Vietnam 3-Week Itinerary – Winter 2026

Winter in Vietnam means heading south. While the north shivers under gray skies, Central and South Vietnam bask in dry-season perfection. This 21-day route includes a brief taste of Hanoi, then moves to where the weather rewards you — Hoi An's lanterns, HCMC's energy, and Phu Quoc's beaches.

Quick Facts

• →Duration: 21 days / 20 nights
• →Best Months: December through February
• →Regions Covered: North (brief), Central, South Vietnam
• →Internal Flights: 2 (Hanoi → Da Nang, HCMC → Phu Quoc)
• →Pace: Relaxed
• →Budget Range: $55-110 per day

Why Winter Works

December-February is the south's dry season — sunny days, 28-32°C, perfect beaches. Central Vietnam is mild (20-25°C) with occasional drizzle but no typhoons. The north is cold (10-15°C in Hanoi) and often gray, so we keep it brief.

This route prioritizes warmth and sunshine.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

▸Hanoi (2 nights)

Start in Vietnam's capital for a cultural introduction, but don't linger — winter Hanoi is 10-15°C with gray, drizzly days. Two nights is enough for the Old Quarter essentials: Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, street food.

Pack warm layers and embrace the cozy side — this is excellent pho weather.

Highlights: Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, warming street food

▸Hue (2 nights)

Fly to Hue (1.5 hours). Vietnam's former imperial capital is cool but comfortable in winter (18-22°C). The Citadel feels contemplative in the quieter season, and royal tomb visits are crowd-free.

Occasional drizzle is possible — pack a light jacket. The city's reflective atmosphere suits the weather.

Travel from Hanoi: 1.5-hour flight, $50-80.

Highlights: Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda

▸Hoi An (5 nights)

Drive the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An (3-4 hours). Five nights lets you fully experience this UNESCO town — get clothes made (budget 2-3 days for fittings), take a cooking class, explore the Old Town, and day trip to Da Nang and My Son ruins.

Winter Hoi An is 20-25°C with occasional light rain. The beach isn't peak swimming season but the town itself is magical — fewer tourists, cooler evenings, lanterns glowing brighter.

Travel from Hue: 3-4 hours by car (Hai Van Pass).

Highlights: Tailoring, Old Town, cooking class, uncrowded temples

▸Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights)

Fly from Da Nang to HCMC (1.5 hours). Winter HCMC is warm (28-32°C) and dry — perfect for exploring. The War Remnants Museum, Chinatown, rooftop bars, and legendary street food scene.

Day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels or save energy for the Mekong.

Travel from Hoi An: 45-minute transfer to Da Nang, 1.5-hour flight.

Highlights: War Remnants Museum, rooftop bars, street food, Cu Chi Tunnels

▸Mekong Delta (2 nights)

Head to Can Tho (3.5 hours) for the delta's floating markets and river life. Winter is dry season — calm waters, easy boat travel, and Cai Rang Floating Market at its best.

Stay in a riverside homestay for the authentic experience. Wake at 5am for the market.

Travel from HCMC: 3.5 hours by car or bus.

Highlights: Cai Rang Floating Market, river homestay, delta life

▸Phu Quoc (6 nights)

Fly to Phu Quoc (45 minutes from Can Tho or 1 hour from HCMC) for six nights of beach unwinding. This is peak season: sunny, calm seas, perfect conditions.

Six nights means you can truly relax. Beach days, motorbike exploration, pepper farm visits, night market seafood. No agenda, no rushing.

Travel from Mekong: 45-minute flight from Can Tho (or return to HCMC).

Highlights: Peak beach season, seafood, island exploring, sunsets

Why This Itinerary Works

Weather optimization: Most time where weather is best (Central and South). Brief Hanoi for cultural context, then warmth.

Extended beach: Six nights on Phu Quoc during peak season is a proper beach holiday, not a rushed visit.

Balanced culture: Hoi An and Hue provide history and charm before HCMC's energy and Phu Quoc's relaxation.

Adjustments

Skip Hanoi: Fly direct to Da Nang and start in Hoi An if you want maximum warmth. You'll miss Hanoi's unique character but gain better weather.

Add Da Lat: Insert 2 nights in Da Lat (cooler highlands) between HCMC and Phu Quoc for mountain contrast.

Different island: Replace Phu Quoc with Con Dao for better snorkeling and fewer tourists, or Mui Ne for kite surfing.

FAQ

Is Hanoi worth visiting in winter?

For a brief cultural introduction, yes. But don't expect comfortable outdoor weather — 10-15°C, gray skies, and drizzle are common. Two nights is enough; more would feel gloomy.

What's Hoi An like in winter?

Cool (20-25°C) with occasional light rain, but charming. The Old Town is less crowded, tailors have more time, and evening lanterns glow against moody skies. Beach swimming is marginal but town exploration is excellent.

Is Phu Quoc crowded in winter?

Yes — it's peak season. Book accommodation 3-4 weeks ahead for best selection. Prices are higher than shoulder season, but weather is guaranteed good.

What if I want to see Ha Long Bay?

Possible but expect cold, gray conditions and limited visibility. Cruises run year-round but winter isn't ideal. Save it for a spring or autumn trip when conditions are better.