Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia known for its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine, has become a popular destination for travelers from around the world. With its long coastline, lush mountains, and vibrant cities, Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. However, the best time to visit Vietnam is a question that many travelers ask, and the answer can vary depending on the region and the activities you have planned. In this blog post, we will explore whether December is a good time to visit Vietnam, and what you can expect from your trip.
Weather in Vietnam in December
December is one of the coolest months in Vietnam, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in the north and 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) in the south. The weather is generally dry and sunny, making it an ideal time to visit the country’s popular tourist destinations.
The north of Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, experiences a relatively cool and dry winter, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). The south of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
It’s worth noting that December is also one of the busiest months in Vietnam, with many tourists visiting the country to celebrate the New Year. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting Vietnam in November or January, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
Festivals and Events in Vietnam in December
Festivals and Events in Vietnam in December
Vietnam is known for its vibrant festivals and events, and December is no exception. Here are some of the most popular festivals and events that take place in Vietnam in December:
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year)
Tet Nguyen Dan, also known as Vietnamese New Year, is one of the most important festivals in Vietnam. It takes place in late January or early February, but the preparations and celebrations start in December. During Tet, Vietnamese people decorate their homes with flowers, lanterns, and other decorations, and exchange gifts with family and friends.
Tet is a time for renewal and new beginnings, and it’s a great opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture and traditions. If you’re planning to visit Vietnam in December, you can catch the tail end of the Tet celebrations, which usually start in late December and continue into early January.
Hue Festival
The Hue Festival is a cultural festival that takes place in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. It’s a celebration of Vietnamese culture, music, dance, and art, and it features a range of performances, exhibitions, and events.
The Hue Festival usually takes place in December and January, and it’s a great opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture and traditions. The festival features a range of activities, including traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops.
Ho Chi Minh City New Year Countdown
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam, and it’s a great place to celebrate the New Year. The city hosts a range of New Year’s Eve events, including concerts, fireworks displays, and street parties.
The Ho Chi Minh City New Year Countdown is a popular event that takes place on December 31st. It features a range of activities, including live music performances, fireworks displays, and street parties. It’s a great way to ring in the New Year in style.
Activities and Excursions in Vietnam in December
December is a great time to visit Vietnam, with a range of activities and excursions available throughout the country. Here are some of the most popular activities and excursions in Vietnam in December: (See Also: Best Time to Visit Seatlle – Peak Season Delights)
Beach Relaxation
Beach Relaxation
Vietnam has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches, and December is a great time to relax on the beach. The weather is generally dry and sunny, making it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
Some of the most popular beach destinations in Vietnam include Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc Island. These destinations offer a range of beach activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Here are some of the best beaches in Vietnam:
- Nha Trang Beach: Known for its clear waters and powdery white sand, Nha Trang Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers.
- Da Nang Beach: Da Nang Beach is a long stretch of sand that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
- Phu Quoc Island Beach: Phu Quoc Island is a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand.
Hiking and Trekking
Vietnam has a range of hiking and trekking trails, and December is a great time to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes. The weather is generally dry and cool, making it ideal for hiking and trekking.
Some of the most popular hiking and trekking destinations in Vietnam include Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Dalat. These destinations offer a range of hiking and trekking trails, including easy day hikes and more challenging multi-day treks.
Here are some of the best hiking and trekking trails in Vietnam:
- Ha Long Bay: Ha Long Bay is a stunning natural wonder with limestone karsts and emerald waters.
- Sapa: Sapa is a mountain town with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Dalat: Dalat is a hill station with a range of hiking and trekking trails.
Cycling
Vietnam is a great country to explore by bike, and December is a great time to cycle through the countryside. The weather is generally dry and cool, making it ideal for cycling.
Some of the most popular cycling destinations in Vietnam include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. These destinations offer a range of cycling routes, including easy day rides and more challenging multi-day tours.
Here are some of the best cycling routes in Vietnam:
- Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: This route takes you from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, passing through stunning countryside and scenic villages.
- Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta: This route takes you from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, passing through rice fields and scenic villages.
Food and Drink in Vietnam in December (See Also: How Much Time to Visit the Grand Palace Bangkok – A Perfect Day Guide)
Food and Drink in Vietnam in December
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and diverse regional specialties. December is a great time to try some of Vietnam’s most popular dishes, including fresh seafood, traditional street food, and local specialties.
Fresh Seafood
December is a great time to try fresh seafood in Vietnam, with many restaurants serving up delicious dishes made with the day’s catch. Some of the most popular seafood dishes in Vietnam include:
- Grilled fish: Grilled fish is a popular dish in Vietnam, made with fresh fish grilled over an open flame.
- Steamed mussels: Steamed mussels are a popular appetizer in Vietnam, made with fresh mussels steamed in a flavorful broth.
- Fried squid: Fried squid is a popular snack in Vietnam, made with fresh squid battered and fried to a crispy golden brown.
Traditional Street Food
Traditional Street Food
Street food is a big part of Vietnamese cuisine, with many popular dishes available from street vendors and markets. Some of the most popular traditional street food dishes in Vietnam include:
- Pho: Pho is a popular noodle soup made with beef broth, rice noodles, and your choice of beef.
- Banh Mi: Banh Mi is a popular sandwich made with a crispy baguette, pickled vegetables, and various meats.
- Goi Cuon: Goi Cuon is a popular spring roll made with shrimp, pork, and vegetables wrapped in rice paper.
Local Specialties
December is a great time to try some of Vietnam’s local specialties, including dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Some of the most popular local specialties in Vietnam include:
- Bun Cha: Bun Cha is a popular dish from Hanoi, made with grilled pork served with rice noodles and herbs.
- Com Ga: Com Ga is a popular dish from Hue, made with chicken cooked in a flavorful broth served with rice.
- Go Dau Xanh: Go Dau Xanh is a popular dish from the Mekong Delta, made with fermented fish sauce served with rice and vegetables.
Shopping in Vietnam in December
December is a great time to shop in Vietnam, with many markets and shopping centers offering a range of products, including traditional handicrafts, local specialties, and modern goods. Here are some of the best places to shop in Vietnam:
Markets
Markets are a great place to shop in Vietnam, with many vendors selling traditional handicrafts, local specialties, and modern goods. Some of the most popular markets in Vietnam include:
- Old Quarter Market: Old Quarter Market is a popular market in Hanoi, selling traditional handicrafts, local specialties, and modern goods.
- Ben Thanh Market: Ben Thanh Market is a popular market in Ho Chi Minh City, selling traditional handicrafts, local specialties, and modern goods.
- Can Tho Market: Can Tho Market is a popular market in the Mekong Delta, selling traditional handicrafts, local specialties, and modern goods.
Shopping Centers
Shopping Centers
Shopping centers are a great place to shop in Vietnam, with many modern malls and shopping centers offering a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods. Some of the most popular shopping centers in Vietnam include:
- Vincom Center: Vincom Center is a popular shopping center in Hanoi, offering a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
- Bitexco Financial Tower: Bitexco Financial Tower is a popular shopping center in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
- AEON Mall: AEON Mall is a popular shopping center in the Mekong Delta, offering a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
Safety and Precautions in Vietnam in December
December is a great time to visit Vietnam, but it’s always a good idea to take some safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some safety tips to consider:
Health and Hygiene
December is a great time to visit Vietnam, but it’s always a good idea to take some health and hygiene precautions to avoid getting sick. Some of the most common health and hygiene issues in Vietnam include:
- Food poisoning: Food poisoning is a common issue in Vietnam, caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common issue in Vietnam, caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.
- Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is a common issue in Vietnam, caused by exposure to high temperatures and humidity.
Petty Theft and Scams (See Also: Best Time to Visit British Isles – Discover Hidden Gems)
Petty Theft and Scams
Petty theft and scams are a common issue in Vietnam, especially in tourist areas. Some of the most common petty theft and scams in Vietnam include:
- Pickpocketing: Pickpocketing is a common issue in Vietnam, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
- Scams: Scams are a common issue in Vietnam, especially in tourist areas, where scammers may try to sell you fake goods or services.
- ATM scams: ATM scams are a common issue in Vietnam, where scammers may try to steal your credit card information or PIN.
Natural Disasters
Natural disasters are a common issue in Vietnam, especially during the rainy season. Some of the most common natural disasters in Vietnam include:
- Flooding: Flooding is a common issue in Vietnam, especially during the rainy season, where heavy rainfall can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
- Storms: Storms are a common issue in Vietnam, especially during the rainy season, where strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- Earthquakes: Earthquakes are a common issue in Vietnam, especially in areas near fault lines, where earthquakes can cause damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Recap
December is a great time to visit Vietnam, with a range of activities and excursions available throughout the country. From beach relaxation to hiking and trekking, and from traditional street food to local specialties, there’s something for everyone in Vietnam. However, it’s always a good idea to take some safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. By following these safety tips and being aware of the potential risks, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Vietnam.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Vietnam?
Yes, December is a great time to visit Vietnam, with a range of activities and excursions available throughout the country. The weather is generally dry and cool, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and trekking.
What are the best places to visit in Vietnam in December?
Some of the best places to visit in Vietnam in December include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay, and the Mekong Delta. These destinations offer a range of activities and excursions, including beach relaxation, hiking and trekking, and traditional street food.
What are the best foods to try in Vietnam in December?
Some of the best foods to try in Vietnam in December include fresh seafood, traditional street food, and local specialties. Fresh seafood is a popular dish in Vietnam, made with the day’s catch. Traditional street food is a big part of Vietnamese cuisine, with many popular dishes available from street vendors and markets. Local specialties are a great way to experience Vietnamese cuisine, with many dishes made with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
What are the best shopping centers in Vietnam in December?
Some of the best shopping centers in Vietnam in December include Vincom Center, Bitexco Financial Tower, and AEON Mall. These shopping centers offer a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
What are the safety precautions to take in Vietnam in December?
Some of the safety precautions to take in Vietnam in December include taking health and hygiene precautions to avoid getting sick, being aware of petty theft and scams, and taking precautions against natural disasters like flooding and storms.