Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season peak - January has the least rainfall of any month with only 0.0mm (0.0 inches), making it perfect for outdoor exploration and motorbike tours through the city
Comfortable temperatures - Daily highs of 32°C (89°F) and lows of 23°C (74°F) create ideal conditions for walking tours and street food hunting without the oppressive heat of April-May
Tet Festival proximity - January leads up to Lunar New Year (late January/early February 2025), creating vibrant market scenes, special foods like bánh chưng, and decorated streets throughout District 1
Tourist season peak benefits - All attractions operate full hours, river cruise schedules are maximized, and the best local tour guides are active, plus January flight deals from December continue

Considerations

Higher accommodation prices - January is peak season with hotel rates 40-60% higher than low season months, particularly around Tet Festival when many properties have 3-night minimums
Increased crowds at major sites - Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta tours can have 2-3x normal capacity, requiring advance booking and earlier departure times to beat the crowds
Tet closure period - Many local restaurants and small businesses close for 3-5 days during Tet Festival (late January), limiting authentic dining experiences during this traditional family time

Best Activities in January

Mekong Delta Day Tours

January's dry conditions make river levels perfect for boat navigation through narrow canals, while fruit orchards are in peak season with rambutan and longan harvests. The 70% humidity feels comfortable on water, and clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for floating markets and traditional villages.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators with insurance. Day tours typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48) including lunch and boat transfers. Choose morning departures (8am) to avoid afternoon heat and crowds. Look for tours that include Cai Rang floating market access.

Street Food Walking Tours

Cool January evenings (23°C/74°F) create perfect conditions for exploring food districts like District 1 and Chinatown. Vendors serve hot dishes comfortably, and the dry weather means outdoor seating at sidewalk restaurants. January features seasonal specialties like bánh ít lá gai and fresh spring rolls with new herbs.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (6pm-9pm) work best in January weather. Expect to pay 600,000-900,000 VND ($24-36) for 3-4 hour guided tours including 8-10 tastings. Book through operators who provide bottled water and know English-speaking vendor locations. See current tours in the booking section below.

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Trips

January's dry soil conditions make tunnel exploration safer and more comfortable, with less mud and better visibility underground. The moderate humidity reduces claustrophobic feelings in narrow passages, while clear weather ensures reliable transportation on rural roads 70km (43 miles) northwest of the city.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (8am departure) avoid peak heat and crowds. Half-day trips cost 400,000-600,000 VND ($16-24) including transport and guide. Choose operators that provide historical context and access to both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc tunnel sections. Book 5-7 days ahead during January peak season.

Saigon River Evening Cruises

January's clear skies and gentle 23°C (74°F) evening temperatures create ideal conditions for sunset cruises along the Saigon River. Low rainfall means consistent schedules, while the dry season provides excellent city skyline views and comfortable outdoor deck seating for the 1.5-2 hour journeys.

Booking Tip: Sunset cruises (5:30pm-7:30pm) are most popular - book 3-5 days ahead. Dinner cruises range from 800,000-1,500,000 VND ($32-60) depending on meal inclusion. Traditional wooden boats offer better cultural experience than modern vessels. Check current availability in booking section below.

Motorbike City Tours

January's dry roads and minimal rainfall create optimal conditions for exploring Ho Chi Minh City by motorbike. Clear weather allows for safe navigation through Districts 1, 3, and 7, while comfortable temperatures make protective gear bearable. The dry season reduces traffic accidents and provides reliable scheduling.

Booking Tip: Afternoon tours (2pm-6pm) work well in January's moderate heat. Full-day tours cost 1,000,000-1,800,000 VND ($40-72) including bike, fuel, and guide. Ensure operators provide helmets and basic insurance coverage. International driving permits required for self-drive options.

Cao Dai Temple and Tay Ninh Day Trips

January's clear weather ensures reliable 90km (56 mile) road trips to Tay Ninh province for Cao Dai temple ceremonies. The dry season means better road conditions and on-time arrivals for the important noon prayer service, while comfortable temperatures make the 2-3 hour round trip journey pleasant.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost 700,000-1,000,000 VND ($28-40) including temple entry and lunch. Departure must be by 9am to reach noon prayer service. Choose operators familiar with temple etiquette and photography rules. Often combined with Cu Chi Tunnels for full-day experiences.

January Events & Festivals

All of January, intensifying mid-to-late month

Tet Festival Preparations

Throughout January, flower markets bloom along Nguyen Hue Boulevard and District 1 with traditional mai (yellow apricot) and dao (peach) blossoms. Night markets extend hours selling traditional foods, red envelopes, and decorations. This pre-Tet period offers cultural immersion without the business closures of actual Tet days.

Late January 2025 (exact dates vary by lunar calendar)

Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival

The most important Vietnamese celebration typically falls in late January or early February 2025. Traditional dragon dances occur in Chinatown (District 5), special temple ceremonies happen at Jade Emperor Pagoda, and fireworks displays light up the Saigon River. Many locals return home, creating unique cultural observation opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton shirts and breathable fabrics - avoid polyester in 70% humidity conditions that make synthetic materials uncomfortable and sticky

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 during peak hours (11am-3pm), requiring serious sun protection for outdoor activities

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - while January averages 0.0mm rainfall, brief afternoon showers still occur on 10 days of the month

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in temples and wet tiles after rain showers can be slippery throughout the city

Modest clothing for temple visits - long pants and covered shoulders required at major sites like Jade Emperor Pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral

Portable water bottle - staying hydrated in 32°C (89°F) heat and 70% humidity is essential during walking tours and outdoor exploration

Cash in small denominations - street food vendors and local transport require Vietnamese dong in 10,000-50,000 VND notes for convenience

Hand sanitizer and tissues - essential for street food adventures and public restroom visits throughout the city districts

Lightweight scarf - useful for temple coverage, air conditioning protection, and motorbike dust protection during city tours

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before December 15th for January stays - many properties implement peak season pricing and minimum night requirements, especially around Tet Festival period

Eat lunch between 11:30am-1pm when locals do - restaurants serve freshest ingredients during peak hours, and you'll experience authentic dining culture rather than tourist-adjusted timing

Use Grab motorbike taxis during 7-9am and 5-7pm rush hours - cars get stuck in traffic for 45+ minutes while motorbikes navigate through, cutting District 1 to District 3 travel from 45 to 15 minutes

Visit major attractions before 9am or after 4pm in January - peak tourist season creates 2-3x normal crowds at Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum during midday hours