Cool dry season. December is one of the best months of the year to visit Laos. Throughout the country, days are typically dry and sunny, and the temperatures make travelling comfortable. December and January are part of dry and cool season. Central regions are having nice warm weather. Temperature range is between 22 and 25 °C (72-75 °F). Mountainous areas are naturally cooler with 15 to 21 °C (59-70 °F) depending on altitude of certain location with occasional rains.The former is the most comfortable time to visit Laos particularly in November and December, the rivers are high enough to make river travel a breeze. However it's more expensive to travel in Laos during this period as it is the peak season.

In January, cold winter weather hits the north. This is often accompanied by fine persistent mists, which could spoil your views at Ha Long Bay. There's also the chance of ground frost in higher regions, or even a rare snowfall. Don't let it put you off outdoor activities though – while January is the coldest month in mountainous areas, such as Sa Pa, rainfall is at its lowest, making perfect trekking conditions. Hanoi averages a pleasant 20ºC. The southern end of the country is firmly into the dry season come January, so it's a good time to explore cities such as Ho Chi Minh. And for post-city downtime make for beaches within easy reach of the capital, such as at Phan Thiet and Mui Ne. It's a fantastic time to try water-related activities, such as diving, around Phu Quoc. Nha Trang and Da Nang beaches also start to beckon in January, as the central coast sees the tail end of the rains.

Vietnam sees optimum weather conditions all-round in February. The south and the central coast, are perfect for beach bums, with just a smattering of rain perhaps on the beaches between Hoi An and Da Nang. If you can tear yourself away from the sands near Da Nang to dip into the back streets of the city, you're in for some of the best street food in Vietnam. The north sees the chill lifting, leaving clear and warm days for hiking and exploring the region. Dominating the calendar is Tet, or the Lunar New Year, and the biggest festival in Vietnam. While it's wonderfully festive throughout, note that much of the country shuts down during this period, such as restaurants and museums. Also, accommodation can be hard to come by, as the Vietnamese take their holidays, and the transport system is stretched.