Vietnam forum

Hanoi; Sapa; Halong Bay - weather in February?

JenHarley

longtail driver
Posts: 9

Quick question. Does the weather in February have a massive impact on activities etc (particularly in Halong Bay and Sapa)? Have been reading a few posts stating it is really cold this time of year in those places but I am still very keen to go.
Should I just brave the cold and head out anyway? Are Jeans and a long sleve top/rain coat enough to keep the chill away?
Thanks all,

#1 Posted: 6/12/2011 - 03:06
daawgon

som tam seller
Posts: 552

The real problem will be Sapa , but it's not all that bad, and weather changes all the time. Snow is rare in Sapa, but it does happen. By all means go - it's well worth the effort. If you're talking the first week or 2 of Feb, the Tet crowds will still be around.

Very hard to tell you about your clothing needs. I suggest you bring layers of clothing so you can add or peel off as needed. Normally, fog is the problem up there. Just keep an eye on the weather services so you can alter your plans if the train track floods out or something like that. There are stores in Sapa that sell outerwear for Western sized people these days as well as boots. Sapa is the most beautiful spot in VN whether it be winter or summer - don't miss it. I suggest you pre-book a hotel and have that hotel meet your train. I usually go on the Livitrans train carriage (Sapaly is the newest one and very good).

Halong and Hanoi will be cool with occasional fog, but certainly not really cold.

#2 Posted: 6/12/2011 - 14:17
JenHarley

longtail driver
Posts: 9

Great thanks! Will be travelling light but will pack a few warmer things, particularly for Sapa. We are still to decide whether we are doing Vietnam first (for around 3 weeks) or bangkok and cambodia (for about 13 days) but its likely we will be in Vietnam during tet. Not sure where we will be but i understand travel and accommodation during tet is pretty difficult. Hoping we are lucky with both these things!

#3 Posted: 7/12/2011 - 01:37
Angelia_Ngu-
yen

newbie
Posts: 3

The Vietnamese Tet will be on Feb 22 to Feb 27, highly recommend you consider carefully during that time because most of services will close down

#4 Posted: 7/12/2011 - 02:59
amandajocky

newbie
Posts: 4

During your time travelling is Viet Nam winter, so the weather will be cold with moonless, so remember to take the warm coat with you, and do not forget Tet holiday in Viet Nam, during about 1 week, it will be hard to buy or sell any thing, big city will become empty because everyone be back hometown with family, book your travel early, cheers !

#5 Posted: 26/12/2011 - 19:22
amandajocky

newbie
Posts: 4

During your time travelling is Viet Nam winter, so the weather will be cold with moonless, so remember to take the warm coat with you, and do not forget Tet holiday in Viet Nam, during about 1 week, it will be hard to buy or sell any thing, big city will become empty because everyone be back hometown with family, book your travel early, cheers !

#6 Posted: 26/12/2011 - 19:23
FootprintVn

longtail driver
Posts: 9

Posted from within Vietnam.

One of the best recommendations is no cotton. Cotton will not dry! You find that your jeans will get wet by merely walking in the Sapa mist. If you only have cotton to bring then being a couple of pairs of jeans, and a couple of sweaters.

Sunny regards

#7 Posted: 2/1/2012 - 22:54
deco

motodop
Posts: 29
Located in:
Private message

Hi to everybody!!..i will be in Hanoi and Sapa in February for the first time as well..what you mean exactly cold weather?..above or below 15 degrees?..at night time?.That means no shorts?..I dont want to bring a lot of uneccessary clothing with me..if i need clothes how easy is to buy some?

#8 Posted: 22/1/2012 - 17:19