Diving in Vietnam: where, when and how to book
Vietnam has two dive seasons, because its central coast and southern islands follow opposite monsoons. Pick the region by your travel month, then the trip.
Find a dive tripBest time to dive
- Independent guide, no paid placements
- Seasons checked across several sources
- Updated October 2026
Photo: Nguyen Hung Vu, CC BY 2.0
Vietnam’s dive season depends on the coast. The central coast around Nha Trang is best from about March to October, while Phu Quoc in the south is best from about November to May. Water stays warm all year, roughly 26–30°C, so a 3 mm suit or rash guard is usually enough.
Our top pick: Nha Trang: Beginner Scuba Dive
The dive regions compared
Two coasts, two seasons. If your trip is in December or January, head south to Phu Quoc. In June or July, the central coast and Con Dao are at their best.
Top-rated dive and snorkel trips
Nha Trang: Beginner Scuba Dive
No certification needed, instructor with you underwater, hotel pickup. 4.8/5 from over 200 reviews.
Phu Quoc: 4 Islands & 2 Reefs Snorkeling
Speedboat day in the An Thoi islands with two reef stops. 4.8/5 from over 440 reviews.
Cham Islands Snorkeling from Hoi An
Day trip with lunch and pickup from Hoi An or Da Nang. 4.5/5 from over 440 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
- Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
- Mobile ticket on your phone
- Reviews from verified travelers
New to diving?
You don’t need a certificate to try. Nha Trang’s beginner trips take you down with an instructor after a briefing. If you want to dive on your own, an Open Water course usually takes a few days. Everything you need to know is in learn to dive in Vietnam.
Where to stay
Base yourself where you dive: Nha Trang for the central coast, Phu Quoc in the south, Hoi An for the Cham Islands. See where to stay.
Hotels in Nha TrangMost dive trips include hotel pickup
Frequently asked questions
Is Vietnam good for scuba diving?
Yes, especially for beginners and relaxed reef diving: warm water, easy conditions in season and low prices for courses. It's not a big-pelagics destination like Indonesia or the Philippines.
What is the best month to dive in Vietnam?
It depends on the coast. Nha Trang and the central coast are best from about March to October; Phu Quoc in the south from about November to May. March to May lets you combine both.
Can I dive in Vietnam without a certificate?
Yes. Beginner 'try dive' trips in Nha Trang take non-certified guests down with an instructor after a short briefing. To dive independently you need a course such as Open Water.
Plan your dives
Nha Trang
Nha Trang diving guide: Hon Mun marine protected area, the March–October season, visibility, water temperature, beginner try dives and the top-rated trips.
Read guide
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc diving and snorkelling: the An Thoi islands, the November–May dry season, water temperature and visibility, plus the most-reviewed island-hopping trips.
Read guide
Con Dao
Con Dao diving guide: the March–September season, visibility, why the islands are quieter than Nha Trang, how to get there and where to stay.
Read guide
Cham Islands
Cu Lao Cham snorkelling and diving from Hoi An or Da Nang: the late March–August season, visibility, what a day trip includes and the top-rated tours.
Read guide
Best time
Best time to dive in Vietnam: Nha Trang Mar–Oct, Phu Quoc Nov–May, Con Dao Mar–Sep, Cham Islands late Mar–Aug. A month-by-month table and the months to avoid.
Read guide
Learn to dive
Learn to dive in Vietnam: what a no-certificate try dive involves, how long an Open Water course takes, how to choose a safe operator and the flying-after-diving rule.
Read guide