The Ultimate Guide to Visit Vietnam in January

Many travelers ask if January is a good time to visit Vietnam. Actually, stretching through many altitudes, Vietnam always has some interesting things to offer you in each month. Read on to see if January is a good time for your travel, how the weather is, and what to do in Vietnam in January.

1. Vietnam Weather in January

1.1. North Vietnam in January

North Vietnam includes Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Northwest, and Northeast, with 22 cities and provinces. North Vietnam in January, in general, is quite cold. January is the heart of the dry season, and you can expect quite plenty of sunshine and gorgeous blue skies. However, Hanoi and the surrounding areas can be quite chilly (average temperature of 62°F/17°C), even foggy, particularly at night, with lingering showers.

Temperatures in the north can drop below 59°F (15°C). In mountainous areas like Sapa, Mau Son (Lang Son), and Ha Giang, it gets colder, and you even see ice. The magnificent Halong Bay is renowned for being quite hazy during this time of year; it is, therefore, not the best time for photography. You’ll need to pack some warm clothing and rainproof gear against damp, foggy weather.

Fansipan mountain

1.2. Central Vietnam in January

Central Vietnam includes Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha , and 16 other provinces. Central Vietnam in January experiences varied weather forms thanks to its geography. North of Hai Van Pass lies between Hue and Da Nang, still enduring weather similar to the north, cold and sometimes drizzling. When passing Hai Van Pass, the weather is quite different. Beach resorts along the Central Vietnam coast will bask in sunshine with average temperatures fluctuating between 68°F (20°C) and 86°F (30°C). Central beaches receive less rain than in the other regions. However, the weather in the Central Highlands is still cool & chilly; it's particularly a bit colder in the morning and at midnight.

Da Nang beach

1.3. South Vietnam in January

Things warm up as you head to the South. This part of Vietnam includes Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong River Delta, with 18 cities and provinces. South Vietnam in January has a favorable condition of the year with a clear blue sky. Rainfall is little across the region. In Ho Chi Minh City, the air remains hot in the daytime and gets cooler at night, with low humidity and the daily average temperature at 79°F (26°C). The nice beaches within easy reach from Ho Chi Minh City, like Ho Tram & Long Hai (in Vung Tau), Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, are basking in the sunshine. It is similar to the southern islands of Con Dao & Phu Quoc. 

>> Tips: If you travel to the North of Vietnam, pack some warm clothing and rainproof clothing against foggy, damp weather. There’s rarely a need for rain gear in the Southern Central, but you can bring your swimwear and appropriately light clothing. Prepare some warm clothes for evenings and early mornings. If the South is your destination, bring along sunscreen, insect repellent, and light jackets.

2. Travel costs and tourist crowd in January

January is definitely a month of high tourist season in Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta River, plus the other popular destinations of the south, where southern beaches like Phu Quoc are at their peak. Hanoi, the capital city, witnesses the same situation. However, the northern mountain of Vietnam in January is far from crowded, even at such top-drawn destinations as Sapa, Ha Giang, and Halong Bay. If you want to avoid the crowds at this time of year, this is one of the best times to visit the far-from-center of the north.

When traveling to Vietnam in January, you can expect to pay high season prices for airfare and hotels, which are, on average, about 15% higher than during the low season. However, for shopping enthusiasts, there are many more options available, from markets to malls, due to the increase in domestic purchasing demand and supplies.

Travel to Vietnam by plane

3. Best places to visit in Vietnam in January

3.1. Ho Chi Minh

The whole country celebrates Tet - Lunar New Year, but for your best experience, you can’t beat Hanoi, Hue, especially Ho Chi Minh City. On the Lunar New Year’s Eve, fireworks will fly across these big city’s skies, launching a full week of festive activities. Choose a cafe with a nice view to enjoy this moment.

See more: The 15 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City

3.2 Mekong Delta

Southern Vietnam’s weather is most pleasant before summer comes. One place you can not miss is the mighty Mekong Delta, with a system of canals and rivers interwoven with vast rice fields. In February, it is too hot and humid, allowing various outdoor activities in this vibrant trading center of the South.

The top-drawn attractions in the Mekong Delta include bustling floating markets in Can Tho and Tra Su cajuput forest in An Giang. The biggest floating market is Cai Rang, in which locals gather from 5 am and trade all produce on boats. However, during Tet, local people often stop trading in the floating market for about two weeks. Tra Su cajuput forest is best visited in the early morning and late afternoon. The local markets are covered with vivid colors of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. For these appeals, the Mekong Delta in February is at its best.

See more: Mekong River Cruises

Tra Su Cajuput Forest

3.3. Phu Quoc

If you agree that the best temperature for beach relaxation falls between 25-28oC, then Phu Quoc Island in January is the perfect destination. During this time, the pristine beaches and secluded islands are ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. While visiting Phu Quoc, take the time to explore places of interest like Ong Lang Beach, Bai Sao, Khem Beach, and Duong Dong Town. Many of Phu Quoc's Islands remain untouched, making it an ideal spot for leisure tourism.

See more: Top 10 Beaches in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

3.4. Hoi An

Moving Northward, you can stop at the centre of Central Vietnam in January with the beautiful travel route Hue - Danang - Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An, the UNESCO-listed town, is among the most popular Vietnam’s tourism magnets. Featuring a fine mix of Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese architecture, Hoi An is like a living museum of bustling trading history in this part of the country. Hosting a few canals inside, the Old Town is brilliant at night, when hundreds of lanterns illuminate, creating a magical scenery. If you wish to have beach leisure, Ha My, An Bang & Cua Dai are the closest ones to the town.

See more: The Magical Hoi An Full Moon Festival

Hoi An Old Town

3.5. Nha Trang

If you prefer sun and cool, head to the coastal resort city of Nha Trang, with its many beaches, offshore islands, and great dive sites. The weather in Nha Trang at this time is quite beautiful as it falls between the late wet season and the early dry season, seldom experiencing rain, and of course, the storms are rare. You can feel quite comfortable due to the low temperature and chilly atmosphere during the daytime, while at night, the temperature can drop by some degrees, making it colder. It is suitable for sightseeing, beach activities, cultural experiences, and seafood tasting. Some must-see city attractions are Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang Night Market, Ponagar Tower, and Hon Chong.

See more: Nha Trang Travel Guide

Ponagar Tower

3.6. Hanoi

Hanoi in January is in its late winter; it can get cloudy and a bit chilly. Temperatures might fall to 50°F (10°C) sometimes. The average temperature is between 59-68°F (15-20°C), making it perfect for a walk around the Hanoi Old Quarter streets to explore like a local, visit ancient temples, and enjoy Hanoi specialties. The most-loved Hanoi street food and drinks to have in January are Pho (Vietnamese rice noodles), Bun cha (Grilled meat rice noodles), Bun thang (Hot rice noodles with chicken soup), and Egg coffee.

See more: Must-Try Food in Hanoi - The Top 10 Hanoi Dishes You Cannot Miss

Hanoi Old Quarter

3.7. Northern Mountainous areas

From Hanoi, you can extend your journey to Mai Chau, Moc Chau, Sapa. The northern mountainous attractions during this time are less touristy; you can admire the fascinating scenery of flower blooms in January when the temperature background is generally low (sometimes even below 0°C). In Sapa, Ha Giang, a peach flower blooms scattered on the hillside. That’s the signal that the harsh cold winter passes by and the warm sunshine of the spring soon comes. You can also admire the bright white plum blossoms in Moc Chau, normally from late January to early February.

4. Vietnamese holidays & festivals in January, 2025

Tet, Vietnamese Lunar New Year (28/01 - 03/02/2025). It typically falls between mid-January and late February; it's important to note that the exact date changes every year, following the lunar calendar. If you're lucky enough to be in Vietnam during Tet preparation, you'll be immersed in a vibrant and festive atmosphere, with colorful decorations, lively markets, and delicious traditional foods.

New Year (01/01/2025). Vietnamese people are celebrating the holiday within 1 day, 01/01/2025. During this time, students get off from school, and labor normally gets off from work.

Sa Dec Flower Festival (30/12/2024 - 05/01/2025). It can be said that Sa Dec (Dong Thap Province) is the second flower city after Dalat. Visiting Sa Dec, you have a chance to see a kind of flower kingdom. The flower festival is proposed to open from December to February so the visitors can come to admire the beauty of flowers as well as to enjoy many activities of the locals in Western waters. If anyone would like to buy some, don’t hesitate to choose your favorite kind to bring home.

Sa Dec flower farm

5. Great Itineraries to Vietnam in January

From our travel consultation for many clients, we recommend the following itineraries for visiting Vietnam in January within 7 - 14 days.

>> Best of the South Vietnam | Authentic Tour - 07 Days. Start by exploring Ho Chi Minh City, the largest and most dynamic in Vietnam, you then take an excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels and experience the authentic Mekong River Delta life.

>> Best of the North Vietnam | Authentic Tour for Family - 07 Days. This is an excellent itinerary for a family to have a memorable holiday in Vietnam. From Hanoi, you will discover stunning and lush landscapes of Sapa, have encounters with mountain tribal groups and relax on a cruise in the world-famous Halong Bay.

>> The South of Vietnam & Phu Quoc Beach Holiday - 07 Days. This is one of the most popular journeys in Southern Vietnam. After a day on Ho Chi Minh City tour, take an excursion to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Then, you will experience the true Mekong River Delta life. To finish the trip, you will then travel to tropical Phu Quoc Island with paradise beaches.

>> Mekong Delta and Northern Minority Culture | Authentic Tour - 14 Days. Authentic discovery of Vietnam from the Southern Delta to the Northern mountains on an off-the-beaten path. You are guaranteed the best experience of true Vietnam, one that few tourists have yet had the chance to have.

>> From Saigon to Hanoi: Vietnam Discovery - 14 Days. This itinerary combines many entertaining activities at every place you visit. From the dynamic Saigon City to the mighty Mekong Delta, explore the Hoi An Ancient town and relax on its beautiful beach. Take a cruise on the outstanding Ha Long Bay and visit Hanoi and its outskirts at the famous craft village.

In general, January is a good time to visit Vietnam for those who love southern beaches, as well as get up close and have a personal touch with locals before and during the Lunar New Year festival. We hope that our information about Vietnam in January in terms of weather, travel cost, crowd & best places to visit will be useful in your planning for Vietnam.

If you wish to visit Vietnam without hassle, IZITOUR provides various tour packages for couples, friends, families, small groups, and solo travelers. Feel free to leave your comment below or contact us via email at sm@izitour.com. Happy traveling!

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