The holiday season is approaching, and some of you might be spending it in Vietnam!
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make the most of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Vietnam: what’s the weather like at this time of year, what are the local traditions, and—most importantly—our tips for choosing the best destination to enjoy a truly magical holiday.
The weather in Vietnam at Christmas?
Let’s start by talking about the weather!
It will be the beginning of winter in Northern Vietnam during the holiday season. Temperatures can drop to 0°C in the mountains, and you might even see snow in Sapa. However, there can be variations: in December 2018, journalist Vincent Desombre discovered Ha Giang under clear skies.
Filming and editing by Vincent Desombre
In the Red River Delta region (Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh), temperatures are milder, around 10 to 15°C, but they come with light rain and fairly high humidity.
In contrast, it’s the dry season in Central and Southern Vietnam, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C. We recommend these regions if you’re considering a relaxing seaside holiday. You’ll be able to enjoy the sunshine and a gentle breeze on the white-sand beaches of southern Vietnam. You can also try various water activities that are becoming increasingly popular — snorkeling in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Con Dao; surfing in Mui Ne and Danang.
Do people celebrate Christmas and New Year in Vietnam?
Maybe some of you wish to experience the magic of Christmas even thousands of kilometers away from home. Christmas and New Year’s Day are not public holidays in Vietnam, unlike the first week of the Lunar New Year, which is the country’s most important celebration. Christianity is practiced by around 6 million Vietnamese, but the country naturally follows other, more deeply rooted traditions, such as ancestor worship and Buddhism.
Nevertheless, with the increasing number of Western tourists today, major cities have embraced the Western festive spirit, and you can definitely feel a certain excitement in places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. With the Christmas decorations adorning shop windows and hotel façades, you’ll almost feel like you’re back home! We recommend visiting Hang Ma Street in Hanoi, which is filled with countless small shops selling decorations for all of Vietnam’s major holidays (Christmas, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Lunar New Year).
Hang Ma Street in Hanoi, full of colors. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
If you wish, you can also attend Midnight Mass with Vietnamese worshippers. You might be surprised to see just how many people attend church at this time of year! We particularly recommend visiting St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi or Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City during the Christmas season to share a beautiful moment with Vietnamese Christians.
New Year’s Eve in Vietnam, like everywhere else in the world, is a time for celebration. Join the crowds in the city centers to watch the fireworks, or book a table at one of the many rooftop bars found in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (we’ll tell you more about them below).
Where to spend the holiday season in Vietnam
That will depend on your travel plans:
If you want to experience the Christmas spirit and celebrate New Year’s Eve in style, we recommend spending these festive days in one of the country’s two major cities — Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
What to do in Hanoi for New Year’s Eve?
Hanoi isn’t particularly famous for its nightlife, but you’ll see the city come alive to welcome the New Year!
If you want to be at the heart of the crowd and celebrate the countdown with as many people as possible, head to Hoan Kiem Lake around 10:00 p.m. Several stages will host live performances by local artists leading up to the New Year countdown. You can then continue the night at one of the city’s clubs — such as Savage or Hanoi Rock City — or relax in one of the capital’s many cozy bars, like Tadioto or Bar +84.
For a more romantic evening, head to one of Hanoi’s rooftop bars for a breathtaking view of the city. Top picks include MK Premier Hotel, Cielo 13 Skye Bar, or the terrace at La Siesta Hotel.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for New Year’s Eve?
Ho Chi Minh City is better known than Hanoi for its vibrant nightlife. As a modern city with contemporary architecture, it offers countless venues to celebrate the arrival of the new year. If you want to join the crowds, head to Nguyen Hue Street, the city’s main pedestrian avenue, where locals and tourists gather for concerts, light shows, and fireworks. If you prefer to escape the hustle while still enjoying the atmosphere and views of Nguyen Hue, we recommend the Garden Bar, located on the rooftop of the Rex Hotel — a perfect spot to toast the new year above the excitement below.
And if you’d rather spend a romantic evening, we can’t recommend Hoi An enough.
What to do in Hoi An for New Year’s Eve?
Hoi An is a charming fishing town in Central Vietnam, famous for its ancient yellow buildings and its magical lantern festival. If you’re looking for an intimate and romantic way to celebrate New Year’s Eve, this is one of the best places to be. It’s also a fantastic destination for food lovers, as Central Vietnam is renowned for its delicious traditional dishes.
We suggest booking a hotel along the river, so you can enjoy the old town before the countdown. The Lantana Riverside Hotel is an excellent choice — it offers beautiful views, a lovely pool, and a charming atmosphere. From your terrace, you’ll be able to watch the fireworks before heading out to explore the bars along the waterfront.
If you’re looking to spend the holidays under the sun with your feet in the sand, we recommend heading to the seaside resort of Nha Trang or the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao.
What to do in Nha Trang?
Nha Trang is famous for its white sandy beaches, so make the most of them! Why not celebrate New Year’s Eve right on the beach? You could, for example, book a table at the Sailing Club Nha Trang, which regularly hosts lively events — and will certainly pull out all the stops to welcome the New Year in style!
If you prefer to take in the view from above, spend your evening at the Altitude Rooftop Bar. It has it all — restaurant, bar, pool, and DJs — the perfect setting for a chic and festive night in Nha Trang!
What to do in Phu Quoc and Con Dao?
On Phu Quoc Island, located at the southern tip of Vietnam, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options today — from boutique hotels to luxury resorts. You can make the most of your stay by choosing a beautiful seaside resort and enjoying a relaxing holiday.
If you’re staying in Duong Dong village, we recommend watching the last sunset of the year at Mui Dinh Cau, a small cape with a lovely temple overlooking the sea, or from a Sky Bar such as Chuồn Chuồn Bistro, where you can sip a cocktail while admiring the panoramic view of the island.
Much smaller and quieter, Con Dao Island is truly a paradise island. If you’re looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve away from the crowds and simply unwind, this is the perfect destination for you.
Accommodation options are still limited, which adds to the island’s exclusivity and tranquility. For a peaceful yet elegant New Year’s stay, we recommend The Secret Con Dao, offering comfortable rooms with stunning ocean views — the ideal setting to welcome the new year in serenity.
If you’d like to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a truly unique setting, we recommend booking a magical cruise in Lan Ha Bay. This area, located around Cat Ba Island, is part of the greater Halong Bay but is much quieter, with far fewer boats. Here, you can fully enjoy the exceptional serenity of the landscape while taking part in various activities such as kayaking, cycling, or snorkeling.
An authentic cruise in Halong Bay?
If you’re a couple, we highly recommend privatizing the “Romance” junk, a traditionally built boat with only two cabins. The crew will take care of your every need during your 2- or 3-day cruise, depending on the option you choose. The boat is also ideal for small families — a couple with one or two children — as the cabin features one large double bed and two single beds, combining comfort, intimacy, and adventure.
If you are a group of friends or a larger family, we recommend booking the Four seasons boat. The junk has four cabins, each equipped with a private bathroom. Meals can be enjoyed on the upper deck.
Four Seasons junk in Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
You now have everything you need to plan your trip to Vietnam for the Christmas and New Year holidays!
