By aussiematesvietnam 
G’day from Vietnam: Your Summer Holiday Guide
Hey there, fellow Aussies! Aussie Mates here (that’s what everyone calls me these days). After nearly two decades of calling Vietnam home with my lovely wife Tracy, I reckon I’ve got a thing or two to share about experiencing this incredible country during the summer months. While your mates back home are huddled around heaters in July, we’re soaking up the sunshine and diving into all the beauty Vietnam has to offer.
Summer in Vietnam (May to August) might get a bit steamy, but crikey, it’s worth every drop of sweat! From pristine beaches to vibrant cultural festivals, this is when Vietnam truly comes alive. So grab a cold one, put your feet up, and let me walk you through the ultimate summer experience in my adopted home.
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When to Visit: Timing Your Summer Adventure
Let’s talk timing, shall we? Vietnam’s summer stretches from May to August, with temperatures that’ll remind you of a scorching day in North Queensland. We’re talking 30-35°C (86-95°F) on average, with humidity that’ll have you changing your shirt twice a day.
Tracy and I have found that early May or late August hit the sweet spot – you get the summer vibe without the peak tourist crowds or the most intense heat. June and July are proper summer, with occasional afternoon downpours that actually provide a welcome relief from the heat. These brief storms typically clear up quickly, leaving everything feeling refreshed.
One thing to keep in mind: different parts of Vietnam experience summer differently. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay): Hot and humid with occasional storms
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue): Typically the hottest region with plenty of sunshine
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): Consistent heat with regular afternoon rain
Coastal Getaways: Vietnam’s Best Beaches
If you’re anything like most Aussies I know, you’re probably keen on finding a decent beach. Good news, mates – Vietnam’s coastline stretches over 3,000 kilometers, offering some absolute pearlers for swimming, sunbathing, and everything in between.
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Back in 2015, Tracy and I decided to take a couple of months to explore Vietnam’s coastline properly. We’ve returned to these spots countless times since, and I can personally vouch for these summer beach destinations:
Da Nang and My Khe Beach
My Khe Beach in Da Nang is the business – 30km of pristine white sand that Forbes once named one of the most attractive beaches on the planet. The water’s crystal clear, and the waves are perfect for a bit of a splash or even surfing if you’re so inclined.
What makes Da Nang special is that it’s a proper city right on the beach. After a day of sand and surf, you can head into town for some ripper Vietnamese food. Tracy particularly loves the seafront restaurants along Vo Nguyen Giap Street, where you can tuck into fresh seafood while watching the sun set over the ocean.
Nha Trang: The Resort Haven
Nha Trang has been Vietnam’s premier beach destination for donkey’s years, and for good reason. The main beach is a 6km stretch of golden sand lined with palm trees and backed by mountains – it’s a postcard come to life.
This place is perfect if you want resort-style comfort. Tracy and I usually spend at least a week here every summer, diving by day and enjoying the restaurant scene by night. The seafood here is so fresh it practically jumps onto your plate!
Pro tip: Book an island-hopping tour to escape the crowds. Hon Mun Island offers some of the best snorkeling in Vietnam, with coral reefs teeming with marine life.
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Phu Quoc Island: Vietnam’s Hidden Gem
If you’re after something more laid-back, Phu Quoc Island in the far south is absolute gold. This place reminds me a bit of what Bali was like 30 years ago – beautiful without being overrun.
Sao Beach on the southeast coast is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, and I’m including our own Aussie beaches in that comparison (don’t tell the folks back home!). The water is so clear you can see your toes, and the sand is like talcum powder.
Tracy and I rent motorbikes whenever we visit, which is the best way to explore the island’s coastline and find your own private stretch of paradise. Just be careful on those roads – they can be a bit sketchy!
Cultural Festivals: Summer Celebrations
One of the things Tracy and I love most about summer in Vietnam is the vibrant festival scene. These celebrations offer a ripper opportunity to experience authentic Vietnamese culture up close and personal.
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Hue Festival (June, every two years)
If your timing’s right, the Hue Festival is absolutely worth planning your trip around. This biennial event showcases the best of Vietnamese culture, with art exhibitions, street performances, and traditional music in the stunning setting of the ancient imperial city.
Last Hue Festival, Tracy and I spent five days soaking it all in. The nighttime processions along the Perfume River, with illuminated boats and floating lanterns, were properly magical – the kind of experience that stays with you.
Kate Festival (July-August)
For something a bit different, head to Phan Rang-Thap Cham to witness the Kate Festival of the Cham people. This centuries-old harvest festival includes traditional dances, tower ceremonies, and colorful processions.
It’s a fair dinkum authentic experience that most tourists never see. We stumbled upon this festival by accident years ago and have made a point of returning whenever we can.
Beating the Heat: Practical Summer Tips
Let’s be honest – Vietnam’s summer heat can be a bit of a shock to the system, especially for us Aussies used to a drier heat. After nearly 20 years here, I’ve picked up a few tricks for staying comfortable:
- Hydration is key – carry water everywhere and replace those electrolytes
- Plan your day with a break during the hottest hours (12-3pm)
- Wear light, breathable clothing (linen is your best mate)
- Consider a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for sun protection
- Pack a small towel for wiping away sweat (trust me on this one)
- Always have sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Tracy swears by carrying a paper fan and a spray bottle with mint-infused water for a quick cool-down. Looks a bit touristy, but when you’re melting in Hanoi’s summer heat, you won’t care!
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Mountain Retreats: Escaping the Heat
When the coastal heat gets too much, Tracy and I head for the hills – literally. Vietnam’s mountain regions offer a welcome respite from summer temperatures, often being 10-15°C cooler than the lowlands.
Sapa and the Northern Highlands
Sapa in the northwest is a proper treat in summer. While Hanoi sizzles, Sapa enjoys pleasant temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F). The rice terraces are at their most vibrant green during this season, creating landscapes that’ll have your Instagram followers green with envy.
Tracy and I usually book a homestay with one of the local H’mong families. There’s nothing quite like waking up to misty mountain views while enjoying a home-cooked breakfast with people who’ve farmed these terraces for generations.
Da Lat: The City of Eternal Spring
Da Lat in the Central Highlands is Vietnam’s go-to summer escape. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year-round mild climate, it’s where wealthy Vietnamese flee to avoid the summer heat.
This quirky mountain town has a distinct European feel, with French colonial architecture, a miniature Eiffel Tower, and flower gardens everywhere you look. Tracy loves the flower farms and strawberry fields, while I’m partial to the world-class coffee grown in the surrounding hills.
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Culinary Delights: Summer Food Specialties
Vietnamese cuisine changes with the seasons, and summer brings its own special dishes designed to cool you down and keep you refreshed.
One of our summer favorites is “bún chả” – grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and a dipping sauce that’s tangy and refreshing. It’s Hanoi’s signature dish, and for good reason. President Obama and Anthony Bourdain made it famous globally, but locals have been enjoying it for generations.
For something sweet, nothing beats “chè” – Vietnamese sweet soups and puddings. Tracy’s addicted to “chè bắp” (sweet corn pudding) on hot summer days. You’ll find chè vendors all over the country, often with dozens of colorful options in glass cases.
And of course, there’s Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) – strong coffee served over ice with condensed milk. It’s rocket fuel with a sweet kick, perfect for hot afternoons when you need both cooling down and perking up.
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Final Thoughts: Is Summer Right for Your Vietnam Trip?
After nearly two decades of experiencing Vietnamese summers, I reckon it’s a brilliant time to visit – if you come prepared. The beaches are at their best, the highlands are perfect for exploring, and you’ll experience a side of Vietnam that many tourists miss.
Yes, it’s hot. Yes, you’ll sweat. But you’ll also have experiences that’ll stay with you long after you’ve returned to the Aussie winter. There’s something special about cooling off with an iced coffee as a summer storm rolls in, or watching the sunset from a beach with a cold Saigon beer in hand.
Tracy and I have made our summer traditions here – island hopping in June, mountain retreats in July, and exploring lesser-known coastal towns in August. Each year brings new discoveries in this incredibly diverse country.
So pack your lightest clothes, bring your sense of adventure, and come experience a Vietnamese summer. Your friends back home might be huddled around the heater, but you’ll be making memories in one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating countries.
Until next time, mates – hẹn gặp lại (see you again)!