Vietnam Online This Week: July 18-24

Realizing the vast amount of information presented on the website and the news feed on a daily basis not always shown on the homepage, Vietnam Online team is dedicated to make these resources more available and accessible to you, our valued readers.

Vietnam Online This Week will be posted on our News and Events section every Friday of the week, and will introduce to you some of the most outstanding and supposedly useful articles featured on our website. Each week will have a theme attached and if you spot something missing or wildly interesting, please let us know!

Vietnam weather this week:

Hanoi has experienced the ups and downs, intervals between rains and sunshine as per usual. The coolness lasted until just last Sunday and was taken over by the sun. Once in a while it rained cats and dogs, making the motorbike riders stop all the way on the pavements to put on raincoats. Inside the office, the air conditioner is still running because of the outrageous and even annoying heat before and after those scattering rains (see Hanoi weather by month).

Hanoi Weather Forecast Friday July 22 - Monday July 25 (Source: Google weather)

Ho Chi Minh City is close to its peak of the rainy season, with quick pour and even small storm almost every afternoon. The temperature is rather moderate and hovers from 25 to 32 degree. It might be better to choose indoor activities such as visiting museums or tourist attractions in the afternoon and stay outdoor during the morning when the sun picks up a bit (see Ho Chi Minh City weather by month).

Ho Chi Minh City Weather Forecast Friday July 22 - Monday July 25 (Source: Google weather)

Vietnam News:

1 - Vietnam Airlines has just announced its plan to open more direct routes between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and major cities in the US and the UK. New deals will come hands-in-hands with the opening of new route to attract a decent initial number of passengers (read full article).

2 – The coffee chain Starbucks is planning on expanding its business to Vietnam in a couple of years. This might be a bit early to tell anything but the news still gives hope to a few of Vietnam Online editors, who are a long time fan of the famous Green Tea Frappuccino.. Oops, calorie count please! (read full article).

3 – July shopping deals are still on in Ho Chi Minh City. Expect sale between 10 and 50% off at major mall such as Vincom Center or Diamond Plaza (read full article).

4 - David Archuleta is playing tonight in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi on Sunday. Do not know when and where? It's time to go get your ticket now, but read this first.

Vietnam Destinations:

Welcome to the province of Hoa Binh (Peace)! Sitting about 120 km Northeast of Hanoi, this beautiful hilly region is often missed out by visitors, who almost always have Sapa and Halong Bay on their must-go map. Hoa Binh has a lot of eco-tourism opportunities for its untouched nature and distinctive culture. A few attractions that are worth mentioning include Mai Chau valley, Dam Da, Hoa Binh dam. (more Hoa Binh Attractions)

Mai Chau Valley - Hoa Binh

Vietnam Online Blog:

So you think you are the most diligent gymnasts. Think again until you see how Vietnamese get up at 4 a.m. to practice taichi and do aerobics at 9 p.m. after the mountain of food consumed for dinner. Read our blog: Up and Running at 4 A.M.

Best of Vietnam

In this scorching hot weather, what can be better than an instant load of cold drinks? Read what options you have, and should pick from, while you are in Ho Chi Minh City: The Top 5 most popular local drinks.

Miscellaneous:

Our A-Z section collects all the bits and bites, every kilogram and centimeter of information and knowledge about Vietnam. Check it out and find what you need. Recommendations for this week:

How to open a bank account in Vietnam?
Vietnamese among world most loyal beer fans
Vietnam World Heritage Sites
Vietnam Permanent Residence Application
Vaccinations for Tourist Visiting Vietnam

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