Vietnam's weather in January is generally mild/warm and dry. January is the heart of the dry season in Vietnam, and you can expect just 8–10 days with a little rain in January, but it is a bit rainier in central Vietnam, and cooler further north.
The pleasant climate makes January one of the best months to travel to Vietnam.
Vietnam Regional Weather in January
Vietnam is a long country and the weather in the north, south, and central regions are different.
In northern Vietnam, January is one of the driest months of the year, and northern Vietnam will remain quite cool with an average temperature of 17°C (63°F).
Sapa, up in the mountains is 7°C (12°F) colder on average. The north has the least rainfall in January and occasional misty fog. There is plenty of sunshine and clear sky, especially in coastal areas around Halong Bay.
It is not too hot nor not too cold in central Vietnam, but much warmer than in the North, especially in the second half of January and the temperature is around 23°C (73°F) on average. It is quite pleasant to visit some beach destinations in Central Vietnam during this month, such as Nha Trang.
The weather in southern Vietnam is very pleasant and dry with an average daily high of 30°C (86°F), but at night, the temperature may drop to 20°C (68°F). The Mekong Delta enjoys great conditions, with blue skies and little rain.
Suggested to read: How to Plan an Awesome Trip to Vietnam (Insider's Tips)
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Alisa has has been great to work with
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Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
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Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
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Jul 2023
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Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
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Jul 2023
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Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
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Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
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Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
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Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
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Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
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Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
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Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
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Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
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Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
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Jun 2023
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14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
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Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
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Jun 2023
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Amazing service
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May 2023
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I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
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May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
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Average Temperatures in Vietnam in January
Major City | Min. Temp. | Max. Temp. |
---|---|---|
Sapa | 4°C (39°F) | 16°C (60°F) |
Hanoi | 14°C (57°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
Halong Bay | 14°C (57°F) | 20°C (69°F) |
Da Nang | 20°C (68°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
Hoi An | 20°C (68°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
Ho Chi Minh | 22°C (71°F) | 32°C (89°F) |
Mekong Delta | 22°C (71°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
Average Rainfalls in Vietnam in January
Major Cities | Rainfall (mm) | Rainfall (in) |
---|---|---|
Sa Pa | 9 | 0 |
Hanoi | 13 | ½ |
Halong Bay | 17 | ½ |
Da Nang | 45 | 2 |
Hoi An | 45 | 2 |
Ho Chi Minh | 4 | 0 |
Mekong Delta | 7 | 0 |
The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in January

January is one of the best months to visit Vietnam. Beaches in central or south Vietnam always provide warm breezes and pleasant sunshine.
In northern Vietnam, the weather conditions are also quite good for travel, especially in Halong Bay, where there's almost no rain in January. Vietnamese New Year falls between late January and mid-February, and Vietnam is quite busy during this period.
We recommend booking hotels and transportation 3 months before as there can be lots of travelers from Europe and the US spending their holidays in Vietnam.
1. Halong Bay

Halong Bay in January is really pleasant. You may experience some chilly days, but Halong Bay can become more beautiful and romantic than any other month when the bay is surrounded by fog on some days.
We recommend you take a one-night cruise, if you have more time, a two-night cruise will offer you a more relaxing journey.
If you are traveling for a big moment like an anniversary or birthday, we recommend you choose a smaller boat with one to five cabins (Regular cruise ships have 20 to 40 cabins). You will spend more quality time with your kid(s) or partner as the cruise takes you to a remoter area and keep you away from thousands of cruises.
Contact us to get our hand-picked cruises.
2. Hoi An

In January, the town experiences warm winter weather, which is quite comfortable.
If coming to Hoi An town during this month, you will find people are busy preparing things to welcome Vietnam New Year. Streets and lanes are decorated with lanterns — the traditional cultural symbol of this ancient town.
Just immerse yourself in the bustling and vibrant atmosphere or you can visit a workshop for a traditional Hoi An lantern-making class.
3. Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is the largest island city in Vietnam, about 1 hour by flight from Ho Chi Minh city. It is also one of Vietnam's top tourist destinations in January. It is dry and warm in January, with a temperature around 25–28°C (77–84°F).
There are all kinds of things that can be done there: from enjoying Phu Quoc's beautiful beaches to renting a kayak to go to nearby Fingernail Island to the magic of nature at Phu Quoc National Park.
4. The Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a river delta in the south of Vietnam, around a 2–3-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City.
January is a great time to visit the area because it is cool and the water is at its most stable. This season is excellent for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and experiencing the local culture.
Taking a boat to the floating markets, expect a cozy atmosphere with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, and gift items from stand-up rowboats.
A newly affordable luxury way to experience Mekong Delta's floating market is to take an overnight cruise (with only 2 cabins only for you and your partner or kids). In this way, you can save time on the road, spend more leisurely time on Mekong Melta and wake up on a floating market.
5. Nha Trang

Nha Trang, the most popular and well-known seaside resort town in Vietnam, is famous for its white sandy beaches and clean sea. January is the dry season, which is more favorable than other months for boat trips to the islands off Nha Trang.
You can have fun jumping off the boat and drinking wine in the water. It is also a good time for outdoor activities in Nha Trang, like biking or snorkeling.
6. Da Lat

Da Lat is located 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level in central Vietnam. Originally established during the French colonial era, it is well known for its old pine trees, planted alongside the classical beauty of the French-era buildings.
Marble Mountain there is a well-known pilgrimage site with beautiful peaks, vast networks of tunnels, gorgeous caves, and impressive temples making for a wonderful place to explore in January.
Da Lat Flower Festival is held in early January. The cherry blossoms in January should not be missed, as well as the colorful flowers that surround Xuan Huong Lake.
What to Wear in January
The lowest temperature in January is about 20°C (68°F) in most of Vietnam. So, shorts, skirts, light trousers, T-shirts, and other light clothes are good for this month.
Bring a few pieces of warm clothing, such as a jacket or jeans, if you go to northern Vietnam, which can sometimes get below 14°C (57°F).
Crowding and Costs
The pleasant weather throughout the country with low rainfall and warm/cool temperatures draw many people to travel around Vietnam in January. It's the perfect time to enjoy magnificent scenery and also enjoy Vietnam New Year, which often comes in late January or early February.
January is considered one of the peak tourist seasons in Vietnam, and hotel and flight costs are much higher than in other months. So, book at least 3 months before to save more.
Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Vietnam
Learn about the weather in Vietnam for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.
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