Summer has come in Vietnam and surrounding countries of Indochina region. The temperatures are rising high, the sun is often burning from 10am to 3pm and some short but heavy rain may suddenly fall when the light goes orange and the sky gets dark black. If you planned a trip around this time of the year, here come few tricks for you to make your summer vacation cooler and more comfortable.

1. Hydrate and don’t be scared of ice. Except if you were living in a grotto, you’ve probably heard this advice before. When it is hot, drink enough water and keep your body hydrated. You’ll find bottled water everywhere and may indulge iced drinks on the street such as tra da [iced green tea] or mia da [iced sugarcane juice] and fresh fruits juice. Ice will not make you sick, go ahead, and refresh yourself.

2. Adapt your clothing. While it will surely drag attention and get you stared at, being half naked in the streets won’t help you much feeling cooler. When the sun is hot like this, the best is to wear light, ample clothes. They’ll protect you from the sun and will lower this sensation of hot. Wear a hat and bring a hand fan along.

3. Make the most of your day at the cooler hours. Do like locals and keep yourself in a cool and shady place from 11am to around 3pm. The sun rises at about 5am, set your alarm on early morning and have a nap later in the day.

4. In case of rain, huge rain, do not panic. It shouldn’t last very long. If you’re not on the rush, just find a shelter that can keep you dry and wait for the end of what may look like the apocalypse. It often lasts 10 to 30 minutes only. The temperature will be much cooler for a while after the rain so make sure you fully enjoy this time.

5. Plan your travels and choose destinations taking the weather into consideration. Don’t choose to go for a 6-hour trek or a full day mountain biking if you’re aware the weather will be very hot. Rather choose a destination where river/lake/sea swimming will be available and keep the level of hard physical activity to a reasonable level. 

This is our selection of trips when the weather is too hot:

Go enjoy the fresh water in the cascades of Ngoc Son Ngo Luong or Pu Luong.

Snorkel around the Cham Island or enjoy a sunset cruise in Hoi An.

Cruise the waters of Halong bay and the mighty Mekong River.

Contact us for more details and precious advices!!