If Vietnam magically suddenly found itself closer to Central Europe, the tourist flow to this country would certainly have increased many times. After all, among the tangible disadvantages of this direction is only a long and, therefore, expensive flight. Everything else – solid pluses: an unusual and exciting “excursion”, beautiful beaches with ample opportunities for outdoor activities, an extensive and high quality hotel base, low prices in hotels, restaurants, on excursions.
About a third of Vietnam is located at a level of 500 m above the sea, so the climate there is subtropical, and in areas above 2000 m – even moderate. From April-May to October, the southeast monsoon brings warm and humid weather to the country – except for areas protected by mountains.
In the south of Vietnam (from Ho Chi Minh to Phan Thiet), two seasons can be distinguished – wet and dry. The first traditionally lasts from May to November, the rainiest months are June-August. The second usually begins in December and ends in April. For European tourists, this is the most favorable time. “Velvet” months – January and February: soft sun, refreshing sea water. From late February to May are hot days without rain.
The climate of Central Vietnam (from the resort of Nha Trang to the ancient capital of Hue): from February to August – it is clear, rains are rare, the temperature is +30 … + 35 ° C. In the middle of December – torrential rains, in October-November in the Danang and Hue area typhoons are possible, the temperature is +20 … + 28 ° C.
In the north of the country (from Hanoi to the sea resort of Halong), the winter and summer seasons are marked more clearly than in the south. Winter, cool and humid, lasts from November to February, in February and March there is always a drizzling “puff” rain. From May, the summer season begins sharply: high humidity, temperatures up to +40 ° C.
In large cities of Vietnam, the choice of hotels is the most diverse – from mini-hotels to luxury facilities. Service in them, in general, at the average European level. Type of food – breakfast (most) or half board, all-inclusive system is almost never found. The buffet is extremely varied. All rooms from 3 to 5 “stars” are equipped with air conditioning, TV with satellite channels and telephone, for options that are more expensive, they also provide bathrobes, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, safes and minibars.
The prices for accommodation are kept at about the same level throughout the year.
Vietnam is one of the safest places in Asia, but here it is worth to be afraid of pickpockets and scammers. The latter are found in a variety of places – a fraudster may be an officer on the border, demanding money for a free visa, an unhappy pedestrian who suddenly materialized under the wheels of a bike with a tourist at the wheel, unscrupulous hoteliers and sellers.
In Vietnam, it is strictly forbidden to photograph military objects and people in uniform.
As for everyday life, it is not necessary to drink tap water, it is better not to order drinks with ice in small cafes, do not lean on unusual food and fruit at the beginning of the trip and keep yourself in the presence of alcohol.
Vietnam is a modern country that does not forget the traditions of its ancestors. Because most of the local holidays are celebrated exactly as it was done hundreds of years ago. Almost all holidays, except for modern and international, are tied to the change of seasons, lunar calendar and agricultural seasons. The main holiday, of course, is the Vietnamese New Year or Tet. Only here Vietnamese decorate the house not with Christmas trees, but with flowers of apricot and peach. Suddenly, the Day of Commemoration of the Dead is celebrated – despite the sad background, it is celebrated cheerfully, by big companies, with songs, dances and treats.
In general, the Vietnamese have many interesting holidays, it is worthwhile before the trip to carefully read their calendar and already on the spot try to touch the folk culture, making a standard-beach package vacation an unusual and unforgettable journey.
Similar to the Japanese archipelago, a country with a narrow and slender national land, Vietnam. In this country full of pleasure for both beginners and advanced people such as ruins, ancient capital, world heritage, landscape that leaves the age of the French colonial era, beach resort etc, charm and personality also differ from region to region.
Today, the traditional costumes of the Vietnamese have changed. Costume replacement for men’s traditional dress. The ao dai began in the reign of Nguyen Phuc Khoat and was further refined and perfected by Vietnamese women, wearing many important festivals during the year.