A Travel Guide to Vietnam in December

In December, you normally have long vacations , why don't you spend these days with friends and relatives on adventures around the world? In this case a trip to Vietnam is an ideal choice because Vietnam can satisfy the pickiest travelers, from young to old, from nature lovers to people looking for cultural diversity. But how is Vietnam in December? Where to go in december? This article will help you decide.

Table of content

1. Vietnam weather in December

December is considered one of the best months for traveling thanks to its stable climate, weather and steady temperature. While the central regions gradually receive less rainfall towards the end of the month, the North and South enjoy perfectly steady climatic conditions.

1.1 Northern Vietnam in December

In December, the North of Vietnam becomes a bit chilly with an average temperature around 17°C. In addition, there will be seasonal winds arriving from the North-East, bringing the deeper cold that covers the entire area of the Red River Delta which results in the temperature of less than 10°C. The weather in Vietnam, at this time, is dry with little rain.

1.2 Mountainous North of Vietnam in December

Being in the fairly high mountains, the average temperatures, compared to the delta areas, are usually 5-10°C lower, depending on the altitude. On cooler days, in Fansipan - “the roof of Indochina” (Lao Cai province) or the Hoang Lien Son mountain range or Mau Son (Lang Son province), there is possibly ice to be seen and it can even snow.

1.3 Central Vietnam in December

In December, Central Vietnam falls during the rainy period of the year. However, good news is that at the end of December, precipitation and rainfall duration are gradually reduced. Luckily, we can take advantage of nicer weather if we leave in the last days of the year in central Vietnam. 

The climatic feature in the southern area of Hai Van Pass is tropical savannah, so although Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue are located in the center of Vietnam, there is less rain than in Hue because it is situated north of Hai Van Pass.

The average temperature in this area is 25°C.

Hue Citadel

1.4 Southern Vietnam in December

December is the best time to go to the South of Vietnam. If you want sun shining along with moderate heat to escape the cold days in your country, going to South Vietnam will be a gift. The climate is dry with a temperature of about 30 degrees, ideal for all outdoor activities: boat trips, cycling or simply lying on the beaches.

Tips: If you are traveling from the North to the South of Vietnam, try to dress in several layers in order to change easily because the temperature varies a lot.

2. Travel costs and flow of tourists of Vietnam in December

The end of the year is the busiest season for tourism, with a high volume of visitors daily until the end of the month. In December, we also have very important holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, so in any hotel, night cruise and 4-5 star resort, there are additional charges for the peak season and the Gala dinners held on the evening of December 24th and December 31st. However, these good quality accommodation facilities will be full in a blink of an eye so don’t hesitate to book in advance if you can confirm your holidays early.

Gala dinner at the hotel

Aside from accommodation services, there is a growing need of transportation for both foreign and Vietnamese visitors. So book flights early as soon as you can to get the best prices.

3. Things to see in Vietnam in December

3.1. Places to visit in Vietnam in December

Sapa

Some people might be surprised to find this place on the list, but December is one of the most beautiful moments of Sapa. In Sapa in December there are no fascinating green or golden rice terraces full of water, it will be foggy but this makes Sapa more poetic and less touristy. Arriving in Sapa in December, you can see the white flowers of plums, the red flowers of peach trees in the hills of Oolong Tea towards O Quy Ho, the colorful markets of the ethnic groups... Sapa in December is not for everyone but for those who love natural wild beauty.

Peach blossoms on Oolong Tea Hills

Perfume Pagoda

Photographers and lovers of wild and peaceful beauty often come to the Perfume Pagoda here at the end of November and beginning of December. At this time, water lilies bloom on the Yen stream; melaleuca flowers also blossom brightly on both sides of the stream, creating a beautiful picture of nature.

Water lily flowers on Yen Creek

Ha Giang

December is the time to pick buckwheat flowers. Arriving in Ha Giang this month, you will be able to see the vast expanse of flower fields or the gathering activities of local people in the flower fields. Do not forget to enjoy delicious dishes made from buckwheat seeds such as buckwheat wine, buckwheat tea, buckwheat cake, etc. December is also the canola flower season in Ha Giang. The sweetness of the flowers’ color along with the tranquility of the houses amidst the limestone mountains create a majestic landscape.

Canola flower fields

Dong Thap

Located in South-Eastern Vietnam, Dong Thap is a charming province with lotus ponds, melaleuca forests and Tan Lap floating village. Arriving in Dong Thap in early December is the great opportunity to taste local lotus specialties such as sticky rice with lotus seeds, sweet lotus seed soup, chicken and grilled fish wrapped in lotus leaf.

Good lotus foods

Floating markets

Floating markets are a distinct cultural trait in South-Western Vietnam. In any village, there are markets with different sizes, among which are the most beautiful and animated are Phong Dien market or Cai Rang market in Can Tho, Long Xuyen market in Long Xuyen, Nga Nam market in Soc Trang. However, similar to many areas of Vietnam, the floating markets open very early so don't forget to set the alarm early on your Mekong Delta days.

Long Xuyen Market

3.2. Sea in Vietnam in December

Phu Quoc

Certainly, Phu Quoc tops the list of the best seas in Vietnam in December. Visitors will be free to splash around in the refreshing water, enjoy a variety of seafood and many other interesting marine activities such as snorkeling, walking under the sea,... It is a nice escape from the cold and frenzy of daily life in temperate climate countries at the end of the year.

Hon Thom Island

Mui Ne

December - February is the ideal time for Phan Thiet - Mui Ne tourism. At this time, the climate is enjoyable while the temperature is relatively cool; the sea water is also bluer and calmer under the shining sun.

Travel to Mui Ne

4. Vietnam holidays in December 2024

Vietnam People's Army Day and People's Defense Day - December 22nd

On December 22, 1944, in the forest at Cao Bang, the Vietnam Propaganda and Liberation Squad, consisting of 34 soldiers chosen under the direct command of General Vo Nguyen Giap, was officially established. This is the first main unit of the People's Army of Vietnam.

Christmas Day - December 24th

Christmas in Vietnam in recent years has become very popular and for many, it is a public holiday, not a holiday reserved only for Christians. On this day houses are decorated (especially in workplaces, offices or homes of young people) and gifts are exchanged. However, the Vietnamese will not have national holidays for Christmas, even Christians.

Christmas in Hanoi

New Year's Eve - December 31st

In Vietnam, we have two "New Year's Eve" - December 31 and Tet - Lunar New Year, both are celebrated widely. For New Year's Day on December 31, Vietnamese will have a paid day off. On the evening of December 31st, depending on the year, countdown parties are organized with fireworks in many spots around the city.

Countdown party

5. Recommended itineraries for the trip to Vietnam in December

"Christmas with yours, Easter with whoever you want", I think many of you want to create wonderful moments with family during cultural holidays. At this moment, you can refer to this itinerary: rich in experiences, little transportation will be its advantage that allows you to discover new culture without getting too tired.

>> Click to see more: From Hanoi to Saigon: Vietnam Family Holiday | Classic Package Tour - 14 Days

Is a beach escape necessary for your trip? Certainly, you can safely plan this itinerary that allows you to visit all the famous Vietnamese beaches and a nice stay in Phu Quoc to cool off.

>> Click to see more: From Hanoi to Saigon: Essential Vietnam Discovery & Phu Quoc Beach Break | Classic Tour - 15 Days

That’s all the useful information we want to share with you about Vietnam in December, one of the best times to travel to Vietnam along with things to see in our lovely country. If you want to travel to Vietnam in December on a customized private tour, don’t hesitate to send a request to us from now by clicking here!