Where to go in January: 10 must-visit destinations in Vietnam

January marks the transition from winter to spring, bringing pleasant weather: warm sunshine and calm seas in coastal areas; cool, crisp air in the mountains. This is the ideal time to chase clouds from mountain peaks or leisurely sunbathe and stroll along the beach. Below are 10 outstanding destinations for your 2026 trip, along with unique experiences for each location.

Hoi An: mild dry season, stroll through lantern-lit streets.

January in Hoi An marks the beginning of the dry season, with gentle sunshine and little rain; the average temperature is 18–23°C. The air is fresh and peaceful, perfect for strolling through the old town and participating in outdoor activities.

Suggested experiences: take a boat trip on the Hoai River, explore the Japanese Bridge, the cluster of ancient houses and museums; enjoy local cuisine; immerse yourself in the New Year's atmosphere with lanterns and festive decorations throughout the streets. Hoi An is about 30km from Da Nang, making it convenient to combine with other activities.

Nha Trang: calm sea, clear sky for a truly long day.

January in Nha Trang is exceptionally pleasant: clear skies, gentle sunshine, and calm seas. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, perfect for spending the whole day outdoors.

Suggested experiences: snorkeling, kayaking, watching the sunset at Bai Dai or Doc Let beaches, exploring the vibrant nightlife of the city center. Don't miss the local specialties: Nha Trang fish noodle soup, jellyfish noodle soup, shrimp and squid pancake, Ninh Hoa grilled spring rolls, banh can (rice flour cakes), Hung Cau Dua duck, and Binh Ba Island lobster.

Hue: cool, tranquil, and warm with the flavors of its specialties.

In January, Hue is shrouded in early morning mist, the cool air enough to slow down the pace of life. Experience the tranquility as you pass through the Imperial Citadel in the early morning, stroll along the Perfume River, or admire Thien Mu Pagoda in the hazy mist.

The cuisine is perfectly suited to the season: steaming Hue beef noodle soup, hot and soft banh beo (rice cakes), and sweet and fragrant royal desserts. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenery at the royal tombs, Vong Canh Hill, and Chuon Lagoon; in the evening, savor the art and cultural performances in the tranquil atmosphere of the New Year.

Saigon: a bustling city with no shortage of delicious food.

In contrast to the tranquil atmosphere of the Old Quarter, Saigon is dynamic and vibrant. Must-see attractions include: Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Nha Rong Wharf, Saigon Zoo, and Cu Chi Tunnels.

The diverse cuisine includes: Huynh Hoa bread, Van Thanh fried dough, Ba Ghien Phu Nhuan broken rice, Co Cuc fermented fish noodle soup, Dan Ich fish hotpot… enough for a full day of culinary exploration.

Phu Quoc: The dry season is the most beautiful, with calm seas and spectacular sunsets.

January is the most beautiful period of the dry season in Phu Quoc: clear skies, warm sunshine, and calm seas. Truong Beach, Sao Beach, and Ganh Dau Beach in Phu Quoc showcase their fine sand and crystal-clear waters.

Suggested experiences: island tours and snorkeling in the An Thoi archipelago, exploring Rach Vem with starfish, watching the sunset – a "specialty" of the island. Fresh seafood in season: sea urchins, squid, Ham Ninh crab, herring salad.

Dong Thap (Sa Dec): Tan Quy Dong flower village shines brightly before Tet.

If you visit the Mekong Delta in January, be sure to stop by Tan Quy Dong flower village (Sa Dec – Dong Thap). As Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, this large flower village is bustling with blooming roses, red roses, marigolds, and other flowers. The garden owners are friendly, and visitors are welcome to take photos.

Local specialties worth trying and buying as souvenirs: Sa Dec rice noodles; Lai Vung fermented pork sausage; and pink tangerines.

Hanoi: ancient yet modern, walking is the best way to explore.

Hanoi is captivating with its blend of gentle, ancient charm and modern life. Take a stroll through the Old Quarter, along Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Long Bien Bridge to feel the city's rhythm; or visit shopping malls like Vincom Center and Lotte Center for shopping and entertainment.

Moc Chau: rolling hills covered in white plum blossoms, a picture-perfect landscape.

In January, the Moc Chau plateau is covered in white plum blossoms on the hillsides – the perfect backdrop for a New Year's photoshoot. The air is cool and clear.

Suggested destinations in the area: Thung Khe White Stone Pass, Pha Luong Peak, Bang Stream Ghost Cave – a romantic route favored by many couples.

Sapa: Cloud hunting, you might even see snow on the roof of Indochina.

Sapa attracts tourists during late winter and early spring. In January, you have the chance to chase clouds, even snow on the summit of Fansipan. In addition, you can visit Love Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain, Golden Stream, and the villages rich in cultural identity.

Ha Giang: Flowers in full bloom, majestic roads.

January in Ha Giang is cool, marking the transition from winter to spring. Districts like Quan Ba ​​and Dong Van are ablaze with vibrant yellow mustard flowers, white plum blossoms, and deep red peach blossoms – a romantic early-year scene on the rocky plateau.

Must-see destinations: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Hoang Su Phi terraced rice fields, Lung Cu flagpole, Dong Van Old Town. Cuisine perfect for the cold season: thang den (a type of stew), thang co (a type of stew), au tau porridge, and Dong Van Old Town rice rolls.

Quick tips for your January trip

• Northern Vietnam and parts of North Central Vietnam will be cool; bring warm clothing when visiting Hue, Hanoi, Moc Chau, Sapa, and Ha Giang. Fansipan can be very cold.
• Coastal areas like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc have warm weather and calm seas, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
• Sa Dec is at its most vibrant near the Lunar New Year – ideal for admiring and photographing the blooming flowers.
• In Hoi An, January has little rain and temperatures ranging from 18–23°C, making it ideal for strolling and exploring the ancient town.

Choose a tranquil beach or a cloud-covered mountaintop – January offers you a gentle and inspiring start to the new year.