Things to Do in Hochiminhcity in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Hochiminhcity
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season with only 4 rainy days - perfect for walking tours and street food exploration without constant umbrella carrying
- Comfortable evening temperatures of 22-25°C (72-77°F) make rooftop bars and night markets genuinely pleasant instead of sweltering
- Lowest humidity levels of the year at 70% - your clothes actually dry and you won't be drenched in sweat within 10 minutes of leaving AC
- Christmas and New Year festivities create unique fusion celebrations in District 1 with elaborate decorations and special events at luxury hotels
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means Bui Vien Street becomes shoulder-to-shoulder crowded after 8pm and popular restaurants have 30+ minute waits
- Hotel rates increase 40-60% compared to September, with decent District 1 accommodations starting at $80+ instead of usual $50
- Flight prices from Europe and North America peak during Christmas weeks - expect to pay 25-30% more than November bookings
Best Activities in December
Mekong Delta Day Tours
December's dry conditions make the 1.5-hour drive to Ben Tre comfortable, and low water levels reveal more islands for exploration. Temperatures stay pleasant 26-28°C (79-82°F) during boat rides. The post-harvest season means you'll see traditional rice paper making and sample the sweetest seasonal fruits like rambutan and dragon fruit.
District 1 Street Food Walking Tours
December evenings are ideal for street food exploration - 24°C (75°F) temperatures mean you can actually enjoy hot pho and banh mi without overheating. Low rainfall means food stalls operate consistently. This is peak season for che ba mau (three-color dessert) and warm banh chung near Tet preparation time.
Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple Combined Tours
Dry season makes the 1-hour drive on Highway 22 dust-free and comfortable. December temperatures of 28-30°C (82-86°F) are manageable for underground tunnel crawling, unlike the 35°C+ (95°F+) heat of dry season peak months. Cao Dai prayer services at noon provide air-conditioned relief and cultural insight.
Saigon River Sunset Cruises
December offers the year's most comfortable evening temperatures for outdoor deck seating. Clear skies mean unobstructed sunset views over District 2's skyline development. The 6pm-8pm timing perfectly coincides with golden hour, and you'll avoid the scorching afternoon heat that makes day cruises unbearable in dry season.
War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace Historical Tours
Air-conditioned museums provide perfect respite during December's warmest midday hours (11am-3pm). December marks significant historical anniversaries, and local guides offer enhanced context during this reflective time of year. The 15-minute walk between locations is actually pleasant in December's lower humidity.
Binh Tay Market and Cholon District Cultural Tours
December pre-Tet preparations make Cholon's wholesale markets incredibly active with traditional goods, decorations, and special foods. Morning temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) make the crowded market halls bearable. This is the best time to see traditional Tet cake preparation and buy authentic Vietnamese ingredients.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Celebrations in District 1
Major hotels like Rex and Caravelle host elaborate Christmas buffets and decorations. Nguyen Hue Walking Street features large Christmas displays and evening concerts. Catholic churches in District 3 hold special midnight masses with Vietnamese carol services.
New Year's Eve Countdown at Nguyen Hue
Massive outdoor celebration with live music, fireworks at midnight, and street food vendors. Expect crowds of 50,000+ people. Nearby rooftop bars offer premium viewing with advance reservations required.