Where to go in Vietnam in winter 2026–2027: choosing the best resort for your vacation

Why you should head to the south of Vietnam in winter

Vietnam stretches nearly 1,700 kilometers from north to south. That's like driving from Moscow to Sochi — except the sea would be on your right the whole time. So the climate varies greatly across the country. In winter, more specifically from November to March, the south (Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Con Dao) enjoys dry, hot weather — perfect for the beach. Air temperatures stay at +30…+32 °C, water warms up to +26…+28 °C. There's practically no rain, and the sea is calm.

Meanwhile, the central region (Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An) may still have remnants of the rainy season (especially in November–December), and the north (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa) is cool — temperatures can drop to +10 °C, and snow even falls in the mountains. So if your goal is the beach and sea, winter definitely means heading south.

Best resorts for winter vacations: a comparison

Phu Quoc — the pearl of the south

Phu Quoc Island is Vietnam's largest island, located 45 km off the coast. From November to March, it's a real paradise here: sun, warmth, sea like warm milk. Phu Quoc's beaches are some of the most beautiful in Vietnam, and in 2008 they were even recognized as the cleanest in the world. White sand, turquoise water, palm trees — everything like a postcard.

What to do on Phu Quoc in winter? Besides classic beach relaxation, you can:

• Take an excursion into the jungle or mountains.
• Visit a pearl farm (the island's second name is "Pearl Island") and a black pepper plantation.
• Go fishing — you can catch not only fish but also squid and crabs.
• Try diving — Phu Quoc is considered one of the best places in Vietnam for underwater exploration.
• In the evening — enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

Important bonus: Phu Quoc has a visa-free regime for citizens of all countries — up to 15 days. So if you're planning a short vacation, you don't need a visa.

Mui Ne and Phan Thiet — Vietnam's Russian corner

Mui Ne is a resort area next to the city of Phan Thiet, about 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It's one of the most popular resorts among Russians. So popular that many cafes have menus in Russian, and signs on the streets are in Russian. In winter, it's dry and warm here, with air temperatures +30…+32 °C and water +26…+27 °C.

Mui Ne's main attraction is its wide sandy beach that stretches along the entire coastline. Hotels are right on the front line — step out of your room and you're on the sand. Infrastructure is well-developed: restaurants, bars, massage parlors, scooter rentals. Mui Ne is also a mecca for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The wind season runs from November to March, so winter is the perfect time.

As for drawbacks: nightlife here is fairly modest, but for a quiet family vacation, it's perfect.

Vung Tau — a budget option near Ho Chi Minh City

Vung Tau is a large city on the southern coast, 125 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Winter here is also warm and dry, with air temperatures +30…+32 °C and water +26 °C. But the beaches here are urban, and not as clean as on Phu Quoc or in Mui Ne. However, if you're on a budget and want sea and sun, Vung Tau is a good option.

What to see in Vung Tau? The main attractions are the lighthouse and the giant 32-meter Jesus statue on top of the mountain. You can also stroll through the city park, visit the market or shopping center. In the evening — sit in a cafe or restaurant. Nightclubs are few and mostly geared toward locals.

Vung Tau is suitable for those who want an affordable seaside vacation while having the option to take an excursion to Ho Chi Minh City.

Con Dao — for solitude and diving

Con Dao Island is located 100 km off the coast. It's one of Vietnam's most secluded resorts. In winter, it's dry and warm, with air temperatures +28…+30 °C and water +26…+27 °C. There are few tourists, the nature is untouched, and diving is considered the best in Vietnam.

The island is part of a national park, so you can see exotic animals and plants here. There are also historical attractions — a political prisoner prison and a cemetery.

Downsides: infrastructure is poorly developed, prices are high, and getting there is difficult (only by plane or ferry). But if you're looking for solitude and willing to pay for it — Con Dao is your choice.

What to do if you still go to the center or north in winter

In winter, central Vietnam (Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hoi An) may still have rain (especially in November–December), while the north (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa) is cool and windy. But if you're not chasing the beach and instead want sightseeing and culture, winter is actually a good time to visit:

• Hanoi — the capital with colonial architecture and the Old Quarter. In winter, it's +15…+20 °C, little rain, so walking is comfortable.
• Halong Bay — a bay with thousands of limestone islands. In winter, it's cool and windy, but if you dress warmly, cruises are possible.
• Sapa — a mountain resort with rice terraces. In winter, it's cold here, and snow even falls in the mountains — perfect for lovers of exotic experiences.
• Hue — the former imperial capital with its citadel and tombs. In winter, it's cool but dry.

So if you're willing to sacrifice the beach for culture and history, you can travel in the center and north even in winter.

Weather in Vietnam by month: a planning table

Below is a complete table of seasons at major resorts. It will help you determine when it's best to visit your chosen destination. Green — ideal, yellow — acceptable, red — not recommended (rain, typhoons, or cold).

As you can see from the table, the best resorts for winter vacations (November–March) are all in the south. In December, the center may still be unsettled, but by February, the weather evens out. In the north, winter is cool, and beach vacations aren't an option.

How to choose a resort based on your travel style

To make it easier for you to decide, we've put together recommendations by travel style for the winter season:

How much does a winter vacation cost at southern resorts (November–March)

High season prices (especially December–February) are higher than in the low season, but still remain affordable compared to European resorts. Here are approximate prices at southern Vietnam resorts during the winter months of 2026–2027:

• Accommodation: guesthouse — from 300,000 VND (11.41 USD) per night; 3* hotel — from 800,000 VND (30.42 USD); 5* hotel — from 2,500,000 VND (95.07 USD).
• Food: lunch at a local cafe — 40,000–80,000 VND (1.52–3.04 USD); seafood dinner at a restaurant — 200,000–500,000 VND (7.61–19.01 USD) per person.
• Scooter rental: 100,000–150,000 VND (3.8–5.7 USD) per day.
• Excursions: from 500,000 VND (19.01 USD) for a group tour.

Prices in the south are slightly higher than in the center and north, but still reasonable.