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Planning for Vietnam travel in the winter months

 (August 2012) – Based on our most recent requests, many of our guests will be coming to Vietnam during the winter months. The winter in Vietnam (November to April) is an interesting time as it presents a diverse set of climates. To help you on your way, here are some tips to make your Vietnam tour that much better:

- The temperatures in Hanoi and Saigon are very different. It can get as cold as 12 degrees celcius in Hanoi while in Saigon temperatures are still hitting 30.

- Even though its cold, it is still quite humid. Making it a little tougher to warm up and get dry.

- To get dry and warm, most of the air conditioners in the rooms have a heat function. Ask hotel reception for help if you can’t figure out how to switch the settings.

- If you are heading to Sapa – for example on a 3 day trek and home stay tour – try and avoid bringing cotton clothes as they will not dry if you get caught in the rain. Also there are no hot showers in the home stays, BUT there are hot herbal baths. The herbal baths come at an extra cost but are well worth the few dollars after a day’s worth of trekking. Just so you know, sometimes it even snows in Sapa!

- Bring a breathable lightweight shell or rain jacket. With climate change it is hard to predict when its going to rain. And even though its not monsoon season, every once and a while the rain will really come down.

- Ha Long bay, although a little cool, is a DO NOT miss. We at Footprint will ensure that you are cozy and warm. If that means some extra blankets we will get them. If that means having making sure that the hot chocolate is on, then not to worry, the water is already boiling!

- Finally, Tet holiday is at the end of January / early February every year. It is the biggest and most important holidays in Vietnam. We at Footprint even shut down for week – however if you are on tour, not to worry, we will still be present to help you on your way. It is a great time to come to Vietnam, however you will have to be patient as many thins will be closed and transportation may be booked up.

We hope this is helpful to you as you begin planning for you Vietnam adventure. If you know of any other tips, please go ahead and comment below.