta or the mountains of Sapa.

The peak season is the perfect time for the 9 days Thailand and Vietnam classic tour. It takes you to all the main highlights of both countries with a packed itinerary that never feels rushed. Start with two days in Bangkok, visiting the Grand Palace and trying some of the best food in the region. Then, travel to Chiang Mai to see the elephants at Elephant Nature Park. In Vietnam, you’ll see the beautiful colonial architecture and historic Vietnam War sites in Ho Chi Minh City, and then travel to the north. Hanoi is a gem of historic attractions like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and within easy reach of Halong Bay, where you can take an overnight cruise on the emerald waters.

The 14-day Thailand and Vietnam tour itinerary builds on the classic tour with visits to more immersive destinations. In Thailand, you’ll have the chance to explore the Golden Triangle and Chiang Rai, the mysterious region near the Myanmar border. In Vietnam, visit charming Hoi An with its lantern-lit streets and the central metropolis of Da Nang, where you’ll find great beaches and the famous Golden Bridge.

14 Days Best of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon

Shoulder Season (March–April): Best Time for Thailand and Vietnam Tours with Festivals

The shoulder season from March to April is a smart time to visit. It’s a perfect time to have one-week tour in Thailand and Vietnam for travelers who want to avoid the largest crowds or save some money while still enjoying nice weather. The temperature is a few degrees hotter than the dry season, but still comfortable enough for enjoying the outdoors. Despite a little more rain, there are enough sunny days for a great experience.

Some of the best Thailand and Vietnam festivals take place during the shoulder season. Thai New Year, known as Songkran, falls during this time. It’s the largest festival in the country and starts with temple visits before turning into nationwide water fights. You can enjoy it anywhere, but go to Chiang Mai for huge street parties, or visit Ayutthaya to experience the festival in a historic setting.

Vietnam has several festivals and celebrations during the shoulder season. The Perfume Pagoda Festival starts after Vietnamese New Year, but continues until March or April. It takes place at the Huong Tich Cave around 70 km from Hanoi, and is an important Buddhist Festival. Reunification Day is right at the end of the season on April 30th. It celebrates the end of the Vietnam War and reunification of North and South Vietnam with parades and fireworks in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Tourists could celebrate the Songkran Festival in Thailand's New Year in April.

Green Season (May–October): Best Time to Visit Thailand and Vietnam for Budget and Lush Landscapes

There are pros and cons to visiting during the green season from May to October. It’s a quiet time with fewer tourists and correspondingly lower prices. The monsoon rains bring life to the vegetation, creating beautiful, lush landscapes around the region. Visit the rice terraces of Vietnam or Thailand’s national parks for stunning natural scenes.

The biggest disadvantage is the heavy rains. At the peak of the monsoons, rain can fall on 20-25 days of each month. You’ll need to check the forecasts carefully and have backup plans for indoor activities.

There are still some places to visit where the bad weather is minimal during Thailand and Vietnam rainy season. Koh Samui and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand have drier weather than other parts of Thailand from June to August. Vietnam’s central coast, including places like Hoi An, Da Nang, and Hue, doesn’t get their heavy rains until September, so you can visit Vietnam to enjoy the sites and beaches throughout the summer months.

The beautiful scenery of Hoi An, Vietnam in mid-June.

When to Visit Thailand and Vietnam Based on Your Travel Style

Your personal travel style can help you pick the best months to visit. Travelers looking for the best beach in Thailand and Vietnam should aim for the dry season from December to April. Phuket and Krabi in Thailand, and the beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam, have perfect weather for enjoying the sea and sand. Temperature are warm but not hot, and you can expect day after day of unbroken sunshine for relaxing on the beach.

Travelers looking to enjoy the best cultural sites should travel during November and March. Experience the Grand Palace in Bangkok, temples of Chiang Mai, and historic sites in Hanoi and Hoi An, benefit from cool conditions with little rain. You’ll be exploring outdoor sites and traveling from place to place, and the weather during these months will make sure your plans never get interrupted.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll want a mix of good weather and uncrowded destinations. Aim for the shoulder season of March to April and September to November to ensure you get a peaceful experience that won’t be interrupted by bad weather. Trekking the mountainous Sapa Region in northern Vietnam or Thailand’s mountains around Chiang Mai are popular during these times. Mostly sunny skies help the trekking routes stay dry, and the bigger crowds have already left or are yet to arrive.

16 Days Vietnam and Thailand Highlights Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hoi An - Saigon – Bangkok – Chiang Mai - Phuket

Best Thailand and Vietnam Tour Ideas by Month

Pick the right itinerary for each month to take advantage of weather conditions. Here are the best places to visit at different times of the year.

Best travel seasons for Thailand and Vietnam.

Tips for Planning Your Thailand and Vietnam Tour at the Best Time

- If you’re traveling during the peak season, it is essential to book in advance. Hotels and tours fill up quickly, and you need to book at least 1-2 months ahead of time.
- Flexibility is a big asset during the shoulder and green seasons. Have backup plans for indoor activities in case rain disrupts your itinerary.
- A portable travel umbrella is good to have on hand any time of year. Bring other rain protection outside of the dry season, like a waterproof pouch for travel documents.
- Comfortable footwear is always important. During the green season, make sure to wear shoes appropriate for wet conditions.
- Sunblock and mosquito repellent are important during every season.

14 Days Vietnam and Thailand Tour with Night Train Experience to Sapa

Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Hanoi - Saigon - My Tho - Saigon - Bangkok - Chiang Mai

Conclusion

Choose the right time to go for your travel style and take advantage of the similar weather in Thailand and Vietnam. The dry weather during the peak season is always a good choice, but if you want to avoid crowds, travel during the shoulder season. Save money and see incredible landscapes during the rainy green season, as long as you stay flexible, you won’t miss anything.

No matter when you want to travel, we have Thailand and Vietnam tour itineraries for any time of year. The same expert travel consultants who put together our optimized plans can also help you personalize an itinerary for a dream vacation. Whether it’s a one-week tour of the highlights or a grand, month-long adventure, we’ll make sure you get the best value on a Thailand and Vietnam you will never forget.