Vietnam is a country of varied terrains. It borders China, Laos and
Cambodia on the land side, and it faces the Gulf of Tonkin, the South
China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The country covers a distance of
1,650 kilometers from north to south. Most of the land is covered in
mountains, with a good part of the country being covered in tropical
forests. Level land in Vietnam occupies only about 20% of the total land
mass.
North Vietnam
The northern part of Vietnam is composed mainly of high mountain
regions and the Red River Delta, a flat densely populated area that was
once an inlet of the Gulf of Tonkin. Travelers are most likely coming
via Hanoi, and are here to view the region’s majestic views,
particularly in Ha Long Bay and Haiphong.
The north experiences four distinct seasons unlike most Southeast
Asian countries. Temperatures here can drop down to 15°C, and to lower
numbers when up in the highlands. The spring season of March to April
often has cool and pleasant weather. It eases into chillier temperatures
during the autumn months of October to early winter in December. The
temperatures vary, but bring along thick coats and some winter gear to
ward off the chill.
Summer season in the north is typically hot and wet, so bring along an umbrella and lightweight rain gear during these months.
Central Vietnam
The central region of the country is is divided into the coast and
the highlands. The central coast includes the Cham Islands, Da Nang, Hoi
An, Hue and My Son.
The coastal area is hotter and drier than the other areas when summer
rolls in from July to November. Oddly enough, it is also prone to
storms and typhoons during these months. When the monsoon months happen
from November to March, the area experiences more rainfall than usual.
The central highlands experience the highest amount of rainfall in
the entire country. Temperatures are particularly cooler here,
especially in two towns, Pleiku and Dalat. Cities that are nearing the
southern coastal areas are much warmer the whole year round.
Southern Vietnam
The Southern region of Vietnam is considered to be the country’s
busiest area. Here you can find the country’s biggest city, Ho Chi Minh
City. It also includes the Mekong Delta, which is called the “rice
basket” of Vietnam. Here, visitors can take their pick of the many
beaches that dot the area, particularly in Nha Trang and Mui Ne.
This region experiences the typical tropical weather that is
associated with Southeast Asia. Its two seasons are mainly dry and
rainy, as well as the expected hot summer season. When the monsoon
season arrives in May and continues to November, bring along an umbrella
as it tends to rain continuously. The dry season happens around
February to April, while December up until March brings about the cooler
seasons in the area.
Vietnam weather can change unexpectedly despite these regular
seasons. Southeast Asia is prone to scattered rainshowers, and Vietnam
is no exception. It’s better that you bring along an umbrella or a
lightweight jacket to keep yourself prepared. But no matter which season
you decide to come in, you will enjoy Vietnam and the wonder treasures
that it presents.
