|
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 3ºC.
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 2,000 mm. 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 ).
Hanoi
In 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’s 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 2.7oC in 1955. The average summer
temperature is 29.2oC, with the highest ever recorded
being 42.8oC in 1926. On average, there are 114 rainy
days a year with around 1,800 mm of rainfall.
Hai Phong ( Cat B island)
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 23oC
and 24oC. Rainfall total is between 1,600 and 1,800mm.
The weather is warm throughout the year.
Quang Ninh ( Halong Bay )
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 2,400 mm.
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 25oC. The best time for tourists
is from November to April next year.
Da Nang ( Hoi An )
Its climate is tropical, with two distinct rainy and dry seasons.
The average annual temperature is between 28oC and 29oC,
and storms hit the area every year in September and October.
Khanh Hoa ( Nha Trang beach )
The climate here is oceanic
tropical monsoon, but is quite mild. The average annual temperature
is 26.5oC. Annual rainfall totals over 1,200mm.
Lam Dong ( Dalat )
The climate here is cold, with
an average annual temperature of 18oC. Da Lat 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’s 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 27.5oC without winter, and
yearly rainfall totals 1,979 mm. 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 27oC,
rarely stormy, rich in sunshine. Vung Tau is without winter so
resorts can active throughout the year.
|
TOPOGRAPHY |
|
Three quarters of Vietnam's territory consists of
mountains and hills. Vietnam is divided into four
distinct mountainous zones. |
The
Northeastern Zone (Viet Bac)
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 Ha Long 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. Da Lat, 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, or Northern 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 the Mekong River in the
south.
Sea
Vietnam's coastline is
3,260 km 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 Ha Long 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, Da Nang, 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 Hai Phong, Cuc Phuong in Ninh Binh, Bach Ma in Hue, and Cat Tien in Dong Nai.
|
