If you are looking for the best places to visit in Vietnam in December, I got you. This article covers all that and more. I lived in Vietnam for 6-7 months a few years ago and still remember quite Hanoi during Tet and I would go explore other parts of the country. Whether you are stuck in Hanoi during these uncertain times or planning to head there for a visa run, December is a good time as any to explore what this country has to offer.
Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences for any tourist, and you don’t always need a family to be able to relish them. For solo travelers who are content in their own company, there are many sights to see and journeys to take. There is so much beauty to be observed in Vietnam for solo (female) travelers. Whether you want to add a few more photographs to your portfolio, sharpen your skills as a historian, or simply enjoy time to yourself in tranquil surroundings, Vietnam might be right for you.
Best places to visit in vietnam in december
The Golden Bridge
One of the newer sites – opened in June 2018 – the Golden Bridge is located near Da Nang. It is designed to connect the cable car system with the gardens, providing a scenic view to tourists. It is certainly one of the most recognizable landmarks in Vietnam, made distinguishable by the two giant stone hands along the bridge which seem to be holding the whole structure up.
Rice fields of Hoang Su Phi
You simply have to see the rice fields of Hoang Su Phi in the midst of harvest season. Rice is a pivotal part of agriculture in Vietnam, with 27,000 tonnes of it produced annually. If you’re a nature lover and would like to take a gentle, solitary stroll around the lush fields, then visit with your camera and see nature at its most beautiful. To further embed yourself into the culture, check out Hoang Su Phi’s weekly market held every Sunday. This area is home to many ethnic minorities, meaning you will be getting a diverse slice of Vietnamese culture.
Confucian Temple of Literature
Vietnam has produced many fine scholars throughout its history, all of which are honored and celebrated at the Confucian Temple of Literature. Built-in 1076 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, it later became the site of Vietnam’s first university. The altars there are particularly popular with students who are praying for good grades. One of the guiding principles studied at the university was that of Confucianism, a system of social and ethical philosophy built on the institutions and transcendent ideals of Chinese society. There are five beautiful courtyards consisting of landscaped gardening, halls lined with the names of graduates, and grounds for academic activities and other cultural exhibits. In fact, those of you fortunate enough to lay eyes on a 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote will recognize the temple.
UNESCO listed Hoi An
Hoi An began its life as a southeast Asian trading port dating back to the 15th century. Today, it preserves old-town architecture; including Chinese temples, a Japanese-designed bridge, pagodas, wooden shop-houses, and old canals. Hoi An’s relevance to historic preservation is so great that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1999. In addition to history, there are two glorious beaches and a busy shopping center located here. And when night falls and the lanterns come out, Hoi An becomes akin to a moving portrait. If you’re feeling unsure as to where to start, allow The Wander Blogger to enlighten you on her own travels through Hoi An.
Halong Bay
From Angelina Joie, Brat Pitt to your next-door neighbor pretty much everybody knows or has been here! You can either take a day trip from Hanoi, bike to Ban tho mountain, or book a multi-night cruise trip. If you do decide to stay overnight, it is the best way to experience the sunset and sunrise between all those majestic Karst mountains.
From Hanoi, it takes 4 hours by bus to get to Ha Long Bay which is located in Quang Ninh 160 km in Hanoi. Then once you are on the boat trip or cruise, you can lie on the sunbed, relax, sunbathe, eat lunch, do photography and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the bay. It is an amazing feeling to be on thousands of year old island.
If you are after a bit of adventure, Your boat may have an option to Kayak to Thien Son Cung Cave. Cave offers a nice view of the bay as well. Some would even say your Vietnam tours and holiday is not complete without visiting Halong Bay
Halong Bay truly is an experience of a lifetime. I recommend booking your Halong Bay experience here.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is known as Halong Bay on land! Trang An is located in Ninh Binh, take 3 hours using a bus from Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi.
You can read about the day trip to Ninh Binh here which I personally did only a few months ago and loved it. Just don’t forget to bring an extra layer of clothing as going inside the caves will be slightly cold, wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking around and some snacks.
The best way to enjoy Ninh Binh is to let someone else handle the transportation. I recommend again get your guide Ninh Binh tours.
Serene Sapa
It costs only $12 for 6 hour’s journey whereas the local bus will take all day or all night. You can also benefit from a hotel pick up and drop off in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, English speaking tour guide on the bus, water, and a blanket also provided.
I recommend booking your Hanoi to Sapa bus here.
Once you get off the bus, you may be surrounded by local Hmong ladies asking you to book a homestay with them. You can either ignore them or get their numbers for later. I for one had limited time, so I got one of the ladies’ numbers and had a homestay experience for 1 night.
If you don’t know homestay is a style of travel where you stay with the local family in their house, they give you food and a bed to sleep in and also happy water (local rice wine) songs, and dance. It works on the set price you agree with homestay ladies beforehand. I would say $15 is a decent price to pay for everything including the trip. Based on your agreement with the local family, they can also take you to the local waterfalls and tea farms.
Travel Tips to Hanoi, Vietnam
Below are the five important things to consider for making your Vietnam travels that much easier.
1. Install Grab App
First thing first, download the Grab app for transport in Asia. Forget paying overcharged metered taxis, not only in Vietnam but almost everywhere in Asia, everyone uses Grab not Uber. For my readers, here is the discounted ride with Grab (up to VND 30000 off)! Just register using this referral code GRABANNASMATE, and save your hard-earned money.
2. Arrival/Departure in Style
We all want to save money but if you can arrive in style and convenience (Your professional driver will be waiting for you on arrival with a personal welcome sign) or leave Vietnam in style for only $14 USD. There is no reason not to and you will never have to rush through the public bus again. Book it here.
3. Unlimited Data Sim card
While traveling, having a data sim card makes everything that much easier. Imagine meeting new friends, and making travel plans together, but missing out on all the convos. We all know having a working phone with the internet is like having a world at your fingertips. Just skip the hassle of looking around, pre-order this unlimited data sim card ($9 USD for 30 days), and receive free delivery to your accommodation as well! Buy yours here.
4. Multi-Day Trips
After you visit all these muse-see cafes and all the other cool things Hanoi has to offer. Like everyone else, you will probably want to see Halong Bay and Sapa in the north of Vietnam. Experience the karst landscape of Halong Bay on a 2-day cruise, with round-trip transfers from Hanoi. Book it here.
For Sapa, you can book the 2-day/1 night tour that has more value as it comes with the limo ride, village life, and cultural experience. Check it out here.
5. Where to stay in Hanoi?
There are numerous choices when it comes to accommodation from all five stars hotels to hostels. If you are a solo female traveling to Hanoi and looking for accommodation, please read the recent reviews, and check the location to make sure it is exactly where you want to be. For example: If you are visiting for only a few days you may not want to be far away Vs staying close to the old town. And if you are after a relaxing holiday you may prefer the little secluded stay.
That being said, wherever you stay make sure to book with a legit website such as Booking.com Most hotels and hostels also offer free WIFI, and some also offer free beers! Here are some places I suggest:
To meet other travelers/backpackers
Youth Hostel
Drift Backpackers Hostel, Nusmile’s Homestay & Travel, Hanoi Buffalo Hostel, or Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
Mid Tier
Ja Cosmo Hotel and Spa, SOJO Hotel Ga Hanoi, Hanoi Paon Hotel & Spa, Imperial Hotel & Spa, La Sinfonía Majesty Hotel and Spa
Luxury
Grand Mercure Hanoi, Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel, Aira Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa, or Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake
Let me know in the comments:
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