Vietnam forum

Posted from within Vietnam.

The word 'heat' might seem strange when applied to a 'tropical' country but it is part of the enigma that is VietNam.

The southern part of VietNam is truly 'tropical' with two monsoon periods. The centre has unique weather conditions and the north is a temperate climate - much like Europe.

Unless you have lived in buildings with no heating systems, or heating that are inadequate, you will not appreciate just how penetrating even temperatures in the the thirties and forties Celsius can be: especially if you do not have adequate clothing.

Many of the older hotels in Ha Noi, particularly in the Old Quarter, lack heating systems period and the newer hotels have minimal heating capabilities but just enough to make life bearable.

The trains and buses are usually OK (especially the used buses imported from freezing Korea).

The hotels in Sa Pa usually have heating sources.

BE AWARE THAT SOME HEATERS USED EMIT NOXIOUS FUMES THAT CAN POISON YOU - *ALWAYS* leave your room windows open a 'crack'.

As a last resort, remember that the minorities sleep in housing that is even less adequate to ward off the heat.

Use layers of T-shirts to keep warm.