We are arriving in early October and heading from Hanoi to HCMC, taking about 3 weeks to do it. What weather can we expect to encounter along the way? Will it be the rainy season still? Would we be better travelling from South to North?. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Oh, would we be better off waiting till we arrive to organise accomodation and any tours such as halong bay & Sapa, or is it better to pre book.
Thanks everyone.
Kattie
[Edited: 2011 May 14 08:04 - Rat on the Road:23681 - Duplicate post removed. Please only post once on each topic. Thanks,.]
Reply to this Hey
It will still be rainy season in October. This year rainy season didn't stop until January, although that is unusual. In the North it will be getting cooler at that time, but that can be a nice change. Rainy season doesn't mean we have constant rain, it means that it rains heavily for about 1-2 hours every day, usually in the late afternoon-early evening. October is hurricane season in the Philippines which has an effect on Vietnam, particularly the Central region. It can cause some tropical storms and flooding at times. I don't think it matters which direction you travel weather-wise, just be aware.
For the weather reason I would suggest waiting until you arrive to book tours and accommodation. That way if there are problems in the Central region you can fly and skip it while you wait for it to subside. There are a lot of companies and hotels that don't advertise on the internet and literally hundreds and hundreds of travel agents here so it's not necessary to book from abroad. You can either turn up in a place and find somewhere to stay or book as you go. You can book online or get your current hotel or travel agent to book ahead for you. This means you can be more flexible in your timings.
Hope this helps
Kate
Reply to this From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is some 1600km which gives some indication of the size of the country. As a result the weather in Vietnam varies according to distinct climate zones. Due to regional climate differences there are no good or bad seasons to visit Vietnam. When one climate zone is wet and cold another is dry and warm.
In October, it's winter in the north so don't worry about the rain. It does not rain much in winter, but the weather is cold, dry. Temperatures in Hanoi falls to around 10°C. A pleasant time to visit the north is spring (March-April) or autumn (October-December). There are extremes in the Highlands as snow sometimes falls in the winter whilst the summer can see temperatures up around 40ºC. There is the possibility of typhoons between July and November.
The South of Vietnam has a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions which makes sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City very tiring for much of the year. The wet season is from May to November with June to August registering the highest rainfall figures. Temperatures average around 25-30°C all year round with the hottest and most humid period from the end of February to May. December to April is the best time to visit the south of Vietnam.
I share the same idea with Kate that you'd better book the tour once you're in vietnam. Basing on the weather condition, you may change yr plan. There are a great number of travel agents and tour operations available so don't worry too much. A lot of things to see in Vietnam, you may change yr mind in the last minute.
Reply to this Thanks, good to know that advice on the tour bookings. We are certainly looking forward to this trip and can't wait to see as much as we can. What were your favourite places to see while you were there?
Reply to this We're still here as we live in Ho Chi Minh City and I would suggest from the name the Anhhhh is here too!
Some of our favourite places are Hoi An and Halong Bay/Cat Ba island. Have also heard some great things about Phu Quoc island but not got there yet.
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