When flying to Vietnam. Where to relax and what to see in Vietnam
We have already described in detail in our articles.
Nha Trang has everything for a comfortable and carefree holiday: beautiful nature, snow-white sandy shores, clear azure water, attracting tourists all year round. In addition, there are unique healing springs and mud, so you can combine relaxation with recovery.
Tours to Nha Trang, and among young people, since the choice of entertainment in the city is quite wide and everyone will definitely find something interesting for themselves. Many attractions, including historical ones, interesting excursions, exotic cuisine, rich club life, bars - all this and much more Nha Trang cordially offers its guests.
Tours and packages
You can look at prices on Level.Travel and buy a ticket online. The tour price includes: airfare, transfer from the airport to the hotel and back, accommodation and meals at the hotel and medical insurance.
Hotel prices
Climatic features
Nha Trang is endowed with its own climatic characteristics. The climate in this place is divided into 2 seasons. The first is a wet, rainy winter, and the second is a hot, dry summer.
Average temperature is 25°C - 26°C.18°C. In general, temperature values here are stable and practically do not differ throughout the year. This is exactly why a trip to Nha Trang possible at any time of the year— the climate is favorable for a relaxing pastime.
Even during the rainy seasons, Nha Trang is quite attractive for tourists who do not have a beach holiday as their main goal.
Rain season
Nha Trang is located in the central part of the country, precipitation here They begin to fall in September and end only closer to December.
Showers occur periodically, sometimes even turning into storms of rain and strong wind, but the air and water do not cool.
Be careful! During this period, strong waves are possible at sea, since precipitation is sometimes accompanied by piercing winds, making swimming unsafe. Powerful typhoons are possible in October and November.
But don’t think that the rainy season means hopeless thunderstorms, downpours and strong winds. The rains here are short-term, but frequent and rather short-lived. After the rain there is a lull and the sun comes out again, so the beach season in the tropics never stops.
In bad weather in Nha Trang, you can create such an interesting and varied program that there will simply be no time to get bored and regret a cloudy day!
Advice! In bad weather, you can go on an excursion to the Oceanographic Museum, where you can see the inhabitants of the depths listed in the Red Book, visit Bao Dai's villas, the Museum of Impressions, or simply try national Vietnamese cuisine. In addition, spa treatments and shopping are available in any weather.
Tourist season
The tourist season lasts in Nha Trang from March to August. It is at this time that the resort experiences the heaviest influx of vacationers from different countries. There are more than enough people who want to bask in the hot sun of Nha Trang and their choice is quite justified - the resort’s bay is among the top twenty the most beautiful bays in the whole world.
Another influx of tourists at the resort is observed during the Vietnamese celebrations. New Year's Tet. Vietnam celebrates the New Year using the lunar calendar. This is the most important and popular holiday in the country, celebrated at the end of January, beginning or mid-February.
Note! Prices for tickets during this period are quite high.
Weather by month
- December in Nha Trang is the beginning of the dry season. Precipitation in January is 6 times less than in December. The average daytime temperature is 27°C, night temperature is 20°C, but the month is not considered the best for visiting the resort; there are not many sunny days.
- In February, precipitation is reduced to almost a minimum, the average temperature is 27°C during the day and 20°C at night. Many tourists prefer to visit Nha Trang in February. The month is good for a beach holiday, diving, and the sun after the rainy season is not very hot yet.
- In March it gets hotter - the air warms up to 30°C during the day and up to 21°C at night. It rains, but it is extremely rare, but even slight precipitation cannot ruin your vacation.
- By April temperatures average 31°C during the day and 23°C at night. April is considered one of the most comfortable months to stay in Nha Trang.
- May characterized by a maximum increase in temperature. During the day it is 32°C, at night 24°C. That is why bronze tan lovers choose May to soak up the sun. Rainfall is low.
- In June the weather is consistently hot, but the temperature at night drops to 24°C, while during the day the thermometer confidently stays at 33°C.
- July– one of the sunniest and hottest months in the resort. In July, Nha Trang receives a huge number of vacationers and this month is considered the peak of the high season. The average daytime temperature is 32°C, and the night temperature is 24°C.
- In August very hot, little rain. For many vacationers, staying at the resort becomes not very comfortable. Average temperatures are 33°C and 24°C, day and night, respectively.
- From the beginning of September Rains return to Nha Trang, bringing a little coolness and freshness. The average daytime temperature drops to 32°C, and at night it is cooler - 23°C.
- In October the amount of rain doubles and the humidity rises to 90%. This autumn month is considered one of the worst for holidays at the resort, although the air temperature during the day is 30°C and at night - 23°C.
- November It is also not very favorable for recreation due to frequent rainfall. Air temperature during the day is 30°C, at night -22°C.
- December A short tropical winter comes to Nha Trang. The average daytime temperature drops to 27°C, and the night temperature drops to 21°C. The rainy season ends by the middle of the month.
Average water temperature
The water temperature in Nha Trang differs from the air temperature by only a couple of degrees, so you can enter sea water all year round without any discomfort:
- January - 22°C
- February - 23°C
- March - 25°C
- April – 25°C
- May - 28°C
- June - 28°C
- July - 28°C
- August - 28°C
- September - 27°C
- October - 27°C
- November - 24°C
- December – 24°C
When is the best time to relax?
The most pleasant weather conditions are from February to May. The heat has not yet reached its peak, rain is infrequent, and the weather is generally suitable for any type of recreation. The best month to visit the resort March is considered.
Note! From June to August there are also excellent conditions for recreation, but due to the large influx of tourists, hotel prices rise significantly.
Experienced tourists It is not recommended to go to Nha Trang in autumn, since tropical storms and monsoons can slightly spoil the holiday experience, especially for those who rely solely on spending time on the beach.
If you are looking for privacy and are annoyed by crowds of tourists
A decline in the tourist season is observed in Nha Trang from late September to mid-January and it is connected, first of all, with worsening weather. Vacationers are frightened by heavy, frequent rains, which pose an obstacle to the desired carefree holiday.
Comfortable weather begins to set in only by the end of December. It is at this time that Nha Trang is quiet and calm and vacationers can fully enjoy the beauty of the city, excursions and For a beach holiday, February and March can be considered.
Excursions
Exciting excursions for vacationers and travelers in 350 cities around the world: Tripster.ru is a service of unusual excursions from local residents and guides who can tell you in an interesting and exciting way about the most interesting things in their cities.
If you are a married couple with children
There is everything here to make the holiday of little guests simply unforgettable: Vinpearl Amusement Park, islands with monkeys, deer and elephants.
In addition, Nha Trang beach stretches for almost 10 km, the water here is warm even in the low season and does not fall below +22°C, which is great for families with children. The most comfortable for a family trip the period will be from February to May.
If you are looking for a beach holiday only
Nha Trang deserves its place 29th place in the list of the most beautiful bays in the world. The sandy beach of the resort is about 7 km. The sand consists of tiny fragments of colorful shells, making the water clean and clear. Sunbathers choose period from February to April.
If you don't tolerate heat well
Most vacationers choose the hot months to travel to Vietnam. For those who can't handle the heat very well, the best time to travel is will be February and March.
These months are ideal for excursions and sightseeing in Nha Trang; relaxing on the beaches; swimming in the sea and practicing water sports, including diving and visiting the city's popular spa treatments.
Universal time for rest
The universal time for a holiday at a resort can be safely called period from February to the end of August. This time allows you to fully enjoy the pleasant windless weather, warm sea water and gentle sun. The first winter months will please those who do not tolerate heat well, and the spring and summer spent in Nha Trang will appeal to those who prefer the scorching sun.
We'll tell you by month when the best season is to relax on the beach in Vietnam. Read how to avoid the rainy season at various resorts.
For a long time, Vietnam did not arouse any interest among our compatriots: a poor country with socialism - what should a tourist do there? But in recent years, Vietnam has actively begun to gain popularity as a beach destination. It turned out that in this country it is very pleasant to relax by the sea on soft sand, both in summer and winter.
Due to the long coastline, you can swim and sunbathe in Vietnam all year round. But for these purposes, you need to choose the right resorts so that your vacation is not overshadowed by constant tropical downpours and storms.
There are only two seasons in Vietnam - dry and wet, but it should be taken into account that the territory of the state is divided into three zones: northern (Ha Long, Hanoi and Trako), central (Danang, Nha Trang), southern (Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Vung Tau). And each zone has its own season, suitable for a beach holiday.
Comfortable season in Vietnam
November
After a wet season, the weather in Vietnam is heading for winter. This is especially felt in the northern regions, where the air temperature drops significantly to +17+23 degrees and only occasionally rises to +25. It rains mainly at night, no more than 5-7 times a month. In the mornings there is fog in the lowlands.
In Hoi An, Hue and Da Nang there are heavy rains and destructive hurricanes. Populated areas are flooded with water, the sea is muddy and choppy. It's better not to go to the beaches. In Nha Trang and Mui Ne, although the sun warms the air to +29 degrees, frequent rains and typhoons do not allow you to enjoy your vacation.
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The least precipitation at this time is on the island of Phu Quoc, Phan Thit and Vung Tau, but humidity up to +30 degrees can cause discomfort.
December
The official start of the dry and beach season falls on. It is this month that a stream of tourists flocks to Vietnam for a beach holiday. The southern coast provides excellent conditions for swimming and sunbathing: the sky is clear, there is almost no rain, during the day the air and water temperature is about +26. In Mui Ne the temperature rises to +30, but it is tolerated comfortably due to the light cool wind. Conditions are approximately the same in Fukuoka, which experiences its peak tourist season in December.
Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue are still experiencing the effects of cyclones bringing heavy rains. The water heats up to about +24 degrees and seems warmer than the air. In Hanoi and Halong in December it is quite cool - +20 degrees during the day, +16 degrees at night, and there are fogs.
January
The coldest month in Vietnam. In mountainous areas there is short-term rain, and sometimes snow falls. There is almost no rain in Hanoi and Halong, but during the day it is quite cool - about +15+18 degrees, and at night about +13. In the central zone there is less precipitation (only in Da Nang it rains frequently), but the sky is overcast most of the time. The air temperature rises to +23+25 degrees, the water warms up to +24.
The south of Vietnam pleases tourists with warm and dry weather. In Ho Chi Minh City and Phan Thiet, the sun warms the air to +29 degrees and the water to +25. In Vung Tau the temperature is a couple of degrees higher. At the same time, air humidity is low, and a light breeze adds freshness.
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February
Are you afraid of being left without communication on the road?
If we look at the map of Vietnam, we will see that the country is very elongated from north to south (almost 2.5 thousand km) Therefore Vietnam climate and weather by month very different in different parts of the country. Conventionally, Vietnam can be divided into three climatic zones: Northern, Central and Southern. will vary greatly depending on where a particular resort is located.
Temperatures by month in the north and south of Vietnam
Weather in southern Vietnam
In the south of Vietnam (from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City) two seasons can be distinguished - dry and wet. The air and water temperatures here fluctuate slightly - within a few degrees. The average annual temperature is 26-28. Weather in southern Vietnam by month is this:
— Dry season from December to April.
— From February to May the weather is hot, with virtually no rain.
— The wet season begins in May and ends in November. The greatest amount of precipitation, that is, rainy season in southern Vietnam from June to August. However, these rains are short and one can say that cloudy days provide a pleasant respite from the heat. The best weather in southern Vietnam in months - from October to April. This period is considered high season in this part of the country.
The main resorts in southern Vietnam are: Mui Ne, Vung Tau and Phu Quoc Island.
Mui Ne
Mui Ne is located about 200 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, near the town of Phan Thiet. Over the past decades, the former fishing village has turned into one of the best resorts in Vietnam, and throughout Southeast Asia.
Mui Ne is Vietnam resort, weather whom by month It will be comfortable almost all year round. Along with Nha Trang, this is the most visited resort by Russian tourists. The undoubted advantage of Mui Ne is that all hotels are located on the beach (on the first line). In addition, there is a huge number of restaurants and bars. Mui Ne resort is considered the best place for kite lovers, thanks to the almost constantly blowing strong wind. It is this wind and large waves on the sea that are a feature of the climate in Mui Ne. From November to March is season for active recreation this resort Vietnam. It is in Mui Ne that tourists from different countries come to kite here. There are a large number of kite schools along the entire coast, staffed by experienced instructors. The best time for kiting is from November to March.
But for lovers of calm seas, the time from April to September is suitable. At this time, the sea in Mui Ne becomes calm and clear.
Vung Tau
Vung Tau is a resort located just 128 km from Ho Chi Minh City, which has a very developed tourist infrastructure. This is one of the oldest resorts in the country. All along the coast are former villas of the Vietnamese nobility, now converted into restaurants and guesthouses. Vung Tau has several beaches: front, back and mulberry. There is also a small, picturesque beach with the French name Rocher Noir.
On the mountain above the city there is a huge statue of Jesus, 32 m high, very similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro. The disadvantages of the resort include its close proximity to oil production platforms, which is why the sea in Vung Tau cannot be called clean.
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is the largest island in Vietnam. The length of the island is 48 km, width 25 km. This is perhaps the quietest and most beachy of all Vietnamese resorts. The beaches of Phu Quoc stretch from the town of Duong Dong to the south and, almost along the entire length, are built up with hotels. In 2008, Fukuoka's beaches were recognized as the cleanest and most beautiful in the world.
The period from October to March is months of the best weather in a Vietnamese resort- Phu Quoc Island. From April to Fukuoka begins rain season, which continues until September.
There are practically no attractions in Fukuoka, but the nature of the island is beautiful and in some places almost untouched. It is noteworthy that, unlike other areas of Vietnam, rice is not grown here. Instead of rice fields, there are huge black pepper plantations on the island. Phu Quoc ranks first in the world in pepper exports.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is also located in the south of Vietnam and is certainly interesting for tourists. This is the largest city in Vietnam (population about 8 million people). During French rule and later (from 1955 to 1975), Saigon was the capital of the country. At the end of the war with communist North Vietnam, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. The best weather in Ho Chi Minh City- This months from October to April.
Central part of Vietnam
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is located 450 km from Ho Chi Minh City to the north. Nha Trang is perhaps the most popular resort in Vietnam among Russian tourists. Unlike Mui Ne, also popular among Russians, which is more like a village, Nha Trang is a city with a well-developed infrastructure. A number of luxury hotels, including well-known international chains, stretch along the seven-kilometer sandy beach. And the rest of the city is very densely built up with hotels.
The beach in Nha Trang is very clean and well-groomed, like the whole city. The mountains here approach the very coast, so there is less precipitation than in other regions of the country and the likelihood of typhoons is minimal. Nha Trang is suitable both for a relaxing beach holiday and for nightlife lovers. The city has many bars, nightclubs and discos.
It is also a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Dive clubs are everywhere in the city. Nha Trang is also known as a medical resort. There is a mud and mineral water treatment clinic in the city. People come here to be treated for joint diseases, bronchopulmonary and skin diseases. Best holiday season this resort in Vietnam from February to May. At this time there is no rain at all, the weather is clear and the sea is completely calm. in summer Nha Trang season rains. Also rainy weather in November and December. At this time, the sea is cloudy, cool and stormy almost all the time.
Danang
Danang is located 500 km north of Nha Trang. The best weather and season for holidays in Vietnamese resort Da Nang is the months from February to May.
Danang is one of the largest port and industrial cities in Vietnam. In terms of population, Da Nang ranks fourth in the country. Despite the developed tourist infrastructure, a large number of hotels and good beaches (China Beach is recognized as one of the best in the country), the number of tourists coming here is much less than in Nha Trang. Most travelers consider Da Nang as a transit point when moving from north to south or vice versa. There are no signs in Russian, and the restaurants will not offer you a Russian menu. But prices are much lower than in Nha Trang and Mui Ne and, importantly, there is no hectic traffic on the roads. Getting around the city on foot or on a rented motorbike is much more comfortable than in most other cities in Vietnam.
Holiday seasons in northern Vietnam
Weather in northern Vietnam by month characterized by clearly visible seasonal differences. Winter in this part of the country is quite cool. In December and January, temperatures can drop below 10 degrees. And here summer weather in northern Vietnam, sometimes it is hotter than in the south of Vietnam. The landscape of the north of the country is mainly mountainous. Snow is not uncommon in these areas, especially around the city of Sapa.
Hanoi
In the north of Vietnam is the capital and main administrative center of the country - Hanoi. If you are planning to visit the capital, then remember that weather in Hanoi very often rainy and cool, especially in winter.
Ha Long Bay
The main resort in northern Vietnam is Halong.
Halong Bay is a real pearl of Vietnam. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are more than 1,600 rocky islands scattered throughout the bay. The view of the bay is stunning at first glance and leaves no one indifferent.
And here weather and climate of northern Vietnam not always comfortable for relaxation. The beach season in Halong Bay, due to climatic conditions, is quite short. In winter, the water temperature here drops to 15 degrees. And summer in Ha Long is very rainy. The most favorable holiday season in northern Vietnam by month
Until recently, many people associated Vietnam with total poverty and did not arouse much interest among tourists. But today everything has changed - the country is considered one of the most popular resorts in the world. And all because there are warm tropics, an unforgettable Asian flavor and an affordable price policy for tour packages. What will a vacation in Vietnam be memorable for, when and where is the best time to go, how to get there, what entertainment the country can offer to a demanding tourist - we will talk about all this later in the article.
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
During its existence, Vietnam, whose history dates back to the first millennium BC, experienced many attacks on its territorial integrity and charter. He had to survive the times of the French colony, the Japanese occupation and a large number of wars. And the blind inheritance of the Soviet form of running the national economy led the country to a serious economic crisis. It took years to restore relations with developed countries on the world map, as well as to partially liberalize the economic system and rise from the ashes.
The name “Vietnam” comes from the ancient Viet people who lived on the territory of the modern republic, and from the word “nam”, which means “southern” in their language.
The territory of the modern state is spread over several climatic zones. That is why it is very important to find out before your trip where and at what time of year it is best to vacation in Vietnam.
Where is it on the map
The republic is located on the Indochina Peninsula, which is located in Southeast Asia. On the western side, its neighbors are Cambodia and Laos, on the north the country borders on the People's Republic of China, and on the south and east it is washed by the South China Sea.
The area of the state, the heart of which is the city of Hanoi, reaches about 332 thousand km. More than 93 million people live in the cities and villages of Vietnam. They use the official Vietnamese language and the national currency, which is the Vietnamese dong.
How to get there from Moscow
The direct distance between Moscow and Vietnam is 6735 km. And tourists prefer to overcome it exclusively by plane. In this case, the flight lasts about 9–10 hours.
Today, Vietnam is a leading exporter of black pepper and cashew nuts. The republic also ranks second in the export of coffee outside the country. It is characteristic that coffee plants are not indigenous to these areas and were introduced into the state's crop production by French colonists.
The easiest way to get from the capital of Russia to Vietnam is through the main air gate of the republic. These are the airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Due to the strong competition between airlines, tourists in this direction are provided with a large selection of flights at relatively low prices.
If you prefer resorts in the south of Vietnam, then it is best to fly directly to Nha Trang, Danang or Phu Quoc Island. But in this case, be prepared that the ticket price will be significantly more expensive. To save money, many travelers choose flights to the Vietnamese capital, and then take buses to their destination.
To purchase the cheapest tickets, it is better to use search engines, which provide comparable prices from different airlines and many booking systems (Skyscanner and Aviasales). Practitioners say that in 90% of cases it is possible to save from 300 to 1000 rubles. But remember that on the eve of holidays, as well as on weekends, the cost of flights is much higher than on weekdays.
Consider yourself lucky if you manage to find tickets for the Moscow - Ho Chi Minh City flight at a price of 27 thousand rubles. This is rare, but it is still possible to catch luck by the tail.
More than 40% of Vietnamese people have the popular surname Nguyễn in the country, another 11% have Trần. So you already know half the population of the republic.
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other destinations
Vietnam, through the spectrum of tourism, seems to have many faces. It is only at first glance that it seems that, apart from rice fields and noodles traditional for national cuisine, there is nothing interesting there. In fact, the state has a place and activity to suit athletes, seafood lovers, connoisseurs of historical attractions, those who prefer exciting adventures and a quiet family holiday, couples with children and fans of the fascinating water world. But let's talk about all this in order.
For many travelers, Vietnam begins with the capital. Tourists are amazed by the beauty of the local lakes that surround the city, historical monuments of the metropolis and buildings that have been preserved since the imperial era.
There are many places near the heart of Vietnam that every traveler must visit. We are talking about one of the famous wonders of the world - Dragon Bay. It is located only 160 km from Hanoi and amazes with its cleanliness, pretty islands that protrude thickly from the emerald water.
Ha Long Bay is also worth seeing. This is an intensively developing resort with hotels, entertainment centers and various boutiques. A great place for shopping, entertainment and a beach holiday.
The Vietnamese language is characterized by six different tones. Their use radically changes the semantic meaning of words. Therefore, don’t even try to master it yourself.
Among travelers who know everything about Vietnam, this large resort city of Ho Chi Minh City is called the center of entertainment and the water world. Its attractions include a botanical garden, an amusement park, “Dai Nam” attractions, a zoo, a cinema, and the “Dam Sen” water park. This is one of the best variations of a family holiday with children.
For fans of active holidays and athletes, it is best to choose the city of Mui Ne on the map of Vietnam. By the way, here you won’t have to rack your brains trying to understand the language of the indigenous Vietnamese. The fact is that the resort has many Russian-language signs and appropriate service personnel. And in some restaurants they can even offer you borscht and pampushki, traditional for our cuisine.
In Vietnam, it is not customary to completely drink any drink from a cup. Up to 10% of the drink must remain at the bottom.
Kiters and surfers should visit the local bay. Here, for beginning extreme sports enthusiasts, there are special schools for quick training, especially since the prices for the services offered are relatively low. This exotic paradise will be no less interesting for a family with children. For them, beautiful hotels, wide sandy beaches and plantings of luxurious palm trees and pine trees stretch along the entire coast.
For those who prefer to enjoy masterpieces of seafood cuisine on vacation, Nha Trang is recommended. The city is located in the most beautiful bay, so it constantly attracts tourists with its beautiful scenery and mild climate. This resort will be remembered for its exotic colorful dishes, warm sea, amazing souvenirs, parks, attractions, diving, night parties and visits to the temple complex. The place is suitable for children and adults. Your child will long be delighted with the Vinpearl Land water adventure park on Hon Tre Island, the Chi Nguyen Aquarium (Neptune's Palace), and the oceanarium.
When going on such a long journey, do not forget to stock up on time with the necessary set of medicines and repellents. In Vietnam, tourists often suffer from dangerous insect bites, fumes from poisonous plants, jellyfish burns and the scorching sun, as well as food poisoning, allergies and dirty local water.
Fans of a relaxing holiday should go to Phu Quoc Island. There you will not find the noisy streets of big cities, vibrant entertainment centers, endless shops, restaurants and cafes. Only the sea, palm trees, sun-drenched beaches, fabulous sunrises and sunsets. And also pearl farms and huge black pepper plantations. Tour operators often recommend this kind of vacation to families with children and elderly travelers, as well as people who are tired of the daily hustle and bustle of the city. But this pleasure costs much more than the above resorts.
Similar experiences await you from a visit to Vung Tau. In this place you can also connect with nature and improve your health. At the resort, it is worth visiting the statue of Jesus Christ. And if you climb up its spiral staircase, you will be able to appreciate the panorama of the entire Vietnamese town.
For those who dream of an educational journey and want to immerse themselves in the centuries-old history of Asian peoples, the resort town of Hoi An is very suitable. There you will be impressed by the Marble Mountains, the Hai Van Pass, museums of architecture and sculpture, and the Cham complex of Michon. You can learn ancient traditions even just by walking along the local streets. They often contain antique shops and ancient temples.
The Danang resort is the perfect place to get acquainted with local traditions. But its only “disadvantages” are the high pricing policy in relation to tourists and some remoteness of the resort area from the center. These inconveniences are associated with the industrial and economic direction of the city.
In crowded places in Vietnamese resort towns and especially in the capital, tourists should be on alert. Very often, local entrepreneurs, spoiled by the constant flow of wealthy travelers, deceive and shortchange their customers. There are also very often cases when the price of a product is significantly inflated. Therefore, before purchasing anything in Vietnam, study the market and never leave your belongings unattended.
Weather in Vietnam: when is the best time to travel?
If you are choosing where to go on vacation in Vietnam, take the time to find out in which equatorial zone the resort you like is located. This is due to the large extent of the republic from north to south. In addition, the climatic conditions of the area are significantly influenced by monsoons.
In water
All year round, tourists have the opportunity to enjoy the clear waters of the warm South China Sea, located in the tropical climate zone. Its emerald waves amaze with their transparency - the seabed is perfectly visible even through a 10-meter thickness of water. Plus she's always warm. The sea temperature never drops below 23 °C. And in August it warms up to 30 degrees.
On the land
In the northern regions of the state, sunny weather does not last long. In the summer season, the air warms up to 28–30 °C. And in winter, in lowland areas, the temperature drops to a stable 20 °C. But in mountainous areas the thermometer can only record 5 °C. These resorts are suitable for recreation only in the summer, since it rains here from the beginning of September until the very end of May. Continuous downpours will accompany you throughout February and March.
In Vietnam there are no regular buses and cars that are familiar to us. The local population gets around on motorcycles. In this country, every family has at least 2 bikes. And every day over 10 million of such vehicles appear on the roads of the republic. In addition, it is not customary to allow pedestrians to pass at crossings here. Therefore, crossing busy highways constantly turns into an exciting and risky adventure.
It is best to go to the central zones of Vietnam in spring and summer, since the rest of the year there are heavy rains. The climate of these areas is characterized by warmth and high humidity. Average temperatures range from 35–40 °C in summer and 15–20 °C in winter.
The southern resorts of Vietnam are characterized by year-round heat. The temperature here almost never drops below 25 °C. It also rains here, but it often falls only at night and does not last as long as in the north of the country. In addition, in the south the air is never dry due to the constant evaporation of moisture.
Tour operators from Vietnamese resorts often recommend to tourists:
- from April to August - Hoi An;
- from January to March, as well as in December and November - Phu Quoc Island;
- from February to September - Nha Trang;
- throughout the winter - Phan Thiet.
Vietnamese aborigines firmly believe in the mysterious power of snake wine, which is the country's national drink. It is prepared by preserving poisonous reptiles in rice wine and grain alcohol. Moreover, local healers believe that the more dangerous the snake, the more beneficial the drink it will make.
Popular beaches of the country
Today, almost the entire southern coast of the republic is popular with tourists. But only elite beaches deserve special love from travelers:
- Con Dao. It is located on the island of the same name and is characterized by snow-white sand, crystal clear sea, dense thickets of coke palms, and mangrove forests. This is where you can easily find a unique plant or come face to face with an exotic animal.
- Mui Ne Beach. It is a wide beach strip that stretches between the cities of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. Local residents are accustomed to the constant influx of Russian tourists, so they adapt menus, signs and film screenings in cinemas to suit them.
- Lang Co. The beach is located in the resort of Hue, where travelers are pleased with a variety of entertainment centers and restaurants serving national cuisine.
- Ha Long. When the fantastic landscapes of this beach open up to your eyes for the first time, you are fleetingly reminded of pictures stuffed with modern special effects and computer graphics. From a charming fairy tale, tourists are brought back to reality by dirty sea water and a rather unpleasant nearby town.
- Phu Quoc. It is located 15 km from Cambodia and is the subject of quarrels between these 2 states. All coasts of the island are covered with sandy beaches with slightly pinkish fine sand and turquoise clear water. This is where you can take a wonderful selfie on a palm tree that approaches the sea itself. Providing shade, these trees are very suitable in hot tropical climates. True, there are no good roads on the island. But there is an airport.
- Nha Trang. This is a pearl among all the beaches in Vietnam. It is characterized by a snow-white sandy surface that stretches along the coast for 7 km. Since the area is located in a bay, which is almost completely hidden from the open sea by islands, the water here is never colder than + 24 ° C. Also here you can easily get acquainted with octopuses, shrimps, squids and other marine inhabitants that are found right off the coast.
- Danang. The beach occupies about 20 km of the resort town, but is distinguished by a small selection of hotels on the coast. Therefore, you need to take care of housing in advance when vacationing in these areas.
- Non Nuoc. Famous for the sacred Marble Caves.
- Vung Tau. Beaches in this resort can be found for every taste. For example, wild and little-known places will suit hermits, while demanding pampered travelers will be offered all the amenities on large modern beaches, which are in many ways similar to European ones. Shelkovichny (difficult to access), Front and Back beaches are popular.
There is a man in the country who has not slept for more than 40 years. This is 75-year-old Thai Ngoc. In the full bloom of his strength, he suffered from a severe fever and after that lost the desire to sleep. As a result of his ordeal, the Vietnamese experiences discomfort. He admitted to one of the local newspapers that he “feels like a plant without water.”
Sights and excursions
You can endlessly discover something new in Vietnam. Moreover, the country is in an endless revival after the wars it experienced. The local population is especially sensitive to ancient historical monuments. Although, let’s not hide, we can see some of them today only thanks to the intervention of UNESCO, which insisted on the reconstruction of destroyed buildings. So, if you follow the map of famous resorts in Vietnam from north to south, you can find many places that are really worth going to.
In the capital of the republic you can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Hanoi Citadel, St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Museum of Military History and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. There is also the largest zoo in the republic, Thu Le. Its peculiarity is not only in meeting exotic wild animals, but also in the opportunity to ride a boat, walk with children and get a dose of adrenaline from local attractions. Also near Hanoi is the Bai Tu Long archipelago, famous for its 3 thousand miniature islands.
The city of Hue is home to many aerial pagodas and ancient palaces from the Nguyen Dynasty. The ruins of the Kinh Thanh citadel deserve special attention. It is here that you can see with your own eyes the Nine Holy Weapons complex, the forbidden purple city of Dai Non and the royal theater. You can also look at the imperial tombs, each of which is a small town.
Despite the temperature of 20°C outside, the Vietnamese consider this weather cold and, as a rule, wrap themselves in warm jackets and hats. They also customarily wear two-toed socks, which allow you to wear the famous flip-flops even in winter.
In the museum town of Hoi An, located just south of the resort of Hue, you will be interested in everything. It was through this settlement that the Great Silk Road ran at that time. The temples, which are like mushrooms after the rain in this city, will amaze you with their beauty. Among them are the legendary buildings of Fioklam, Cao Dai, Quan Kong.
In Nha Trang, it is worth taking a look at the Cham Towers, of which only 4 have survived to this day. Also of interest are the Buddha statue, Long Son Pagoda and the Museum of Marine Fauna, which contains up to 8 thousand exhibits. Children should be shown the Chinguyen Aquarium, which is a lake divided into 3 parts, each of which is home to decorative, edible and predatory fish.
For extreme sports enthusiasts, the Dalat mountain resort, located 60 km from the port of Cam Ranh, is very suitable. For great impressions, you should look into the “madhouse” of the Han Nga Hotel, as well as visit the Thung Lung Tinh Yeu Valley, Madame Dang Gallery and Vion Hoa Da Lat Flower Gardens.
Dalat, which is famous as the “Paris of Vietnam,” even has a replica of the Eiffel Tower.
The cheapest diving and other outdoor activities
For obsessive divers, this corner of the planet is considered sacred. And all because it was in Nha Trang Bay that corals began to form for the first time on the planet. Today there are about 400 species here, which is a record number. Few people know that there is a real coral reserve near Moon Island.
The most interesting places to dive are:
- the area around Madonna Rock and its underwater tunnels;
- Coral Garden reef, where hard corals grow;
- area near Mushroom Reef, where flying fish and reef sharks are quite common, as well as colorful clown fish, moray eels, squid, huge turtles, seahorses and barracudas.
There is no need to go too deep here. The beauty of the sea can be seen already 5 m from the surface of the sea.
For beginners, diving clubs will offer paid training, after which a special certificate is issued. Experienced tourists who are keen on the underwater world advise, when choosing centers, to give preference exclusively to foreign establishments rather than Vietnamese ones.
For some reason, all Vietnamese swim in their clothes. They do not swim, but go into the water to a sufficient depth and splash in the warm waves. Inexplicably, they also snorkel clothed.
Among other types of active recreation in this exotic country, you may be offered to dive without scuba gear. This type of entertainment is called freediving. Depending on the level, its cost is between $150–250. The most suitable area for such dives is Whale Island, located 80 km from Nha Trang. It is famous for its turtle farm, so it will be of interest to both beginners and experienced divers.
During the day, everyday Vietnam resembles a large anthill, in which every resident is immersed in his own worries. And at night it does not fall silent, but on the contrary, with renewed vigor it is reborn into something new and mysterious. Vietnamese cities at night are famous for their grand parties and sexual adventures. As people see off the sun at sunset, they begin to celebrate. And there is no need for any reason for this. This tradition arose here during the Vietnam-American War, when, after difficult days, soldiers of the United States Army relieved their souls with noisy parties. Young Vietnamese were often invited to them. The indigenous people liked the idea so much that it became firmly rooted in their lives.
Don't lose your head from the night in Vietnam. Be vigilant even under the influence of strong drinks. Do not make dubious acquaintances or invite strangers to your hotel room. Indeed, often, when morning comes and the veil of holiday euphoria leaves their eyes, travelers do not find near them either the mysterious “moth,” or money, or documents.
If you want to taste all the delights of the nightly liberation of the Vietnamese, then feel free to go to the capital of the republic, Hanoi, and to the northern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, called Saigon in local circles. It is in these two centers that the country's nightlife is concentrated. Even despite the bans of local authorities, bars, restaurants, gay clubs and other similar establishments, simulating their closing at midnight, continue to let customers in from the back door until the morning. Of course, not all nightclubs do this, which should be taken into account when making plans for the night. Be prepared that you may not only be invited to dance, but also offered delicate services.
The famous Saigon club “Apocalypse Now” is considered a leader in the Vietnamese sex industry. It has existed for several decades and does not lose its status as the main intimate attraction of the republic. There are so many pretty priestesses of love in this establishment that it will be oh so difficult to choose. You can recognize the establishment from afar by its bright signs and barkers who hang around the doors with the simple slogan “lady, boombum”. Along with brothels, street prostitution also flourishes in the country. Often on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi you can see pimps riding around on motorcycles with a frightening, menacing look.
Guests of the capital and resort Nha Trang will also be provided with an erotic massage. Such salons and local bars are full of people on any day and at any time of the year. Moreover, among them are mainly foreign tourists. But the Vietnamese themselves also do not refuse to have fun.
Other Vietnamese cities, especially resort ones, also have their own nightlife, but, as a rule, it lasts only until midnight.
When looking for hot entertainment in Vietnam, do not forget about contraception. At first glance, this seems like a silly reminder for students. But practice shows that in the heat of passion and drunk alcohol, tourists forget about basic condoms, as a result of which they return from vacation with a bunch of sexually transmitted diseases.
There are many places where you can relax to your heart’s content in Vietnam at night. For example, several capital clubs:
- “Funky Monkey” (address: 31 Hang Thung) - known for a variety of cocktails, billiard games, exotic dancing and music preferences in the style of house, trance or techno;
- “R & R Tavern” (address: 10 Tho Nhuom St) - famous for its excellent beer, rock music and unforgettable views directly from the terrace;
- “Solace” (address: Chuong Duong Do) is a youth establishment that gives preference to non-stop music, fiery dances and lighting effects;
- “The Spotted Cow” (address: 23C Hai Ba Trung) - lovers of football, billiards, darts and beauties make their way here.
Features of accommodation
Vietnam is a unique country not only regarding its tropical exotic fauna and flora. There are also unusual conditions for us to move through the streets, live here, and have a very specific cuisine. Let's look at everything in order.
During a night out in Saigon, watch your wallet, purse or bag. After all, bikers are rushing around the metropolis, not missing the opportunity for easy material extraction. It is best to leave all valuables in the hotel safe.
Transport
In this country there are all types of modern transport - from scooters to airplanes and international taxis. But local residents seem to have taken a liking to motorcycles for a long time. They move in a chaotic manner through the streets of big cities and small villages.
In any case, problems with transport in Vietnam will never arise. Of course, inconveniences on the road and frequent transfers are quite likely, but you can get to the right place.
The republic's air transport is mostly represented by the large carrier Vietnam Airlines and small companies Vietnam Airlines, VASCO, AirMekong, and VietJet. They fly exclusively to large cities and resorts in the country. In some popular tourist destinations you can find special taxis that will take you to the airport.
The railway sector in Vietnam is characterized by weak development. It’s difficult to even call it a network, since trains run from north to south, with stops in Saigon, Hanoi, Sapu, Haiphong and Ha Long. This type of transport comes in two categories:
- SE - they make stops only in megacities and are therefore considered fast and very comfortable;
- TN - regular trains.
The fastest train in Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes 29 hours.
For convenient and fast travel around the country, travelers choose buses. The category intended for international transport is equipped with sleeping places, and you must enter such transport barefoot with shoes wrapped in a bag. There is also Open Bus system transport.
If you decide to see the local islands, then you can’t do without a public boat. For example, it is convenient to quickly travel along the Mekong River Delta from Ho Chi Minh City to Kanto by water transport, which departs from Saigon Ton Duc Thang Avenue pier at 8:00 and arrives at its destination 5 hours later. The cost of such a trip is $1.
There are also taxis for tourists in Vietnam. But experienced travelers are not very willing to use it, since almost always all attempts to use this service end in disputes. Taxi drivers want to charge foreigners as much as possible, and to do this they twist the meters and come up with many ways to get theirs.
The Vietnamese Socialist Republic ranks second in rice consumption. Each average resident of the country eats about 169 kg of this product per year.
But don’t expect to see the usual taxi cars on the streets of this state. Mostly motorcycle taxi services are offered. This method of transportation is considered the cheapest and riskiest. A one-hour trip costs $2, and a 12-hour trip costs $10. If you have to travel outside the city, the cost of the trip will increase to $15.
Nutrition
Vietnamese cuisine has absorbed the traditions of Indian, Chinese, French, American and at the same time has not lost its uniqueness, retaining the zest of its originality. But at the same time, it is not suitable for all tourists. After all, not everyone can eat dog, snake, turtle or rat meat, and seafood often causes an allergic reaction in European tourists.
The Vietnamese very rarely eat beef, and you almost never see duck or goat dishes here. But chicken and shrimp are frequent guests on the table.
A characteristic feature of the cuisine of this people is a rich variety of sauces, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables. Local chefs always decorate any dish with coriander, basil, mint leaves and serve it with some kind of dipping sauce.
Most dishes are based on rice, which is simply adored here. Its green sprouts are even used to decorate tables in cafes and restaurants instead of flowers. And don’t expect to find many different dishes to suit every taste on the menu. It won't be there. You will be offered only traditional rice and noodles with different sauces.
Before tasting the masterpieces of Vietnamese chefs, make sure that the dish does not contain any products that can trigger your allergies.
Housing
In Vietnam, you can independently rent housing to suit every taste. True, this issue needs to be addressed in advance (several months before departure). Depending on your financial capabilities, you may consider:
- Guest houses and guest houses, which are a small room with a minimal set of furniture, a bathroom and Wi-Fi. This option is intended for undemanding travelers. If the housing is rented daily, the payment also includes electricity costs. If you plan to live there for a month or more, then you will have to pay for electricity using the meter. Typically, this amount ranges from $10 to $70.
- Rooms in small hotels. Here you will receive the same conditions as in guest houses, only with better service and maintenance.
- Homestays. These are family-type houses with or without owners. They are offered in the north of the country. As a rule, the price includes cleaning and linen change.
- Apartments and studios. This option is for wealthy tourists who plan to stay in Vietnam for at least a month. The range includes large homes with multiple bedrooms, balconies, large windows and modern appliances. You can also be offered reception services, which will solve all your everyday issues, and security.
- At home. They provide a large yard and parking space, so they are preferable for family travelers with children and a car.
- Villas. This is premium real estate. It is located in a closed area that is guarded.
Against the backdrop of this luxury that is offered to tourists, the Vietnamese themselves live in very narrow houses, similar to school pencil cases, without windows and with a minimum of furniture.
Shopping in Vietnam
For avid shoppers, Vietnam is a true paradise. After all, the country is gradually beginning to gain the status of the second “clothing workshop of the world” after China. Here you can buy absolutely everything: from watches, clothes, shoes to furniture and pearls. Moreover, Western tourists remain satisfied with both the price and quality of goods.
If you are in Vietnam, be sure to pay attention to local silks, jewelry, precious stones, tea, coffee, ceramics, wooden souvenirs and balms made from poisonous snakes.
Don't be shy about bargaining - this is what local shops expect from you. Therefore, the prices for the goods are very inflated. The country values bargaining, which is built on mutual respect for the interests of the buyer and seller.
For example, in Ho Chi Minh City, for a successful bargain, you should go to the Ben Thanh market or the Diamond shopping and entertainment complex. The Tax Trade Center department store is also perfect for these purposes.
Fortunately for shopaholics, this country has plenty of places where you can spend all your money and be satisfied with your purchases.
We hope that our tips will be useful to you and will help you plan an unforgettable vacation in Vietnam, the souvenirs you purchased and bright, life-affirming photos will remind you of for a long time.
Trips. Yes, sometimes the soul calls for a journey, long or short, it doesn’t matter. The world is big and I want to see it and learn more. When is the best time to vacation in Vietnam, at what time of year and where, if you choose this undoubtedly beautiful and culturally distinctive country for your vacation?
Why Vietnam?
Local travel
Some people prefer to move around within the country without stopping somewhere. A good route: start from the capital, by plane to Hanoi, then from there to Ha Long Bay, which has already become famous among tourists. Favorable time for such travel: the period from April to November, warm, sunny, although there are rainy days, but in the summer this is a small problem. Further, from Hanoi you can go to Dalat in the summer, from there to Nha Trang, where there are wonderful places for traditional swimming and beach holidays.
It is more convenient to visit the south of the country from March to October - sunny, warm, a great time for a beach holiday, local excursions to Mui Ne or Phan Thiet, etc.
Why are tourists just exploring Vietnam, because it is a beautiful, wonderful and original country that has something to offer even the most experienced eye? Everyone dreams of seeing the Colosseum, the Louvre, or catching the English rains while admiring the view of London. After all, the world is truly huge and many corners are still waiting in the wings.
Experts believe the reason is the flight duration. If Vietnam suddenly moved and became Russia’s closest neighbor, then surely 80% of vacationers would rush there, since a visa is not needed, and 15 days allowed to visit the country are enough. After all, the flight, in addition to the duration, is also expensive.
Others note that Vietnam could spoil the impression with cheap consumer goods, those who do not know the combination “Vietnamese market”, and sociable local people, but it is not worth judging an entire country by its market. Vietnam is home to beautiful, ancient temples, fraught with a whole history, and many of the complexes shown to tourists on excursions were built by unknown civilizations; scientists are still arguing.
National parks of amazing beauty, healthy, inexpensive and tasty food, diving, which is considered the cheapest among other tourist countries (plus an abundance of inhabitants of local reservoirs, the sea, etc.), resorts where the service system is well developed, you can feel the French flavor, everything this was previously a French colony.
Reviews from experienced tourists
They will help you form a better opinion and plan your future vacation. These are stories about the brightest, most memorable moments of the trip, facts about the country through the eyes of tourists.
“Vietnam is wonderful, its weather is a special charm; you can really come here whenever you want, at any time of the year. But when planning a winter holiday, it is more convenient to fly to the resorts of the southern side, because the northern and central parts are quite cold in winter, the air there does not warm up above +20 during the day, the sea is naturally cold and strong winds create strong excitement.
The best time is the high season, which for us falls in the winter months (New Year holidays, why not), only the tickets become more expensive. To save money, it is better to go in another, low season (these are the periods from May to October). Then the tours are cheaper, because the country is in the midst of the rainy season, with strong, tropical rains. However, for tourists, even downpours do not interfere and people still go, because it does not get cold, the weather is warm, you can swim. And the rains themselves don’t fall for days; they are fleeting, like ordinary warm summer rain. After them, the heat subsides for a short time, but the sea does not have time to cool down.
For diving enthusiasts, Vietnam is simply smeared with honey. Diving schools everywhere, in any major city, operate without holidays all year round. Those who graduate there are given a certificate and can safely dive. Prices for local diving activities will be lower, which always pleases fans of this sport. Moreover, the level is unlikely to be inferior to other resorts. The underwater world delights with a variety of inhabitants and diving spots.
For lovers of excursions, entertaining trips, and those who want to get to know the country better, it is more convenient to choose the high season, even though the tours are more expensive. Fishermen too. By the way, there are many places for different types of fishing: cold mountain lakes, local rivers, and the open sea, where you can go on a rented boat. Local residents themselves will tell you where the best and richest fishing spots are, they can keep you company and give you equipment temporarily for rent.
The dry (aka quiet) season for Vietnam is the period from January to April. It is also an extremely good time for vacations; people call it the velvet season. You can safely fly to any of the corners of the country you like, to any of the resorts.
A big plus is regular and numerous flights from Russia all year round.
Elena
From August to November is a dangerous time; it is better not to plan trips at all if you choose Vietnam. This is the time for strong typhoons, which can become a threat not only to recreation, but also to life."
Catherine
“Many people are interested in Vietnam, everyone goes for something specific. If for the beach, then the velvet or high season is better, although of course prices jump. Tourists more often choose resorts from southern cities, it is warmer there, local beaches are pleasing with amenities, and in cities there is more adaptation for tourists - trips, comfortable hotels, cafes and restaurants. In October, the water is calmer, waves are rare, and so is the weather. Although sometimes it is cloudy. It is worth considering the constant tide schedule. This is nature. True, whoever visits Vietnam will immediately understand that this country is much more interesting than just places with good beaches. It’s good to swim and lie down enjoying the sand, but it’s better to diversify your vacation with excursions and walks, especially for your first trip.”
Georgiy
“In general, Vietnam can hardly be called a simple country; those who are used to seeing resort places will be amazed by its originality and rich culture. The ancient complexes are fascinating, the local nature is delightful, and the residents are truly friendly. Tourists, however, still travel more often to the south, especially if they go in winter, they want more warmth, because there is snow and storm at home. The climate here is tropical, rainy or hot. The best time, I think, is from December to March! Exactly winter holidays. The average temperature will be +28, normal"
Paul
“It rains there from April until October, although this does not mean that it rains everywhere. Yes, and the years are different. The rainy season is definitely not something to be afraid of, especially when the weather is about +28. Rain never bothers Russian people; they are used to harsher weather. Tourists love Vung Tau and Nya Trang, also Cam Ranh, visit Phan Thiet or Phan Rang."
Oleg
“You don’t have to use travel companies, I’ll tell you. They regularly sell tours, but they add their own markup, and you don’t know whether you will like the hotel upon arrival or what kind of infrastructure is around. Sometimes they settle in an unknown place. Now there is Internet, you can open any city in Vietnam and find out the list of hotels, what changes they have in prices over the annual period and book rooms in the one you like. You can contact us through the phone numbers listed on the website or write by email, everything is much simpler. And you can buy tickets for where you need to go yourself. I traveled through a travel agency a couple of times, then I decided to visit Vietnam myself. We really already knew where we would stay, we saw the hotel in person. But it’s really cheaper and less hassle.
It’s easier to find out through websites what excursions and where are offered in the cities of Vietnam, although if you’re traveling for the first time, you can safely take any of the resort towns - everyone will have something to show you. Whether you start with Ho Chi Minh City to see the city through a sightseeing tour or prefer another one, it doesn’t matter. It has its own culture, it is ancient and has left a significant mark. I never tire of being amazed by her, perhaps she is what makes Vietnam so special. Well, of course, the beach of southern cities. Divers should definitely make a point to come here. There are so many diving spots and the local flora and fauna are truly diverse. Vietnam is not Europe, it is Asia, the mysterious East, with a tropical, pronounced climate"