[LATEST] Saigon Weather in December and Essential Travel Tips

Characteristics of Saigon Weather in December

Situated in the southern part of Vietnam, Saigon skips winter, maintaining a warm and sunny climate year-round. Temperatures range from 25°C - 37°C, peaking in March-April. December marks the transition to a warm and dry season, perfect for exciting events and festivals.

Experience the cozy warmth of Saigon's December weather, making it exceptionally pleasant

Pros and cons of traveling to Saigon in December

Advantages

According to the travel wisdom of Ho Chi Minh City, December is one of the best times to explore the city. The weather is sunny and warm, with temperatures peaking at around 30°C, and you're unlikely to be bothered by inconvenient rain showers.

Exploring Saigon in December allows you to immerse yourself in the festive Christmas atmosphere and the vibrant New Year celebrations that fill every corner and street with enchanting magic. Additionally, it's the time for mega year-end promotions from renowned global brands, luxurious and high-end shopping centers.

Downsides

The downside lies in the fact that Saigon's December weather is so perfect for tourists from all corners of the country, making it a peak travel period. Consequently, prices for all services skyrocket, especially airfares to Ho Chi Minh City during the Christmas and New Year holidays, which can soar to 3-4 million VND per person.

What to prepare when traveling to Saigon in December?

Means of transportation to Saigon

Convenient transportation is a major attraction for Saigon tourism. You can reach here using various modes of transportation such as airplanes, trains, buses, and personal vehicles.

• Buses: Almost all provinces have buses running to Saigon, stopping at the Eastern or Western bus stations. Just book 1-2 weeks in advance, and you'll have your ticket with peace of mind.
• Airplanes: Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the country's leading airport with multiple airline options like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways. Round-trip prices range from 2 million to 4.5 million VND per person. Since it's Saigon's tourist season, plan and book your ticket about 1-2 months in advance for the best prices!
• Trains: Although the journey takes quite a while, you'll get to admire the beautiful landscapes from North to South. Train prices in December start to rise compared to other months in the year, ranging from 500,000 VND and up, depending on the distance and seat class you choose.

Book hotels/tours for Saigon travel

One of the first hotel booking tips for Saigon is to book early, giving you a wide range of choices and sometimes grabbing a great promotional deal. Depending on your budget and the purpose of your trip, consider Saigon hotels ranging from budget options at a few hundred thousand VND to luxurious 4-5-star hotels with an average price of 2-3 million VND per night or more. Here are some of the most booked hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, compiled by Mytour:

Reference price list of Saigon hotels in December

For those traveling to Saigon for the first time, there might be confusion about transportation choices, where to conveniently book hotels, or for larger groups, it's best to opt for a complete Ho Chi Minh City tour package to be fully serviced from A to Z.

Saigon December travel luggage

You don't need to worry too much or overpack for your December Saigon travel luggage because almost at this time, the rains have disappeared. Just bring personal essentials; comfortable and cool clothing suitable for the weather, and other necessary travel accessories. Don't forget essential documents, especially your ID/passport, as you'll need it for airport and train procedures, as well as hotel check-ins.

Light and simple luggage for Saigon December travel

Where to go for Saigon December travel?

Ben Thanh Market: As the largest and liveliest market in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is the central hub for trade, commerce, shopping, and indulging in delicious local cuisine. It's not just a hotspot for tourists but also a bustling destination for the local community. Located at a strategic intersection with all four sides leading to major roads, Ben Thanh Market is incredibly convenient to navigate.

Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office: Standing out on the central street of District 1, the city's central post office is painted in vibrant yellow under the Saigon sunlight. With its distinctive European architecture, arched windows, and intricate carvings, the Saigon Post Office, alongside Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, is always the first stop for travelers exploring the 'Pearl of the Far East'.

Tan Dinh Church: A captivating attraction for tourists in recent years, Tan Dinh Church (also known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church) stands out with its charming pink color made from Italian marble and unique Gothic architecture, reminiscent of famous cathedrals in Europe. Particularly, if you visit Saigon in December, you'll immerse yourself in the beautifully decorated Christmas atmosphere here.

The city's central post office is a top-notch destination when exploring Saigon.

What to Eat When Traveling to Saigon in December?

Hu Tieu Noodles: Mention Saigon cuisine and forgetting this name would be a big miss. A bowl of hu tieu is not only fragrant and visually appealing but also a delicate combination of various ingredients that create a distinctive Saigon taste. You can enjoy hu tieu at any time of the day, whether it's early morning or late night.

Mixed Rice Paper Salad: Not a stranger to the younger generation, thanks to the delightful blend of crispy rice paper cut into small strips mixed with various spices, dried beef, green mango, and the essential sweet and sour tamarind sauce. It forms a unique and addictive snack. You can buy Saigon mixed rice paper salad on the streets, in parks, or at local eateries.

Indulge in local specialties during your December trip to Saigon.

Tips for Traveling to Saigon in December

Being the most dynamic and youthful city in the country, Saigon locals are open-minded and welcoming to international visitors. Therefore, all you need to pay attention to for a complete trip is the information shared by Mytour below:

• Book travel services early as December is a busy time for Saigon tourism
• Select a hotel near the attractions and transportation hubs for convenient mobility
• Handle luggage carefully and be cautious of strangers on the streets. Although locals are friendly, Saigon is also known for pickpocketing and street theft.
• Prepare ample cash if you plan to indulge in high-end shopping during your trip!

Above are the weather details for Saigon in December and some travel tips you need to know before exploring the city named after Uncle Ho. We hope this useful information helps you fully enjoy the beauty of the splendid Saigon and create many memorable experiences.

Hoai Linh - The Comedic Genius

Image Source: Internet