December in Vietnam is an incredible time to explore the country. One can comfortably visit the historical architectural sites, exotic beaches and culture, mouth-watering foods, and lively markets. December is the peak season of winter in large parts of Vietnam. It is one of the peak times to indulge in recreational activities. There are many alluring destinations in the North and the South that promise pleasant weather, especially in the rural areas of Vietnam.
Weather in Vietnam December
December marks an end to the autumn and welcomes winter in Vietnam. In December, this South-Eastern Peninsula is slightly affected by the Southeast Monsoon, leading to wet weather in Central Vietnam. However, it is the best month to visit Vietnam, which glistens under clear skies and sunshine - superbly suitable for highlands trekking, beach vacations, and exotic adventures. The weather is cool and dry in Vietnam, with an average temperature around 26°C this month, and the average humidity level remains 85%. However, the Highlands become chilly at night.
Northern Mountain Region - Sapa, Ha Giang, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai, Haiphong
December is a cool and dry month in the northern mountain region; hence, trekking is joyful in SaPa and Ha Giang. December marks a peak month to visit SaPa, Ha Giang, and areas around Mu Cang Chai. This is the month when chilly winds can make you shiver. However, the lucky ones can witness snowfall. Sun appears for plenty of daylight hours, but the temperature begins to drop by the evenings. The temperature might go as low as 8°C.
North Vietnam - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh
By December, North Vietnam is at the beginning of the dry and sunny phase with an average temperature of 19°C. Infact, December is one of the driest months in North Vietnam. Outdoors have plenty of warmth, which tends to decrease by the end of the month, and you might observe drizzling. All the major cities in North Vietnam are good to go in the fall season. Hanoi remains temperate, while haze affects the visit to Halong Bay.
Central Vietnam - Hoi An, Danang, Hue, Dalat, Quy Nhon & Nha Trang
Central Vietnam experienced a light northeast monsoon in early December with an average temperature of 24°C. Dalat and Central Highlands get clear skies and dry days, while lowlands are still prone to storms.
South Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, The Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc and Con Dao, Phan Thiet & Mui Ne, Ho Tram & Long Hai
During November, South Vietnam has an average temperature of 26°C. Saigon and Mekong Delta share soothing weather and clear skies. Southern beach resorts dazzle under the warm sun, visiting Phan Thiet & Mui Ne and the islands of Phu Quoc & Con Dao to bask in the sunshine.
Events and Festivals in Vietnam December
1. Hoi An Lantern Festival
A spectacular night view on the 14th night of every month in Hoi An, Vietnam, is worth experiencing as the city celebrates the festival of lights. Lighting lanterns are considered to be a good luck and fortune charm in Vietnam. Hoi An Lantern festival is considered to be an incredible moment to follow the rituals of worshipping deceased relatives. The festival not only brings closeness and happiness but is a wise method to save electricity.
2. Christmas
Christmas, like all the Vietnamese festivals, is celebrated with enthusiasm even though Buddhism and Taoism majorly influence the country. This is the reason that Christmas is not a public holiday in Vietnam. The celebration of Christmas lasts for two days. However, weeks before the festival, buildings and streets dazzle with fairy lights, sparkling ornaments, and Christmas trees. Visit a Southern beach or a famous street in Vietnam, go for a cruise in Halong Bay, or hike in the Northern highlands; Vietnam has all types of weather for you to enjoy on Christmas Eve.
Places to Visit in Vietnam in Winter
Why visit in December? What are the things to take care of?
- December invites winters in North Vietnam and summers in Central and South Vietnam, which is a major factor in crowding in popular sites of Vietnam. Overall, it is a picturesque month in Vietnam.
- In Hanoi, the ‘milk flower’ blossoms and brims the streets with its unique scent. Tourists can plan to visit Hanoi around Lantern Festival to witness beautiful flower beds decorated on the streets along with colorful signboards.
- December attracts an abundant number of foreign tourists to Vietnam, especially around festive days; hence do not expect low air fares and low prices of hotels and accommodations.
Where to Go?
Where one major place is known for its art, another is an attraction point for its nightlife, all-in-all Vietnam wisely preserves its culture. Below is the list of the cities and places from North Vietnam to South Vietnam to visit in December.
1. SaPa
Located in the Northwest Mountain region of Vietnam, this beautiful town, SaPa, has various small villages. SaPa is cool with an average temperature of 17°C, but autumn winds make the surroundings more beautiful in December. There might be drizzling, but 4-5 hours of sunshine and fresh air make December the best month for trekking in Sapa.
Travelers must visit ‘The SaPa Museum’ and ‘Cat Cat Village’ (one of the oldest villages of Sapa) to learn the history of people here and ‘Cloud Yard’ to complement the beauty of clouds. SaPa gives an opportunity to hike Vietnam’s Highest Peak ‘Mt. Fansipan’s viewpoint is called Heaven's Gate.
Not to miss sites: Fairy Cave, Silver Waterfalls, Tram Ton Pass, Muong Hoa Valley, Muong Khuong Bird Market.
2. Mai Chau
Mai Chau is a northwestern mountainous district in Hoa Binh Province. December is the peak tourist month in Mai Chau when the average temperature hovers around 28°C. Although there isn’t much to explore here yet, the peaceful and colorful environment of Mai Chau (home of Thai ethnic groups) is worth visiting in autumn. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is good for hiking, and if you want to enjoy snow, go for Deo Thung Khe. Stilt houses are noteworthy architectural features of the Mai Chau district.
Not to miss sites: Go, Lao Waterfall, Chieu Cave, Thung Ke Pass Flagpole.
3. Mu Cang Chai
Mu Cang Chai is a northwest mountainous rural district in Vietnam that creates jaw-dropping scenery in December, which is the winter season here. You will see ready-to-harvest golden rice crops swaying proudly on the terraces. This is the high time to know the lifestyle of Mong Ethnic farmers.
Mu Cang Chai consists of many small villages with beautiful terraces and weather. Khau Pha Pass, called ‘Sky’s Horn’, develops magnificent scenery. There are other small villages in the city to visit to adore the beauty of paddy farming and to experience their local culture by the homestay. Visit to Mu Cang Chai is incomplete without visiting two of its breathtaking waterfalls - Mo and Phu Nu waterfalls. Mu Cang Chai has its market, too.
Not to miss sites: Ba Nha Bridge, Mam Xoi Hill, Kim Noi Village.
4. Moc Chau
Moc Chau is a beautiful and attractive mountainous district in Northwest Vietnam. December is a blend of autumn and winter in Moc Chau, which makes it the best month for trekking and other engaging activities. International visitors arrive at Moc Chau to immerse themselves in the natural colors as white mustard, wild sunflower, and green tea plants blossom all around in December. You can take a bicycle ride to enjoy the tricolor beauty of the land. Ba Phach Village in Moc Chau is famous for cauliflower blooming in December.
Not to miss sites: Son Moc Huong Cave, Tan Lap Hill, Na Ka Valley
5. Ha Giang
Ha Giang is a province in the northeast mountainous region of Vietnam. Its pink-colored atmosphere due to buckwheat blooming attracts tourists in December every year. In early December, visitors can witness the beauty of layers of golden rice crops in Hoang Su Phi. By the end of the month, you may even witness snow in Ha Giang.
Ha Giang Loop is better known as Happiness Road and was the first road built in Ha Giang. To explore the mountain view, visit Quan Ba, where you get to witness the Twin Mountains and Heaven's Gate. Right above it is the picturesque ‘Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark’ showcasing huge mountain peaks like Mount Mieu Vac (1971m) and deep canyons like Tu San (800m).
Not to miss sites: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van town, Meo Vac mountain pass, Ha Biang museum, Khau Vai love market, Vuong mansion.
6. Hanoi
Hanoi is the only capital of a country which isn't its largest city. The capital of Vietnam - Hanoi, is a place for every traveler. Hanoi’s weather in December is cool with breezes; it’s the time when you witness autumn’s end. December is a peak month to explore Hanoi and to witness the blooming of ‘Milk Flower’ or Alstonia scholars. I definitely taste ‘Com’ - a green-colored rice flake that originates from Vong Village.
Not to miss sites: Hanoi Train Street, Cau Giay Park, Dong Xuan Market, Rose Park, Smiley Ville, Lotte Observation Deck, Long Bien Bridge, Ba Vi National Park, Perfume Pagoda.
7. Halong Bay
Halong Bay, located in North Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so there’s much to explore and spend a perfect December here. The weather starts to cool down with fewer sunshine hours, so it isn’t a great time to get tanned on beaches and islands. Near the end, nights become chilly. Nevertheless, travelers can go for a cruise, swimming, or cooking classes. It is a good month for kayaking and snorkeling.
There are caves to explore and floating villages to visit. Halong City (divided into East HaLong - Hon Gai and West HaLong - Bai Chay) in the North part of HaLong Bay has an artificial beach, 'Bai Chay Beach,’ and a Bai Chai Market to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, gifts or souvenirs. Amongst islands, Dau Be Island is famous for diving and swimming.
Not to miss sites: HaLong Queen Cable Car, Sun World Halong Complex, Stacking Rocks, Tuan Chau Island, Cannon Fort.
8. Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay
Cat Ba Island is one of the most amazing and highly visited Islands connected to Halong Bay. December is the beginning of the dry season in Cat Ba Island, with an average temperature of around 25˚C.
There are three famous sand beaches- Cat Ba 1, 2 and 3- where you can enjoy time under the sun or swim in the water. If you want to explore caves, visit Surprise Caves to enjoy the colorful atmosphere and Hospital Cave to learn how this secret hospital functioned during the Vietnamese War. There’s Cat Ba Island Resort, which offers a water park and spa centers
Not to miss sites: Dinh Lagu Lam, Cat Ba Archipelago, Monkey Island.
9. Hue
Hue is an ancient city in Central Vietnam which is also recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hue has preserved its old-fashioned cuisine, language, art, and architecture. It is located on the banks of the picturesque Huong River, commonly known as the Perfume River. Starting from Imperial City, Hue has a plethora of historical sites to visit. Ngo Mon Gate is the entrance to Imperial City; inside are museums, lawns, temples, art galleries, and markets. Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts and Forbidden Purple City are must-visit spots. Thien Mu Pagoda (a seven-story Buddhist Temple), Ta Mieu Temple, and Minh Mang Tomb are some of the historic sites for worshipping.
Not to miss sites: An Hien Garden House, Huyen Tran Princess Temple, Vong Canh Hill.
10. Da Nang
Da Nang is a first-class city located in Central Vietnam, which is visited by many mainly because of beaches, but there’s more to see. If you want to experience the vibes of SaPa or DaLat, visit Ba Na Hill Station, which provides cable car rides and a fantasy park. Marble Mountains are a collection of mountains of Metal, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Water.
Not to miss sites: Am Phu Cave, Son Tra Mountain, Dragon Bridge, Giant Hand Bridge, Han River Bridge, Imperial City, My Son Hindu Sanctuary, Da Nang Museum, Black Rock Beach.
11. Da Lat
Da Lat, a city in Central Vietnam, is recognized as a garland of flowers where the average temperature remains 22 degrees Celsius in December. Travelers get to enjoy the pleasant weather with light, drizzling, adorning flowers everywhere.
Da Lat showcases French Colonial times, which can be explored in Colonial Palaces - Da Lat Palace I, II, and III. Truc Lam Temple - Zen Buddhist Temple and Linh Phuoc Pagoda are the best places to adore art and worship. Get crazy in the Crazy House, a guest house with weirdly interstitial architecture.
Not to miss sites: Dalat Railway Station, Clay Tunnel of DaLat, Smurf Village, Dalat Heaven Gate, Prenn Waterfall.
12. Dak Lak
Located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, Dak Lak Province is one of the best attractions in December. It is the beginning of the dry season in December in Dak Lak, with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Moreover, it is the time when many local festivals are celebrated; anemones blossom, and coffee flowers brim the mountains of Dak Lak. Home to indigenous ethnic minorities - the Rade, the Jarai, and the Mnong, it has “Lak Lake'' which is the largest freshwater lake of Dak Lak.
Not to miss Sites: Don Village, Khai Doan Pagoda, Trohbu Botanic Garden, Ban Me Thuot Cathedral
13. Ho Chi Minh City
In the Southern part of Vietnam, Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in the country. December is the beginning of the dry season with 31 degrees celsius temperature, which makes it the best month for a trip to Saigon.
Travelers visit Saigon every year mainly for its diverse cuisine, magnetic nightlife, french architecture, and fascinating skyscrapers. This major city offers spectacular recreational spots: Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Chu Chi Tunnel, and Buddhist Cultural Theme Park. Hit ‘Ban Than Market,’ ‘Binh Tay Market’, and ‘An Thong Market’ for shopping. The night is alive in Saigon through rooftop bars, lush nightclubs, casinos, music bars, and Ben Thanh Night Market.
Not to miss sites: Artinus 3D Art Museum, September 23rd Park, Tao Dan Park, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, Cao Dai Temple.
14. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island lies in Southwest Vietnam, apart from the mainland. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is the largest island of Vietnam, with its own international airport. December is the peak tourist season in Phu Quoc as beaches dazzle in the sunlight.
There are four major beaches - Bai Sao (a silky white sand beach with starfishes spotted in crystal water), Hon Xuong Beach (white sandy small beach, perfect for snorkeling), Starfish Beach (a white sand beach with floating eateries, red sea starfish being a picturesque) and Bai Truong also known as Long Beach. Apart from this, there is Phu Quoc National Park and Suoi Tranh Waterfall which offer the perfect time for camping and trekking.
Not to miss sites: Vinpearl Safari, Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, Trúc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery.
15. Can Tho
Can Tho is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. Famous for its floating market, Can Tho has a temperature of around 31 degrees Celsius in December, when nights can be warm and sticky; nevertheless, it's a good month for traveling. Different-sized boats are adorned with vibrant flowers and fresh fruits in the Cai Rang floating market. Some of the tropical fruits include dragon fruit, durian, jackfruit, and pomelo.
Not to miss sites: Kai Khe Market, Phong Dien Floating Market, Can Tho Cathedral, Ninh Kieu Park, and Luu Huu Phuoc Park.
So, here is our complete guide for visiting Vietnam in December. It is one of the best times to visit the country, even though it might certainly not be the cheapest. What's even better is that while being a very touristy period, many places are not that crowded owing to mostly foreign tourists. Let us know in the comments your favorite experience in the month of December in Vietnam.