We just returned from Thailand and Vietnam. If we could, we would have stayed on vacation a little longer. I have to admit that this was an experimental trip for me and my husband. Even though I was born in Saigon, I can’t stand the heat and humidity that saps the life energy from me the moment I step outdoors.
My first trip in 2002 to the motherland was in winter, during the dry season. We departed around December 31 to get in on an airfare deal. January’s damp cold in Hanoi and Hue reminded us of the Bay Area. Hoi An was dreary, at best. Saigon (formally Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s hard for me to call it that) seemed insufferably hot. I’ve subsequently been again during winter, but also in late June (dripping hot, my Hanoi relatives apologized for the heat) and late September (post rice harvest and in the middle of burn season, during which I stupidly didn’t mask up like locals and ended up losing my voice to laryngitis).
Other members of my family visit Vietnam right after Tet, in February or March, when the weather is dry and relatively pleasant. When I told them about our 2024 June visit, my brother said, “You’ll be our guinea pig.” My friend Chan said to bring a big hat. Another friend, doctor Mike texted, “Stay hydrated!”
Viet Kieu Vietnam Travel Issues
We are all Việt Kiều — overseas Vietnamese living in the diaspora, who’ve embraced life abroad and turned into heat wimps.
My mom admits that when she came to coastal California in May 1975, the mild temperatures were divine. She was instantly sold on America. Politically, she and my dad couldn’t live in Vietnam. Weather-wise, there was no going back for the two of them anyway!
In the Pass the Fish Sauce newsletter, I offer my strategies on finding a sweet spot for traveling to Vietnam. You'll get tips on negotiating the weather, wardrobe, budget and high vs low seasons. Head to the June 2024 Vietnam travel dispatch and while you're at it, subscribe so we may stay in touch.
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