 |
 |
| Lots
more holiday destinations - links on the right ----> |
|
|
The Vietnam War may have ended in 1975 but its effects are being felt
to this day. As the country continues to rebuild its economy, tourism
is an increasingly valuable source of income.
The once hard-line
communist regime has taken a more welcoming attitude to foreigners
in recent years as the country has become increasing popular as
a long-haul destination.
Beautiful scenery, friendly people, unspoilt beaches and more culture
than you can shake a stick at make it a ‘must see’ destination
for many.
The country
lies within the tropics but as it stretches for more than 1600 kilometres,
there is quite a variation in its climate, both through the year
and across the country.
Vietnam lies
within the East Asian monsoon zone, its weather dominated by two
monsoon seasons. The winter monsoon (between October and March)
brings cool, cloudy weather with a persistent drizzle called crachin.
This affects all areas north of Nha Trang. Temperatures in Hanoi
can be quite low during the winter months, struggling to reach 20
Celsius (68F).
From April or
May through until October, the southwesterly monsoon brings moisture-laden
winds from the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand. During this
period it can rain on most days and the rain can be both heavy and
thundery.
There is an
additional hazard the traveller needs to bear in mind. Between July
and November typhoons can develop over the ocean to the east of
Vietnam, bringing violent and devastating winds and rain during
this period. Last year saw large tracts of the country under water
with hundreds of thousands made homeless by the flood waters.
So when is the
best time to visit Vietnam? Trying to avoid the typhoons and the
heaviest rain makes late November through until the end of March
the best bet. This period also avoids the high heat and humidity
levels which precede the summer monsoon. (Saigon temperatures regularly
reach 35 Celsius (95F) in April. ) The only drawback is the likelihood
of low cloud and possibly drizzle in the north. But even here the
sun does break through at times.
Typical weather
conditions in January-February are as follows:
Hanoi: Cloudy. Occasional drizzle. Max 20C (68F). Min 13C
(55F).
Comfort Index: No discomfort.
Da Nang: Sunny. Max 24C (75F) Min 19C (66F).
Comfort Index: Uncomfortable.
Saigon: Sunny. Max 32C (89F) Min 21C (70F).
Comfort Index: Uncomfortable.
|
Motorway
gridlock special
