Da Lat Flower Festival
The 10th Da Lat Flower Festival, themed “Da Lat Flowers – A Symphony of Colors,” will take place from December 5th to 31st. This year’s events emphasize international elements, with South Korea, Dalat’s tourism partner, and various other countries participating in cultural and artistic activities.
There are expected to be ten music programs and supporting activities such as the City of Tea and Silk, Wine Street – Tea and Coffee, and Dalat – Lam Dong specialties, the Dalat Vegetable and Flower Market, the International Cultural and Artistic Exchange between Dalat and Chuncheon (South Korea), and the Flower Street Carnival and Heritage with a flower car parade, fashion show, and street art.
Quang Binh Caves
Sunbeams penetrating En Cave in the morning. Photo: Oxalis
In December, the rainy season ends in Quang Binh, and tourist activities resume as usual. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the caves, especially En Cave, located in the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Due to the terrain and weather conditions, starting in December, visitors on sunny days will witness sunbeams penetrating deep into the cave. According to tour guides of En Cave and Son Doong Cave, this natural phenomenon is “unique,” and the chances of witnessing it on sunny days are very high.
Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week
The 4th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week will take place from December 5th to 12th, featuring tourism, sports, and music activities. This year, the city will incorporate AR (Augmented Reality) technology into the opening ceremony to attract young people and those interested in high technology through an AR quiz about the city’s culture, tourism, history, and geography. Participants will learn about the culture, tourism, history, and geography of each district and county by checking in at various locations during the week.
Some notable events during the week include the Cho Lon Food Story Festival from December 6th to 8th at the District 5 Cultural and Sports Center, the Hozo Festival from December 13th to 15th on Le Loi and Pasteur streets, and the 8Wonder Winter 2024 International Super Music Festival on December 8th.
Phu Quoc’s Best Season
December is the perfect time to visit Phu Quoc for relaxation and outdoor activities, escaping the cold weather in the north. The average daily temperature in Phu Quoc is around 28 degrees Celsius, with sunny but not overly hot weather.
This is the peak season for international visitors to Phu Quoc, with fewer Vietnamese tourists, making the island relatively quiet. Visitors can freely enjoy various services such as coral diving, rainforest trekking, sunbathing, festivals at resorts, dining and shopping, and many other activities.
Christmas Festivities Around the World
WinterFest festival atmosphere in December 2023. Photo: HKTB
Christmas festivities usually take place from mid to late December, coinciding with the New Year’s celebrations. If possible, travelers should consider visiting Europe (especially Finland), the USA, and other cold countries.
In Asia, Vietnamese tourists often choose to spend Christmas and New Year’s in Hong Kong, Singapore, or enjoy snow festivals in Japan and South Korea. These destinations offer a wide range of activities for visitors.
In Singapore, the annual event, held since 1984, features the famous Orchard Road adorned with dazzling decorations. Evening strolls along the nearly 4-kilometer stretch reveal giant projection displays with interactive features, music, and the return of the Great Christmas Village with mobile shops. There’s also Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay for families.
In Hong Kong, the WinterFest festival takes place from November 22nd to January 1st, 2025, in the West Kowloon cultural district. The highlight is the giant Christmas tree in Chinatown. Visitors can explore the Christmas market, open until December 29th, purchase festive decorations, and enjoy cuisine from various countries.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Heilongjiang Province, China, will open on January 5th, 2025, but the park, featuring ice and snow sculptures, will welcome visitors from mid-December. The ice and snow sculptures will be almost complete by Christmas. There will also be a New Year’s Eve fireworks display on December 31st.
The central park is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. The best time to visit is from 3 pm to fully appreciate the ice and snow sculptures during the day and the evening light show.
Japanese Ramen Festival
Ramen Festival in Osaka. Photo: Japancheapo
The annual Ramen Festival is held at Expo Commemoration Park in Osaka, southern Japan. The festival takes place over four weekends in December, with no entrance fee, and offers around 40 ramen booths to choose from.
Ramen is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of wheat noodles, a rich broth made from bones, and various toppings such as pork, seaweed, dried bamboo shoots, boiled eggs, and green onions. The festival showcases a variety of ramen styles to cater to different tastes. First held in 2013, the Ramen Expo Osaka is not the oldest festival, but it has gained popularity among locals and tourists alike.
New Year’s Celebrations at Sydney Harbour, Australia
As one of the first places to welcome the New Year with numerous festivities, Sydney is always highly anticipated. The New Year’s celebrations at Sydney Harbour attract locals and tourists alike, lasting from the last day of the old year to the first day of the new one.
Those who wish to attend the event are advised to arrive early. Many people camp out, enjoying the company of family and friends, bringing food and drinks to last the day and reduce the need for frequent trips.
The New Year’s festivities include cultural performances and group activities at Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, the historic Rocks district, the entertainment hub of Darling Harbour, and St. Mary’s Cathedral.
