Rough Guide to Vietnam - Jan Dodd [5]
Market vendor, Ho Chi Minh City
Northern Vietnam is generally warm and sunny from October to December, after which cold winter weather sets in, accompanied by fine persistent mists which can last for several days. Temperatures begin to rise again in March, building to summer maximums that occasionally reach 40°C between May and August, though average temperatures in Hanoi hover around a more reasonable 30ŶC. However, summer is also the rainy season, when heavy downpours render the low-lying delta area almost unbearably hot and sticky, and flooding is a regular hazard. The northern mountains share the same basic regime, though temperatures are considerably cooler and higher regions see ground frosts, or even a rare snowfall, during the winter (Dec–Feb).
With such a complicated weather picture, there’s no one particular season to recommend as the best time for visiting Vietnam. Overall, autumn (Sept–Dec) and spring (March and April) are probably the most favourable seasons if you’re covering the whole country.
31 things not to miss
It’s not possible to see everything Vietnam has to offer in one trip – and we don’t suggest you try. What follows is a selective taste of the country’s highlights: outstanding architecture, classic landscapes and mouthwatering food and drink.
01 Ethnic markets • Spectacular traditional dress and a lively atmosphere make the ethnic minority markets a must – especially those in Bac Ha and Can Cau. See also "The villages around Bac Ha "
02 Nha Trang • Take a snorkelling trip in the emerald waters of the outlying islands around Nha Trang, or simply chill out on the beach.
03 Snake wine • Partake of a glass of “snake wine”, a snake-laced liquor that’s supposedly imbued with all sorts of health-giving properties.
04 Traditional music • Music is the most important of all Vietnam’s performing arts and a traditional performance should feature on every itinerary. See also "Traditional Vietnamese entertainment".
05 Water-puppets • Enjoy a performance of mua roi nuoc (puppets that dance on the water), an art form developed in the Red River Delta around Hanoi.
06 Express silk tailoring • Pick up a bargain at Hoi An market from one of the many tailors who can rustle up a made-to-measure silk dress, suit or even shoes for you in just a few hours.
07 Cu Chi tunnels • Look out for the spiked booby traps that Vietnamese guides reveal for visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
08 Take a cyclo ride • The quintessential Vietnamese mode of transport gives you an up-close view of street life.
09 Trekking around Sa Pa • Go trekking in the northern mountains around Sa Pa – a small market town perched on a high plateau facing Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest peak.
10 Colonial architecture • The legacy of French rule can be seen in the Vietnamese fondness for baguettes and, more impressively, the examples of colonial architecture, such as Hanoi’s Opera House.
11 Ride the Reunification Express • Load your bike on, then sit back and relax as the train slowly chugs its way between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. See also "Trains"
12 The northern mountains • Vietnam’s most impressive mountainscapes offer not just scenic rewards but also the chance to visit an ethnic minority village.
13 Hoi An • With its rich cultural heritage, beautifully preserved merchants’ houses and slow pace of life, Hoi An is a captivating place to spend a few days.
14 Tet • The most important festival in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet sees the New Year ushered in with colourful flower markets, spectacular fireworks and exuberant dragon dances.
15 Street food • Soak up the atmosphere at a street kitchen and have your plate piled as high with a selection of fresh food for next to nothing – but get there early for the best choice. See also "Street