There is always something going on in Vietnam; temperatures in September are very pleasant throughout the country though while rainfall in Hanoi is less frequent, there may be an increase in central and southern parts of the country. At times, the coastal regions in these areas of Vietnam may experience a storm or two, even a typhoon but if you discuss your Vietnam holiday itinerary with a good Vietnam travel agent, you will be able to devise a package that ensures you see the best the country has to offer.

In general, schools and colleges are open once again so family holidays are largely finished. In some ways that is a shame for youngster who will therefore miss one of the nicest months in Vietnam. There is plenty of blue sky and the gentle breezes add to the pleasantness of the climate.

Independence Day is early in the month, the 2nd, just two weeks after the Viet Minh’s first major success in taking control of Hanoi. From that point onwards, the French struggled to regain control and they were finally defeated at Dien Bien Phu nine years later.

There will be flags hanging in the streets and parades in many of the major boulevards. If you take a Vietnam travel package including this day, you will perhaps not understand the speeches but you will enjoy the atmosphere generated.

This is a good month to visit Halong Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage site due east of Hanoi. There are endless islands in the Bay, and the villages on stilts house the fishermen who make their living catching the fish in the Bay. There is the opportunity to cruise, kayak and swim as well as to explore uninhabited islands. Alternatively, you may simply want to relax and take in the stunning surroundings.

A little later in the month, there is the Full Moon Festival. The time for harvesting that rice on the Sapa Terraces means they are a hive of activity. Farmers from the Kinh tribe will dress in the Non La, while other tribes such as the Hmong or Dzao will don colourful clothes. The rice has lost any of its green and the golden appearance of the Terraces is truly stunning. Families are able to celebrate the harvest and even in the cities, families get together to celebrate even though they are far away from the fields.

Parades will take place through the neighbourhoods with drums and whistles providing the music. There will be food available after the parades. Families may eat in the yard or on the roof of their homes with rice cakes, and fruit among the food on offer. Just before the Festival, there are colourful lanterns and toys for sale.
There are celebrations in the south even though the ‘’victory’’ all those years before was up in the north. While the North is at its best, if you are enjoying a holiday in Vietnam, you should still visit the South, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.