Weather: The weather in January is comfortable, without the searing heat and humidity. Hence, it's a good option to do outdoor activities.
The average maximum daytime temperature in Hanoi in January is a hot 20°C (68°F). There are usually 3 hours of bright sunshine each day, which represents 24% of the 11 hours of daylight.
Expect 20 mm (0.8 inch) of rainfall throughout the whole of January with rain falling on 9 days. Maximum UV levels will be high (7 in the UV Index) at midday when the skies are clear. The average nighttime temperature is usually a comfortable 14°C (57°F).
Clothing: In the daytime, the temperature is cool. You can wear a long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt.
As it is slightly colder at night, you should wear a thin long-sleeved shirt or blouse, or even a coat.
Other tips:
It is dry in January, so you should drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Ultraviolet radiation is strong during the daytime. Remember to protect yourself well against the harmful sun's rays.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
Vietnam & UAE FANTASTIC tour! Thank you Albee Ning!
Albee was INCREDIBLE. She arranged a 9-day private tour of both North and South Vietnam. No stone was left unturned: a private cruise up the Mekong; excellent hotel reservations; personal, caring tour guides; More
Consumer, Jun 2020
|
We traveled with Asia Highlights…
My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful 5 1/2 week trip that was organized by the exceptional Ruby Zhao. We have traveled a lot and Ruby is the VERY BEST AGENT we have ever had! More
Lurinda Smith Barton Barnwell, Mar 2020
|
We were.very satisfied with Asia…Four Great Weeks in China and Viet Nam
Asia Highlights was very efficient at advising us on what to see and the best routes to take, but they were also very flexible in integrating our own ideas in regard of travel destinations and accommodations. More
Eva and Jim, Oct 2019
|
Trip to Vietnam with Asia Highlights was well above expectations
My 12-day private trip to Vietnam was a very rewarding experience, and every day was fantastic, and well above expectations. My trip was perfectly well prepared and organized by Lissy Syoo from Asia Highlights, More
cdietp, May 2019
|
Repeat Customer
We traveled with China Highlights in 2015 and were completely satisfied, so when they emailed that they now were arranging trips to SE Asia we didn't even consider looking at other tour companies. More
Terry, Feb 2019
|
7-Day Vietnam Tour - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang/Hoi An
Asia Highlights did a great job planning and executing our family’s trip around Vietnam. We have two young girls and wanted to have a balance of sightseeing and activities so nobody got bored. More
Andrew, Jan 2019
|
We would like to thank Asia Highlights
We would like to thank Asia Highlights for a wonderful trip. Lissy was a joy to work with, in planning a vacation that took into account all our interests and was able to give us so much more than we expected. More
Victor Cognato, Dec 2018
|
Vietnam with Asia Highlights
Just returned from Vietnam trip arranged by Albee at Asia Highlights.She was very helpful with the arrangements even when I requested multiple changes in the itinerary. More
Tom, Oct 2017
|
Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia…
Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia trip via Asia Highlights and had a wonderful experience. The hotels they chosed for us were all very food. the guides were all very professional and spoke good English More
Yumin Zheng, Feb 2017
|
Things to Do
Being bright and cool, January is a good time to visit Hanoi. It's also the Vietnamese New Year period. During this period, however, a large number of Vietnamese traveling home for the holiday makes finding space on buses, trains, and planes very difficult.
Many museums, mausoleums, shops, and restaurants will be closed and the two-way migration from northern provinces to southern provinces will also result in heavy traffic jams.
But if you don't mind, you can appreciate the atmosphere and soak up the traditional culture during the New Year festivities.
Celebrate Vietnamese New Year
Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, is considered to be the biggest and most popular festival of the year in Vietnam. It celebrates the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese calendar. In this festival, Vietnamese people will express their respect to their ancestors and welcome the new year with their families.
The celebration for the lunar new year can last from a day to an entire week.
In the pleasant weather, local people celebrate with food, firecrackers, fun, and families. Brimming with activities, there will be lion dances, an ao dai contest, traditional dances and ceremonies, a pho challenge, a talent show, carnival games and rides, and so much more.
If you are lucky enough to be invited to spend time with a local family after the parade, you can have a feast of traditional Vietnamese dishes with them.
Take Part in Some Special Activities
Enjoy the Firework Show and Happy Atmosphere Afterward
At midnight, at the start of Tet, Hanoi will begin a firework display over Hoan Kiem Lake. It is an amazing experience to listen to everyone cheering, and to watch as the fireworks light up the Hanoi skyline.
Once the fireworks end, the noise continues as drivers honk their horns and people are laughing, cheering, and celebrating. At that moment, you will realize that being in Hanoi for Tet is an awesome, festive experience.
Visit Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism
During this time, you can join in with a tour of the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism and learn the New Year culture of the minority people.
In the village, you are invited to take part in all kinds of folk games and enjoy a traditional cultural show staged by 16 ethnic communities.
Thai people will perform the "Xen Ban" festival, the "Nao Pe Chau" festival will be performed by the Mong people, and goat fights will be displayed by ethnic groups in Hoang Su Phi District.
Just Go Out and Celebrate
Go shopping at the markets, buy Tet decorations to hang in your hotel room, send "lucky money" in red envelopes to children, and join in the festivities around the city. You will see how happy and excited everyone is.
Tips for traveling during Tet:
Make all the arrangements in advance, especially those for 1 week before and 1 week after Tet. The worst days to travel are 2 days before and 3 days after Tet.
Do not plan on doing much for the 2 days before Tet and the 3 days afterwards, as many tourist sites close during this time.
Explore Asia with Asia Highlights
At Asia Highlights we offer tailor-made tours through Asia, where you can enjoy all highlights as well as amazing cultural experiences. To get started, send us an email.
Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)
- Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
- Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
- Celebrate Your Journeys:
- Specially-crafted family adventures
- Celebrate milestones with style!
- 10-Day Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta
- 2-Week Vietnam Family-with-Teenagers Holiday
- 12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam Highlights Tour
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 2-Week Vietnam-Cambodia Tour with a Luxurious Mekong Cruise
- 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Itinerary: Premium Private Tour
- 14-Day Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour—Quality Time Journey
- 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 19-Day Highlights Tour of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
- 3-Week Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour for Couples
- 7 Days in Vietnam: 6 Best Itinerary Ideas for First Timers, Families and Couples
- 10 Days in Vietnam: 5 Best Itineraries in 2024/2025
- 2 Weeks/14 Days in Vietnam: Top 5 Itineraries (with map and Insider Tips)
- How to Plan Your First Trip to Vietnam 2024: 7 Easy Steps
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
- 8 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Vietnam - Interesting Facts about Vietnam
- How Much Does It Cost for A Vietnam Trip 2024/2025? (With Cost Breakdown)
- Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City: Which is Better to Visit? (8 Key Differences)
- 3 Ways to Get from Vietnam to Cambodia (2024/2025): By Boat, By Plane, By Road
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025): 10 Days, 2, 3 Weeks Itineraries
- How to Plan a Trip to Cambodia and Vietnam 2024: Itinerary, Best Times, Expert Tips
- How to Visit Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam 2024: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
- Vietnam Weather in January 2025: Cool & Dry, Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in February: Cool & Dry, Insider Tips for Peak Season
- Vietnam Weather in March
- Vietnam Weather in April: Still Good Time to Go? Insider Tips
- Vietnam Weather in May: Rainy & Hot? Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in June: Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in July: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go and Travel Tips
- Vietnam Weather in August: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in September: Still Rainy? Best Places to Go
- Vietnam Weather in October: Still Rain? Where to Visit?
- Vietnam Weather in November, Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Vietnam Weather in December 2024, Travel Tips for First-Timers
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
moreGet Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.