- Vietnam Overview
- Main Cities in Vietnam
- Regions in Vietnam
- Other Cities in Vietnam
- Getting to Vietnam
- Getting Around Vietnam
- Language in Vietnam
- Education in Vietnam
- Vietnam Activities
- Vietnam Attractions
- Vietnam Money & Shopping
- Eating and Drinking in Vietnam
- Dress Code in Vietnam
- Gift Giving in Vietnam
- Public Behavior in Vietnam
- Art Performance
- Custom and Habits
Climate
Overview Climate
Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.
The monsoon climate also influences to the changes of the tropical humidity. In general, in Vietnam there are two seasons, the cold season occurs from November to April and the hot season from May to October.The difference in temperature between the two seasons in southern is almost unnoticeable, averaging 30ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in the northern where differences of 12ºC have been observed. There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in the northern provinces (from Hai Van Pass toward to the north): Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Every year there are 100 rainy days and the average rainfall is 1,500 to 2,000mm. The humidity ranges around 80%. The sunny hours are 1,500 to 2,000 and the average solar radiation of 100kcal/cm2 in a year.
Because Vietnam is affected by the monsoon, that why the average temperature is lower than the other countries which are located in the same longitude in Asia. The annual average temperatures range from 22oC to 27oC.
In comparing with these countries, the temperature in winter is colder and in summer is less hotter in Vietnam.
Under influence of monsoon, and further because of the complicated topography, the climate in Vietnam always changes in one year, between the years, or between the areas (from North to South and from low to high).
The climate in Vietnam is also under disadvantage of weather, such as typhoons (advantage there are 6-10 storms and tropical low atmosphere in year, floods and droughts are threaten the life and the agriculture of Vietnam).
TOPOGRAPHY
Three quarters of Vietnam's territory consists of mountains and hills. Vietnam is divided into four distinct mountainous zones.
The Northeasten Zone
This zone stretches from the Red River Valley to the Gulf of Tonkin. The mountainous area of Viet Bac is scattered with famous sights: Dong Nhat Grotto, Dong Nhi Grotto, and Tam Thanh Grotto in Lang Son Province; Pac Bo Grotto and Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang, Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan, Yen Tu Mountain and Halong Bay in Quang Ninh, and Tay Con Linh, the highest mountain peak in the region reaching 2,341 meters above sea level.
The Northwestern Zone
This zone is comprised of mountains that run from the north of the Sino-Vietnamese border to the west of Thanh Hoa Province. This magnificent mountain range is nationally known for its resort town of Sapa in Lao Cai Province, which is perched 1500 meters above sea level. Several ethnic groups, such as the H'mong, Dao, Kinh, Tay, Giay, Hoa, and Xa Pho, still reside in this region.
The northwestern zone is also famous for the historical site of Dien Bien Phu and Fansipan Mountain, which measures 3,143 meters above sea level at the peak.
The North Truong Son Zone
This zone runs from the western part of Thanh Hoa Province to the Quang Nam Da Nang Mountains. This region is known locally for its picturesque Phong Nha Grotto and its two breathtaking passes, the Ngang Pass and the Hai Van Pass. It is also known worldwide for being the location of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail constructed during the second great resistance war.
The South Truong Son Zone
This zone is located to the west of the south central coast provinces.Behind these huge mountains is a vast area of red soil known locally as "Tay Nguyen" (the Central Highlands).There are numerous legendary accounts of the flora and fauna and of the lives of several different ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands. Dalat, established during the 19th century, is a popular resort town in this part of Vietnam.
Vietnam has two major deltas, including the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong River Delta in the south.
The Red river delta
This region stretches for 15,000 sq. km. Over time, deposits of alluvium carried from the Red River and Thai Binh River have accumulated to form the delta. The ancient Viet people settled at the junction of the two rivers . At that time, the wet rice civilization was established
The Mekong River Delta, or Southern Delta
This region is approximately 40,000 sq. km. The land is very fertile and has favorable climate conditions for agriculture. As a result, it is the largest rice growing region in Vietnam.Vietnam is crisscrossed by thousands of streams and rivers. There is a river discharging every 20 kilometers along Vietnam's coastline. The waterways are a very convenient means of transport with major rivers like the Red River in the north and theMekong River in the south.
Sea
Vietnam's coastline is 3,260km long. If you have a chance to travel along the coast of Vietnam, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Tra Co, Sam Son, Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Nha Trang, Vung Tau and Ha Tien. In some places, you will see mountains jutting out to the sea. One such magnificent site is Halong Bay, which has recently been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Vietnam's coast has been awarded a series of large seaports, such as the ones at Hai Phong, Danang, Qui Nhon, Cam Ranh, Vung Tau and Saigon. There are thousands of islands and islets scattered offshore from north to south. Among the most popular tourist destinations are the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa Archipelagos.
Forest
The forests of Vietnam account for most of the total land area. National parks are preserved by the state and follow a steady development plan. Some of the more famous national parks located throughout the country include Ba Vi in Ha Tay, Cat Ba in Haiphong, Cuc Phuong in Ninh Binh, Bach Ma in Hue, and Cat Tien in Dong Nai.
Hanoi
I n Hanoi there are four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But it is able to be divided into two main seasons: the rainy season from May to September (it is hot, heavy rain), and the dry season from October to April ( It's cold, little rainfall). The annual average temperature is 23.2oC, but in winter the average temperature is 17.2oC. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 2.70C in 1955. The average summer temperature is 29.2oC, with the highest ever recorded being 42.80C in 1926. On average, there are 114 rainy days a year with around 1,800mm of rainfall.
Haiphong
It's one province in the North then Haiphong is influenced by a tropical monsoon climate too. There are 4 seasons and the annual average temperature is between 230C and 240C. Rainfall total is between 1,600 and 1,800mm. The weather is warm throughout the year.
Quang Ninh
The climate is symbolic of the climate of North Vietnam; featuring all four seasons. In summer (from May to September), it's hot, humid and rainy, while monsoons flourish. In winter (from October to April), it's cold, dry, and sees little rainfall.The average temperature is over 25oC. Annual rainfall totals between 1,700 and 2,400mm.
Thua Thien Hue
It features a tropical monsoon climate, featuring all four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The spring is cool and warm, the summer is hot, the autumn is cool and the winter is cold. Average temperature is 250C. The best time for tourists is from November to April next year.
It features a tropical monsoon climate, featuring all four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The spring is cool and warm, the summer is hot, the autumn is cool and the winter is cold. Average temperature is 250C. The best time for tourists is from November to April next year.
Danang
Its climate is tropical, with two distinct rainy and dry seasons. The average annual temperature is between 280C and 290C, and storms hit the area every year in September and October.
Khanh Hoa
The climate here is oceanic tropical monsoon, but is quite mild. The average annual temperature is 26.50C. Annual rainfall totals over 1,200mm.
Lam Dong
The climate here is cold, with an average annual temperature of 180C. Dalat is a city town, the climate is temperature and there are the beautiful natural landscapes with the waterfalls, lakes and pine groves, and is well known as Vietnam is flower city.
Ho Chi Minh City
The climate is divided into two seasons, with the rainy season lasting from May to November. The average annual temperature is 27.50C without winter, and yearly rainfall totals 1,979mm. Tourism is convenient for all 12 months of the year.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau
The climate here is tropical monsoon. The average annual temperature is 270C, rarely stormy, rich in sunshine. Vung Tau is without winter so resorts can active throughout the year.
RESOURCES
Vietnam has a variety of mineral resources. Located beneath the subsoil are precious stones, coal and valuable minerals such as tin, zinc, silver, gold and antimony. Vietnam also has large deposits of oil and gas on its offshore islands and on the mainland.
Vietnam also has abundant subterranean mineral water sources. These are found at Quang Hanh in Quang Ninh, Hoi Van in Binh Dinh, Vinh Hao in Binh Thuan, Duc My in Nha Trang, Kim Boi in Hoa Binh and Binh Chau in Ba Ria -Vung Tau.