A perfect guide to the best places to visit in Vietnam in January

Vietnam Weather in January

Let's explore Vietnam Weather in January to have a carefully preparation for you interesting Vietnam Itinerary.

North Vietnam in January

North Vietnam in January

The weather in Vietnam is one that varies due to the difference in geographic formations across its regions. In January, the Northern region including areas like Sapa, Hanoi and HaLong Bay experience relatively cool temperatures which dangle between 14 and 20°C.

These temperature readings suggest that it is actually not too good a time to engage in outdoor activities. However, you can still go out for your activities if you are cautious and wear the appropriate clothing and gears.

We need to note however that even though the weather is not so bad during the day, it can get quite chilly at night.

Central Vietnam In January

Central Vietnam In January

The Central part of Vietnam featuring places like Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang experience way less humidity in their weather, making the temperature quite higher and fall between 20 and 28°C.

This is actually a good time to visit the region, considering the fact that the temperature is not too high or too low. Outdoor activities are really preferred in this region around this time.

South Vietnam In January

South Vietnam In January

Cities in the Southern sector such as Ho Chi Minh and Mekong Delta experience higher temperatures with quite dry and warm weather which make them some of the best places to visit in Vietnam in January.

The temperature readings often fluctuate between 22-32°C.

It is quite mild in most of the regions in Vietnam during the month of January, making it the absolute best time to visit, as you wouldn’t need to worry about heavy rain or storms.

You are most likely to experience sunny days especially within the Central and Southern regions.

It is therefore advisable to always check the weather forecasts pertaining to your desired destinations before you make any move.

Travel costs and tourist crowd in January

Travel costs and tourist crowd in January

In Vietnam, the month of January is characterized by overcrowding due to the fact that it is a high tourist season most especially the Southern parts.

Ho Chi Minh city, Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc for example are popular destinations in Southern Vietnam and some of the best places to visit in Vietnam in January.

So for them to have relatively clear weather during the month of January gives tourists the urge to visit those places, and in turn, make the places too congested.

Although the Northern region of Vietnam arguably possesses the most beautiful sites and destinations like Sapa, HaLong Bay, and Ha Giang, these places are completely far from crowded.

This is heavily influenced by the extremely cold weather conditions in the region.

Going on a trip to Vietnam in January comes with extra cost compared to other seasons. This is due to the fact that there is high demand on everything including airfare, hotels, transportation, etc.

For example if the total cost of a backpacker’s trip to Vietnam is originally $3,000 then he or she should budget about 15-20% more in the month of January.

Best places to visit in Vietnam in January

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) & Mekong Delta

Ho Chi Minh City

Visiting Ho Chi Minh city during the month of January is a perfect decision to make, considering the favorability of the weather as well as the city’s vibrant and bustling nature.

Mekong Delta is also a very good destination to visit in January. Around that time, the weather is quite clear and the Mekong River is quite calm and at its best.

The Mekong local people are also full of culture as they exhibit traditional and local activities like trading and showcasing their floating markets etc.

Phu Quoc

Tourists who enjoy beach relaxation, swimming, snorkeling and diving have no other perfect place like Phu Quoc Island during January. At this time, the temperature is well between 25 and 28°C, a perfect temperature for maximum exploration.

At Phu Quoc, you can explore the beaches like Ong Lang, Bai Sao, Khem Beach as well as Duong Dong town.

You’ll find that during the month of January, this island comes alive as it gives tourists the right feel of great leisure, exploration and relaxation.

Hoi An

Hoi An

Hoi An ancient town operates on a mixture of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese culture which together makes it a cosmopolitan center of attraction for tourists.

In January, quite a number of tourists visit this place to explore the seemingly perfect architectural fusion, as well as the traditional atmosphere that depict ancient trading prowess and dignity of the town.

The lantern festival in Hoi An causes the town to come alive as we witness a magical approach by locals to illuminate the place while creating the best of scenes and a breathtaking atmosphere.

Nha Trang

This place captures the sun’s rays and blends it with its coastal cool nature to produce an impeccable feeling that many tourists can’t resist.

The month of January readily makes this place what it is supposed to be, as it gives it the right temperature to operate with the convenience and satisfaction of tourists at heart.

Although during this time, the sun is not quite active, it still gives the cool atmosphere a run for its money. This makes the temperature quite nice and good for outdoor activities.

At night, the temperature sometimes drops to make it a bit colder, but nothing too disturbing. During January, this place is most suitable for sightseeing, beach activities, cultural experiences, etc.

Hanoi

Hanoi

The city of Hanoi usually experiences late winter in January, which makes the weather relatively cloudy and chilly most of the time.

Temperatures within this period range from 15 and 20°C, which is a good enough temperature for visiting some of the nice landscapes like the Hoa Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter etc.

Explore also the best dishes and street foods in Hanoi during the month of January like Bun Cha, Bun Thang, Pho, Egg coffee etc.

Northern Mountainous areas

Finding yourself in these Northern mountainous areas in January only means you are just there to see how the place looks during winter and not for a tour.

It is not a secret that the mountainous North of Vietnam is not tourist friendly during January.

Temperatures around this time in these areas could go as low as below 0°C, which include areas like Sapa, Mai Chau, Moc Chau etc.

You can however admire the scenery and see how beautiful it is when flowers blossom in January in relatively low temperatures.

Vietnamese holidays & festivals in January, 2024

The International New Year is celebrated for 3 days, from the 30th of December to the 1st of January. While they celebrate this festival, school goes on break and then workers also go off for those number of days to enjoy the holiday properly.

There is also the Sa Dec Flower Festival that also spans from 30th December to the 5th of January. The Sa Dec (Dong Thap Province) flower festival allows you to visit and explore the flower kingdom.

From December to February, both local people and tourists get the chance to explore and admire the aesthetics of flowers and engage in many other activities.

Great Itineraries to Vietnam in January

Itinerary to Vietnam in January in 5 days

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam with lots of tourists coming into the city every year, as it is very good news for the Vietnamese tourism industry.

You can imagine how busy the city will be in January when the temperature is just so conducive and perfect for outdoor activities.

There are quite a number of places to visit, like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the central post office and the book street.

As you move around the city to check out all these places, you can as well try local dishes along the line, as it is no secret that Ho Chi Minh street foods are absolutely the best, making it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in January

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnel Explore

Cu Chi tunnel

Explore the Cu Chi tunnel, which is about 45 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is also an experience of a lifetime as you learn the complex or tedious tunnel system underneath which was created purposely to protect Vietnamese soldiers.

Day 3: Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta is about 70 km away from Ho ChI Minh city and is one of the best tourist attractions in Vietnam. Take the area by storm as you march on along the river banks and to see chambers.

Experience a breathtaking adventure with the calm nature of the Delta as you enjoy the scenic view.

Day 4: Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market

Take a ride in a sampan boat while you explore the beauty of the market, moving by arranged items in the floating market, ranging from colorful arranged things like cosmetics, fruits, vegetables, mobile cards etc.

Day 5: Back to Ho Chi Minh

Do well to take a glance at some of the places again while you can because it is already time for your return. You can go check out some places in the Ho Chi Minh area before your time to go.

Itinerary to Vietnam in January in 7 days

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Begin by visiting the War Remnants Museum where you will learn a lot about the history of the freedom journey of Vietnam as well as Independence.

You can also visit the Saigon Municipal Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as the central post office.

Day 2-3: Dalat

Da Lat

Explore amazing sceneries in Da Lat like Thien Vien Truc Lam, the largest Zen Monastery in Vietnam.You can also explore the King Bao Dai’s former vacation palace as well as the Lat village.

This Lat village is one that harbors a number of different minority ethnic groups with disparity in customs, beliefs and practices.

Day 4: A trip to Mekong Delta

Mekong is the largest delta in Vietnam that is responsible for agricultural activities in the country.

Immerse yourself into the beautiful and charming tropical fruit garden in this area while you watch the sunset as the local people are retiring gradually from their activities for the day.

Day 5: Chau Doc

Chau Doc

Visit the beautiful Chau Doc, a place at the Northwest of the Mekong Delta. This place is famous for wildlife and heavy forests with very green trees.

There is a market around here with a speciality in only fish sauce, sometimes dried fish and fruits. This is a sign to show that it shouldn’t be possible to go through that area as a tourist without first trying the fish sauce.

Day 6-7: Phu Quoc

Inhale the breeze and nice atmosphere as you stop on the island of Phu Quoc which is known to have good beaches and fine sands for relaxation and fun.

Get on with the fun aspect by engaging in night activities as you drink and make new friends on the beach. Get ready to go back after the fun because that is actually your last day on the trip.

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• Depart Time:Daily
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Itinerary to Vietnam in January in 10 days

Day 1-2: Ho Chi Minh city

Experience the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh as you move around the old Saigon, getting to see the Notre Dame Cathedral as well as the Central Post office.

Go on then to visit the War Remnants Museum where you can learn a thing or two about the history of the Vietnam war against the French etc.

Again, you will need to go see the Jade Emperor Pagoda, where there is always a local ceremony. You can join the trail and light up some candles and incense just to blend in and join the entire motive and plan of the ceremony.

Day 3-4: Can Tho

Can Tho

This is a great avenue to explore the Mekong Delta floating Markets. You have to wake up early in the morning at about 5:30 am so that you can make it on a good sampan boat, in order to start your journey.

As you move around with your boat ride, do well to be looking round the local markets and shops, to purchase what you desire or want, but don’t forget to try the local coffee and some fruits from the floating barges, they are very amazing.

Day 5: Chau Doc

There is a distance shy of the Cambodian border, which forms a town called Chau Doc. This town is a complete fusion of Cham, Khmer and Chinese communities with churches, mosques and temples around them.

The main things to see in this town are the amazing temples and Pagodas that are around the Sam Mountain.

Day 6-9: Phu Quoc

Being one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in January, Phu Quoc is famous for its clear waters, fine white beaches and pristine forests despite being the largest island in Vietnam.

This place is not only known for seas and beaches but then you can get the opportunity to explore the island using a motorcycle.

You can just relax here and feel the breeze that comes with the island as you feel the sun on your face.

As you go around the island, every moment and place you get to is a reflection of everything the island represents, from exploring locally made products like fish sauce, peppercorns etc, to just relaxing on a particular side of the beach to feel some sun on your face.

Day 10: Back to Ho Chi Minh

On this day, you would typically have nothing to do than to pack your things and get ready for departure.

As always, there might be some time on your hands to go check out some one or two spots before your flight.

You can decide to do so but make sure you are well within time for your departure.

Conclusion

January in Vietnam is a very good time for outdoor and tourist activities especially for those tourists who have their focus on the Southern part of the country.

Explore Southern beaches and some spectacular places in Central Vietnam as you enjoy breathtaking landscapes.

I hope this information about the best places to visit in Vietnam in January as well as the Great Itineraries to Vietnam in January will help you make the right travel plans in order to have amazing experiences in Vietnam during your trip.

Here at Asia tour advisor, you are sure to find great tips about travel, and some of the best tour packages you can ever imagine, so make sure you don’t miss them.