Vietnam is always beautiful around a year, but January is one of the best time to visit the North. The region will help you to experience an interesting contrast in climate types between the North and the South at this time. With the perfect weather: dry, warm and sunny, you can choose this time for your journey and this article will show you where to go in North Vietnam.

What is the weather in January?

This is in the mid-winter in North Vietnam so the weather is cold and occasionally chilly cold but gradually warmer when heading southwards. However, the climate is different between the delta and mountainous area, for example, the temperature in Hanoi around 18-22 degrees, but in Sapa, it is only 5-9 degrees. With the weather condition, North Vietnam is one of the best destinations for you to travel.

Where to go in North Vietnam in the first month of the year?

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital and the historical place of Vietnam, which is home to about 8 million people. Because of the best weather in January, so that it is perfect for any outdoor activities. Hanoi is bustling and hustling during a year, but you will find a trip to the cultural capital like walking through an area forgotten by time. However, the best way to explore this city is to have a local as a tour guide who will help you know more about the culture as well as create the roadmap of Hanoi:

• Hoan Kiem Lake is considered the center of Hanoi capital and is the symbol of the city. If you have time to learn about the lake, you will find many special things around the lake. Besides the lake, you can explore the peaceful and quiet temple sitting on a small island, connecting with the bank by a red bridge. The temple was built in the 13 century in order to commemorate military leader Tran Hung Dao who was renowned for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty. And now, this temple attracts both domestic and overseas visitors. If you visiting Hoan Kiem lake in the daytime, you should experience in Cyclo – the famous three-wheeled carriers that take tourists with cameras handy around. Especially, at the weekend, some streets around Hoan Kiem Lake become walking streets without vehicles. Many public performances and Vietnamese traditional games are taking place here, this is attractive a plenty of people.

• Hanoi Old Quarter is located between Hoan Kiem lake and Long Bien Bridge and is the heart of Hanoi Capital. This could be the first thing that appears to everyone when thinking about visiting Hanoi. There are lots of small alleys, together with Its is the streets that make up the uniqueness of Hanoi Old Quarter. Here is the best place for you to discover Vietnamese traditional food and Hanoi street foods like Bun Cha, Nem Ran, Banh Cuon,… or drink a cup of beer at Ta Hien Street, Ma May street – the foreign streets. Moreover, Hanoi Old quarter also offers many souvenirs, ornaments, and accessories to get home as travel gifts.
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – this is one of the important ancient site of Vietnam – the political center of the country for 13 consecutive centuries and served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries. Coming here, you will see the notable attraction is Hanoi Flag Tower, which was built about 40-meter-tall by stone and offering expansive views of Ba Dinh Square and Hanoi City Centre. 

Halong

Where to go in North Vietnam must mention to Halong Bay – one of seven wonders in the world and is one of the best choices for you when visiting Vietnam in January. Of course, its weather brings the cooler air temperatures, virtually no rainfall, and warm water temperatures that are perfect for swimming or kayaking. The average in this period is from 17 – 20 degrees, still warm enough warm for outdoor activities. Moreover, if you visit Halong Bay in January, you will enjoy the lowest humidity levels of the year at 65%. However, you should bring some warmer clothes and comfortable shoes when exploring here.

Outdoor activities in Halong

Kayaking in some areas: This is an exciting and fascinating activity which you do not miss when visiting Halong Bay in January. The cruise will park near a fishing village or a small island for visiting, kayaking or swimming around. You will have a chance to sit on a tiny kayak, pad in the blue water, wriggle into the cave.

Visit fishing village by bamboo boat: Depending on your itinerary, you can visit the fishing village near the parking cruise, like Vung Vieng Village (if you visit Bai Tu Long Bay). After disembarking the cruise, you will be transferred by a tender to a fishing village to experience the daily life, the customs of the fishermen in Halong Bay. From here, you have some choice to discover the beauty of the bay like rowing a bamboo boat with local people or kayaking around the Luon cave…

Discovering famous caves: Sung Sot cave and Dau Go cave are famous caves in Halong Bay that you do not miss when coming here. Sung Sot cave is located on Bo Hon island in the center of Halong Bay with the spectacular and magnificent beauty. Before entering the cave, you must pass the long stone staircases to pass the luxuriant forests. Tourists will have an interesting opportunity of climbing the mountain. Inside the cave is a wide range of stalagmites and stalactites in mysterious and weird shapes. You may be overwhelmed when contemplating the pristine beauty of this fairy-tale-cave.

On the other hand, Dau Go cave is also the must-visit site of ancient architecture and little stalagmites and stalactites. It is such a wonderful experience to admire the picturesque beauty of Halong Bay in this spectacular cave. From the far away, you can see the blue entrance of Dau Go Cave, which looks like the blue jellyfish in the center of Halong Bay. You must pass 90 stone staircases to enter the cave entrance. On standing at Dau Go Cave’s entrance, you will feel as if standing in front of a magnificent and luxurious castle with marvelous architecture.