| Region | Weather in April | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi and Ninh Binh | about 20 to 28 °C, humid, drizzle possible early on | very good for walking |
| Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay | mild, light haze possible | good; Lan Ha is often clearer |
| Sapa and Ha Giang | clear, cool, mostly dry | very good for hiking |
| Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An | hot and dry, pleasant beaches | one of the best months |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc | very hot, dry, storms possible late in the month | hot: sightsee early |
The north: Hanoi, Ninh Binh and the bay
The temperatures allow walking all day in the Old Quarter: see Hanoi in 3 days. The bay is lovely in April, with less typhoon risk than in summer; choose a day cruise or an overnight cruise, preferably with free cancellation. Ninh Binh works as a day trip or an overnight stop.
Sapa and Ha Giang
April brings clear, cool weather for the Sapa trek; the rice terraces are still being prepared, so they look brown rather than green. For the motorbike loop, see Ha Giang from Hanoi.
The centre and the south
The centre is dry and sunny: Hoi An and Da Nang for beaches and old streets, about 1 hour 20 by plane from Hanoi (see Hanoi to Hoi An and Da Nang). The south is very hot: keep the afternoons for the pool.
Dates and holidays
The Hung Kings festival (10th day of the 3rd lunar month, around mid-April), then 30 April and 1 May, are public holidays. Vietnamese people travel: trains, flights and bay cabins sell out earlier. To compare with neighbouring months, see Vietnam in March and Vietnam in May, or when to visit Hanoi.
FAQ
Is April a good time to visit Vietnam? Yes, especially for the north and the centre; the south is very hot.
Can you visit Ha Long Bay in April? Yes, it is a good time; light haze is possible.
What is the temperature in Hanoi in April? About 20 to 28 °C according to guides, with high humidity.
