Things to Do in Hochiminhcity in January

January Weather in Hochiminhcity

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 15mm (0.6 inches) across the month makes it ideal for outdoor exploration and street food tours
Cooler morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) perfect for District 1 walking tours before 10am when crowds are lighter
Tet Holiday preparations create vibrant flower markets and special foods unavailable other months - bánh chưng and mut (candied fruits) appear everywhere
Tourism infrastructure runs smoothly without monsoon disruptions - consistent ferry schedules to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day trips

Considerations

Peak tourist season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to September - book minimum 6 weeks ahead or pay premium rates
Afternoon temperatures reach 32°C (90°F) with 70% humidity making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable without frequent breaks
Many local businesses close 7-10 days around Tet (late January/early February 2025) limiting authentic local experiences during holiday week

Best Activities in January

Mekong Delta Floating Markets Tours

January's low rainfall makes boat travel comfortable and reliable. Cai Rang floating market operates at full capacity during dry season with vendors selling seasonal fruits like dragon fruit and rambutan. Morning departures at 6am avoid afternoon heat and offer best photo opportunities with golden light reflecting off water.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead through operators offering air-conditioned transport. Tours typically cost 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($48-72) including lunch. Look for operators with life jackets and English-speaking guides. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Street Food Walking Tours in District 1

Cool morning temperatures and dry weather create perfect conditions for exploring Ben Thanh Market area and Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. January brings special Tet holiday foods like bánh ít and chè ba màu. Evening tours benefit from pleasant 26°C (79°F) temperatures and bustling night market atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Evening tours typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48) for 3-4 hours including 8-10 food tastings. Book through operators who provide bottled water and wet wipes. Morning tours start 8am, evening tours 5pm. See current options in booking section below.

Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Tours

Dry January weather means tunnel interiors stay comfortable and accessible. No mud or flooding issues that occur during rainy season. Cooler morning temperatures make the 1.5km (0.9 mile) walking tour through jungle sections manageable. January's clear skies provide excellent conditions for outdoor shooting range activities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 600,000-900,000 VND ($24-36) including transport. Book morning departures (8am pickup) to avoid afternoon heat. Look for tours including Ben Dinh tunnels (less crowded than Ben Duoc). Transport takes 90 minutes each way. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

Saigon Skydeck and Rooftop Bar Experiences

January's clear, dry weather offers optimal visibility from Bitexco Tower and other high-rise venues. Evening temperatures around 28°C (82°F) make rooftop dining comfortable. Sunset timing around 6pm creates perfect golden hour photography conditions across the Saigon River.

Booking Tip: Skydeck tickets cost 200,000-300,000 VND ($8-12) for adults. Book sunset time slots (5:30-6:30pm) in advance during peak season. Rooftop bars typically require minimum spend of 500,000 VND ($20) per person. See current booking options below.

War Remnants Museum and Historical Walking Tours

Air-conditioned indoor exhibits provide relief from 32°C (90°F) afternoon temperatures while outdoor courtyard displays are comfortable during morning visits. January's dry weather makes the 2km (1.2 mile) walking route connecting Independence Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral pleasant for history enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs 40,000 VND ($1.60) for adults. Combined historical walking tours typically cost 400,000-600,000 VND ($16-24) for 4-hour experiences. Book morning tours starting 8am to avoid crowds and heat. Audio guides available for additional 100,000 VND ($4). Check booking section for current guided tour options.

Motorbike Food Tours Through Local Districts

Dry roads and minimal rain make January ideal for motorbike passenger tours through Districts 3, 10, and Binh Thanh. Cool evening temperatures and bustling street life create authentic experiences visiting local eateries unavailable to walking tours. January brings special pre-Tet festive atmosphere to neighborhood markets.

Booking Tip: Evening motorbike food tours cost 1,000,000-1,500,000 VND ($40-60) for 4-5 hours including helmet and multiple food stops. Book with operators providing insurance coverage and experienced drivers. Tours typically run 5pm-10pm. Rain ponchos provided but rarely needed in January. See current tour operators in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to Late January

Tet Holiday Flower Markets

Traditional yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai) and peach blossoms transform Nguyen Hue Street and surrounding areas. Local families shop for kumquat trees and chrysanthemums. Markets operate 24/7 the week before Tet with vendors selling traditional decorations and special holiday foods.

Mid to Late January

Tet Traditional Food Festivals

Street vendors throughout District 1 sell traditional Tet foods like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes) and mut (candied fruits). Ben Thanh Market hosts special sections dedicated to holiday specialties. Many foods only available during this 2-week period annually.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during midday hours and reflects strongly off concrete in District 1

Lightweight cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps moisture and becomes uncomfortable

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in malls and temples can be slippery from air conditioning condensation

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - brief afternoon showers occur 3-4 days during the month lasting 15-20 minutes

Portable fan or cooling towel - useful during midday temple visits and outdoor market browsing when temperatures reach 32°C (90°F)

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes are active during evening food tours and riverside dinner locations

Moisture-wicking undergarments - essential for comfort during humid conditions and long walking tours

Light scarf or shawl - required for temple visits and useful in over-air-conditioned restaurants and malls

Waterproof phone case - protects against humidity and occasional rain during motorbike tours and river trips

Electrolyte tablets or powder - important for staying hydrated during outdoor activities in humid conditions

Insider Knowledge

Many family-run restaurants close for 7-10 days around Tet holiday (January 29-February 5, 2025) - tourist areas stay open but authentic local spots shut down, so plan accordingly

Book accommodations before December 15th to avoid 40-60% price increases during peak season - many mid-range hotels sell out completely by early January

ATMs often run out of cash during Tet week as locals withdraw money for holiday spending - withdraw extra cash before January 25th and keep backup cards

District 1 parking becomes extremely limited during flower market season (mid-late January) - use Grab motorbike taxis instead of cars for faster navigation through crowded streets

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-3pm when temperatures peak at 32°C (90°F) - locals avoid midday sun and you should too

Not checking Tet holiday closures - assuming all restaurants and attractions operate normally during the 7-10 day holiday period in late January

Underestimating air conditioning intensity - bringing only summer clothes then freezing in malls, restaurants, and tour buses that often run AC at 18°C (64°F)