The most beautiful destinations in Vietnam in November and December

20/10/2025

The most beautiful destinations in Vietnam in November and December

Traveling to Vietnam toward the end of the year brings a magical travel experience when the festival season merges with a diverse climate and the stunning landscapes of the S-shaped country.

If you plan to go to Vietnam in November and December get ready to welcome the chilly winter air and occasional frost in the North, the Central region enjoy mild weather as rainfall gradually subsides, while the South begins its warm dry season stretching across the dreamy beaches. This guide will give you multiple choices with the most beautiful spots worth visiting in Vietnam in November and December.

Why should you visit Vietnam in November and December?

November and December are considered the most perfect travel season in Vietnam – when Vietnam dons a multi-colored natural painting, the weather is cool, fresh and extremely pleasant. Along the length of the country each region has its own unique charm:

In the North it enters a chilly winter season with mist drifting on mountain peaks and golden-tinted terraced rice fields in early sunlight – a wonderful scene for those who love mountains and photography.
In the Central region the days are clear, seas calm, ideal for exploring world heritage sites such as Hoi An, Hue, My Son, or relaxing by the radiant beach of Da Nang.
The South is filled with golden sunshine and blue sea, with dry weather ideal for journeys to Phu Quoc, Can Tho, and the Mekong river-delta region.

Not only that this is not peak tourist season which allows you to enjoy peaceful space reasonable cost and the most authentic experience of Vietnamese culture cuisine and people.

→If you are looking for an end-of-year trip that is both relaxing and full of inspiration Vietnam is the ideal destination for you.

Top 8 most beautiful destinations in Vietnam in November–December

Hanoi – The Ancient and Charming Heart

The capital Hanoi at the end of the year carries a beauty blending modern breath and millennia-old classic features. The weather in these transitional days brings a cold wind signalling winter arriving throughout the capital’s roads. Every morning stepping outside you can feel the cold gradually seeping into each fingertip in every breath and in the romantic lingering scene.

The chilly weather is a perfect occasion to enjoy hot aromatic dishes such as pho, bun cha, cha ca La Vong, hot banh duc, roasted corn & sweet potato or sip a fragrant egg coffee.

Featured experiences:

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, the old quarter, feel the ordinary life rhythm.
Visit the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, the Opera House, Dong Xuan market.
Immerse in the year-end festival atmosphere especially Christmas.

Ha Long Bay – Mystical in the mist

In November–December Ha Long Bay is mystically beautiful and quiet, less crowded than peak season. The weather is chilly, sometimes fog forms a hazy scene, and you can experience a more peaceful atmosphere to view the bay like a landscape painting.

Suggested experiences:

Overnight cruise among thousands of majestic limestone islands.
Kayak through caves and floating fishing villages.
Watch sunrise and sunset on the deck – unforgettable moments.

*Travel tip: Choose a 2-day 1-night cruise to fully enjoy the beauty of this World Natural Heritage.

Sapa – The best trekking season of the year

Sapa in November–December is a paradise for nature and mountain lovers. The air is cool, clouds swirl on mountain peaks, terraced fields wind in the afternoon light creating a majestic and tranquil scene.

Experiences to try:

Trek through Cat Cat village, Ta Van.
Stay in a homestay with H’Mong or Dao people, explore local culture.
Take the Fansipan cable-car – touch the “Roof of Indochina” and you may even see snow-covered Fansipan summit in December.

*Note: At night temperature may fall below 10 °C, bring warm clothes.

Hoi An – Brighten your winter with thousands of lantern lights

Hoi An at the end of the year may not avoid rainy days but there are 1 001 reasons to visit then. Visiting Hoi An in November–December is peaceful and poetic especially when night falls lanterns glow along the Hoai River creating an irresistible romantic scene.

Suggested experiences:

Walk the old quarter of Hoi An, take photos beside colorful lanterns.
Learn to cook a Vietnamese dish or make handcrafted lanterns.
Visit the Bay Mau coconut-palm forest, take a basket-boat ride to explore the “mini-Mekong” in the Central region.
Sit in a boat bobbing and explore every nook of the old town during heavy rain when water rises.
Witness a Hoi An that is simple, familiar, ancient, not noisy or crowded.
When weather is dry you can rent a bicycle to tour Hoi An and enjoy fresh clean air.

Hue – Royal heritage in autumn weather

Have you ever visited Hue on rainy days? If not you have missed a rare beauty of the old capital of Hue. Winter in Hue brings cool drizzle typical of the region creating a nostalgic unique scene ideal for scenic viewing and street-food tasting. This is also the time when many year-end cultural programmes and festivals take place and travel costs are reasonable for any budget.

Experiences to try:

Explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda.
Enjoy unique royal cuisine.
Cruise on the Perfume River – an emotional experience.

Da Nang – Blue sea, wild mountains and the famous Golden Bridge

Travelling to Da Nang in November and December gives you the opportunity to discover a completely different face of this dynamic beach city. No longer the harsh sunlight of summer, Da Nang at the end of year becomes gentle, cool and strangely peaceful. The weather may include light rain and intermittent sun but this variation makes the scene here carry a romantic and poetic look of its own. With proper preparation for your trip you will have a more memorable journey than ever.

Top reasons to visit Da Nang at year-end:

Pleasant cool weather – no more harsh sunshine, suitable for all outdoor activities.
Festive atmosphere across the streets, on Ba Na Hills peak, entertainment spots and beaches giving a joyful warm feeling.
Fewer tourists, peaceful space, ideal for those who love relaxation and privacy.
Reasonable service prices – since it is not peak season hotel, transfer and food costs are very acceptable.
Ideal time to enjoy winter specialties such as banh xeo, bun cha ca, or fresh hot seafood by the beach.
Soft light, photogenic scenery, perfect for check-in shots at My Khe beach or the Dragon Bridge glowing in the mist.
Slow and lovely city experience – when you can truly feel local life rhythm rather than rush among throngs of tourists.

Must-try experiences:

Golden Bridge – Ba Na Hills: A famous tourism symbol where you can view clouds drifting under giant hands.
Marble Mountains & Son Tra Peninsula: Immerse in nature, explore primæval forest ecosystem and observe red-shanked douc – a rare “queen of primates”.

→Premium experience with Truong Sa Tourist:

>>Jeep tour of Son Tra Da Nang spotting red-shanked douc – perfect for a memorable, private and stylish journey.

Da Nang food tour: Wander the night streets, enjoy mi Quang, bánh tráng cuốn thịt heo, ốc hút, chè Liên – the dishes capturing the soul of Central cuisine.
Cruise on the Han River & watch the Dragon Bridge breathe fire:
This experience is excellent when dusk falls on Da Nang, you board a luxury cruise, chill in a romantic private space with soft music and a panoramic view of the Han River. Specially there is the chance to witness the Dragon Bridge spitting fire and water in an impressive show.

>>Central Vietnam Discovery Tour: 6 Days from Da Nang to Hue & Hoi An

Phu Quoc – Re-charge vitamin “sea” in the warm sun beach paradise

If you want to escape cold winter in your home country then Phu Quoc is the tropical paradise waiting for you.

Featured experiences:

Swim at Sao Beach, watch sunset at Sunset Sanato.
Join an island tour to Hon Mong Tay – Hon Gam Ghi, snorkel coral reefs, fish, savour fresh seafood.
Visit Phu Quoc night market, taste local specialties.

*Why go: This is the best season for Phu Quoc – warm sea, clear skies, radiant sunshine, perfect for Christmas and New Year holiday.

Mekong Delta – The water-way cultural beauty of the river region

November–December is harvest season in the Southwest region of Vietnam, the time when bustling floating markets, fruit-laden orchards, golden rice fields – scenes unique only to this land.

Suggested experiences:

Visit Cai Rang floating market, buy fruit right from the boat.
Bike through village countryside, feel the peaceful rhythm of life.
Stay in a riverside homestay, cook with locals, listen to don ca tai tu folk music.

*Why go: At this season the Mekong Delta has dry comfortable weather, clear river water, brilliant landscapes – excellent for those who love the authentic beauty of Vietnam.

Suggested itineraries

>>Vietnam Odyssey: 10-Day North to South Cultural Discovery/Vietnam Highlights

>>Discover Vietnam in 12 Days: Complete Tour from North to South

>>10-Day Classic Vietnam Journey: Ho Chi Minh – Hoi An – Hanoi – Sapa

→All itineraries can be tailored by Truong Sa Tourist Vietnam DMC offering sustainable travel and the best service at cost-saving rates.

Helpful travel tips for November–December

Bring a light jacket if travelling in the North.
Always check Central region weather forecast before departure.
Book your Ha Long cruise and Phu Quoc resort in advance.
Limit single-use plastics, keep the environment clean.
Consider travelling Vietnam by tour if you lack much experience or travel with family and young children to ensure the trip is well-organized, safe and most complete.