Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations, known for its lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and centuries-old heritage houses. While the town is beautiful all year round, Hoi An in December has a special appeal. The cooler weather, festive atmosphere, and smaller crowds make this month a wonderful time to discover its cultural treasures at a slower, more intimate pace.
What can you find in this travel blog?
- What’s Hoi An Like in December?
- Best Things to Do in Hoi An in December
- Suggested Tours for December Travelers
- Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An in December
- FAQs
What’s Hoi An Like in December?
Visiting Hoi An in December means cooler temperatures, fewer tourists, and a festive atmosphere. Streets are quieter, yet they glow with lanterns and seasonal decorations. Restaurants and hotels prepare special menus, while cultural events keep the town lively.
Pros:
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Comfortable weather for walking and cycling
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Smaller crowds in the Ancient Town
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Festive spirit with Christmas and New Year celebrations
Cons:
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Occasional showers, especially early in the month
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The beach is less suitable for swimming
Hoi An Weather in December
Days average 19–24°C, while evenings are cooler. Rain still occurs, but it is lighter than in October or November. Pack a light jacket and umbrella for comfort.
Special Events in December
Lantern Festival
Held every lunar month, this festival is even more atmospheric in December. The cooler evenings make it comfortable to stroll and join the celebrations.
UNESCO World Heritage Anniversary (December 4)
On December 4th, Hoi An marks the anniversary of its UNESCO recognition with cultural shows, art exhibitions, and traditional performances. It is one of the best times to experience the town’s community spirit.
Christmas and New Year Festivities
From late December, Hoi An transforms with decorations, music, and special dinners. The New Year countdown by the river, with lanterns and fireworks, offers a unique celebration unlike anywhere else in Vietnam.
Why Visit Hoi An in December?
Hoi An in December offers a side of the town you won’t find in peak season. The weather is cooler, making it easier to walk, cycle, and explore without the summer heat. Crowds are smaller, so you can take your time in the Ancient Town, visit tailor shops without pressure, and enjoy quieter riverside evenings.
What makes December stand out is its festive spirit. Lanterns light up the streets as always, but Christmas decorations, New Year countdowns, and the UNESCO anniversary on December 4th add something special. Even though the beach is not at its best, the cultural charm is stronger than ever.
Best Things to Do in Hoi An in December
Even if the beach is not at its best, December in Hoi An offers plenty of cultural and seasonal highlights.
Join the Lantern Festival
On the 14th day of the lunar month, Hoi An glows with thousands of lanterns. Streets are closed to traffic, making the Old Town peaceful and magical. You can release a lantern on the Thu Bon River, watch traditional performances, and capture beautiful night photos. Arrive before sunset to find a good riverside spot.
Celebrate Christmas and New Year
Although not a Christian town, Hoi An embraces the festive season. Hotels and restaurants decorate with trees, lights, and host gala dinners on December 24th and 25th. On New Year’s Eve, countdown parties and fireworks bring locals and visitors together by the river. If you prefer a quieter evening, enjoy a fine dinner in a heritage house followed by a lantern-lit walk.
Explore the Ancient Town and Tailor Shops
December is perfect for slow exploration. Without heavy crowds, you can truly enjoy sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall & Tan Ky Old House. Tailor shops are less busy, giving you more time to design custom clothing. End your day in a riverside café with a warm cup of tea.
Take a Day Trip Beyond the Town
Cooler weather makes day trips more comfortable. Visit My Son Sanctuary to explore Cham ruins, or cycle to Tra Que Village for a farming and cooking experience. For something different, consider a countryside motorbike ride to see rice fields and craft villages.
Suggested Tours for December Travelers
Option 1: Classic Hoi An & My Son (2 Days)
This short trip is perfect if you want to see Hoi An’s highlights without rushing. Spend your first day wandering Ancient Town, from merchant houses and temples to riverside cafés and tailor shops. In the evening, enjoy dinner by the Thu Bon River before ending the night with the spectacular Hoi An Memories Show, one of the most impressive cultural performances in Vietnam. On the second day, take a morning excursion to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO-listed Cham site surrounded by lush jungle, then return to Hoi An for a lantern-lit evening walk.
Option 2: Hoi An Countryside & Cooking (3 Days)
If you’d like to go deeper into local life, this option combines culture and countryside. Start with Ancient Town’s main attractions before heading out on a cycling trip to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Here, you can try farming activities, join a cooking class with local chefs, and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Over the following days, explore craft villages, join a boat trip along the Thu Bon River, and shop for handmade souvenirs. Evenings are best spent savoring street food and watching the lanterns glow over the water.
Option 3: Central Vietnam Highlights (5 Days)
This itinerary is ideal if you have more time and want to combine Hoi An with nearby gems. Begin with Ancient Town’s rich heritage, then explore My Son Sanctuary for a glimpse of Cham culture. Take a day trip to Hue to discover its Imperial Citadel, or head to Da Nang for the Marble Mountains and the Golden Bridge. Back in Hoi An, you’ll have evenings free for riverside dining and lantern walks. This mix of history, countryside, and coastal beauty offers a well-rounded Central Vietnam journey.
💡From 2-day highlights to 5-day Central Vietnam explorations, Hoi An offers countless ways to enjoy culture, food, and countryside life. At Vietnam Travel Online, we create tailor-made journeys designed around your pace and interests. Explore more with our Vietnam Tours, email us at [email protected], or simply contact us via this form to start planning.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An in December
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Pack light layers: Days are mild, but evenings can be cool. A light jacket or sweater is enough.
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Prepare for showers: Carry a compact umbrella or raincoat for sudden rains. Streets may be slippery, so non-slip shoes help.
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Book early for festive dinners: Many hotels and restaurants host Christmas and New Year events. Reserve in advance if you want a special evening.
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Plan indoor options: If rain interrupts your plans, cooking classes, tailor fittings, or spa visits are excellent alternatives.
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Stay central: Choose accommodation near the Ancient Town to make walking easier, especially on wet evenings.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Hoi An?
Yes. Cooler weather, smaller crowds, and festive events make it an enjoyable month.
Does it rain a lot in December?
Rain is possible, but lighter compared to October or November. Flooding is uncommon.
Can I go to the beach in December?
The sea is rough and the water is cooler, so it’s not the best for swimming.
What should I pack?
Bring a light jacket, umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes.
Are attractions open during Christmas and the New Year?
Yes, most shops and attractions remain open, and many offer special events.
