VIETNAM ONLINE THIS WEEK: AUGUST 8-14

It's time of the week again! And per usual, Vietnam Online has made a come back to let our readers know of the latest news about Vietnam and traveling to Vietnam. We are in the middle of July - a believed-to-be depressing month of the year in Vietnamese's traditional beliefs. It's partly attributed to the weather, partly attributed to the "wandering ghosts" in our popular myth. Find out more in Vietnam Online This Week!

Vietnam Weather

While July is marked by scorching days, summer flooding is by no means unheard of in August, especially in the capital getting a bad name for historic flooding in 2008. The weather in Hanoi this week seems to discourage the most enthusiastic travelers with heavy rain shower appearing unexpectedly during the day. The rain often lasts for few minutes, coming along with frightening thunderstorm, but soon after you take off your coat, another spell of rain is on its way. Today, Hanoi is getting sunnier, but it does not mean that you could escape from incoming rain within the next few hours and during the weekend.

Showers not only affect the north but spread into many southern areas during the week, with Ho Chi Minh City staying wet for the whole week. Although the weather does not please beach-lovers and hiking fans, it is great for a cup of coffee or a hotpot in a little corner of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.  

Rain in August (or July in the lunar calendar) is predictable according to a Vietnamese fairy tale, called “Nguu Lang, Chuc Nu”. The story is about Nguu Lang and Chuc Nu, who are falling in love with others despite of the disapproval of the Jade Emperor. They are painfully separated and forced to live on opposite sides of the Milky Way. Their whole-hearted love then makes the Jade Emperor touched, allowing them to meet each other once a year on 7^th of July (Lunar calendar). When they reunite, they weep away the time, resulting in daylong rain in July.

Hanoi Weather Forecast August 12-14, 2011(Source: Google weather) 

Ho Chi Minh Weather Forecast August 12-14, 2011 (Source: Google weather)

What‘s about weather forecast in other cities? Check out our monthly weather guide.

Nha Trang weather
Da Nang Weather

Vietnam News

1- Incredible deals are calling from Vinpearl Da Nang and Nha Trang, the most ideal stopovers for tourists who plan to explore sunshine beaches in Da Nang and Nha Trang. Three sensational buffets per day are offered for free! (woa!!!)

2- August should be very proud to be the month for music performance and exhibitions. It starts with Traditional Handicrafts Exhibition in Hanoi Old Quarter, followed by Asian Youth Orchestra at Hanoi Opera House on August 15^th and 16^th and ends with Ancient Saigon Photo Exhibition, which lasts until the end of the month.

3- It is time for culture enjoyment. Cai Luong, which is widely known as Vietnamese traditional musical performance art, definitely let foreign audiences get to know more about other corner of Vietnamese culture, especially when it is translated in English. Just hurry to grasp a ticket for the first Cai Luong performance in English before it is too late.

Vietnam Destination

Phu Quoc Island is definitely a paradise on earth that is not fully explored. Want to be left alone in a remote area to enjoy your own privacy while enjoying the excellent service at hand? Phu Quoc is calling your name. Just prepare to be stunned by the pristine beauty of the sandy beach and the green surroundings as well as the fabulous ocean. The local life of little fishing villages in the island could not be more intriguing and lively. Hospitality service here is exceptional, guaranteeing you to truly unwinding retreat.

Pristine beach in Phu Quoc

Vietnam Online Blog

This week, once again, is the time for culture discovery. We bring to you a close up of Vietnamese music, both traditional and modern. Check it out and see how much you know about our melodies.

Miscellaneous

1- Want to buy clothes in Vietnam? Read our shopping tips to find the best place to spend your penny!

2- Don’t know where to buy fresh fruits and vegetables other than super markets? Read our article about wet markets in Vietnam!

3- How to stay healthy to enjoy your trip to the utmost? Just take a glance at keep yourself healthy tips!