Vietnam events in January focus on New Year celebrations, the Moc Chau trail marathon and preparations for Tet. The north is cooler, while the south generally has warm, dry weather.
January 2027 also has several specific reasons to plan a trip. The Vietnam Trail Marathon takes place in Moc Chau on January 16, Hoi An’s monthly lantern night falls on January 21, and the final days of January bring the beginning of the most visible Tet preparations across the country.
There is an important distinction for travelers: Tet itself does not begin until February 6, 2027. January visitors experience the build-up to the holiday rather than the main national celebration.
This guide focuses on the January events and seasonal experiences that are genuinely useful for travelers rather than filling the calendar with weak business conferences or local events with little tourist value.
Before planning your route, check our Vietnam Weather by Month Guide because January weather varies dramatically between northern, central and southern Vietnam.
Best Vietnam Events in January
| Event | Date | Location | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| International New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide | Public holiday and city celebrations |
| Vietnam Trail Marathon | January 16 | Moc Chau | Mountain race, flowers and highland scenery |
| Hoi An Full-Moon Lantern Night | January 21 | Hoi An | Lanterns, traditional culture and evening atmosphere |
| Kitchen Gods Day / Ông Công Ông Táo | January 30 | Nationwide | Traditional pre-Tet customs |
| Pre-Tet Flower Markets | Late January | Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and nationwide | Flowers, decorations and local New Year traditions |
| Da Lat Flower Season | January | Da Lat | Flowers, gardens and cool highland weather |
Vietnam Events in January: New Year’s Day
Date: January 1, 2027
Location: Nationwide
Type: Public holiday
January begins with International New Year’s Day, which is an official public holiday in Vietnam.
Major cities normally mark the occasion with entertainment, decorations, concerts and countdown-related activities around the end of December and beginning of January.
For travelers, January 1 is more important as a public holiday than as a traditional Vietnamese festival. Shopping malls, tourist attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues generally remain active, although some businesses may operate on holiday schedules.
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are the easiest destinations for travelers who want to experience large public celebrations.
In Da Nang, the New Year Festival runs from December 30 to January 3 along Bach Dang Pedestrian Street and around the Dragon Bridge, and a concert is planned for January 1 at the Da Nang Museum.
If you are arriving in Hanoi for the New Year period, our Hanoi Airport to City Center Guide covers the main ways to reach the city.
Vietnam Events in January: Moc Chau Trail Marathon
Date: January 16, 2027
Location: Moc Chau, Son La Province
Type: International trail-running event
The Vietnam Trail Marathon is the clearest date-specific sporting event on the January 2027 calendar.
The ninth edition takes place in Moc Chau on January 16, 2027. The official Vietnam Trail Series lists five race distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, 50km and 70km.
The race is not only interesting for runners. Moc Chau is one of Northern Vietnam’s most attractive mountain destinations in January, with tea plantations, rural villages and seasonal blossom landscapes.
Why Visit Moc Chau in January?
- Cool mountain weather.
- Seasonal plum and other blossom landscapes.
- Tea plantations and rural scenery.
- Traditional villages and local communities.
- A major international trail-running event.
The race routes pass through a mixture of hills, valleys, villages, orchards and tea plantations, giving spectators and accompanying travelers plenty to explore outside the competition itself.
If you are traveling from Hanoi, Moc Chau works particularly well as part of a northern Vietnam road trip.
Moc Chau is about 4 to 4.5 hours from Hanoi. Buses on the Hanoi–Son La and Hanoi–Dien Bien routes pass through Moc Chau and leave from My Dinh or Yen Nghia bus station. Most accommodation is around the Muong Thanh hotel, where the 21 km, 50 km and 70 km races start, and the organizers recommend booking both a bus ticket and a room at least a month ahead. Shuttle buses take 5 km and 10 km runners from the hotel to their start lines and bring all runners back from the finish. Supporters can assist runners only at designated checkpoints and must arrange their own transport, since the shuttles are for runners only. Taxis and rented motorbikes are the way to get around town.
For a broader regional itinerary, see our North Vietnam Travel Guide.
Vietnam Events in January: Hoi An Lantern Night
Date: January 21, 2027
Location: Hoi An Ancient Town
Type: Recurring cultural event
Hoi An’s famous full-moon lantern celebration is one of the easiest cultural events to add to a January itinerary.
The Hoi An lantern night is expected on January 21, 2027, based on the lunar calendar. Check the local program before visiting.
During the evening, the Ancient Town becomes especially atmospheric as traditional lanterns illuminate the streets and the area around the Thu Bon River.
Visitors can see lantern displays, traditional performances and other activities in the historic center.
This is a recurring monthly event rather than a special one-off January festival, but choosing your travel dates around the full moon can make a significant difference to the atmosphere of a Hoi An visit.
Should You Stay Overnight?
Yes. If the lantern night is one of the main reasons you are visiting Hoi An, staying overnight is much better than making a short day trip from Da Nang.
The most atmospheric period is after sunset, when the Old Town and riverside become the focus of the evening activities.
If you are deciding between the two destinations, see our Da Nang vs Hoi An Comparison.
You can also use our Da Nang to Hoi An Guide if you decide to base yourself in Da Nang.
Vietnam Events in January: Kitchen Gods Day
Date: January 30, 2027
Location: Nationwide
Type: Traditional Vietnamese observance
Kitchen Gods Day, known in Vietnamese as Ông Công Ông Táo, is one of the most important traditional events immediately before Tet.
In 2027, the observance falls on January 30, the 23rd day of the final lunar month. Vietnamese families traditionally prepare offerings and bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods, who are believed to return to heaven before the Lunar New Year.
For visitors, this is less about attending a formal public festival and more about observing the beginning of the final Tet preparations.
You may see families buying flowers, fruit and traditional foods, preparing offerings and cleaning their homes.
In Hanoi, the Old Quarter and traditional markets become particularly interesting toward the end of January as Tet decorations and seasonal products begin appearing in larger quantities.
Why Is Kitchen Gods Day Interesting for Tourists?
- It marks the beginning of the final Tet countdown.
- Traditional markets become increasingly busy.
- Flowers and New Year decorations appear throughout cities.
- Families begin preparing traditional foods.
- You can see everyday Vietnamese traditions rather than a staged tourist festival.
If you want to experience Vietnam’s cultural side, the last few days of January can be more interesting than the beginning of the month.
Our Vietnam for First-Timers Guide is useful if this is your first trip to the country.
Vietnam Before Tet: Late-January Preparations
Period: Late January 2027
Location: Nationwide
Type: Seasonal cultural experience
Tet 2027 begins on February 6, but the atmosphere starts changing noticeably during the final week of January.
This is one of the most interesting periods for travelers who want to experience Vietnamese culture without necessarily traveling during the busiest days of the Tet holiday itself.
Markets become filled with seasonal flowers and decorations. Businesses and homes are cleaned and decorated, while families begin buying ingredients for traditional New Year dishes.
What Will You See?
- Peach blossoms in northern Vietnam.
- Yellow apricot blossoms in southern Vietnam.
- Kumquat trees and decorative plants.
- Red Tet banners and decorations.
- Traditional sweets and New Year foods.
- Busy flower markets.
- More domestic travel toward the end of the month.
Hanoi is particularly interesting because the Old Quarter and traditional markets provide an easy way to see the preparations while continuing to enjoy normal sightseeing.
Ho Chi Minh City offers a warmer version of the same seasonal atmosphere, with large flower displays and increasingly busy shopping areas.
For the south, see our South Vietnam Travel Guide.
Vietnam Events in January: Before Tet Begins
It is easy to confuse the Tet preparation period with Tet itself.
In 2027, the key dates are:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 30 | Kitchen Gods Day |
| January 31–February 4 | Final Tet preparations |
| February 5 | Tet Eve |
| February 6 | First day of Tet |
| February 7 | Second day of Tet |
| February 8 | Third day of Tet |
The official holiday schedule can include additional days off around the main dates. Travelers continuing from January into early February should therefore expect increasingly heavy domestic travel demand.
For 2027, the Ministry of Home Affairs has set a seven-day Tet break for civil servants and public employees from Thursday, February 4 to Wednesday, February 10, running from the 28th day of the last lunar month to the 5th day of the first lunar month. Five of those days are official holidays and two are compensatory days. Private employers choose their own plan, with breaks that start on February 3, 4 or 5, so closing dates vary from business to business.
Tet is Vietnam’s most important traditional holiday and falls in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar.
If you are planning to travel during the actual Tet holiday, do not treat January travel conditions as representative of February. Transport and business opening hours can change significantly during Tet.
Vietnam Events in January: Da Lat Flowers
Location: Da Lat
Type: Seasonal flower and highland experience
Da Lat is one of the best destinations in Vietnam for travelers who want cooler temperatures and flowers in January.
The city is famous for its gardens, flower farms, pine forests and highland climate.
January is also a good time to explore Da Lat after the main December holiday season, when the city remains visually attractive but can be less event-focused than during major festival periods.
Da Lat has seasonal flower displays in January, although festival programs vary by year.
For January 2027, travelers should treat specific Da Lat festival dates as subject to official confirmation rather than assuming the 2026 schedule repeats exactly.
The 2026 Da Lat Flower Festival is planned to close on the evening of December 31 with an arts program welcoming 2027, so its main programs are over by January.
The seasonal flower landscape itself, however, remains a strong reason to visit.
If you are coming from Nha Trang, our Nha Trang to Da Lat Guide covers the main transport options.
Vietnam Events in January: Regional Weather
January is one of the months when Vietnam’s regional climate differences are especially obvious.
Northern Vietnam
Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang and the northern mountains can be cool or cold in January.
Mountain destinations can be particularly chilly, especially at night and early in the morning.
The cooler weather is excellent for hiking and sightseeing if you bring appropriate clothing.
Moc Chau is particularly attractive in January because of its mountain scenery and seasonal blossoms.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam is generally becoming drier as January progresses, although rain is still possible in Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue.
Temperatures are usually much more comfortable than during the hot summer months.
January can therefore be a good month for cultural sightseeing in Hoi An and nearby destinations, especially if you avoid the wettest periods.
Southern Vietnam
Southern Vietnam is generally warm and relatively dry in January.
Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc are strong choices for travelers looking for sunshine and beach weather.
If you are comparing the country’s major regions, our North vs South Vietnam Comparison can help.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam in January
| Destination | Best January Experience | Weather |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Pre-Tet culture, Old Quarter and winter sightseeing | Cool and sometimes cloudy |
| Moc Chau | Vietnam Trail Marathon, tea hills and blossoms | Cool |
| Sapa | Mountain scenery and winter hiking | Cold and sometimes foggy |
| Hoi An | Lantern night and Ancient Town | Mild and potentially wet |
| Da Lat | Flowers and cool highland weather | Cool and relatively dry |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Warm weather and Tet preparations | Warm and relatively dry |
| Phu Quoc | Beach holiday | Warm and generally dry |
For more destination ideas, see our Best Places to Visit in Vietnam Guide.
Travel Tips for Vietnam in January
- Pack layers for northern Vietnam: Hanoi can feel chilly, while mountain destinations can be considerably colder.
- Book late-January transport early: demand begins increasing as Vietnamese travelers prepare to return home for Tet.
- Expect more activity in markets: flower and Tet markets become increasingly busy toward the end of the month.
- Do not assume Tet starts in January: the main holiday begins on February 6, 2027.
- Keep Central Vietnam flexible: rain is still possible in Hoi An and surrounding areas.
- Choose the south for warmth: January is generally one of the better months for Phu Quoc and southern beach destinations.
- Carry cash for traditional markets: smaller vendors may not accept international cards.
- Book popular northern accommodation ahead: Moc Chau, Sapa and other mountain destinations can become busy around major events.
Our Vietnam Currency: Cash or Card Guide explains when you should carry Vietnamese cash.
If you are traveling between several regions, use our Vietnam Transport Guide to compare flights, trains and buses.
Vietnam Events in January: Quick Calendar
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | International New Year’s Day | Nationwide |
| January 16 | Vietnam Trail Marathon 2027 | Moc Chau |
| January 21 | Hoi An Full-Moon Lantern Night | Hoi An |
| January 30 | Kitchen Gods Day | Nationwide |
| Late January | Pre-Tet flower markets and preparations | Nationwide |
| January | Da Lat flower season | Da Lat |
Which January Experience Is Best for You?
Best for Mountains: Moc Chau
Moc Chau is the strongest choice if you want a specific January event combined with mountain scenery.
The January 16 Vietnam Trail Marathon gives the destination a clear date on the calendar, while the surrounding countryside provides plenty to do for non-runners.
Best for Vietnamese Culture: Hanoi at the End of January
If your goal is to see Vietnamese culture rather than attend a formal festival, spend the final days of January in Hanoi.
The beginning of the Tet preparation period, traditional markets and seasonal decorations provide a much more authentic experience than a generic tourist event.
Best for Lanterns: Hoi An
Choose Hoi An if you want a memorable evening cultural experience.
The January 21 full-moon lantern night is the obvious date to target.
Best for Warm Weather: Phu Quoc
If you are escaping winter, southern Vietnam is the strongest choice.
Phu Quoc is particularly attractive for travelers looking for beaches, sunshine and resort weather in January.
See our Best Beaches in Vietnam Guide for more ideas.
What About APEC 2027?
Vietnam is hosting APEC 2027, with Phu Quoc selected as the venue for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and other important meetings.
However, APEC Leaders’ Week should not currently be listed as a January 2027 event.
APEC Leaders’ Week should not be listed as a January event without confirmed January dates.
We will update this section once the official schedule provides confirmed dates relevant to January travelers.
Bottom Line
January 2027 is a very good month for travelers who want cooler northern weather, warm southern beaches and the first signs of Vietnam’s Tet season.
The strongest date-specific event is the Vietnam Trail Marathon on January 16 in Moc Chau, which combines an international sporting event with one of Northern Vietnam’s most attractive seasonal landscapes.
Hoi An’s January 21 lantern night is another easy event to build a trip around, while the January 30 Kitchen Gods Day marks the beginning of the final Tet countdown.
For travelers interested in Vietnamese culture, the last few days of January may actually be more interesting than the beginning of the month because markets, flowers, decorations and traditional preparations become increasingly visible.
Just remember that Tet itself begins on February 6, 2027. If your trip continues into February, transport and accommodation demand can change significantly.
For a wider itinerary, start with our Best Places to Visit in Vietnam Guide and then choose your route according to the regional January weather.
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