Vacation Time In Vietnam

Vietnam is a picturesque mountain landscape, rice paddies, jungles, beaches, Buddhist pagodas and cities where traditional socialism and modern capitalist elements peacefully coexist. The capital of the country, Hanoi, cherishes the memory of the communist leader Ho Chi Minh: a marble mausoleum was erected in the city in honor of the politician. In the southern capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), you can learn about the history of the Vietnam War: museums invite tourists to immerse themselves in the military past of the country and visit the guerrilla tunnels of Kuchi.

Following the spirit of the times, locals left their traditional professions and moved to the service sector. Stores, workshops, guesthouses, competing with each other, offer tourists various services, without sometimes neglecting deception or imposing unnecessary services.

Vietnamese appreciate the historical past of the country and the traditions of handicrafts. Thanks to their efforts, tourists can still admire fragments of ancient cities, old palaces and Buddhist temples. Traditional activities of local residents are reflected in souvenirs usually brought back from Vietnam:

• Products and clothing made of natural silk;
• various types of coffee and tea;
• Buddhist attributes (figurines, coins, lanterns, incense);
• Jewelry made of pearls, ivory;
• China;
• Crocodile Leather Accessories.

Vietnam is often called a competitor of Thailand, which is popular with Russian tourists. They are similar in climate and culture, but Vietnam is even more traditional and strict. Here the tourist does not find the abundance of services and entertainment that Thailand offers: the market for sexual services, medical treatments, shopping for every taste, a huge selection of excursions.

Characteristics of rest

The climatic characteristics of Vietnam are related to its length from north to south. The north of the country (Hanoi, Halong) is more suitable for excursions, as the summer season lasts no more than 3-4 months. In the central part (Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang), despite the higher average annual temperatures, there are features of rest associated with rainy and hurricane periods. The south coast (Con Dao, Phu Quoc, Vung Tau, Phan Thiet) is the most attractive for tourists, especially from December to April, when the air warms up to + 30 ° C and the water to + 25 ° C. However, the rainy season here lasts about six months.

Vietnam has no clearly defined four seasons. Typically, weather conditions are divided into dry and rainy seasons. However, due to the peculiarities of the climate in different parts of the country, hurricanes can rage and the sun can shine at the same time. Therefore, you need to study the weather of each region separately. For many tourists, for example, the rainy season is not an obstacle. In addition, precipitation usually falls at night or in the evening and is short-lived.

According to the price dynamics in Vietnam, a distinction is made between high and low seasons. The low season is from May to September, when the weather is unsettled in many regions, although the central part of the country is quite pleasant. There are noticeably fewer tourists, so hotels and airlines offer good discounts. At this time, those who save money, relax without crowds and are not afraid of the whims of nature go to Vietnam. The high season in the most popular resort – Nha Trang – begins in December and lasts until the end of winter.The influx of tourists continues in spring. In general, the winter months define the high season in almost all major resorts in Vietnam.

• for a beach vacation the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, the resorts of Nha Trang, Mui Ne (or Phan Thiet), Vung Tau, Phan Rang are suitable;
• for sightseeing purposes they usually visit Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, the ancient cities of Hoi An, Sapa, Hue;
• For diving, surfing, mud therapy, cruises on the sea tourists go to Halong Bay and beach resorts.

Beach season by month

For Russian tourists, who regularly lack warmth and sun, Vietnam is an ideal place to warm up in the middle of the harsh winter. Especially in the autumn and winter season you can relax in the southern resorts of the country. But in the north it is too cold – only about + 10оС.

Nha Trang, located in central Vietnam, is dominated by typhoons and rain from mid-autumn to mid-winter. Despite the air temperature above + 25 ° C, the sea at this time is cold and choppy, but from February begins the velvet season and lasts until early May. In the remaining months Nha Trang is also suitable for beach vacations and diving.

The island of Phu Quoc is rightly considered one of the best beach resorts in Vietnam. It is warm all year round, although in summer and early autumn it is a little less pleasant to rest because of the rains. But in winter, Fukuoka has ideal weather and lasts until June.

The best time to visit Con Dao island is the end of winter and spring. In other months there are frequent rains, rough seas and winds. Another southern resort – Vung Tau – is caught in the rainy season from May to October. It is especially convenient for its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City – a large metropolis and a cultural center. The high season in Vung Tau is from November to April.

The recreation area, located between Phan Thiet town and Mui Ne village, is usually called by the name of one of the settlements. In fact it does not apply to any of them. The resort is designed for a quiet family vacation. The rainy season lasts from early summer to mid-autumn, the warmest from April to May. The average annual temperature fluctuates around +30oC. It is worth noting that the rainy season is most preferable for travel due to the absence of winds, unrest at sea and unpleasant neighbors – jellyfish near the shore.

Hoi An is located in the central part of the country. This city successfully combines the possibilities of sightseeing and beach recreation. To spend the time comfortably on the coast, it is better to go from January to March. The period from March to August is suitable for those who tolerate the heat well, and in the autumn comes the rainy and typhoon season.

Da Nang is not yet the most popular city among Russian tourists, but Europeans and Asians have long since chosen it. The resort is located somewhat away from the densely populated metropolis, separated from it by the Han River. The climate of Da Nang in December-March resembles the Russian summer, not as humid and suffocating as in tropical Fukuoka or Mui Ne (Phan Thiet). In the period from March to October comes the real heat with temperatures above +30°C. The rainfall peaks in autumn and early winter.

Phan Rang is another promising developing resort in southern Vietnam, located between Nha Trang and Mui Ne. Suitable for lovers of a quiet, measured calm, as there is little entertainment. The sandy coast of Phan Rang forms a small bay, so the sea is usually calm. In winter the temperature fluctuates around + 25 ° C, in summer it rises above + 30 ° C, autumn is the time of rain and winds.

Diving, surfing season

Vietnam is famous for interesting and affordable diving and thanks to the division of the country into climate zones, you can find a suitable place to explore the underwater world at any time of the year. The South China Sea fascinates with the beauty of the coral reefs and the diversity of its inhabitants. Here you can see moray eels, stingrays, octopus, sharks, clown fish, marlins, jellyfishes.By the way, the underwater fauna off the coast is not so diverse, so divers often practice deep sea diving. The most popular diving centers in Vietnam:

In general, the spring-winter period is the most favorable for diving. For beginners, diving enthusiasts can recommend Phu Quoc Island, where they are expected from November to June. February-September is the most pleasant time to dive in Nha Trang, not without reason it is considered the best resort to explore the underwater world in Vietnam. Advanced divers choose Con Dao Island, which is treacherous with strong currents and great depths. For this purpose, it is better to plan a visit to Condao in March-August. In the central part of the country, diving enthusiasts are welcome in Hoi An. From late spring to mid-autumn, you can have an unforgettable experience of the underwater world of Cham Island there.

Surfing in Vietnam is still gaining popularity, despite the fact that the peculiarities of the local climate create ideal conditions for it. The resorts of Nha Trang and Phan Thiet are waiting for wave lovers in autumn and until mid-winter, and from January to early spring it is better to prefer Vung Tau.

Excursion season

Any time of year is basically suitable for exploring local sights, as excursions can be done even when it is raining. The most popular for the purpose of cultural education among tourists are:

• Hoi An;
• Halong Bay;
• Hanoi;
• Shade;
• Ho Chi Minh City;
• Danang;
• Sapa;
• Dalat.

Hoi An is a city with a long history, the only one in the country to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you can admire the ancient streets and buildings, as if frozen in time, because modern buildings are practically non-existent in the city.

The cliffs and caves of Halong Bay are fascinating with their untouched beauty and you can only reach them on trips around the bay. It is better to go here during a visit to the capital of the country, Hanoi. Hanoi's main attractions: the Ho Chi Minh City Mausoleum and Museum, the Royal Palace, the Lake of the Returned Sword, history museums and the Vietnam Revolution.

Hu is the former capital of the state. Tourists most often visit the imperial citadel, the emperors' tombs and the national park. The large metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is conveniently located for the compact location of major attractions that can be visited in just one day. Also interesting for tourists are the Kucha tunnels during the Vietnam War, they are located 30 km from Ho Chi Minh City.