Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Post-monsoon clarity makes November perfect for photography - visibility extends 15-20 km (9-12 miles) from rooftops like Landmark 81
Cooler mornings (24-26°C/75-79°F) until 9am create ideal conditions for walking tours of District 1 and Chinatown
Tourist crowds are 40% lower than December-January peak season, making Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum significantly less crowded
Street food vendors return to full evening service after rainy season - night markets operate until 2am with perfect weather

Considerations

Afternoon humidity reaches 85-90% between 1-4pm, making outdoor activities uncomfortable during peak heat
Brief but intense downpours (20-30 minutes) occur 8 days per month, typically between 2-5pm
Air conditioning costs spike in hotels as humidity makes 28°C (82°F) feel like 35°C (95°F) indoors

Best Activities in November

Mekong Delta Day Tours

November's post-monsoon water levels are perfect for navigating narrow canals while avoiding the intense heat of dry season. Morning departures (7am) take advantage of cooler temperatures and calm waters. Floating markets are fully operational with fresh fruit harvests.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators offering air-conditioned transport. Tours typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48) including lunch. Choose full-day tours departing early to maximize cooler morning hours. See current tour options in the booking section below.

District 1 Historical Walking Tours

November mornings (7-9am) offer the only comfortable walking weather with temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Reunification Palace are best explored before crowds and heat build. Evening walks (6-8pm) coincide with perfect street food weather.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well, or book guided tours starting before 8am. Allow 3-4 hours for full district exploration. Evening food walks typically cost 600,000-900,000 VND ($24-36). See current guided options in the booking section below.

Cu Chi Tunnels Underground Experience

Underground temperatures remain constant at 22-24°C (72-75°F) making November ideal for tunnel exploration. Surface activities benefit from lower humidity in morning hours. Fewer tour groups mean better photo opportunities and more intimate historical experiences.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 700,000-1,000,000 VND ($28-40). Morning departures (8am) avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Book 3-5 days ahead for better vehicle assignments. Choose tours including Ben Dinh tunnels for less crowded experience. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Saigon River Sunset Cruises

November evenings offer clear skies for spectacular city skyline views. River breezes provide natural cooling while humidity drops to comfortable 60-70%. Post-monsoon river levels are ideal for larger vessel operations and smoother rides.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises (5:30-7:30pm) typically cost 450,000-800,000 VND ($18-32) with dinner options up to 1,200,000 VND ($48). Book 2-3 days ahead for window seating. Choose operators with covered upper decks for shade and breeze. See current cruise options in the booking section below.

Ben Thanh and Night Market Food Tours

November's return to full evening street food service coincides with perfect eating weather. Vendors operate full menus after reduced rainy season hours. Evening temperatures (26-28°C/79-82°F) make outdoor dining comfortable from 6pm onward.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 800,000-1,400,000 VND ($32-56) for 3-4 hour experiences. Book through operators familiar with vendor rotation schedules. Evening tours (6-10pm) offer best variety and atmosphere. See current food tour options in the booking section below.

Cao Dai Temple and Tay Ninh Province Tours

November's clear post-monsoon skies provide excellent visibility for the 90 km (56 mile) journey to Tay Ninh. Cooler morning temperatures make the noon prayer ceremony viewing comfortable. Rural landscapes are lush and photogenic after recent rains.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($48-72) including transport and lunch. Timing is crucial - book tours arriving by 11:30am for noon ceremony. Combine with Cu Chi Tunnels for efficient full-day itinerary. See current tour combinations in the booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Lotus Festival Season

November marks peak lotus blooming in city parks and temple ponds. Early morning photography tours (5:30-7am) capture blooms before heat. Locals practice tai chi among lotus ponds in Tao Dan Park during cooler morning hours.

Mid to Late November

Traditional Tet Preparation Markets

While Tet is in February, November sees traditional candy and decoration preparation in Chinatown workshops. Visitors can observe traditional crafts and taste early Tet specialties in District 5 markets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - cotton stays wet for hours in 75% humidity and doesn't dry overnight

Compact umbrella weighing under 200g (7oz) - November showers are brief but intense, lasting 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen with zinc oxide - UV index reaches 8 and reflects off wet concrete after rain

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - regular cotton creates chafing in high humidity conditions

Lightweight rain poncho for motorbike taxis - essential for afternoon showers and keeping bags dry

Antifungal foot powder - closed shoes in 75% humidity create perfect conditions for athlete's foot

Portable fan or cooling towel - when temperatures feel like 38°C (100°F), personal cooling becomes necessary

Waterproof phone case or bag - sudden downpours can destroy electronics in seconds

Breathable long pants for temples - shorts aren't allowed and polyester becomes unbearable in humidity

Electrolyte packets or tablets - sweating in high humidity depletes salts faster than in dry heat

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor activities between 1-4pm when humidity peaks at 85-90% - schedule indoor attractions like War Remnants Museum during these hours

November is 'wedding season' in Vietnam - weekend temple visits may encounter ceremonies, creating beautiful photo opportunities but limiting access to certain areas

Street food vendors change menus in November, introducing heartier soups and stews as 'cool season' comfort food despite 32°C (90°F) temperatures

Grab bike rates increase 20-30% during November afternoon rain showers (2-5pm) - walk to covered areas and wait 30 minutes for normal pricing