Vietnam in Jan 2011, advice please
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 30
Vietnam in Jan 2011, advice please
Hello all,
I'm thinking of taking a trip to Vietnam in early Jan next year and am wondering if any of you here has traveled there at that time? What is the weather usually like? Will it be too cold in the north and should I forget swimming for a while in the beaches? This is very important as we'll stick to the south or somewhere else if it's too cold in the north.
Thanks
I'm thinking of taking a trip to Vietnam in early Jan next year and am wondering if any of you here has traveled there at that time? What is the weather usually like? Will it be too cold in the north and should I forget swimming for a while in the beaches? This is very important as we'll stick to the south or somewhere else if it's too cold in the north.
Thanks
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 32,988
What is your definition of cold?
What is your definition of North?
Take a look at www.weatherbase.com or each place you plan to visit.
For me, Sapa would be cold in January, but Hanoi would only be cool.
What is your definition of North?
Take a look at www.weatherbase.com or each place you plan to visit.
For me, Sapa would be cold in January, but Hanoi would only be cool.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 32,988
So true, you can never predict with certainty. But Hanoi averages less than an inch of rain in both December and January. I tend to play the odds on these things. Besides, coming from Seattle, it takes a fair amount of rain for me to consider it wet.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 63
Cesgaston - Did you travel independently or on a tour?
We were planning on an Oceania cruise that covers Bangkok, Shanghai, Vietnam, and Seoul. Am reluctant to sign up because of troubles in some places. Would consider independent travel. Thanks
We were planning on an Oceania cruise that covers Bangkok, Shanghai, Vietnam, and Seoul. Am reluctant to sign up because of troubles in some places. Would consider independent travel. Thanks
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 32,988
ympepe, I wouldn't worry about "troubles" in some places (I assume you are referring to Bangkok) with that cruise, I'd worry about not actually seeing any of those countries as your land time consists of a few short stops, often just one per country. Independent travel in all of these countries is quite easy.
#9
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,569
My visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Mihn City in late October avoided most of the fall rains, through luck. In the north the conditions would likely be something close to chilly later in the year. However, consider that it is a damp country so cooler evening temperatures might make the humidity (and the air pollution from the congested scooter traffic in the streets) easier to bear.
I had such a great time in Vietnam that I would go back in any season.
I had such a great time in Vietnam that I would go back in any season.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 90
Please check and see when Tet is, as prices will be quite alot higher at this time. January can be cool, but if you live in a cold country it will be comfortable. If you venture out of a motorbike taxi (xe om) it can get quite chilly. Personally I liked January when I lived there.
#12
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 63
Kathie - Thanks for the comment on the cruise. Have abandoned the idea for the very reason that you don't see much on the day excursions. Will do independent tour or guided tour. Anyone have a recommendation for tour company that would do Vietnam, Shanghai, Japan? Thanks
#14
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 22,020
I was in Vietnam for about two weeks in January of 2008. I did not see the sun anyplace outside of Saigon. I had damp and drizzly weather everyplace else--Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Halong Bay.
I hope you have better luck, but I would not plan on swimming outside of the far south.
I hope you have better luck, but I would not plan on swimming outside of the far south.
#15
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,895
I was just there this past Jan., mid-month and it was hot/humid in Saigon, beautiful in Hoi An, rainy and humid in Hue and warm and humid in Hanoi. I used the pool in all places. Of course, the people in Hanoi on motorbikes were wearing heavy jackets but we thought it was warm and only needed a sweater on 2 evenings and I live in a warm climate. We even had great weather on Halong Bay.
