What is the weather like in Vietnam during December?

December stands out as one of Vietnam's most favorable months for travel with clear regional differences. The northern regions of Hanoi and Halong Bay see comfortable temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F) with low humidity levels making outdoor activities pleasant. Central Vietnam including Hoi An gets brief rain showers but remains suitable for exploration. The southern areas of Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta maintain warm sunny days between 25-30°C (77-86°F). A TourRadar traveler noted "The weather in December was perfect for exploring the Cu Chi tunnels and cruising Halong Bay without being too hot or humid."

What are the best places to visit in Vietnam during December?

The year-end weather patterns create ideal conditions for visiting Vietnam's main attractions. Halong Bay presents clear visibility for boat trips and water activities. Hoi An transforms its Ancient Town with traditional lanterns for the holiday season. Hanoi opens up comfortable walking conditions for visiting the Temple of Literature. The Tirant Hotel serves as a practical base for city exploration. The Mekong Delta's waterways become especially inviting for river tours and local community visits. A TourRadar reviewer shared "December was the perfect time to explore everything from Halong Bay's limestone karsts to the peaceful Thu Bon River in Hoi An."

Are there any special festivals or events in Vietnam during December?

The month brings a mix of cultural celebrations across Vietnam. While not traditionally Vietnamese Christmas gets widespread attention particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Urban centers light up with decorative displays and festive activities. A TourRadar traveler observed at Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City: "The cathedral was getting ready for Christmas with beautiful decorations and the atmosphere was magical." Major markets including Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan in Hanoi set up special holiday sections.

What kind of accommodation options are available in Vietnam in December?

The peak season brings full operation of Vietnam's diverse lodging options. Hanoi features high-end choices like the 5-star Apricot Hotel alongside mid-range options such as the 3-star Mina Hotel. Halong Bay cruise accommodations range from the upscale Doris Cruise to the reliable Le Journey Cruise. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The hotels were better than expected and our stay on La Pandora Cruise was truly unforgettable."

How busy is Vietnam during December?

December marks one of Vietnam's busiest travel periods especially around the winter holidays. Popular destinations like Halong Bay and Hoi An see significant visitor numbers. TourRadar data shows December consistently among the top 3 months for bookings representing nearly 15% of yearly visitors. A reviewer noted "While Halong Bay was busy in December our cruise operator Le Journey Cruise managed the crowds well and we still had an amazing experience."

What should I pack for Vietnam in December?

December travel in Vietnam requires strategic packing for varied conditions. Northern destinations like Hanoi need light jackets and long-sleeve options for evening temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F). Central and southern regions call for light breathable clothes plus rain protection. Beach destinations and Halong Bay activities require swimwear. A TourRadar traveler advised: "In December I needed both warm clothes for morning Halong Bay cruises and light clothing for afternoon walks through Ho Chi Minh City."

Vietnam Tours in December 2026

10 best Vietnam trips in December 2026

View Map
Explorer
Best of Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi 7 Days - Super Save
4.5 (49 traveler reviews)
"Good value for money."
Paul, traveled in December
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, My Tho, Hanoi, Halong Bay,Mai Chau+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Legend Travel Group
20% Off
From $494
US$395per person
+$399 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
8 Days Central Vietnam Discovery
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Great communication, great hotels, and all-inclusive tours made this trip perfect."
Lora, traveled in April
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Da Nang, Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary, Mỹ Sơn, Hue
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Vietnam
Operated in
English
Operator
Old Quarter Travel
20% Off
From
US$648per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Vietnam World Heritage Sites 10 Days 9 Nights
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Excellent tour. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a trouble free visit to Vietnam."
Daniel, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue,My Son Sanctuary+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
Old Quarter Travel
20% Off
From
US$898per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
11 Days Vietnam Best Deal - Depart every day from Ho Chi Minh city
5.0 (13 traveler reviews)
"Our tour experience exceeded my expectations. I'd happily use Tour Radar again."
Fran, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hanoi,Halong Bay+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Vietnam
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderscape Travel
50% Off
From $998
US$499per person
+$299 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Best of Vietnam - Private Journey 4-STAR
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The north we loved. Sigon we hated last 3 days poor."
Leanne, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
5% Off
From $1,578
US$1,499per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Seven Days Discover Real Charm North Vietnam
4.8 (10 traveler reviews)
"The hiking and homestay with a H'mong guide in the Sapa region was a highlight."
Graham, traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Sapa
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Vietnam
Operated in
English
Operator
Vietnam Real Tour
5% Off
From
US$475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Vietnam Best Deal In 10 Days
4.9 (45 traveler reviews)
"It gave us a very good overview. Realistic Asia were super and Long was very good at communicating details."
Lynne, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang,Ho Chi Minh City,Mekong Delta+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
5% Off
From
US$776per person
+$280 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Vietnam Best Deal in 8 Days (Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang & Hanoi Small Group Tour)
4.8 (8 traveler reviews)
"Excellent tour. Was able to see a few different cities and experience many things that I probably wouldn't had I'd not used a tour operator like Tour Radar."
Arlene, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, My Tho, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ninh Binh,Halong Bay+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Up Travel Vietnam
50% Off
From $1,220
US$610per person
+$240 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Simply Vietnam In 7 Days by Realistic Asia
4.8 (79 traveler reviews)
"The hotels (we upgraded one level) were top notch (Silk Path (Hanoi) Kin (HCMC) as the breakfasts had made to order stations (eggs and Pho) and had plenty of other stuff."
Dennis, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
5% Off
From $598
US$568per person
+$190 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Xin Chao Vietnam In 11 Days
4.8 (74 traveler reviews)
"We loved every destination, from the beauty of Halong Bay to the charm of Hoi An and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City."
Cameron, traveled in August
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City,Cu Chi,Mekong Delta+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish,Dutch+3 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
5% Off
From
US$842per person
+$300 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Astonishing Vietnam In 11 Days
4.8 (61 traveler reviews)
"Long, our contact with Vietnam Fun was great. I would recommend him to everyone."
Judy, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay,Hanoi+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Vietnam
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Vietnam Tour Fun
5% Off
From $693
US$658per person
+$300 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Best Of Vietnam In 14 Days
4.8 (119 traveler reviews)
"Amazing tour! Well organised and great highlights of Vietnam."
Sandra, traveled in January
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hoi An,Ho Chi Minh City,Mekong Delta+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
5% Off
From $996
US$946per person
+$300 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
Amazing Vietnam Super Save Package In 10 Days
4.9 (142 traveler reviews)
"It was well organized and we were well taken care of. Communication was super easy, prompt and efficient."
Andres, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City,Mekong Delta+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Halong Bay
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Realistic Asia
10% Off
From $750
US$675per person
+$290 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Ultimate 10-Day Vietnam Discovery: Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi Culture, Nature & Heritage
4.9 (31 traveler reviews)
"Vietnam is beautiful with lots of nature wonder and warm and friendly people. Hotels she arranged for us all wonderful."
Juan, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Mekong Delta, Da Nang, Hoi An,Hanoi,Ninh Binh,Halong Bay+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Up Travel Vietnam
50% Off
From $1,485
US$743per person
+$250 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
In-depth Cultural
Vietnam - 10 Days. Departure every Monday and Sunday from Hanoi
4.7 (81 traveler reviews)
"We appreciate all the effort put into making it perfect. We were sorry to leave before the Reunion Anniversary in Ho Chi Minh City."
Ronald, traveled in April
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary,Ho Chi Minh City,Mekong Delta,My Tho,Cu Chi+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Vietnam
Operated in
English
Operator
Legend Travel Group
20% Off
From $876
US$701per person
+$349 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour