When to visit Kim Phú

Every month looks different here: cloud seas, high water, Tết blossom, cool caves in summer. This calendar helps you pick your time.

The short answer

When to go

Best overallOctober – December

Morning cloud seas, cool days, caves open again. November–December is busiest, so book ahead.

Lunar New YearJanuary – February

Peach and apricot blossom along the roads and in gardens, timing depends on the weather. Cool weather. It is the traditional New Year holiday, so book your room ahead.

SummerJune – August

Hot outside, cool in the caves and streams. The best time for underground river swims.

High waterSeptember – October

The Hung Trâu valley becomes a lake and the floating houses rise. Caves close in September.

Month by month

The Kim Phú calendar

A guide only: rain, high water and cave reopening dates vary from year to year. Before travelling in September–October, message us about water levels.

JanuaryNowCool, light drizzleValley mist at dawn; if Tết falls in January, book your room aheadCaves openModerate FebruaryNowCool, warming upLunar New Year: peach and apricot blossom along the roads and in gardens; book your room aheadCaves openModerate MarchNowMild, drying outWalking and cycling around Tân Hóa; a good month for cavesCaves openQuiet AprilNowWarm and sunnyThe Full Moon festival in neighbouring Minh Hóa; the 30 April holidayCaves openBusy MayNowSunny, getting hotSome years the Full Moon festival falls in early May; the 1 May holidayCaves openModerate JuneNowHotUnderground river swims and the jade pools at cave mouthsCaves openModerate JulyNowHotCool caves and streams in midsummer; busy with familiesCaves openModerate AugustNowHot, first rainsThe last month for caving before the high-water seasonCaves openModerate SeptemberNowHeavy rain, rising waterHigh water at Hung Trâu and Tân Hóa; cloud seas from late monthCaves closedQuiet OctoberNowStill rainy, water recedingMorning cloud seas; caves reopen depending on the weatherCaves reopen, weather permittingModerate NovemberNowCool, less rainCloud seas; the best month for caves and a floating-house nightCaves openBusy DecemberNowTurning coldBusy over Christmas and New Year; book aheadCaves openBusy

January – MarchCool mornings, valley mist

April – MayThe Full Moon festival

June – AugustHot days, cool caves

September – OctoberFloodwater at Hung Trâu

November – DecemberCloud seas, peak season

Festivals and events

Put it in your diary

6 February 2027Lunar New YearPeach and apricot blossom; the Rục make offerings to the forest spirit. A major holiday, so book your homestay ahead.
Late April – early MayThe Full Moon festivalThe biggest festival of the Nguồn people, in neighbouring Minh Hóa. 2027 dates to be announced.
Planned for June 2027Tân Hóa Village FestPart of National Tourism Year – Quảng Trị 2027: hot-air balloons over the valley and folk games with villagers.
24 December – 1 JanuaryChristmas and New YearPeak season for international visitors. Book rooms and tours a few weeks ahead.

Frequently asked

What is the best time to visit Kim Phú?

October to December: mornings often bring a sea of cloud, the weather is cool and the caves are open again. November–December is busiest, so book homestays and tours early.

Should I visit in September?

September is the high-water season: the Hung Trâu valley becomes a lake, Tân Hóa’s floating houses may rise and the caves close. It is a remarkable sight, but roads can flood; message us about water levels before you go.

When are Tú Làn and Rục Mòn caves open?

Almost all year. They close in September when the water is high and usually reopen in October, depending on the weather that year.

When can I see the sea of cloud?

From late September to November, on early mornings when cloud fills the limestone valleys.

When do the peach and apricot trees blossom?

Usually around Lunar New Year, in January–February, earlier or later depending on the weather.