Vietnam Weather in September: Still Rainy? Best Places to Go

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The Best 5 Places to Visit in Vietnam in September

In September, the best places to go shift from Central Vietnam to Northern Vietnam. (Southern Vietnam experiences its wettest month.)

In the north, it rains less and less and sunny days are more common, especially in late September. Autumn starts as well. You can see the Northern Highlands at their most picturesque in late September.

Here are the recommended cities for September:

• Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Pinh, Mu Cang Chai
• Central Vietnam: Hoi An

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1. Hanoi

In September, you can encounter the beginning of autumn in Hanoi. "Milk Flowers" on blackboard or devil's trees begin to bloom in the streets. The sweet perfume symbolizes the arrival of autumn. The trees' leaves become yellow as well.

If your schedule permits, visit Hanoi on September 2 (Vietnam National Day). The city will be well decorated with flowers. You would have chances to see the parades, fireworks at Ba Dinh Square, and boat races on Hoan Kiem Lake.

For rest of September, it's good to explore this ancient city with cooler weather. As a thousand-year-old city, Hanoi carries temples, colonial architecture, and an old quarter. No matter whether you are wandering inside the Old Quarter or having a cup of coffee at a street shop, you can enjoy the real Vietnam.

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2. Ninh Binh

For an awesome karst landscape, Halong Bay is always the first choice in Vietnam. But in September, it might be affected by typhoons, during which bay cruises are canceled. Then, Ninh Binh is a perfect karst alternative.

Ninh Binh offers a perfect combo of hiking, boating, (on a smaller boat), and biking in a more peaceful way.

Rice is ready for harvest in September. The endless rice paddies are golden. Take a boat to admire Tam Coc, the 'Halong among the rice paddies'. Or cycle along the rural roads and say hi to the working locals.

The Trang An Landscape Complex is also a good choice. Caves are the must-visit in Trang An. What could be more exciting than taking a boat through a narrow and deep cave?

Karst Landscape in Tam Coc

3. Sapa

Away from the hot weather, there is also less rainfall in Sapa. The top highlight, hiking (from moderate to challenging), is coming back into season. Trekking in Sapa, you can follow rugged paths, hike through mountain villages, and discover the green rice terraces as they turn yellow.

Find a home stay to get away from the hustle and bustle, and be a Sapa local for a day. The slow-paced life is the perfect escape for all travelers.

Our clients usually stay 2–3 nights for hiking and to get a full experience of the area. We can customize a Sapa tour for your schedule and interests.

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4. Mu Cang Chai

Like Sapa, Mu Cang Chai is also a paradise for hiking and motorbiking featuring amazing terraced fields and minority culture, but it is less touched by travelers.

It is ready for harvest after mid-September. The golden waves of tiered paddies wind round the mountains and create a majestic picture.

Its sheer rice terraces were cultivated by the Black Hmong over centuries. Scattered with minority villages, you can get many glimpses of local life.

Mu Cang Chai in September

5. Hoi An

Although its rainfall increases in September, Hoi An's tours are less affected by the afternoon downpours, due to the attractive inside options. When visiting (with us), to escape the rain, you will have the flexibility to visit historic sites, join in a cooking class, browse a local market, or go to a tailor for an ao dai dress or suit. If it's raining, you can stop at a café, have a cup of Vietnamese coffee, and listen to the musical pitter-patter of the raindrops.

Vietnam's Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the 15th of the 8th lunar calendar (always a full moon day) — making the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival celebrations the largest of the year. Local kids will carry their lanterns in parades or wear a mini lion costume for lion dances. Celebrating the festival with locals will bring you unforgettable memories.

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Crowds and Costs

September is in the low season, as Vietnamese students go back to school after their summer holidays, and beaches are less popular due to the increase in rainy days. Thus, you can enjoy a more tranquility at the attractions, with no long queues.

Likewise, flights and hotels are at their lowest in September. You can visit Vietnam with a lower budget.

Suggested to read: How to Plan an Awesome Trip to Vietnam (Insider's Tips)

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What to Wear in September

• Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Waterproofs: rain jacket or raincoat, umbrella, rubber boots… suiting the temperature
• Loose, breathable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders for cultural sensitivity and sun protection
• Light, quick-drying wear for humid days
• Layers of clothing, maybe a hoodie, for the cooler evenings in Northern Vietnam
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Insect repellent if hiking activities are arranged.