Places To Visit In Vietnam In January: The Ultimate Guide For An Exceptional Experience

Saigon Opera House, explore this list of best places to visit in Vietnam in January

If you’re looking to get away this winter to Southeast Asia, don’t miss the following places to visit in Vietnam in January. It’s an ideal time to visit Vietnam, with cooler breezes from the north, warm sun from the south, and a festive build-up to Tet (Vietnamese New Year). In January, Vietnam is a tourist’s dream, from beautiful beaches to regions that capture authenticity, to stunning mountain towns. It’s the dry season, it’s surely one of the ideal times to travel to enjoyable and authentic destinations in Vietnam.

Top 10 Places You Must Visit In Vietnam In January

Places to visit in Vietnam in January, with a perfect combination of a Northern chill with breezes and sunny skies down south:

1. Hanoi

The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minn, Hanoi, one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in January

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons

Hanoi is a beautiful place to visit in January in Vietnam. With a temperature between 14°C and 20°C, the cool and crisp weather is perfect for sightseeing. The city starts to buzz with all the preparations for the Lunar New Year, giving visitors a unique cultural experience. Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake, stop at the Temple of Literature, and explore the Old Quarter for some street food. If you are drawing up your list of places to visit in Vietnam in January. Hanoi should be at the top with its historical charm, festive spirit, and pleasant climate.

Average Temperature: 14°C – 20°C
Ideal For: Cultural sightseeing, walking tours, street food
Average Daily Cost: 600,000₫ – 900,000₫ / ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Nearby Attractions: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake

2. Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in January to explore.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous places to visit in Vietnam in January. Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, nature here boasts emerald-hued waters and towering limestone karsts. This month is the best for scenic cruises, kayaking, and exploring hidden caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) and Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Cave). For a more engaging experience, you can stay aboard the cruise for a night to witness the magical sunrise and sunset at the bay. Ha Long Bay in January presents a blend of natural beauty and adventure.

Average Temperature: 15°C – 22°C
Ideal For: Cruises, photography, kayaking
Average Daily Cost: 1,500,000₫ – 2,300,000₫ / ₹5,000 – ₹7,700
Nearby Attractions: Ti Top Island, Floating fishing villages

3. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is one of the most scenic places to visit in Vietnam in January to explore

Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

Ninh Binh is known as the “Halong Bay on land” and is a captivating place that comes alive in January. It is a great time to explore the beautiful limestone karsts, rice fields, and temples without the summer crowds. Explore the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with caves, emerald waters, and towering cliffs. Stop at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex. Stop at Tam Coc and climb aboard a sampan boat; it is a serene experience through spectacular natural landscapes. It is one of the premier places to visit in Vietnam during January.

Average Temperature: 13°C – 19°C
Ideal For: Nature lovers, spiritual tourism, biking
Average Daily Cost: 700,000₫ – 1,000,000₫ / ₹2,300 – ₹3,300
Nearby Attractions: Trang An Grottoes, Mua Cave viewpoint

4. Sapa

The Sapa mountains are one of the most scenic places to visit in Vietnam in January

Photo: JakobHosp / Wikimedia Commons

Sapa is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in the northern mountains of Vietnam. January is a cold but wonderful time to visit Sapa, with misty valleys, light snow, and landscape photography. You can hike through magnificent trails into villages such as Cat Cat and Ta Phin, where you will connect with Hmong and Red Dao people. Fansipan is the highest mountain in Indochina, has sky-high cable cars to take you almost to the top with breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son range. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in January.

Average Temperature: 8°C–15°C
Ideal For: Trekking, cultural exploration, winter lovers
Average Daily Cost: 900,000₫ – 1,400,000₫ / ₹3,000 – ₹4,700
Nearby Attractions: Love Waterfall, Sapa Market

5. Hue

View of the Meridian Gate at the Imperial City of Hue showcasing historic architecture.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

History fans and lovers of Vietnamese culture should make Hue, the old imperial capital, their destination in January. Imperial City, a UNESCO site, has temples and tombs that show the greatness of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visit the tombs of emperors Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, each with its attractive building and scenery. Another thing that delights in Hue is the Perfume River; take a cruise to enjoy the city’s calmness. Visiting the Thien Mu and sampling bun bo Hue on the streets is a huge part of the town’s culture.

Average Temperature: 17°C–22°C
Ideal For: History buffs, cultural exploration, river tours
Average Daily Cost: 600,000₫ – 900,000₫ ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
Nearby Attractions: Thien Mu Pagoda, Perfume River

6. Hoi An

The scenic riverfront of Hội An, Vietnam, with traditional boats docked along the water.

Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons

Hoi An, an area listed by UNESCO, is one of the beautiful places to visit in Vietnam in January. Discover the central area’s amazing old architecture by walking around the Old Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and buy soft handicrafts in the lively night market. The celebration of the Lunar New Year fills the town with festive feelings, brilliant decorations, and various traditional dishes. Try Hoi An’s famous meals, Cao Lau and White Rose Dumplings. The town’s background, cultural scenes, and attractive features make Hoi An an excellent place to visit this month.

Average Temperature: 18°C–24°C
Ideal For: Romantic getaways, shopping, photography
Average Daily Cost: 700,000₫ – 1,000,000₫ / ₹2,300 – ₹3,300
Nearby Attractions: An Bang Beach, Lantern Festival events

7. Da Nang

Scenic view of Da Nang city with a river surrounded by lush greenery and an urban skyline.

Photo: Alexkom000 / Wikimedia Commons

Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam, thanks to the mix of its natural and modern sides. The Marble Mountains are among the main attractions, limestone hills with many caves and temples. A trip to Ba Na Hills won’t be complete without seeing the Golden Bridge, held by two huge stone hands and surrounded by wonderful views. Dragon-shaped bridges across the Han River light up the area at night, while My Khe Beach offers the best early-morning views for nature lovers.

Average Temperature: 19°C–24°C
Ideal For: Sightseeing, beach relaxation, cable car rides
Average Daily Cost: 700,000₫ – 1,200,000₫ / ₹2,300 – ₹4,000
Nearby Attractions: My Khe Beach, Dragon Bridge

8. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Nguyen Hue Street, Ho Chi Minh City, modern buildings, is one of the places in Vietnam.

Photo: Steffen Schmitz / Wikimedia Commons

Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, captures the charisma of Vietnamese culture against a backdrop of French architecture. Going in January is a good choice since there is little rain and the air is cool, which helps with sightseeing. Popular sites include the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Central Post Office, and Independence Palace. Take a stroll at Ben Thanh to check out the souvenirs and experience their daily life. The night is when Saigon becomes busy, with people enjoying drinks and live shows on its rooftops, at night markets, and at the Opera House.

Average Temperature: 25°C–33°C
Ideal For: City exploration, nightlife, culinary tours
Average Daily Cost: 800,000₫ – 1,300,000₫ / ₹2,700 – ₹4,300
Nearby Attractions: Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Central Post Office

9. Mekong Delta

Bridge over the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, Cau Rach Mieu with the river and boats below.

Photo: alex_thecrazygerman / Wikimedia Commons

The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a colourful place, where landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages abound. January is pleasantly cool and dry, a great time to see the land. A visit to either Cai Rang or Phong Dien floating market allows enjoyment of colourful trade, including freshly harvested fruit and local goods. You can consider cycling along the countryside roads through fruit orchards in Ben Tre. The Mekong Delta is a region that you will feel at peace with, and as one of the best places to visit in Vietnam in January.

Average Temperature: 23°C–31°C
Ideal For: Boat cruises, rural tourism, photography
Average Daily Cost: 700,000₫ – 1,000,000₫ / ₹2,300 – ₹3,300
Nearby Attractions: Tra Su Cajuput Forest, Can Tho City

10. Phu Quoc Island

Beautiful sandy beach with turquoise water and palm trees on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.

Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons

In January, many travellers choose to visit Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Thailand, as it is one of Vietnam’s best destinations. The Long Beach and Sao Beach are perfect for sunbathing, swimming or taking part in kayaking. Anyone who likes nature can head to Phu Quoc National Park, which is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Go to the Phu Quoc Night Market for some seafood and great souvenirs, and to taste delicious things like fish sauce and pepper. Boat tours to the nearby islets are organised on the island so guests can snorkel and dive.

Average Temperature: 25°C – 30°C
Ideal For: Beach holidays, water sports, relaxation
Average Daily Cost: 1,000,000₫ – 1,800,000₫ / ₹3,300 – ₹6,000
Nearby Attractions: Sao Beach and Phu Quoc Night Market

If you are interested in history, culture, pristine paradise, or tranquil beaches, these places to visit in Vietnam in January make for precious memories. The comfortable weather from region to region is some of the best Vietnam has to offer, making for picturesque views all around, which makes January one of the best times to visit. Explore more such exciting packages offered by TripXL for exciting adventurous experiences.

Cover Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, January is one of the best times to visit Vietnam because, especially in the north and central regions, it is both dry and cool.
Northern Vietnam is cool and dry; this is the equivalent of a perfect winter. Southern Vietnam is warm, sunny, and pleasant. On the other hand, Central Vietnam has pleasant, slightly cooler weather.
You can pack layers for the cold (jackets, scarves) while visiting the North Vietnam. In the south, pack breathable clothes (cotton), sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking.
Yes, the beaches, like Phu Quoc and Mui Ne, are warm and sunny, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and activities.
Tourist destinations in Vietnam are relatively uncrowded in early January, providing a more tranquil experience. However, visitor numbers tend to increase as preparations for Tet (the Lunar New Year) commence later in the month.

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