Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Vietnam's central coast, transforms into a festive wonderland in December, offering a unique Christmas market experience with beers for 30p and hot chocolates for £1.50.
The old town, known for its mustard-yellow shophouses and wooden merchant homes, is illuminated by hundreds of coloured lanterns and fairy lights at night, creating a fairytale atmosphere. The market spills through the lanes of Hoi An Ancient Town and across the bridge to the night market on Nguyen Hoang Street, blending Vietnamese lantern festival traditions with Western Christmas decorations.
Asia travel specialists TransIndus recommend December as one of the most atmospheric times to visit, with daytime temperatures in the low to mid-20s Celsius. However, it is the tail end of the rainy season, so passing showers are possible. A spokesperson noted that after rain, reflections from lanterns in puddles and steam rising from street-food stalls give the town a cinematic feel.
Accommodation is affordable, with guest houses and three-star hotels available for £10 to £15 per night. Return flights from London to Vietnam in December start from around £386 on indirect routes, according to Skyscanner data analysed by TransIndus.
