Vietnam Online This Week: July 25-31

Can you believe that it is already the last week of July? Some say “meh”, some will speak in disbelief “oh-my-lord”, just like us, with so many deadlines ahead and so many news to deliver. The busy work schedule, however, does not prevent us from continuing this column – Vietnam Online This Week is here again! We hope that some, or even many of you, are actually reading and finding fun with this weekly report.

Vietnam Weather

Hanoi is hot, actually, way too hot than it should be by the end of July (we are not sure if this statement holds any water, since Hanoi has been over-heated every July that we know of). But it is hot, literally. The sun is up until 6:30 p.m. every day and the only good thing about this weather is that there is no storm, preventing you from outdoors activities. 

But watch out, since the national TV has just rung an alarm that Nock-ten will reach the Northern region of Vietnam this Sunday. It is forecasted that the storm will cause widespread rain until August 2nd, and it might not be the best idea to travel to Halong Bay during this period. 

Hanoi Weather Forecast July 29-31 (Source: Google weather)

Ho Chi Minh City, on the other hand, see the interval between rain and sun, which is a relief for those intolerant of high heat, at the same time a nightmare for travellers who want to spend their whole time being out. The temperature hovers between 24 and 31 Celcius degree, and remains steady like that over the course of the week.

Ho Chi Minh City Weather Forecast July 29-31 (Source: Google Weather)

Vietnam News

1. A caricature exhibition is ongoing until August 5th, at 16 Ngo Quyen, Hanoi. Caricature is a great way to entertainment, yet an artistic message about life and society that the painters want to deliver. Check out what Vietnamese Caricature landscape is like.

2. 4 billion dollars, is the amount of money to be invested in the latest world-class property and hospitality project in Hoi An, Vietnam. This project is a collaboration product of Vina Capital and Genting group and will promisingly create massive employment and income opportunities for the local.

3. Hanoians now enjoy a new opportunity to go organic. The green market in Xuan Dieu area – the expat district of Hanoi is open from 9:30 to 12:30 and sell mostly green items and locally made products. This is, exaggerative, the only place in Hanoi where parking is free and you can visit it with your purse unattended!

Vietnam Destination

Ever wonder about the origin of Vietnamese? Welcome to Phu Tho, the ancestor land! Phu Tho is home to Hung King Temple and hosts the most festive Hung King Festival in Vietnam every March. Located about 2 hours North east of Hanoi, Phu Tho can easily be a day trip in your holiday in Vietnam. The province is by far mostly agriculture-based so you will enjoy an unforgettable and authentic travel experience unlike other touristicated cities in Vietnam. The best time to see Phu Tho is between September and December, when the weather cools off, or in April, when the Hung King festival takes place.

Influx of people bringing offering to the ancestor land during Hung King Temple Festival

Vietnam Online Blog:

Many visitors come back from their trip to Vietnam with some digital photos capturing their moments by a beer table. In fact, bia hoi is considered a culture experience for many who travel to Vietnam. Unfortunately, we have to tell you that the multi-facetted nature of Bia Hoi has yet to expose. In this blog about Bia Hoi in Vietnam we tell you why that is the case. 

Best of Vietnam:

Do not know what to do in Ho Chi Minh City tonight? We have ideas for you. Here are five things locals often do when the sun comes down. You can try it out, and let us know more ideas to add. 

Miscellaneous:

1. Are you sure you know who issue you the visa? It’s not really the embassy, nor a travel agency. Is is the Department of Immigration that has the most say.

2. Having a hard time spelling the Vietnamese last name N-G-U-Y-E-N? Vietnamese has more than just one last name, find out more with our guide to Vietnamese Genealogy

3. Know before you go with our airport guide. The three most important ones you should know about is: Hanoi Airport, Ho Chi Minh City Airport and Danang Airport.

4. Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995 and has made numerous contributions to the prosperity and development of this Southeast Asian cartel. Find out more in our A-Z section.