karenknudson7904

We are a couple in our 60’s very familiar with Thailand and wanting to try a longer trip. We arrive and leave in Ho Chi Minh Jan 12-Mar11/ 2024. Originally we thought Vietnam then Bali and ending in Thailand before returning to Vietnam to return home to Canada. I heard that Jan is wet season in Vietnam. Could we be okay if we concentrated on the south perhaps starting with a 4/5 day stay at Con Dao (jet lag is a real bummer for us) before exploring other parts of the south. We would also be open to reversing the planned itinerary to starting with Bali (after Con Dao) then Thailand and ending the trip in Vietnam. Any suggestions for an alternative laid-back beach to start the trip would also be greatly appreciated. We prefer a slower pace and really just love the cultural and foodie aspects of travel versus nightlife and touristy things. Family-run guesthouses are what we enjoy most.

Larsay

January is not al all "rainy season in Vietnam"; As a matter of fact, it is pretty dry (12-15 days of rain, mostly late afternoon or at night.. There are 3 regions in Vietnam, South, Center and North, each with a different climate at different months. The only problem of January in the North is that it can be cold , around 15° in Hanoi, less in mountains (I have known O° in Sapa). Center and above all South are perfect that month (High Season in the South is January and February). Big rainy season sept-mid-Nov in the Center, July and August in the South

karenknudson7904

Thanks so much for your VERY encouraging response. Do you like Jan or Mar for central and south. We are torn between Bali then Vietnam or vice versa.

Larsay

I would say March is better, nice weather everywhere (around 5 days of rain in the South)

crellston

January is one of the wettest months of the year in Bali so I certainly wouldn’t reverse your itinerary to go there first. The rainy season should be on the wane in March so that could be a good time to go as everywhere will still be green.

As you are familiar with Thailand you can expect the same sort of weather in Southern Vietnam January to March . A bit cooler in the north but still a pretty good time to go. I find this website handy for checking out the weather when planning trips in Asia.

https://www.selectiveasia.com/vietna.../weather/march

The beaches in Vietnam are not to the same standard as those in Thailand. Con Dao is a pleasant island though do check out the logistics of getting there and away especially after a long flight. Personally I find the "enforced " activity with a few days stay in a city helps me to recover from jet lag better than lying on a beach!

With 60 days to play with, do factor in that both Vietnam and Indonesia allow 30 visa entry for most nationalities. Not the end of teh world if you outstay the allotted time but best avoided.

DinHo

March will be better to you!
If Jan, I would pick Phu Quoc island instead of Con Dao island.

karenknudson7904

I was looking at Pu Quoc also. Can we get a quiet experience there like Con Dao?

Larsay

PQ is much larger than Con Dao, so, you can find some beautiful quiet places like the Phu Quoc Kim 2 (two - there is a N° 1 in Dong Dang)) in Gan Dau on the northern tip of the island (small hotel + bungalows on the beach)

karenknudson7904

Thanks so very much for your suggestions. It really helps to get this feedback😀

dewaloebdaka3849

Visiting Bali in March is the best option in my opinion, because rain rarely occurs this month. And one other advantage is that in this low season you can get accommodation prices that are relatively cheaper.

If you are lucky around March you will see many Hindu holidays such as Nyepi Day with its very interesting Ogoh-ogoh parade.

karenknudson7904

Unfortunately we’re only there until March 10

dewaloebdaka3849

It's a pity, Nyepi Day will be on March 11, 2024.

hungten

January in Hanoi the weather is quite good, maybe a bit cold but little rain. March will be cold and rainy

Larsay

January and February are normally cold months (15-18°) in Hanoi, of course less in the countryside. Warm clothes necessary. Perfect weather in the South

Ellen42

I would agree and say that February is a good time to be in Indonesia, Bali. avoid the crowds and enjoy the ocean.