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Why visit Vietnam in December?
Visiting Vietnam in December is an excellent choice for its pleasant weather, festive atmosphere, and diverse landscapes. December marks the start of the dry season across much of the country, making it ideal for exploring outdoor attractions. In the north, cities like Hanoi experience cool, crisp air.
The central and southern regions, including Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy warmer, sunny days perfect for beach trips and sightseeing. Additionally, you will witness the build-up to Lunar New Year celebrations, offering a unique opportunity to experience Vietnam's rich culture and vibrant local traditions.
The central and southern regions, including Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy warmer, sunny days perfect for beach trips and sightseeing. Additionally, you will witness the build-up to Lunar New Year celebrations, offering a unique opportunity to experience Vietnam's rich culture and vibrant local traditions.
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Essential Information of Vietnam in December
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What to pack for Vietnam in December?
When packing for a trip to Vietnam in December, you should be ready for varying climates across the country. In the north, lightweight layers are essential for daytime, with a jacket for cooler evenings. Central regions like Da Nang require light clothing and swimwear, as the weather stays warm and sunny.
Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, calls for breathable clothing, along with sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and a rain jacket are useful for all regions. Also, pack modest attire for visits to temples and religious sites to respect local customs.
Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, calls for breathable clothing, along with sun protection. Comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and a rain jacket are useful for all regions. Also, pack modest attire for visits to temples and religious sites to respect local customs.
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03
Vietnam weather in December
Vietnam's weather in December varies across the country, offering a mix of cool and warm conditions. Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 24°C, with occasional drizzles.
Central regions like Da Nang and Hoi An enjoy mild, sunny weather between 19°C to 28°C, ideal for sightseeing. In Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, the weather is warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C. Overall, December marks the beginning of the dry season, providing favourable conditions for travel and exploration across Vietnam.
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Central regions like Da Nang and Hoi An enjoy mild, sunny weather between 19°C to 28°C, ideal for sightseeing. In Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, the weather is warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C. Overall, December marks the beginning of the dry season, providing favourable conditions for travel and exploration across Vietnam.
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Things to Do in Vietnam in December
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Hike and cycle at Mai Chau
Mai Chau, located in northern Vietnam, is a peaceful valley surrounded by green rice paddies and mountain ranges. The lush landscape offers scenic routes through traditional villages, where you can interact with the local Thai ethnic minority.
Cycling through the flat valley is one of the top things to do in Vietnam in December, and is a great way to explore the area. The nearby Pu Luong Nature Reserve provides more challenging hiking trails with beautiful views of terraced fields and forests.
Cycling through the flat valley is one of the top things to do in Vietnam in December, and is a great way to explore the area. The nearby Pu Luong Nature Reserve provides more challenging hiking trails with beautiful views of terraced fields and forests.
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05
Trek in Sapa
Sapa, a picturesque town in northern Vietnam, is famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. December brings cooler weather, with temperatures dropping as low as 8°C, creating a refreshing atmosphere for trekking. Popular trails lead you through villages like Cat Cat and Ta Van, where you can experience Hmong and Dao cultures.
Trekking routes offer breathtaking views of the misty mountains and valleys, making Sapa a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trekking routes offer breathtaking views of the misty mountains and valleys, making Sapa a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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06
Cruising in Halong Bay
Cruising in Halong Bay is one of the top activities to enjoy in Vietnam in December. The cool, dry weather makes it the perfect time to explore the emerald waters and limestone karsts. Day or overnight cruises on traditional wooden junks allow you to visit hidden caves and floating villages. Kayaking, swimming, and seafood meals are popular activities onboard.
The stunning scenery, coupled with December’s comfortable temperatures, makes Halong Bay a magical experience during this time of year.
The stunning scenery, coupled with December’s comfortable temperatures, makes Halong Bay a magical experience during this time of year.
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07
Shopping in Hoi An
Shopping in Hoi An’s charming streets is a delightful experience, especially in December when the weather is mild. The ancient town is renowned for its tailor shops, where you can get custom-made clothing within days. Strolling through the pedestrian-friendly streets, you will find shops selling handmade lanterns, pottery, jewellery, and local handicrafts.
The night market is a vibrant hub where you can pick up unique souvenirs while enjoying delicious street food.
The night market is a vibrant hub where you can pick up unique souvenirs while enjoying delicious street food.
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Explore the imperial city of Hue
Exploring the Imperial City of Hue is one of the top things to do in Vietnam in December. The weather is cool, making it an ideal time to walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site. You can explore the Forbidden Purple City, royal palaces, and ancient temples.
The historical significance of Hue, once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, adds depth to your visit. The intricate architecture and serene gardens provide a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s royal history.
The historical significance of Hue, once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, adds depth to your visit. The intricate architecture and serene gardens provide a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s royal history.
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09
Admire the Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang
Admiring the Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang is a breathtaking experience, especially in December when the skies are clear. This architectural wonder, located in the Ba Na Hills, features two giant hands seemingly holding the bridge in the air. The bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Reaching the bridge via a scenic cable car ride adds to the adventure. The Golden Hands Bridge is a must-see for its unique design and stunning backdrop.
Reaching the bridge via a scenic cable car ride adds to the adventure. The Golden Hands Bridge is a must-see for its unique design and stunning backdrop.
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10
Visit the Coffee-making Heartland – Buon Ma Thuot
Visiting Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam’s coffee heartland, is a delightful experience in Vietnam in December. The cool, dry weather makes it ideal for touring coffee plantations and learning about Vietnam’s famous coffee industry.
You can taste freshly brewed coffee while exploring the fields where high-quality beans are grown. Buon Ma Thuot is also rich in culture, with traditional longhouses and ethnic minority communities offering a glimpse into local life.
You can taste freshly brewed coffee while exploring the fields where high-quality beans are grown. Buon Ma Thuot is also rich in culture, with traditional longhouses and ethnic minority communities offering a glimpse into local life.
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Spot Rare Primates in Cat Tien National Park
Spotting rare primates in Cat Tien National Park is an unforgettable wildlife experience. December’s cooler weather is perfect for hiking through the park’s lush forests. Guided tours offer the chance to see endangered species like the Javan gibbon and the red-shanked douc langur.
The park’s rich biodiversity also includes deer, wild boar, and over 300 bird species. Cat Tien’s unique ecosystems make it a must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in conservation efforts.
The park’s rich biodiversity also includes deer, wild boar, and over 300 bird species. Cat Tien’s unique ecosystems make it a must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in conservation efforts.
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Coconut Basket Boat ride in Hoi An
One of the most unique things to do in Vietnam in December is taking a coconut basket boat ride in Hoi An. December’s mild weather makes it a perfect time to glide through the peaceful waterways of Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Local guides steer traditional bamboo basket boats, offering insights into local fishing techniques.
You can try paddling the boat yourself or even catch crabs. The serene surroundings, combined with this cultural experience, make it a memorable part of your Hoi An visit.
You can try paddling the boat yourself or even catch crabs. The serene surroundings, combined with this cultural experience, make it a memorable part of your Hoi An visit.
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Beach Fun in Nha Trang
Beach fun in Nha Trang is perfect in December, with warm, sunny weather and clear skies. The city’s main beach offers soft sand, clear waters, and plenty of activities. You can relax under the palm trees, swim in the ocean, or try water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.
Nearby islands like Hon Mun are popular for snorkelling and diving. Nha Trang’s lively nightlife, coupled with its stunning beaches, makes it a top destination for sun-seekers in Vietnam.
Nearby islands like Hon Mun are popular for snorkelling and diving. Nha Trang’s lively nightlife, coupled with its stunning beaches, makes it a top destination for sun-seekers in Vietnam.
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