Celebrate the Holidays in Vietnam
One of the most iconic countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a diverse country where you can enjoy a rich and varied itinerary. Many come for the food and history but leave charmed by the stunning natural landscape including lush farmland & pristine beaches. The people are also incredibly warm and welcoming, regardless of where you come from.
Jan 1st – 3rd
- Hanoi | 2 nights | Capella Hanoi
Jan 3rd – 4th
- Halong Bay Cruise | 1 night | Bhaya Legend
Jan 4th – 6th
- Hoi An | 2 nights | Four Seasons Nam Hai
Jan 6th – 8th
- Ho Chi Minh City | 2 nights | Hotel des Arts Saigon
Jan 8th – 11th
- Phu Quoc | 3 nights | Regent Phu Quoc
In January, Vietnam experiences cooler temperatures as it is in the midst of the dry season in most parts of the country. Across Vietnam, weather conditions vary significantly from north to south. The northern regions, including Hanoi and Halong Bay, are relatively cool with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), and it can feel quite chilly, especially at night.
The central areas, such as Hue and Hoi An, enjoy milder temperatures, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it a pleasant time for sightseeing.
Down south in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, January marks the heart of the dry season, with warm and sunny weather. Temperatures here are more comfortable, usually ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It's an excellent time for exploring the city or taking river cruises in the delta.
Coastal areas like Nha Trang, Phu Yen, & Phu Quoc Island offer ideal beach weather with plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall. While not as hot as other months, it's still advisable to use sunscreen and stay hydrated. Overall, January is considered one of the best months to visit Vietnam, offering comfortable temperatures and dry conditions in most regions.
You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam.
Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page. Visit the Embassy of Vietnam website for the most current information.
Please click here for more information and links for the eVisa.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel..
We have designed some great playlists for you to enjoy during your trip through Vietnam, full of local talent and beach vibes!
Click below to listen:
As soon as you deplane, an Immigration Officer will meet you holding a signboard with your names on it.
The officer will assist you with immigration procedures. For those who already have their Vietnam visa, the estimated time to clear immigration is approximately 15-20mins per person.
For those applying for a visa on arrival, the estimated wait time for the visa is usually 30mins, depending on the number of guests in the queue.
After clearing immigration, our Immigration Officer will escort you to the baggage claim to collect your luggage and introduce you to your guide who will be waiting outside the terminal.
Booked by Scenset.
Proceed by private transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Booked by Scenset.
Once you arrive at the hotel, check in and get some rest.
Why we love it for you? Its luxurious and elegant design showcases a seamless fusion of French colonial charm with Vietnamese heritage, creating a captivating ambiance for guests. The hotel's exceptional service and attention to detail ensure a truly personalized and memorable stay, with staff going above and beyond to cater to every need.
Its prime location in the historic Truc Bach neighborhood grants guests easy access to Hanoi's iconic attractions and cultural landmarks, making the Capella Hanoi an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking a sophisticated and enriching experience in the heart of the city.
Capella Hanoi
Premium Room
- Meals Included: Daily Breakfast
Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar, considered by many to be one of Vietnam's most iconic pagodas. Then, visit the present-day Hoa Lo Prison, AKA The Hanoi Hilton.
Other iconic sites in the city you'll visit include the Opera House, Ba Dinh Square* the Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake, perhaps the most famous spot in Hanoi and also believed to be home to a mythical turtle who is the hero of a Vietnamese legend.
End the tour with a walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its '36 streets of 36 wares' named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century.
Booked by Scenset.
Enjoy an evening walking food tour through the streets of Hanoi, considered a mecca for delicious street food. Your guide will introduce you to some of the most iconic dishes of Northern Vietnam on this tour. Commencing the tour, your guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture, including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes.
Before return to the hotel, you will be taken to one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that you will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits!.
Includes Dinner
Booked by Scenset.
Capella Hanoi
Premium Room
- Meals Included: Daily Breakfast
After breakfast, proceed by private transfer to Halong Bay.
Booked by Scenset.
Upon arrival, check in at the terminal.
You will be escorted to your private junk and introduced to the crew. Commence cruising in the bay, a UNESCO-designated site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.
Booked by Scenset.
Spend the day kayaking, swimming, and exploring fishing villages, caves and secluded beaches
Why we love it for you? For those who value privacy and freedom, Bhaya Legend’s fleet of ships with 1, 2, or 3 cabins offer the ultimate Halong Bay experience. Personalize everything about your journey, from the menu to the itinerary with crew members on hand to ensure a flawless journey from start to finish.
Bhaya Legend
One Suite Cabin
- Meals Included: All Inclusive
All early risers can experience the first rays of sunshine over Halong Bay this early in the morning. While the boat is slowly heading towards the harbor, enjoy a delicious breakfast on board. If you want, you can go on an excursion before there is brunch on the junk and goes back to land back Hanoi.
After brunch you will proceed by private transfer back to Hanoi and the airport about a 2.5-3 hour drive.
Booked by Scenset.
You'll have a private transfer to Da Nang Airport, where you will board your flight to Da Nang Airport.
Booked by Scenset.
Upon arrival at Danang Airport, after collecting your luggage, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it.
Proceed by private transfer to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset.
Hoi An's ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, conceals centuries-old secret watering holes in its quaint alleyways. This exclusive tour grants you access to these hidden gems, where you can savor expertly crafted cocktails inspired by Vietnam's French, Japanese, and Chinese influences. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you'll discover the city's rich culinary history, enjoy top-notch drinks tailored to your preferences, and relish an intimate small-group experience limited to 10 participants. Immerse yourself in the intriguing Secret Cocktail Experience of Hoi An.
Includes: Light Snacks
Booked by Scenset.
Why we love it for you? The Four Seasons Nam Hai is a great place to stay in Hoi An, Vietnam for several compelling reasons. The resort offers luxurious beachfront villas with stunning views of the East Vietnam Sea, providing an unparalleled blend of comfort and natural beauty.
Its prime location allows easy access to Hoi An's charming ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while offering a tranquil retreat away from the bustling city center. The resort's world-class spa, featuring overwater treatment villas, offers unique and rejuvenating experiences inspired by Vietnamese traditions and Four Seasons' signature treatments.
Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the resort's exceptional dining options, which showcase both local Vietnamese flavors and international cuisine using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. With its extensive range of activities, including cooking classes, yoga sessions, and water sports, coupled with impeccable Four Seasons service, the Nam Hai ensures a memorable and luxurious stay for all types of travelers.
Four Seasons Nam Hai
One-Bedroom Villa
- Includes:Daily Breakfast
Your experience will begin with a visit to one of the only families left in Hoi An that produces the city's famed Cao Lau noodles. They have been crafting these noodles for 5 generations; though the recipe is a closely guarded secret, they will be proud to show you the artistry and skill involved in the process. Next you will visit a bean sprout farm and meet with its owners.
They will show you how they grow, harvest, and clean their produce. You will meet Mr. Phuoc at a local market where you will shop for ingredients for your cooking lesson. At Mr. Phuoc's house you will have a chance to freshen up before the lesson. Following your teacher's lead, you will prepare some of Vietnam's most famous dishes- and then enjoy them for lunch.
Booked by Scenset.
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as 'Faifo', was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others.
Hoi An's narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including: old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge (under renovation), first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.
Enjoy an hour-long boat trip on the Thu Bon River for up close views of fishing boats and country villages before returning to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset.
The rest of the day has been left for you to explore at your own pace.
A few things you may enjoy are:
Hoi An is known across Vietnam for being a hub for beautiful locally made products and you will be able to shop for these in places like the main central market.
There are also a number of handicraft villages dotted on the outskirts of the town and you can usually take a tour to these where you can learn about the historical and cultural background behind the making of these items.
Recommendation.
The pretty Lantern Market is located in An Hoi which is across the river from central Hoi An.
This is one of the most scenic markets in Vietnam and, as the name suggests, you can buy traditional lanterns here which come in all different shapes and sizes.
Recommendation.
Four Seasons Nam Hai
One-Bedroom Villa
- Includes:Daily Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
Booked by Scenset.
Take the short flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
Booked by Scenset.
After collecting your luggage, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it.
Booked by Scenset.
With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps. Despite its modernity, Saigon maintains a strong link to the past and your city tour takes in some of Saigon's most historic landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France.
Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War.
Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese.
Experience Saigon's famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into the daily life of a Saigonese before returning to your hotel.
Booked by Scenset.
A Vespa tour in Saigon offers an exhilarating and immersive way to explore the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Riding pillion on a classic Vespa scooter, you'll weave through the city's bustling markets, historical landmarks, and hidden alleys, all while a knowledgeable local guide shares fascinating insights into the city's history and culture.
It's a unique and thrilling experience that provides a glimpse into the heart and soul of Saigon, with stops to savor delicious street food and enjoy the lively atmosphere of this dynamic metropolis.
Booked by Scenset.
Why we love it for you? Embark on a journey back in time to Vietnam in 1930s with Hôtel des Arts boutique lifestyle hotel in Saigon. Combining the classical charm of French Indochina with a sense of timeless chic that only the MGallery Collection can provide, the hotel is as much an art museum as it is a 5 star hotel.
Hôtel des Arts
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room King
- Meals Included: Daily Breakfast
The morning begins transfer from your hotel to the pier. Journey by comfortable speedboat for approximately 11⁄2 hour along the scenic Saigon River to Cu Chi historical site. There is plenty to see along the river and a light breakfast will be served en route.
Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city.
Booked by Scenset.
Hôtel des Arts
Sky Executive Grand Deluxe Room King
- Meals Included: Daily Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Phu Quoc.
Booked by Scenset.
Board your flight to the dreamy island of Phu Quoc.
Booked by Scenset.
In the arrivals hall meet your driver, who will transfer you to Regent Phu Quoc. Please look for a sign with the name & logo of the resort.
Spend the next three nights enjoying the wonderful island of Phu Quoc.
Your resort will have an extensive menu of activities from which you can choose that include water sports, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, cooking classes, and much more (some may incur additional charges, which can be paid for directly).
Some activities included, others at additional charge.
When you're at the Regent, you can make reservations for tours, wellness activities, and private dining through this link.
If you wish to make any reservations in advance, please let us know.
Why not try the spa - full details can be found here.
Not included.
Why we love it for you? Nestled on the white sands of Phu Quoc Island’s western coast, this Vietnamese enclave holds a kind of captivating magic, where untouched tropical landscapes are interwoven with the rustic charm of an idyllic island life.
Regent Phu Quoc
Ocean View Suite
- Meals Included: Daily Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Saigon.
Booked by Scenset.
It's likely you'll have to fly out of HCMC. Your flight back to HCMC is included in this itinerary but can be removed if needed.
Booked by Scenset.
We wish you a safe flight to your next destination, and thank you for traveling with Scenset!
- 11 nights accommodation
- E-visa application fee
- Daily breakfast
- All meals on the boat in Halong Bay
- Food tour in Hanoi
- Flights as detailed
- All airport transfers
- All touring as detailed
- Private guide for all touring
- Private vehicle for all touring
- Refreshments in the touring vehicle
- Scenset trip planning fee
- All taxes, service charges, and entrance fees
- International flights
- Meals & alcohol (unless otherwise stated)
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.
We're here to make this an unforgettable trip. If you're interested in booking this itinerary or have some questions, let us know.