Things to Do in Hochiminhcity in November

November Weather in Hochiminhcity

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

41mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect start to dry season with 32°C (90°F) highs and only 6 rainy days - ideal weather for outdoor exploration
Tourist crowds haven't peaked yet - major attractions like Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tours operate at 70% capacity vs December's full bookings
Tet holiday shopping season begins - night markets extend hours and food vendors introduce special seasonal dishes like banh chung preparation demonstrations
Optimal motorcycle taxi weather - cool mornings at 24°C (75°F) perfect for rush hour commuting like locals do

Considerations

Accommodation prices increase 25-30% from October as dry season demand builds - book 3+ weeks ahead for better rates
Afternoon UV index hits 8 consistently - outdoor activities between 11am-3pm require serious sun protection and frequent breaks
Street food vendors start raising prices ahead of peak season - expect 10-15% increases from wet season rates

Best Activities in November

Mekong Delta River Tours

November's lower rainfall means Mekong tributaries are at perfect levels for small boat navigation without wet season flooding. Water levels stabilize after October rains, making floating markets like Cai Rang more accessible. Morning departures at 6am avoid afternoon heat and offer cooler 24°C (75°F) starts.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators. Tours typically cost ₫1,200,000-2,000,000 ($50-80). Look for operators with insurance certificates and small group sizes (8-12 people max). See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Tours

Dry season means tunnel systems are accessible without mud and flooding that affects visits during wet months. Comfortable 28°C (82°F) temperatures make crawling through tight spaces more bearable than hot season's 35°C+ (95°F+) heat. November crowds are manageable before December peak.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ₫800,000-1,500,000 ($35-60). Book morning departures to avoid afternoon heat. Look for tours including Ben Dinh tunnels for less crowded experience. Current options available in booking widget below.

District 1 Street Food Walking Tours

November evenings are perfect for street food exploration - temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) after 6pm. Vendors prepare seasonal specialties like che ba mau (three-color dessert) to celebrate cooler weather. Less rain means consistent vendor availability.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (6pm-10pm) typically cost ₫600,000-1,200,000 ($25-50). Book with operators who provide local SIM cards and food safety briefings. Groups of 6-8 people ensure personal attention from guides. Check current food tour options below.

Saigon River Sunset Cruises

November offers clearest skies for sunset photography - less haze than wet season months. River levels are stable and calm after monsoon season ends. Temperatures cool to pleasant 27°C (81°F) during golden hour (5:30pm-6:30pm).

Booking Tip: 90-minute cruises typically cost ₫400,000-800,000 ($17-35). Book vessels with covered areas for UV protection during day portions. Avoid Friday-Sunday for 20% lower prices and smaller crowds. See current river cruise options in booking section.

War Remnants Museum and History Walking Tours

Indoor museum portions provide perfect respite from November's 70% humidity and strong UV. Cooler mornings make walking between historical sites comfortable. November marks beginning of peak learning season when local schools organize field trips, adding authentic educational atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Combine museum entry (₫40,000/$1.70) with guided walking tours costing ₫800,000-1,400,000 ($35-60). Book morning slots (8am-11am) to avoid midday heat. Look for historians with government certification. Current history tour options available below.

Motorcycle Food Tours

November's perfect riding weather - not too hot like March-May, not rainy like June-October. Evening tours take advantage of 24°C (75°F) temperatures after sunset. Local motorcyclists return to streets after wet season, creating authentic traffic experience.

Booking Tip: 3-4 hour evening tours typically cost ₫1,000,000-1,800,000 ($40-75). Ensure operators provide helmets, insurance, and experienced drivers with clean records. Book tours starting after 5pm for coolest temperatures. Check current motorcycle tour options below.

November Events & Festivals

November 20

Teachers' Day Celebrations

November 20th brings flower markets to full bloom as students honor teachers with elaborate bouquets. Witness authentic Vietnamese educational culture as schools organize special ceremonies. Ben Thanh Market extends flower vendor hours.

Throughout November

Southern Fruit Festival Season

November marks peak season for southern Vietnamese fruits like dragon fruit, rambutan, and durian. Street vendors offer tastings and local markets host informal competitions. Best experienced in District 5's wholesale markets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket (not umbrella) - November showers are brief but intense, jacket allows continued walking

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index consistently hits 8 even on cloudy days

Breathable cotton t-shirts - avoid polyester which traps humidity at 70% levels

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - marble floors in temples become slippery during brief showers

Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces - shopping malls and restaurants keep temperatures at 18°C (64°F)

Quick-dry shorts/pants - useful for Mekong Delta boat tours where splashing is common

Mosquito repellent with DEET - November evenings bring increased mosquito activity

Portable phone charger - humidity can drain batteries 30% faster than dry climates

Cash in small denominations (₫50,000-200,000 notes) - street vendors rarely have change for ₫500,000 notes

Electrolyte tablets - 32°C (90°F) temperatures and walking require extra hydration beyond water

Insider Knowledge

Local offices close 11:30am-1:30pm for lunch break in November heat - plan government building visits (like visa extensions) for early morning or after 2pm

Xe om (motorcycle taxi) drivers charge 20% less during 2pm-4pm when locals avoid the heat - perfect time for short district-to-district trips

November is 'wedding photo season' at major landmarks - expect photographers at Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office between 5am-7am weekends

Street food vendors prepare fresh stock twice daily in November (7am and 4pm) - these times offer best quality and lowest prices before evening crowds

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking Mekong Delta tours for afternoon departures - morning tours avoid heat and offer better wildlife viewing when temperatures are cooler

Wearing sandals to Cu Chi Tunnels - closed shoes required for tunnel crawling and walking on uneven ground

Scheduling back-to-back outdoor activities during midday (11am-3pm) - UV index of 8 and 32°C (90°F) heat make this uncomfortable and potentially dangerous