Travel to Vietnam in January: Enjoy Lunar New Year with Local People
January in Vietnam is a feast for the senses and a journey through vibrant traditions. Let’s explore its top destinations where the country buzzes with preparations for Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), take you to special cultural journeys. Here’s your guide to where to go and what to expect, brought to you by DCT Responsible Travel.
Weather in North Vietnam in January: Dry and cold, with temperatures ranging from 20–26°C in lowland areas like Hanoi, Ha Long, and Ninh Binh. In the mountainous regions of Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, and Ha Giang, the mercury drops to 8–20°C, sometimes even touching freezing. Expect foggy mornings and occasional drizzles, but clear skies on lucky days make for stunning vistas. Tip: Check the forecast with us before you go!
Central Vietnam in January: In South Central regions like Phan Thiet and Nha Trang, January is warm and sunny (23–29°C). In contrast, Hue and Hoi An often experience chilly rains. The Central Highlands, including Buon Ma Thuot, are pleasantly cool and dry (21–27°C), making it an ideal time to explore.
Southern Vietnam weather in January: Welcome to endless sunshine! With the dry season in full swing, the weather here is warm and inviting, ranging from 24–33°C. Perfect for beach escapes and tropical adventures.
Where to go in Vietnam in January?
Hang Kia - Pa Co, Mai Chau
This is a must-visit that you truly shouldn’t miss! January marks the Lunar New Year of Blue H’Mong people that is celebrated a month earlier than the public Vietnamese Lunar New Year. On this occasion, our team is always looking forward to the Gầu Tào Festival where local people gather and celebrate their New Year. Believe us! – it’s the most authentic and colorful festival in Vietnam which takes you to a once-in-a-lifetime cultural space with traditional games, music, Tết food, wine and other living rituals. Let’s make your Vietnam trip special with it!
Don’t stop that, Hang Kia – Pa Co and other lands around Mai Chau also steal your heart with the raw beauty of nature in beautiful valleys and mountains. Especially, if you’re looking for a relaxing and warm moment – let’s come there to soak in natural hot springs!
Plus, don’t forget to stay tuned for our exclusive trips with local festivities all year around!
Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak
Central Highlands in January is a cultural treasure trove that will send you to festive and energetic rhythm. Let’s catch a chance to join traditional festivals like the New Rice Celebration of M’Nông people or the Water Wharf Worship Ceremony of the Edê group. These are heartfelt tributes to the gods for a bountiful past year and blessings for the future. But it doesn’t stop there! Come to home to 47 ethnic groups (out of 54 ones), be ready to experience a magical night by the fire, with traditional gongs, stone instruments, and local delicacies.
One of the most interesting adventures here is encountering elephants in their natural habitat—not in captivity. Wander through Yok Don National Park, you will be immersed in rare wildlife and natural wonders that you just can see in Vietnam. Adventure seekers – this one’s for you – don’t miss it!
Vinh Hy, Ninh Thuan
Looking for warm weather and beaches? Let’s escape the crowds of Nha Trang to visit a nearby spot – Vinh Hy beach – a coastal hidden gem enchanting with its emerald waters, ancient limestone cliffs, multi-shaped islands, and secluded beaches.
Beyond sunlight and beaches, go with DCT Responsible Travel, you can’t look over natural values with Núi Chúa Nature Reserve here – home to over 1,200 plant species, 300 animals, and the second-largest marine turtle population in Vietnam (the first rank is Côn Đảo). One fascinating activity you shouldn’t miss is taking a glass-bottom boat ride or diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
And don’t forget to touch the culture of this land – home to the largest Cham people community in Vietnam. Take your time to wander around ancient relics like Cham towers, and visit bustling traditional craft villages during the year-end season, such as My Nghiep weaving village or Bau Truc pottery village – one of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia. Meet skilled artisans and immerse yourself in a culture that has been preserved and passed down through generations!
Mui Ne, Phan Thiet
Another option for you to bask in sunshine and the warm embrace of pristine white sand beaches is Phan Thiet—it’s calling you! Especially, this land will welcome you with vibrant atmosphere of Lunar New Year along the coastal roads, where you might stumble upon exciting seaside festivals like boat races, admire beautifully decorated local homes and temples, explore bustling local markets and flower bazaars, or marvel at cultural relics from an ancient civilization that seems almost forgotten.
Then, don’t hesitate to take your time to explore quieter coastal areas where you can connect more closely with the locals. Fishermen here will share fascinating stories about their daily lives and cultural traditions. Sit back and chat with locals, savor freshly caught seafood right on their boats with a cold beer in hand – join them in fishing, and create friendships that you’ll cherish forever.
Mekong Delta
January is filled with the vibrant atmosphere of Tet – also making it the liveliest time to visit the Mekong Delta – the largest hub for fruits, ornamental trees, and flowers in Vietnam. As the year winds down, this vibrant region becomes even more enticing, serving as the main distributor of Tet plants and blossoms. Imagine fields of golden marigolds stretching endlessly, especially in the famous flower village of Sa Dec. As you journey along the roads, you’ll encounter other fresh flowers and fruits like apricot blossoms, kumquat trees, coconuts, mangoes, papayas, and more. This colorful tropical tapestry is guaranteed to steal a sizable chunk of your camera roll – and your heart!
But that’s not all – the Mekong Delta’s charm lies in its perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Take your time to wander through villages, connect with the locals, and admire their handmade Tet crafts. There’s always something unique to discover if you slow down and venture deeper into this enchanting region. Curious for more? Check out the details of an immersive Mekong trip right here!
Make your first trip of 2025 unforgettable!
January is when Vietnamese people gear up for Tet (Lunar New Year) – the biggest holiday of the year. So, we want to give you notes: prices might spike, and plans need extra care, so prepare wisely! We’ve got a travel guide ready to help you navigate this festive season. Dive into vibrant Tet traditions, diverse cultural celebrations, and the unique charm of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Feeling the travel itch? Plan your January adventure now! Contact us for all the details and a tailor-made trip just for you.
