In January the weather is at its best in 11 of the 15 destinations we cover. Here is where to go, region by region.
SouthGreatSoutheast coast
Saigon's weekend beach, with sunrise and sunset over the sea.
CentralGreatCentral Highlands
Volcanoes, lava-tube caves and a lake dotted with green islands.
SouthGreatMekong Delta
The playboy prince, folk music and wind turbines in the sea.
SouthGreatMekong Delta
Coconut country: canals, orchards and islands in the Mekong.
SouthGreatMekong Delta
Lotus fields, flower villages and red-headed cranes.
SouthGreatMekong Delta
Floating villages, Cham mosques and Khmer pagodas on the Cambodian border.
CentralGreatSouth Central Coast
Empty beaches, Cham towers and a seafood scene locals guard jealously.
SouthGreatSouth Central Coast
Red and white sand dunes, kitesurfing winds and a fishing fleet at dawn.
Winter. Hanoi is cool and often overcast (highs around 20°C); the mountains can drop near freezing, with frost in Sa Pa and Ha Giang. Pack layers.
| Destination | Avg high | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | 21°C | 62 mm | Good |
| Bac Ninh | 21°C | 60 mm | Good |
| Ba Be Lake & Bac Kan | 20°C | 86 mm | Good |
| Cao Bang | 19°C | 88 mm | Fair |
The rains are tailing off along the coast but showers linger, and the sea can be rough. Hoi An and Hue are cool and quiet.
| Destination | Avg high | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dak Nong Geopark | 28°C | 17 mm | Great |
| Quy Nhon | 25°C | 97 mm | Great |
| Da Nang | 24°C | 165 mm | Great |
Peak dry season: sunny, warm and low humidity. Great for Saigon, the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc and Mui Ne.
| Destination | Avg high | Rain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vung Tau | 29°C | 20 mm | Great |
| Bac Lieu | 30°C | 38 mm | Great |
| Ben Tre | 30°C | 33 mm | Great |
| Dong Thap | 31°C | 35 mm | Great |
| Chau Doc & An Giang | 31°C | 33 mm | Great |
| Mui Ne & Phan Thiet | 31°C | 20 mm | Great |
| Dong Nai & Cat Tien | 32°C | 34 mm | Great |
| Binh Duong | 32°C | 33 mm | Great |