January Travel: 10 Suggestions for Exploring Vietnam at the Beginning of the Year

January, the transition between winter and spring, brings pleasant weather and fresh natural scenery, an ideal opportunity to start your first journeys of discovery of the year. Whether you want to hunt clouds on the high mountain peaks in the North or immerse yourself in the warm sea water in the South, Vietnam has attractive destinations waiting for you.

1. Hoi An: Tranquility in the dry season

January is the perfect time to visit Hoi An when the city enters the dry season with mild sunshine, cool air and little rain. The average temperature ranges from 18 - 23°C, ideal for walking in the old town, boating on the Hoai River or exploring traditional craft villages. Hoi An space at the beginning of the year also becomes clearer and more peaceful, suitable for those looking for a relaxing vacation.

A peaceful corner of Hoi An ancient town in the early morning — Hoi An ancient town becomes peaceful and charming in January weather.

At this time, visitors can leisurely explore architectural heritages such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls and ancient houses hundreds of years old. Local cuisine with dishes such as Cao Lau, Quang noodles, and Phuong bread is also an experience not to be missed.

2. Nha Trang: Blue sea, golden sunshine beckon

January in Nha Trang brings clear blue skies, mild sunshine and calm seas. The weather is not too hot, ideal for water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing at Bai Dai or Doc Let. The coastal city also comes alive at night with many entertainment options.

Nha Trang beach with famous sea cable car — Nha Trang is an ideal destination for those who love the sea in January.

Nha Trang specialties are an indispensable part of the trip, with dishes rich in the flavor of the sea such as fish noodles, jellyfish noodles, shrimp and squid pancakes and Ninh Hoa grilled spring rolls.

3. Hue : The quiet beauty of the ancient capital

Hue in January has an original beauty with the morning mist and the characteristic cold. The city seems to slow down, creating a quiet and peaceful space. Visitors can feel the complete peace when walking in the Imperial City, along the Perfume River or admiring Thien Mu Pagoda in the morning mist.

The cold of the beginning of the year also makes Hue cuisine more attractive. A bowl of hot beef noodle soup, a plate of warm banh beo or a glass of sweet royal sweet soup will bring an unforgettable feeling of warmth. In the afternoon, visitors can visit the mausoleums or Vong Canh hill to watch the sunset.

4. Saigon: Bustling life on the first day of the year

Unlike the peacefulness of the Central cities, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is always bustling and bustling. Traveling to Saigon in January is an opportunity to explore iconic structures such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market and Nha Rong Wharf. In addition, historical sites such as Cu Chi Tunnels are also attractive destinations for many tourists. Saigon street food is extremely rich, from bread, broken rice to vermicelli with fish sauce, fish hotpot, satisfying all tastes.

Panoramic view of Saigon at night with high-rise buildings shining with lights — Saigon is always bustling and full of energy, even in the first days of the year.

5. Phu Quoc: The most beautiful island paradise

January is considered the golden time to explore Phu Quoc, when the pearl island enters the dry season with warm sunshine and calm sea. Famous beaches such as Bai Truong, Bai Sao or Ganh Dau all show off their natural beauty with fine white sand and clear sea water.

Visitors can join island tours, snorkeling in the An Thoi archipelago, explore Rach Vem with its schools of starfish, or admire the brilliant sunset. Fresh seafood such as sea urchins, Ham Ninh crabs and herring salad are must-try dishes.

6. Dong Thap: Brilliant Sa Dec flower village

If you want to experience the early Tet atmosphere of the West, Tan Quy Dong flower village in Sa Dec, Dong Thap is a destination not to be missed. In January, this largest flower village in the West becomes brilliant with hundreds of flower species such as wallflowers, velvet roses, and marigolds blooming in preparation for Tet. Visitors can freely visit, take photos and chat with friendly farmers. Don't forget to enjoy the famous Sa Dec noodles and buy local specialties as gifts.

Brilliant chrysanthemum fields at Sa Dec flower village — Sa Dec flower village puts on a colorful coat when Tet comes and spring returns.

7. Hanoi: A bit of romance in the early winter cold

The capital Hanoi in January has a gentle and ancient beauty with a chilly atmosphere. This is the right time to walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the 36 streets, sit in a cafe by West Lake or walk on the historic Long Bien Bridge. The slow pace of life and romantic space of Hanoi will bring unforgettable experiences. Hanoi winter cuisine with hot dishes such as pho, vermicelli with snails, hot rice cakes is also an attractive highlight.

Turtle Tower and Hoan Kiem Lake, symbols of Hanoi capital — Hanoi in January has an ancient and romantic beauty.

8. Moc Chau: Lost among hills of white plum blossoms

Moc Chau Plateau, Son La is a destination not to be missed on the Northwest travel itinerary in January. This is the time when plum blossoms bloom, covering the hillsides in white, creating a poetic scene. Plum blossom valleys become a beautiful backdrop for souvenir photos. In addition, visitors can also explore the Thung Khe white stone pass, conquer the majestic Pha Luong peak or learn about the culture of local ethnic groups.

Plum blossoms are blooming white on a hillside in Moc Chau — Moc Chau in January is immersed in the pure white color of plum blossoms.

9. Sapa: Opportunity to hunt clouds and snow

Sapa is always an attractive destination in late winter and early spring. Coming to Sapa in January, visitors have the opportunity to "hunt clouds" in the valleys and especially can see ice and snow on the top of Fansipan if the temperature drops. Besides, Sapa also attracts visitors with famous landscapes such as Love Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain and villages imbued with the cultural identity of the Mong and Dao people.

Sapa landscape is covered by a thin layer of ice — Sapa in winter can be covered in ice, creating a unique scene.

10. Ha Giang: Flowers on the rocky plateau

January is the season change in Ha Giang with a cool climate, suitable for early year trips. In spring, the rocky plateau is adorned with yellow mustard flowers, white plum blossoms and bright red peach blossoms, creating a beautiful natural picture. Tourists can conquer dangerous mountain passes such as Ma Pi Leng, admire the terraced fields of Hoang Su Phi, or visit Lung Cu Flagpole and Dong Van ancient town. Local cuisine with thang co, au tau porridge, and thang den is also an experience worth trying.