Where to go in January: 10 Vietnam destinations worth exploring

January is the transitional season between winter and spring with pleasant weather: warm sunshine and calm seas in the coastal areas; cool, clear mountains. This is the ideal time to hunt clouds on the peaks or leisurely sunbathe and stroll along the beach. Below are 10 outstanding destinations for the journey in early 2026, with typical experiences for each place.

Hoi An: mild dry season, walking around the lantern streets

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

Suggested experiences: take a boat trip on the Hoai River, explore the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses and museums; enjoy local cuisine ; immerse yourself in the New Year atmosphere with lanterns and festive decorations all over the city. Hoi An is about 30km from Da Nang, convenient to combine with your schedule.

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

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

Suggested experiences: snorkeling, kayaking, watching the sunset at Bai Dai or Doc Let, exploring the nightlife in the city center. Don't miss the specialties: Nha Trang fish noodles, jellyfish noodles, shrimp and squid pancakes, Ninh Hoa grilled spring rolls, banh can, Hung Cau Dua duck, Binh Ba island lobster.

Hue: cool, calm and warm in the flavors of specialties

Hue in January is covered in early morning mist and is cold enough to slow down the pace of life. Feel the tranquility when passing through the Imperial City early in the morning, strolling along the Perfume River or admiring Thien Mu Pagoda in the mist.

The cuisine is even more seasonal: steaming Hue beef noodles, soft and hot banh beo, sweet and fragrant royal dessert. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenery at the mausoleums, Vong Canh hill, Chuon lagoon; in the evening, enjoy art programs and cultural performances in the quiet atmosphere of the beginning of the year.

Saigon: bustling life, no shortage of delicious food

Different from the quietness of the old town, Saigon is dynamic and bustling. Places to visit: Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Nha Rong Wharf, Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cu Chi Tunnels.

Rich cuisine: Huynh Hoa bread, Van Thanh fried flour, Ba Ghien Phu Nhuan broken rice, Co Cuc vermicelli with fish sauce, Dan Ich fish hotpot... enough for a full day of discovery.

Phu Quoc: the most beautiful dry season, calm sea and brilliant sunset

January is the most beautiful period of Phu Quoc's dry season: clear skies, warm sunshine, and calm seas. Bai Truong, Bai Sao, and Ganh Dau Phu Quoc show off their fine sand and crystal clear water.

Suggested experiences: island tour and snorkeling at An Thoi archipelago, exploring Rach Vem with starfish, sunset viewing – the island’s “specialty”. Fresh seafood in season: sea urchin, squid, Ham Ninh crab, herring salad.

Dong Thap (Sa Dec): Tan Quy Dong flower village is brilliant before Tet

If you go to the West in January, visit Tan Quy Dong flower village (Sa Dec - Dong Thap). Near the Lunar New Year, this large flower village is bustling with blooming wallflowers, velvet roses, marigolds... The garden owners are friendly, visitors can freely take photos.

Specialties to try and buy: Sa Dec noodles; Lai Vung spring rolls, pink tangerines as gifts.

Hanoi: ancient yet modern, walking is best

Hanoi is attractive for its ancient gentleness mixed with modern life. Take a walk around the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Long Bien Bridge to listen to the city's breath; or visit shopping centers such as Vincom Center, Lotte Center for shopping and entertainment.

Moc Chau: white plum hills, lifetime photos

Moc Chau Plateau in January is covered with white plum blossoms on the hillsides – the perfect backdrop for the first photo shoot of the year. 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 loved by many couples.

Sapa: cloud hunting, you might see snow on the roof of Indochina

Sapa attracts visitors in late winter and early spring. In January, you have the opportunity to hunt clouds, even snow on the top of Fansipan. In addition, visit Love Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain, Golden Stream and the villages with rich cultural identity.

Ha Giang: flowers blooming, majestic roads

January in Ha Giang is chilly, the transition from winter to spring. Quan Ba and Dong Van districts are brilliant with yellow mustard flowers, white plums, and bright red peaches – a romantic picture of the beginning of the year on the rocky plateau.

“Must-go” spots: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Hoang Su Phi terraced fields, Lung Cu flagpole, Dong Van ancient town. Cold-season cuisine: thang den, thang co, au tau porridge, Dong Van ancient town rice rolls.