The Ultimate Guide to Visit Vietnam in January

Many travellers ask is January a good time to visit Vietnam? Actually, stretching through many altitudes, Vietnam definitely has some interesting things to offer you in each month. On top of that, in January, plus the mild weather and beautiful landscape blooming at the beginning of Spring, the entire country will immerse in the joyful atmosphere of Tet Lunar New Year - the biggest holiday of the Vietnamese people. Read on to see if January is a good time for your travel and what to do in Vietnam in January.

Table of content

1. Vietnam Weather in January

1.1. North Vietnam in January

North Vietnam includes Northwest, Northeast and Red River Delta, with 25 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. And 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 against damp, foggy weather.

Fansipan mountain

1.2. Central Vietnam In January

Central Vietnam includes North Central, Central Coast and Central Highlands, with 19 cities and 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 the similar weather like the north, cold and drizzling sometimes. Passing the 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). There is less rain than the above regions. However, the weather in the Central Highlands is still cool & chilly, it 's particularly a bit colder in the morning and at midnight.

1.3. South Vietnam In January

Things warm up as you head to the South. This part of Vietnam includes the Ho Chi Minh city and Mekong River Delta, with 19 cities and provinces. South Vietnam in January has a favouable conditions of the year with 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 time 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 sunshine. It is similar to the southern islands of Con Dao & Phu Quoc. 

>> Tips: Pack some warm clothing and rainproof against foggy damp weather if you travel to the North of Vietnam. There’s rarely a need for rain gears in the Southern Central but you can bring your swimwear and appropriately light clothing. And prepare some warm clothes for evenings and early mornings. If the South is your destination, bring along sunscreens, 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 at its 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-centre of the north.

The Lunar New Year—Tet, the biggest festival of the year—falls between late January and mid-February (varying from year to year). In 2023, it will happen from 20th – 26th January. In 2024, it will happen from 9th - 15th January. Tet typically lasts for a whole week, with many Vietnamese returning to their hometowns, moving between ancestral homes and relatives before main days of Tet, so this is definitely one of the busiest times for travel for both Vietnamese and foreigners. During 6-7 days of Tet celebrations really happening, several tourist places close, plus all government offices, as do many shops and markets, and public transportation options will be reduced significantly.

Travelling to Vietnam in January, you will expect to pay high-season pricing for airfare and hotels, on average about 25 percent more than the annual. However, shopping lovers have many more options from the market to the malls because the domestic purchasing demand and supplies also rises.

>> Tips: You should make reservations of accommodation and flights well in advance to avoid being overcharged. Some destinations can be overcrowded during the days of Tet Holiday, booking in advance also helps you to prevent overbook.

3. Best places to visit in Vietnam in January

3.1. Ho Chi Minh & Mekong Delta

The whole country celebrates Tet - Lunar New Year, but for your best experience, you can’t beat Hanoi, Hue, especially Ho Chi Minh City. At 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.

Fireworks in Ho Chi Minh city

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 January, it is too hot and humid, allowing various outdoor activities in this vibrant trading centre of the South.

Tra Su Cajuput Forest

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 5am and trade all produce on boats. However, during Tet happening, 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 all the vivid colours of flowers, fruits and vegetables. For these appeals, the Mekong Delta in January is at its best.

3.2. Phu Quoc

If you agree that the best temperature for beach relaxation is 25-28oC, Phu Quoc Island in January is the ideal option. Beach paradises and secluded islands at this time are perfect for outdoor interests like swimming, snorkelling and diving. While you’re in Phu Quoc, spend time discovering the hidden gems of Ong Lang Beach, Bai Sao, Khem Beach and Duong Dong town. A lot of Phu Quoc’s islands remain pristine till now, making it an ideal attraction for leisure tourism.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

3.3. 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 mixed architecture of Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese, Hoi An is like a living museum of the 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 the magical scenery. If you wish for beach leisure, Ha My, An Bang & Cua Dai are the closest ones to the town.

Hoi An Old Town

3.4. 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 day time, while at night, the temperature can drop by some degrees, making it colder. It is suitable for sightseeing, beach activities, cultural experiences and tasting seafood. Some must-see city’s attractions are Vinpearl Land, Nha Trang night market, Ponagar Tower, Hon Chong.

3.5. 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, visiting ancient temples and enjoying 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.

Hanoi Old Quarter

3.6. Northern Mountainous areas

From Hanoi, you can extend your journey to Mai Chau, Moc Chau, Sapa. The nothern 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, peach flower blooms scatteredly on hillside. That’s the signal that the harsh cold winter passes by and the warm sunshine of the spring soon come. You can also admire the bright white plum blossoms in Moc Chau, normally late January till early February.

4. Vietnamese holidays & festivals in January, 2024 (updated by year)

New Year (1/1/2024). Vietnamese people are celebrating the holiday within 3 days 31/12/2023-2/1/2024. During this time, students get off from school and labour normally get off from work.

Tet, Vietnamese Lunar New Year (07/02 - 14/02/2024). This six-day, nationwide celebration usually falls between late January and mid-February, drawing Vietnamese back to their ancestral homes for non-stop festivities.

Perfume Pagoda festival (15/2/2024). When coming to Huong Pagoda, people visit the temples to worship; scenic boat rides on the river with limestone mountains; go to historic temples with hundreds of stone steps to pray for a peaceful, prosperous and lucky new year.

Yen Tu festival (19/02/2024). Every year, the Yen Tu Festival is held from the 10th day of the first lunar month. The opening ceremony was held with many activities such as: Ceremony of offering incense to Buddha; performing arts reenact historical, cultural, spiritual stories, Dragon Dragon dance, traditional martial arts, etc. The festival will last for 3 months.

Sa Dec flower festival (30/12/2023 - 05/01/2024). 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.

>> Tips: Lunar New Year often comes in late January or early February. During this national holiday, most government offices, restaurants and shops will be closed in 3-6 days. It’s best to avoid this period of time, unless you have a local tour operator to get your back.

Sa Dec flower farm

5. Great Itineraries to Vietnam in January

From my travel consultation for many clients, I recommend the following Itineraries for you to visit Vietnam in January within 7 - 14 days.

>> Best of the South Vietnam | Authentic package 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 package 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 | Classic tour - 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 truly 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 | Vietnam 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 the true Vietnam, one that few tourists have yet had the chance to have.

>> From Saigon to Hanoi: Vietnam Discovery | Family Package Tour - 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 and getting up close, personal touch with locals 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.