Is January a Good Time to Visit Vietnam?
If you’re asking “Is January a good time to visit Vietnam, you’ll be happy to hear that Vietnam is a popular year-round destination. The beautiful scenery, fascinating culture, and friendly people bring visitors to Vietnam all year. January in Vietnam has warm, dry weather spring blooms, New Year celebrations and much more.
I travelled from South to North Vietnam in January beginning in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in the capital Hanoi. I experienced quite different weather in the south, central and northern parts of the country.
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Is January a Good Time to Visit Vietnam?
Yes, the weather in Vietnam in January is warm, sunny and dry, especially in the south of the country. January falls in the middle of the dry season and, although the north, south and central regions experience very different weather patterns throughout the year, Vietnam in January has more sunny weather and less rainfall than at other times.
January is one of the best months to visit Vietnam for good all-round weather across the country.
The Dry Season in Vietnam
November to May is the dry season in Vietnam. It’s the high season and the weather is warm and sunny with less rain. Airfares and accommodation are more expensive and there are more tourists than at other times of the year.
In Vietnam, the dry season falls in different months across the country.
In South Vietnam, November to April are the months of the dry season and January falls in the middle of the dry season. The weather is hot and sunny and January is one of the best months of the year to visit Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta where average daytime temperatures are around 22°C (72°F) – 25°C (77°F).
In Central Vietnam, the dry season falls from January to August. January is a month of transition from the wet season in Vietnam to dryer weather, and you can expect warm, sunny weather with some rainy days. January is a good time for sightseeing in Hoi An and Hue, a beach holiday in Danang or Nha Trang or riding a motorbike over the Hai Van Pass.
But the weather in Central Vietnam in January can be wet. It’s the end of the rainy season and I experienced some very wet weather in Hue and Phong Nha in January.
In North Vietnam, the dry season falls in winter from November to April. The months from October to December have warm, sunny, dry weather but December and January are cold and misty in Hanoi. Halong Bay can be quite hazy and in the mountains around Sapa and Ha Giang, you can expect very cold temperatures and sometimes snow in January.
January Weather in Vietnam
Vietnam’s climate in January varies a lot as you travel from south to north and there are different weather patterns across the country.
South Vietnam Weather in January
South Vietnam in January has the best weather of the year. In Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta expect hot, sunny and dry days with average temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 32°C (90°F).
Central Vietnam Weather in January
January is the end of the wet season in Central Vietnam. There’s less rain and the days are hot with average temperatures between 19°C (66°F) and 25°C (77°F). Dalat and the Central Highlands are dry and cold at night. However, I experienced a very wet week in Hue and Phong Nha in Central Vietnam in January.
North Vietnam Weather in January
North Vietnam in January has clear skies and cool, dry weather. Hanoi and Halong Bay are chilly and misty with average temperatures of 17°C (63°F). In the mountains of Sapa and Ha Giang, it’s very cold with lows of 5°C (42°F)and highs of 11°C (52°F).
Where to go in Vietnam in January
If you’re travelling to Vietnam in January, head to the south of the country. It’s the best time of year to visit Ho Chi Minh City, explore the rivers of the Mekong Delta, visit the colourful floating markets in Can Tho and relax on the beautiful palm-fringed beaches of Phu Quoc Island.
During the dry season in Vietnam, the seas are calmer and it’s a good time to catch a ferry to visit offshore islands like Phu Quoc, Hon Tre and Cat Ba.
In Central Vietnam, January is the start of the dry season and a good time for a beach holiday in Nha Trang or Da Nang. There may still be rainy days in January but there are plenty of other things to do in Central Vietnam if the weather is wet.
Some Central Vietnam highlights are the UNESCO World Heritage historical Old Town of Hoi An, the Imperial Citadel and the Royal Tombs of Hue, and the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage limestone caves at Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park.
And inland from the beaches of Nha Trang, Da Lat has a cooler climate with waterfalls, charming lakes, and gardens. Coming out of the wet season, January is the ideal time to enjoy the waterfalls, of Central Vietnam and the Spring Flower Festival in Da Lat.
North Vietnam in January is one of the coldest months of the year. It’s winter and the weather tends to be cool, dry and often misty but it’s still a good time to explore the country’s capital, Hanoi, discover the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh and trek through the mountains and rice fields of Sapa.
While Halong Bay in winter is cool and often hazy, it’s still a popular time for an overnight cruise.
I went to Halong Bay on a solo trip to Vietnam in January and found the weather a bit too cool for swimming, but fine for kayaking and exploring the viewpoints and caves. I experienced some sun and some overcast weather with light rain. Even though January falls in winter, Halong Bay is still very busy and there are a lot of tourist boats on the water.
What to Do in January in Vietnam
January Vietnam weather is often dry and sunny across the country. It’s a good time for outdoor activities and for a beach holiday. The waters are calmer for taking ferry trips to the islands and water visibility is good for snorkelling and diving.
The dry weather in Vietnam in January is the best time for hiking in the mountains, trekking with gibbons in Cat Thien National Park, and exploring on a motorbike.
The climate in Vietnam in January is ideal for a boat trip on the rivers of the Mekong Delta to see the colourful floating markets in Can Tho and to shop for souvenirs and street food at Vietnam’s many outdoor markets.
It’s also a good time to explore the spectacular limestone caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, chase waterfalls and enjoy the cooler climate and the lakes and gardens of Da Lat in Central Vietnam.
Festivals in January in Vietnam
Da Lat Spring Flower Festival
The Da Lat Spring Flower Festival is held in the Da Lat City Flower Garden from mid-January to early February. It’s a picturesque annual event to welcome spring and the New Year.
Tet & the Lunar New Year
Tet or the Chinese New Year Celebrations are usually held in late January or in early February at the Lunar New Year. Tet is a colourful time in Vietnam and the 6-day celebration involves fireworks and lion dances.
In the days before Tet, markets and streets are packed full. People travel to reunite with their families and buses, trains and planes are booked out. So, if you’re planning to go to Vietnam during Tet, book your travel and accommodation well in advance.
TIP: When the Tet celebrations begin everything stops. Offices, shops and markets are closed. The Lunar New Year can be a very frustrating and difficult time to be travelling in Vietnam.
What Does Vietnam in January Cost?
January in Vietnam is a more expensive time of year to visit. It’s the high season and there are more tourists, so it’s a good idea to book ahead. But you can still allow some flexibility in your planning for spontaneous decisions. Here’s what you can expect from a trip to Vietnam in January:
- I budgeted around US$65 a day for my trip to Vietnam in January.
- I paid from US$20 – $40 a night for comfortable 2 to 4-star accommodation.
- A meal in a café or restaurant costs US$4 – $5 and much less at a stall serving local Vietnamese food.
- A taxi from the airport in Ho Chi Minh City to District 1 costs around US$15.
- Grab and Gojek taxis are reliable and inexpensive. A short ride costs around US$2.
- Domestic airfares are comparatively cheap in Vietnam, and, a good way to cut down on travel time between destinations.
- But International return airfare costs are quite high in January, and it’s one of the most expensive times of the year to travel to Vietnam.
What to Wear in Vietnam in January
For travel to Vietnam in January pack for hot weather and be prepared for cold winter weather if you plan to visit the north of the country.
- Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothes
- A cool cotton skirt or dress and sandals are perfect for the hot January weather in Vietnam.
- Avoid sleeveless shirts, tank tops and very short skirts or shorts.
- Vietnamese people dress modestly so covering your shoulders and knees is appreciated and necessary for visiting temples.
- Shorts can be worn at the beach and in tourist areas.
- A sarong is extremely useful. It can be used as a beach towel, a skirt, a dress, a scarf, or a sheet.
- Pack your swimmers, sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are a good idea for riding a motorbike, temple visits and in more conservative rural areas.
- The weather in Vietnam in January may be rainy so pack a rain jacket and an umbrella, especially for Central and North Vietnam
* Covered shoes are best for hiking and rainy days.
TIP: Pack wet weather gear if you expect to be riding around Vietnam on a motorbike in January, especially in Central and North Vietnam.
Where to Go in Vietnam in January
If you plan to travel to Vietnam in January, there are some wonderful places to visit. From north to south, there are a variety of landscapes, experiences and foods with a different feel in each part of the country.
Ho Chi Minh City
The weather for Vietnam in January is best in the south of the country. So, a January Vietnam vacation should definitely include Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city where the streets are full of motorbikes and the traffic is so crazy that simply crossing the road is a challenge.
Mid Range: I stayed on the Bui Vien in District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City at the Duc Vuong Hotel and enjoyed the fabulous service, the central location and the rooftop bar decorated with colourful lanterns.
Luxury: For an upmarket option the Hotel Majestic has a prime location near the river and gets exceptional reviews.
Mekong Delta – Can Tho
In South Vietnam, January is the perfect time to take a boat trip on the Mekong River to the colourful floating markets in Can Tho.
Mid Range: In Can Tho, I stayed at the Holiday One Hotel This comfortable hotel is a little bit out of town and has a pool. I was a bit surprised to find the entire street under a few inches of water when I returned to the hotel after dinner. The street was flooded with the King tides and no one bats an eye.
Luxury: The five-star Sheraton Can Tho offers luxurious accommodations with spectacular river views and amazing service.
Phu Quoc Island
The beautiful tropical beaches of Phu Quoc Island are a lovely place to unwind in the hot January Vietnam weather in the south of the country. Swim in the warm water, relax on the beach and snorkel or dive on the coral reefs. Flights leave regularly from Ho Chi Minh City, or you can catch the Superdong ferry from Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta.
Mid Range: On Phu Quoc Island I stayed at Sunshine Bungalows. These basic bungalows are set in a pretty tropical garden and are close to the beach and I enjoyed my stay here.
Luxury: If you’re after more luxury try the Shells Resort & Spa With a pool & its own private beach it gets excellent reviews.
Hoi An
The quaint and charming old-world atmosphere of Hoi An is a favourite place to visit in January in Vietnam and there are many fun things to do in Hoi An. Enjoy the lantern-filled laneways, the historic Vietnamese, French and Chinese buildings, and the bustling markets of this UNESCO World Heritage town.
Mid Range: I loved staying at the Green Apple Hotel in Hoi An and especially enjoyed the wonderful service. The rooms are new and spotless and I enjoyed the pool and the shuttle service to the old town. Bike hire is also available.
Luxury: If you’re after something more upmarket try the Allegro Hoi An. A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa Guests love the stunning rooms, building and decor and the wonderful service.
Hue
The Imperial City of Hue is sure to impress with the UNESCO-listed Citadel, Palace and Royal Tombs.
Mid Range: In Hue, I stayed at the Serene Shining Hotel and Spa This comfortable hotel is located right on the river and I had a lovely water view from my window.
Luxury: The Melia Vinpearl Hotel Hue is a more upmarket option with an exceptional location and spectacular city views.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Heading inland from Hue, the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed limestone caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is an astounding addition to a trip to Vietnam in January.
I loved staying at The Lakehouse a little out of the village.
Mid Range: I loved staying at the Lake House Resort! My bungalow was huge and had a private balcony right on the water and the service was wonderful. It’s a bit out of town but the bus stops right at the front door.
Luxury: Victory Road Villas also gets exceptional reviews for its beautiful surroundings. It’s a gorgeous villa with fabulous views.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of the most popular places to visit in North Vietnam in January. The karst scenery of Halong Bay is stunning and a cruise in a junk boat should be at the top of the list of things to do
TIP: The easiest way to reach Halong Bay is to book an overnight cruise to Halong Bay that includes a transfer from your hotel in Hanoi. Experience the limestone karst rock formations of Ha Long Bay in luxury aboard a 4-star junk boat cruiser.
Hanoi
It’s winter in the north and the weather for North Vietnam in January is cool and dry. But Vietnam’s bustling capital Hanoi has much to offer visitors, with the charming Old Quarter, atmospheric night markets, UNESCO World Heritage sites, colonial French architecture and beautiful temples.
Mid Range: I stayed in the old quarter at the Hanoi Graceful Hotel I loved the central location and my room had an intricately carved bedhead and a quaint balcony.
Luxury: The Oriental Jade Hotel is a small, upmarket hotel with a rooftop pool. The location in the Old Quarter is exceptional and so are the reviews.
Itineraries for January in Vietnam
For travel to Vietnam in January, there is a wide variety of things to see and do with long distances to cover between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. I travelled the length of the country in 3 weeks, but if you have less time, perhaps focus on either North or South Vietnam.
Below are some itinerary suggestions that are perfect for January in Vietnam.
Beautiful Vietnam in 3 weeks from Top to Toe
An Exciting 10-Day Itinerary in Vietnam’s Tropical South
North Vietnam in 2 Weeks: A Trip You’ll Love
Reasons to Avoid January in Vietnam
If you prefer to avoid crowds, the dry season in Vietnam is also the peak season for tourists. Airfares and accommodation are more expensive and there are more tourists than in the low season. Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc Island and the central Vietnam beaches of Nha Trang and Da Nang are very popular in January.
North Vietnam in January experiences cold, misty weather but the winter chill in the north is still a busy time for tourists in Hanoi. Halong Bay can be crowded with cruise boats and prices are higher than in the low season.
TIP: Discover the Best and Worst Months to Visit Vietnam
FAQ’s
Which part of Vietnam is best in January?
South Vietnam in January has the best weather of the year with warm, sunny days and little rain. Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island are the best places to visit in January. Central Vietnam is moving into the dry season in January and Hoi An, Hue and the beaches of Nha Trang and Da Nang are also popular.
How Rainy is Vietnam in January?
January in Vietnam falls during the dry season and there’s mostly dry weather across the country. But Central Vietnam is transitioning from the wet to the dry season and the weather is more unstable with more rainy weather in Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.
Is Vietnam expensive in January?
January is one of the more expensive months to visit Vietnam. January falls in the middle of the dry season in North and South Vietnam. It’s the high season and there are more visitors than in the wetter months and prices are higher. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months to travel to Vietnam.
What is the best month to visit Vietnam?
March and April are the best months to visit Vietnam for warm, dry weather across the country. But these months are very hot in the south with Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta experiencing extremely hot temperatures.
Can you swim in Vietnam in January?
Yes, you can swim in Vietnam in January. Water temperatures are a balmy 23°C (74°F) in January and the weather in South Vietnam is perfect for a beach holiday with swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on Phu Quoc Island. The beaches of Nha Trang, Da Nang and Ha Long Bay are good for swimming, with dryer weather and warm water in January.
Is Halong Bay cold in January?
Yes, Halong Bay is cold in January. It’s winter in North Vietnam and the weather is cool and often misty on Ha Long Bay with average temperatures ranging from 16°C (61°F) to 21°C (70°F).
What are the best and worst months to visit Vietnam?
The best months to visit Vietnam are November to April during the dry season when there is the best chance of fine weather around the country. The worst months to visit Vietnam are May to October during the rainy season when the weather is wet and stormy.
Although the weather can be a bit unpredictable, the shoulder season months of April to June and September to November offer cheaper prices and fewer tourists. For many people, these are the best months to visit Vietnam.
Final Thoughts – Is January a good time to Visit Vietnam?
Yes, January in Vietnam falls in the middle of the dry season and it’s one of the best months to visit for warm, sunny weather across the country. Vietnam in January is a busy time for tourists and it’s more expensive than the low season.
But it’s worth remembering that Vietnam is a cheap country to visit even in the high season. The busiest months and the height of the peak season in Vietnam are July and August.
January weather in South Vietnam is especially pleasant with hot, sunny temperatures and little rain. It’s perfect beach weather and ideal for sightseeing.
Central Vietnam in January is transitioning out of the wet season and experiencing dryer conditions and warm temperatures.
But January in North Vietnam is winter, and the weather is cool, dry and often hazy. Take a warm jacket to Hanoi and expect misty, hazy conditions on Ha Long Bay and very cold weather in the mountains around Sapa.
Overall, January is a great time to travel to Vietnam. Be prepared for all weather conditions and even if it does rain, there are plenty of amazing things to do. I loved visiting Vietnam in January and I think you will too.
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