Discover Vietnam in December and January for unforgettable winter adventures. These months offer perfect weather in the south, festive celebrations, and unique cultural experiences across the country. Travellers flock to Vietnam during this period to escape harsh winters elsewhere whilst enjoying warm temperatures and vibrant local festivals.
Planning a trip requires reliable connectivity to navigate bustling cities and remote villages alike. A Vietnam eSIM from TravelKon ensures seamless internet access throughout the journey. This digital solution eliminates the hassle of physical SIM cards whilst providing instant activation upon arrival.
Recent travel data shows Vietnam receives its highest tourist numbers during December and January, with southern regions experiencing 28-32°C temperatures whilst northern areas hover around 15-20°C.
How to Buy an eSIM for Vietnam from Australia
Purchasing an eSIM before departure streamlines the entire travel experience. TravelKon offers straightforward online ordering that takes just minutes to complete. Australian travellers simply visit the website, select their preferred data plan, and receive activation instructions via email.
The process requires a compatible smartphone and stable internet connection for initial setup. Most modern iPhones and Android devices support eSIM technology without additional hardware. Installation happens through QR code scanning or manual code entry, both options taking under five minutes.
Key benefits include:
- Instant activation upon landing in Vietnam
- Multiple data plan options for different trip lengths
- No need to locate physical SIM shops at airports
- Competitive pricing compared to international roaming
Ordering an eSIM for Vietnam weeks in advance provides peace of mind. Travellers can test the setup process at home and contact support if needed before departure.
Ha Long Bay Cruises in December
Ha Long Bay transforms into a mystical wonderland during December’s cooler weather. Morning mist blankets the limestone karsts, creating ethereal photography opportunities unavailable in other months. Temperatures range from 15-20°C, making deck activities comfortable without the summer humidity.
Overnight cruises offer the most immersive experience of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passengers kayak through hidden caves, visit floating fishing villages, and enjoy fresh seafood prepared by onboard chefs. Evening activities include cooking classes and squid fishing under starlit skies.
Popular activities include:
- Kayaking through Luon Cave’s emerald waters
- Tai chi sessions on the sundeck at sunrise
- Swimming at secluded beaches away from crowds
- Exploring Sung Sot Cave’s magnificent formations
December represents shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists and better rates. Most cruise operators offer special packages that include airport transfers and Hanoi accommodation.
Hoi An Lantern Festival Celebrations
Hoi An’s ancient town glows with thousands of silk lanterns on the 14th lunar day each month. December’s festival falls when temperatures drop to pleasant 20-25°C, perfect for evening strolls along the Thu Bon River. Traditional music performances fill the streets whilst locals release paper lanterns onto the water.
The entire old quarter becomes pedestrian-only during festival nights. Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts including lantern-making, silk weaving, and wood carving in their centuries-old shophouses. Street food vendors line every corner serving local specialities like cao lau and banh mi.
Festival highlights include:
- Traditional games at Japanese Covered Bridge
- Folk music performances at assembly halls
- Floating lantern ceremonies on the river
- Night market with handcrafted souvenirs
December also marks the start of Hoi An’s driest months. Rain becomes rare, allowing uninterrupted exploration of the UNESCO-listed architecture and nearby beaches.
Phu Quoc Island Beach Escapes
Phu Quoc enjoys its best weather during December with minimal rainfall and constant sunshine. Water visibility reaches 30 metres, making it prime time for snorkelling and diving around coral reefs. Beach temperatures stay around 28-30°C with gentle ocean breezes providing natural cooling.
The island’s western beaches offer spectacular sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand. Long Beach and Ong Lang Beach feature soft white sand and calm waters ideal for swimming. Northern beaches provide more secluded atmospheres with dramatic rocky coastlines.
Must-do activities include:
- Snorkelling at An Thoi Islands Marine Park
- Night squid fishing with local fishermen
- Pearl farm tours learning cultivation techniques
- Cable car rides to Hon Thom Island
December marks peak season for fresh seafood, particularly prawns and squid. Night markets serve grilled catches alongside tropical fruits at their flavourful peak.
Sapa Trekking Adventures
Sapa’s terraced rice fields turn golden brown in December after harvest season. Cooler mountain temperatures between 10-15°C make multi-day treks comfortable with proper layering. Clear skies offer unobstructed views of Fansipan, Indochina’s highest peak at 3,143 metres.
Ethnic minority villages welcome trekkers with homestay experiences showcasing traditional lifestyles. H’mong and Red Dao families share meals, teach textile crafts, and guide visitors through mountain paths. Morning fog creates dramatic valley views before lifting to reveal panoramic landscapes.
Trekking experiences include:
- Multi-day homestays in remote villages
- Traditional herbal bath ceremonies
- Sunrise Fansipan summit attempts via cable car
- Local market visits on weekend gathering days
December offers the advantage of fewer tourists compared to September and October. Trails become less crowded whilst maintaining excellent weather conditions for outdoor activities.
Ho Chi Minh City New Year Festivities
Ho Chi Minh City erupts with energy as December transitions into January. Nguyen Hue Walking Street transforms into a massive flower market displaying elaborate decorations. Temperatures hover around 30°C, making evening celebrations particularly popular with both locals and visitors.
The city’s colonial architecture provides stunning backdrops for holiday decorations and light displays. Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office become illuminated landmarks attracting thousands of photographers. Shopping districts offer special promotions whilst restaurants create festive menus blending Vietnamese and international cuisines.
Holiday attractions include:
- Massive Christmas displays at shopping centres
- Rooftop bar parties with city skyline views
- Traditional water puppet performances
- Mekong Delta day trips from the city
December represents the driest month in southern Vietnam. Rain becomes extremely rare, allowing uninterrupted exploration of outdoor attractions and street food scenes.
Hanoi Old Quarter in January
Hanoi experiences its coolest temperatures in January, ranging from 13-18°C. The Old Quarter’s narrow streets fill with locals celebrating Tet preparations as the lunar new year approaches. Traditional shops sell kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and decorative items symbolising prosperity and luck.
Street food culture thrives during cooler weather as hot dishes become especially appealing. Pho vendors serve steaming bowls from dawn whilst bun cha grills create aromatic smoke throughout lunch hours. Evening brings egg coffee sessions at historic cafes where locals gather to socialise.
Winter experiences include:
- Weekend night markets at Dong Xuan
- Traditional opera performances at ancient temples
- Cyclo tours through historic French Quarter
- Hot pot dinners at local family restaurants
January’s cooler weather makes walking tours more enjoyable. Hoan Kiem Lake becomes a gathering spot for morning tai chi and evening promenades under colonial-era streetlights.
Nha Trang Coastal Activities
Nha Trang enjoys optimal beach conditions throughout January with temperatures around 26-28°C. The coastal city offers pristine beaches stretching for kilometres alongside a developed tourism infrastructure. Water sports operators provide equipment and instruction for diving, parasailing, and jet skiing.
Offshore islands accessible by boat feature untouched beaches and coral reefs. Hon Mun Island Marine Protected Area hosts diverse marine life including colourful reef fish and sea turtles. Vinpearl Island’s amusement park provides family entertainment with cable car access across Nha Trang Bay.
Coastal activities include:
- Scuba diving certification courses
- Island-hopping boat tours with snorkelling
- Mud bath spa treatments at thermal centres
- Seafood feasts at beachfront restaurants
January represents peak season for Russian tourists escaping harsh winters. Many establishments offer Cyrillic menus whilst maintaining Vietnamese authenticity in food preparation.
Da Lat Highland Retreat
Da Lat’s eternal spring climate becomes slightly cooler in January with temperatures between 15-20°C. The mountain city’s French colonial architecture and pine forests create European ambience in Southeast Asia. Flower farms produce year-round blooms supplying markets across Vietnam.
The surrounding countryside features coffee plantations, waterfalls, and adventure activities. Canyoning tours navigate rock formations through rushing streams whilst ziplining offers aerial forest perspectives. Local farms welcome visitors for strawberry picking and wine tasting at Vietnam’s emerging vineyards.
Highland attractions include:
- Crazy House architectural marvel visits
- Valley of Love scenic lake gardens
- Coffee plantation tours with roasting workshops
- Night market street food sampling
January brings morning mist creating romantic atmospheres perfect for couples. Hotels light fireplaces whilst cafes serve hot drinks alongside French-influenced pastries.
Mekong Delta River Life
The Mekong Delta experiences dry season peak in January with minimal flooding and easy navigation. Traditional wooden boats transport visitors through narrow canals lined with coconut palms and fruit orchards. Floating markets operate at full capacity as farmers trade produce directly from their boats.
Rural homestays provide authentic experiences with Delta families who farm rice, raise fish, and craft coconut products. Bicycle tours follow elevated paths through rice paddies whilst sampan rides explore hidden waterways. Local kitchens teach traditional cooking using ultra-fresh ingredients harvested that morning.
Delta experiences include:
- Cai Rang floating market sunrise visits
- Coconut candy workshop demonstrations
- Traditional music performances on islands
- Fruit orchard tours with tasting sessions
January’s dry conditions make unpaved rural roads accessible. Mosquitoes decrease significantly compared to rainy season, improving outdoor comfort during extended excursions.
