Many people travel abroad to escape the cold weather at home. They are looking for something exotic with tropical climate where they can lay on the beach all day long, happy to know they left the minus degrees at home. Traveling to Vietnam will definitely ensure you a warm vacation. However, the climate in Vietnam isn’t always warm – quite the contrary. The country also has their winter season. The cooler months starts from late October until February, and in some parts of the country, you’d better wear a thick jacket if you want to feel warm.

But what’s good about Vietnam is that there’s always a part of the country that will be warm. You just have to know where to go to avoid the cold. If you are looking for that tropical climate, the further south you go, the better. The average temperature in the south is between 25-35 celsius all year round. There’s two seasons in Vietnam: wet and dry. The dry season begins in November and ends early May, so winter time is in fact, a very good period to visit Vietnam. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to go to in the south if you want a warm vacation:

1. Nha Trang

Happy couple on the beach of Nha Trang

This popular beach city is perfect for the ones who wants a proper beach vacation. The crystal clear water, long stretch of coastline and warm temperature all makes this a good place to visit during the winter months. It’s located on the southern coast of Vietnam and has a lot of beautiful resorts where you can stay with your family, friends or why not just by yourself! Treat yourself to a luxurious vacation, in one of Vietnam’s most popular beach spots.

2. Hoi An

Hoi An is a little pearl with a tropical climate that you can enjoy all year. There are some cooler days here though, with an average temperature of 19-24 during the coolest months of the year, December and January. However, you’ll most likely have warmer days than that, where you can rent a bike and hit the beach. At night, it’s usually enough with a warmer sweater. In fact, it’s the perfect time to go because it’s not too hot, so you can walk around in the old town for hours without feeling uncomfortable because of the scorching sun.

3. Phu Quoc

A tourist relaxes at the Bai Sao Beach, Phu Quoc.

You can always count with sun on this island in the south of Vietnam. Thanks to its tropical monsoon climate, the island gets consistently warm temperatures. It does help that the island is incredibly beautiful too, with unspoilt beaches. Tourism has started to pick up there and you’ll find plenty of accommodation, dining options and a wide range of outdoor activities here. Sounds like the perfect getaway, right!

4. Con Dao

Unlike Phu Quoc, Con Dao is a bit more unexplored and still considered a “hidden gem”. Just as Phu Quoc, this island benefits from pleasant weather all year round. It’s a little less accessible than Phu Quoc, you’ll need to catch a flight to get here, but it’s really worth it if you want a more calm and serene vacation. Tourism is still developing here, but you’ll often find yourself alone on the roads and. perhaps the best thing, on the beaches! Imagine yourself lying all alone on a white sand beach, with nothing but the sound of the waves. That’s what you can get if you go to Con Dao.

5. Ho Chi Minh City

Bui Vien Street-in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

When island life has become a bit too quiet for you and you crave something livelier, you have to visit Vietnam’s biggest city. One thing that HCMC promises is FUN. As it’s in the south of Vietnam, you’ll be able to walk around in a t-shirt and shorts here during the winter months. Remember to visit all the amazing rooftop terraces, quirky cafés, high-end restaurants and the museums, where you can get a glimpse into Vietnam’s tumultuous past. There’s also tours going to Cu Chi Tunnels everyday, which makes for a good day trip. HCMC is the city of motorbikes, so brace yourself when you cross the street – it’s a crazy, but also quite fun, experience.

6. Mui Ne

A tourist performing yoga on the beach of Vietnam (Mui Ne Beach)

Have you always wanted to try kitesurfing? Or do you want to see sand dunes in Southeast Asia? Then you must visit Mui Ne! This quaint beach town becomes quite the party place at night, but is also very family friendly, with lots of resorts and hotels to choose from. People flock here because of the kitesurfing opportunities. Everyday the beaches are filled with people going kitesurfing. The weather is always good and the wind is great for this sporty activity. You must also visit the red and white sand dunes in Mui Ne. You can either do a tour, where you’ll go with a group of people and visit both the sand dunes, or you can do it independently. If you have a motorbike, it’s easily done. Just remember to go for sunrise or sunset – that’s when the sand dunes shows off its prettiest sides.

On another note… Remember to get your Vietnam visa in order to enter the country. Apply for either a Visa on Arrival, E-Visa or get it at your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. Please note that the E-Visa is only eligible for certain nationalities.