Vietnam is one of the countries we specialize in and have an abundance of first hand knowledge of. With seemingly limitless travel options including Halong Bay cruises, tribal village experiences in Sapa Valley, and beautiful beaches along the coast, Vietnam is the perfect destination for those looking to experience several aspects of a country in a limited amount of time. Here are a few Vietnam tips from our travel experts.
When is the best time to go to Vietnam?
The weather is very different in the north, south, and central areas. The north and south have opposing monsoon seasons, making it difficult to coordinate your Vietnam travel with ideal weather conditions in all the different regions. However, this means there is never a bad time to visit Vietnam, as one region is always enjoying great weather.
The north is the coolest part of the country. Winter, lasting from November to January, can be cool, particularly in the mountain regions. Be prepared for cold temperatures if you are visiting Sapa. Hanoi, as well as the coastal regions including Halong Bay, experience humidity year round and a rainy season from May to October. The ideal time to visit the north is from November to April, though it can be quite cool in the height of winter. The central coast has warm weather from July to October and wet, cooler weather from November to May. Typhoons can hit the coast during the summer, from July to November. The south is hot and humid year round. Temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F and summers are very hot, humid, and rainy.
With lush jungles, beautiful forests, limestone cliffs, and winding rivers, Vietnam is an ideal adventure travel destination. Visit the beautiful hills of Sapa Valley, discover laid back towns like Hoi An, or enjoy the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Depending on where you travel throughout Vietnam, customs and traditions may vary slightly. However, making an effort to demonstrate respect and knowledge of the culture will be appreciated everywhere. The etiquette and customs of Vietnam is a reflection of the unique culture and lifestyle of the country. The people are polite and friendly, and family is very important in Vietnamese culture. As an addition to our Know Before You Go series, here are a few Vietnam travel tips.
The Family
Family is a very important aspect of life in Vietnam, the immediate and extended family. They live in large patriarchal joint families, and often times multiple generations live in the same house. The father is considered the head of the household and is responsible for much of the decision making. Children take care of their aging parents.
The most prominent religion in Vietnam is Buddhism, with Confucianism, Taoism, and Catholicism and also being popular. You will notice the philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism play a big part in the culture and every day lives. For example, Confucian beliefs emphasize respect for elders, and strongly influence family relationships in Vietnam.
Japan’s diverse landscape offers traveler’s a wide range of ecotourism options. Explore bustling Tokyo, snow capped peaks of Mt. Fuji, and the culture and temples of the ancient city of Kyoto. Japan’s natural beauty makes it a great country to visit anytime of the year. Here are some FAQs to help you begin preparation for unforgettable Japan eco tours.
When is the best Time to visit Japan?
Spring and summer are the most popular time to visit Japan. Cherry blossom season is during spring, and summer is full of festivals making it a fun time to experience the culture. Fall is also a great time to visit with beautiful scenery and foliage. Winter is great for snowboarding and skiing in Japan. Enjoying a hot spring in the winter, when snow is covering the ground, is also a very memorable experience.
"The picture I uploaded was the view of a typical day on the bay from Grand Anse Beach, on the island of Grenada. Grand Anse is one of the island's most popular beaches, and features a variety of dive shops from where to explore the island's beautiful marine life. Opportunities for sailing and fishing also abound. Here, local fishermen are coming in with the morning's catch, eyeing the impending showers that feed the lush mountainside."
Scott and Christy are surfers and photographers who run an inspiring travel blog, (as well as a San Diego food blog,) where they provide tips to others who want to fulfill their dreams of travel, no matter what situation they are in. You can find them on Facebook, Twitter or view their travel photography portfolio. They were kind enough to answer some questions for us, thanks Scott and Christy!
1. Where in the world are you now?
We are currently using San Diego, CA as our home base and taking lots of trips to places like Nepal, Dominican Republic, Panama, Arizona, San Antonio, Texas and Yellowstone National Park. We named our blog Ordinary Traveler because we are two people working normal jobs, but still finding plenty of time to travel the world. We want to show people that you don't have to quit your job in order to travel.
2. When and how did you get hooked on travel?
Christy has been hooked on travel for as long as she can remember. Her parents are partly to blame for taking her on annual trips to exotic destinations throughout her childhood. Scott first caught the travel bug on a school trip to Italy during his senior year in high school.
