How is Vietnam travel in December?
Vietnam is a beautiful country, no matter which season is. From January to March is spring with fresh air and drizzle. Summer starts from April to June. And then the weather goes to autumn and a year ends with the winter. People said that Vietnam travel in December is worth a try not only because of its weather but also its own atmosphere that people create when they are preparing for New Year holiday. Besides of that, you will experience others interesting things with Vietnam travel in December that I will outline below.
1. Vietnam travel in December – weather
As you know from my last post about Vietnam 4 seasons, 3 main regions in Vietnam posses different type of climate and temperature. The northern Vietnam in December is going through the winter with the medium temperature about 22 or 25 degrees. But there are some cold periods in which the temperature can drop to below 10 degrees. The sky tends to be windy and cloudy. I would say that the weather is extremely cold and dry.
From the central to the southern, Vietnam travel in December is warmer and more comfortable. The temperature fluctuates from 22 to 26 degrees with less rains and clear sky. You might feel a little cold with central beaches but the northern ones are totally fine.
2. What do you need for Vietnam travel in December
It’s definite that you should add some warm clothes in your luggage. Hoodies, sweaters and thick coat are really helpful for you to resist the freezing coldness in Northern Vietnam. Make sure that they keep you warm enough for outdoor activities. But you don’t need to bring a lot because you are travelling not going to fashion weeks, right!
And of course short and airy clothes for visiting the south of Vietnam are essential too. The temperature in the southern is much higher than in the north. So you don’t want to be sweaty all day in your long-sleeves shirt or have to buy more clothes because you have nothing to wear.
Lotion and other creams: You might notice that Vietnam travel in December makes you feel super dry and it can cause some irritation in your skin. To avoid or at least lessen this situation, you should bring along some lotion to moisture your skin and your lips. I highly recommend Vaseline. It’s cheap, effective and convenient.
Other screams like sun lock or anti-insect lotion are needed. You don’t want the sun in the South to burn your skin and Vietnamese mosquito to annoy you during your vacation. So never travel without them.
Essential things: like other trips, don’t forget your passport, cash and credit card. It’s very important that you have some emergency – cash. You can find lots of exchange money store in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city or you can go directly to the bank for money exchange. This is because you can’t pay by credit card in all restaurants and food stalls.
3. Popular destinations for Vietnam travel in December
Hanoi
Even it’s winter or summer, you should visit Hanoi. This city is the capital of Vietnam as everyone knows, so the diversity of culture and life is notable. You can walk around the city to visit Hanoi Old Quarter with various historical sites at day, while hanging out in various dynamic bars at night. I mean that combination of Vietnamese traditions and Western culture in Hanoi is significant.
On the other hand, street food here is awesome. You won’t find anywhere in the country the authentic taste of Pho – one of the most famous dish in the world. In addition, you also can experience the variety of local dish from hot pot to bbq. And these dishes are totally worthy enjoying in your Vietnam travel in December.
Sapa
I guess you might hear this name several times even see many captive pictures of this town. However, you won’t see the amazing things until you literally get there. With Vietnam travel in December, you will have chance to admire the most mysterious view of year. The town sinks under the thin fog in early morning and late afternoon. If you are lucky enough, you may experience snow here. I know for most of you, snow is not something strange, but how about Vietnamese ethnic tribal villages are covered by white snow. It’s totally interesting image that you haven’t ever seen in your country.
Different from Hanoi, the tribal culture is mainstream in Sapa with the mixture of different tribes. With Vietnam travel in December, you have chance to mingle into it with local weekly markets, colorful traditional dresses, strange and delicious local dishes,… And you can’t experience such these things anywhere in the world.
Halong Bay
It might be sound ridiculous for you while Halong in the list of must-go destinations for Vietnam travel in December. But have you ever thought that the advantages of visiting Halong in winter? A halong bay cruise in winter helps you enjoy a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. In winter, Halong bay is not a popular destination for domestic tourist as well as foreign, which offers you the less tourist locations. You might feel that the only person floating in the middle of this beautiful is you.
In contrast, you can’t swim, absolutely. But you still can join in kayaking, but it’s not as convenient as in summer. But if you really want to try and are well-prepared, go for it!
Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
It’s time to go to the central Vietnam. The temperature in this region increases a little bit. You will feel warmer but still experience the coldness at night. You will notice the differences in landscape, lifestyle, culture between 2 regions.
Hue is the city where you can engage in the history of Vietnamese, especially feudal periods. The imperial citadel Hue is the place where royal families used to live. Even though all building and objects are old and are missed some, the rest is in good condition. There also are lots of royal tombs around the city where you can admire the characteristic of architecture in different periods.
Then you should stop by Da Nang for the most beautiful beaches before continuing your Vietnam travel in December in Hoi An. Hoi An is an ancient town of Vietnam. While Hue comprises Vietnamese feudal culture, Hoi An is full of exotic architecture from Japan, French,… This old town is the combination of various cultures which expresses through its structures and old building.
Ho Chi Minh city
You may go through various destinations before reaching Ho Chi Minh city. This city is like the second capital of Vietnam. In my opinion, HCMC is more dynamic than Hanoi both in lifestyle and people. People here are very open-minded and friendly. They are always willing to help you and talk to you.
You can walk around the city to various interesting sites. This city used to be influenced by French long ago, so from lifestyle to architecture you will see how the mixture between Vietnam and French is.
Vietnam travel in December maybe rather cold for those who come from sunny land, but there are lots of beautiful moments when people seeking the warmth from others or from local hot soups. With Vietnam travel in December, you not only have chance to admire the peaceful landscape but also experiences the feelings of getting closer to your lover.
