We are considering a 2 week trip to Vietnam next year, mostly to the north and central areas (probably skip HCM). Considering that, are there any months that we shouldn't go? When do you think is the best time of year to visit, and the next best time? Thanks!

Hi, xxx!<BR>If I were you, I would do a temperature and rainfall check on one of the world climate websites; however, to the best of my knowledge, the November-February season is very pleasant in Vietnam, and even a little cool in the north.Avoid the flood time, which I think is in mid-year.

The north is very pleasant Dec - feb but the rainfalls can be pretty heavy. Hanoi is a marvellous city with incredible atmosphere and some fine French colonial architecture. We bought a tour to SaPa from one of the cafes, this one was called Kangaroo Cafe and sold good coffee. SaPa was cold especially in the evenings but the scenery was worth it. The town itself with lots of local tribe people gathered in the markets was an experience. Bring some warm clothes with you. And if you have a sleeping bag, that too - it might just come in handy. But I'm glad I saw Vietnam when I did as I know the mid year temperature there can be suffocating to a cold climate traveller.

Just wondering, did you take malaria pills there? The CDC recommends them for out in the country, I think. Would that include Sapa?

I was adviced to take precautions. SaPa is in the mountains and I did not experience any problem with mosquitoes that time of year. Stay covered and there is a pill you can take to avoid this dangereous disease.