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Ocean Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Ocean Cruise Tours & Trips in Vietnam

Unpack once and explore myriad destinations on an ocean cruise. Explore the coastlines and ports of Vietnam from the comfort of your ship. With 16 ocean and sea cruises ranging from 2 day(s) to 21 days, you're sure to find a cruise trip that's right for you!

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16 ocean cruise tour packages in vietnam with 29 reviews.

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Hanoi & Halong Bay North of Vietnam

It was a brilliant tour. We had a wonderful tour guide, beautiful boat, great transport, and amazing activities. Was seamless!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Vietnam Luxury Holiday 14 Days

Excellent Trip. We had a great 3 days in Hanoi and Halong Bay. Just want to send the compliment for the guide Hoa, a very warm , energetic & knowledgable guy about the history & cultures of city The company arrange us the downstair cabin which was not really good. But again their effort is appreciated. All meals well organized and very good Again thank you very much for all the help and assistance.

• In-depth Cultural

Hanoi - Sapa Highlight Package Tour in 7 Days

Admirable journey to Vietnam ! Cheap but meaningful experiences! Absolutly agree support and recommended trip on Tourradar

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Vietnam Wonders: A Complete Adventure 17-Day

We used Indochina legend for our 10 day trip to Vietnam. They were outstanding and everything went as per plan without even one hitch! We used them in Ho Chi Minh city, Danang and Hanoi for various day trips. In addition, our reservation process was handled very efficiently with very prompt responses by Ms.Phuong. We highly recommend Indochina legend. Visited March 2016

Halong Flamingo Cruise Package Tour from Hanoi for 5 Days

We have group of 4 and were given a private tour by DNQ travel, wow it was a great feeling like in the movies when visiting Halong bay. We had good seafood lunch on board the boat and we have fun do kayaking and boating and also visited the caves. It definitely a good choice. Also we are very happy with our Guide Mr Hung, he speak well in English.

Hanoi Halong Bay Tour with Luxury Flamingo Cruise - 4 Days

The hotel was not good. Loud music til 4 in the morning so we could not sleep. Got another room last day but still noisy from the nightclub next door.

2 Days Ha Noi - Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay on Deluxe Cruise with Kayaking

Bai Tu Long Bay Tour 3D2N Discover Remote Village

Amazing Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights

Heritage Explorer Cruises in Cat Ba

Emperor Hideaway on Cruises

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay 4 Days 3 Nights with overnight cruise

Hanoi - Cat Ba - Lan Ha Bay Cruise + Bungalow Viet Hai Village

Sunlight Classic Cruise Lan Ha Bay 2D1N

Halong Bay on Luxury Emperor Cruise and scenic flight

What people love about ocean cruise tours in vietnam.

Great impressions from Halong Bay. However, there are a lot of boats on the way. - Well-organized boat trip with an overnight stay. Food very sufficient and tasty, friendly staff.

Excellent Trip. We had a great 3 days in Hanoi and Halong Bay. Just want to send the compliment for the guide Hoa, a very warm , energetic & knowledgable guy about the history & cultures of city The company arrange us the downstair cabin which was not really good. But again their effort is appreciated. All meals well organized and very good Again thank you very much for all the help and assistance.

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Top 6 Beautiful Vietnam Beaches Near Hanoi

Hanoi's Closest Beaches to Unwind At On

Known as a political, cultural and gastronomic hub of Southeast Asia, Hanoi has its own hustle-bustle whether it is day or night. However, few know of the attractive coastal towns just a few hours drive away from Hanoi, where you can joyfully ride on the big waves. Read on to find out the top 6 best beaches near Hanoi , how to get there and what to see and do. 

1. Beaches in Cat Ba Island

Location: Quang Ninh Province, 160 kilometers from Hanoi

Another beach within the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay . Known as the pearl of the Northern Gulf, Cat Ba Island attracts almost every tourist who comes to Quang Ninh. The beaches of Cat Co One and Cat Co Three are great for daytime trolls, while Cat Co Two is packed with bungalows and chalets for an overnight stay. Tourist places are all around: hotels, restaurants and bars with the marvellous ocean views.

As the biggest one among 1,969 islands in Halong Bay, the natural combination here is truly amazing: forests, caves, hills, waterfalls, valleys, sea, rivers and springs. The local climate is pleasant throughout the year: warm in winter and cool in summer.

For a more exhilarating experience, you might opt for a boat ride to Lan Ha Bay or Trung Trang cave. The seafood found in these more deserted places are relatively cheaper than that on Cat Ba Island. 

2. Bai Chay Beach

Location: Quang Ninh Province, 100 kilometers from Hanoi

Halong Bay is one of the most developed tourist attractions in Vietnam, featuring a number of beachside activities, sightseeings and recreational activities. The closest beach to this complex is Bai Chay Beach. All sorts of tourist places can be found here: resorts, hotels and seafood restaurants. Diners can choose from a wide range of options: from decent food vendors to high-end dining places. Tourists often combine a visit to Bai Chay Beach with a tour around Ha Long Bay, checking out Hoang Gia Park, Royal Water Park, Vietnam Cultural Theater, Ha Long night market.

The most noticeable thing about the beach is that it’s actually artificial, with 500 meters long and 1000 meters wide. The beach is surrounded by an array of hills where pine trees inhabit. 

Situated in such a convenient location, Bai Chay attracts huge waves of both locals and foreign tourists during the summer. Hence, if you want to have a private experience, book a Ha Long Bay cruise tour to see Ti Top island , where the water is calmer and less polluted. Another option is to go all the way to visit Van Don Beach, a less touristy place in the Ha Long Bay complex.

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3. Do Son Beach

Location: Hai Phong Province, 126 kilometers from Hanoi

Do Son Beach is well known for both locals and foreign tourists, as one of the closest beaches to Hanoi. Located in Hai Phong Province, Do Son is both the name of a district and a beach. Featuring sandy beaches, picturesque surroundings and cool breezes, Do Son Beach used to be a resort town for the French during the colonial time. The town is also famous for its annual ritual buffalo fights taking place in late September of October. 

As a popular tourist attraction, Do Son houses a number of restaurants, hotels and resorts with amazing beach views. Local delicacies are readily available, with relatively higher prices in comparison with other beaches. The beach is divided into 3 sectors: first one at the entrance of the town, second dedicated to restaurants and hotels, and third one for those who seek utmost peace and relaxation.

However, the place has been exploited by tourism for a long time, resulting in downgrading services and overcrowded coast during peak seasons. You are strongly advised to avoid visiting Do Son Beach during months of the summer, to make the most of your experience.

4. Tuan Chau Beach

Looking for a luxurious experience? Come to Tuan Chau Beach located in Tuan Chau island ! Tuan Chau Beach is a featured beach in the Tuan Chau entertainment complex, another beach near one of the 7 natural wonders, Ha Long Bay. The water here is claimed to be very clear and calm. All sorts of high-end services will be found here: fine dining restaurants, lavish villas, entertainment shows and activities. The most outstanding ones are dolphin and seal performances, laser light shows, martial art shows and film screenings. The shows are operated daily with a capacity of more than 3000, in a stage designed in sail-shape. 

If you ever get tired of swimming in the sea, consider checking out the artificial springs, waterfalls, swimming pools and even malls. You can also find a botanical garden and marine wildlife center nearby. Jet ski, kayaking, mountain climbing can be your alternatives, if you prefer a more active holiday. Despite being a peninsula, Tuan Chau is equipped with virtually everything you can find in the mainland, of course with a substantially higher price. 

5. Dong Chau Beach

Location: Thai Binh Province, 145 kilometers from Hanoi

Not popular to both locals and foreign tourists, Dong Chau Beach possesses an untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The beach is far from the center of the city, where there’s no sight of concrete buildings and gleaming electric lights. 

The range of options for beachside activities and tourist places are limited; however, prices are quite cheaper in comparison with other beaches. You will have some peaceful time in privacy, enjoying the rustic life of fishermen and the gentle breeze from the ocean.

Situated not too far from Hanoi, Dong Chau is perfect for a quiet, chilling weekend getaway. 

6. Thinh Long Beach

Location: Nam Dinh Province, 138 kilometers from Hanoi

Located in Nam Dinh Province, Thinh Long Beach is an exciting, less touristy waypoint for any beachgoer. The beach is mostly frequented by locals during weekends and holidays. Active holiday activities are available in all forms: surfing, swimming and canoeing. 

The calm and peaceful sea vibes often attract couples who seek a romantic getaway. Cool breezes, smooth sands and rustling leaves will give you and your partner the best memories. You can also find local eateries here and there, serving mouthwatering, freshly-caught seafood. There are also some fishing villages nearby, where you can stop by for some authentic experiences of the fisherman’s life. 

Tips on going to the beach

• Do not bring a lot of valuable belongings. You will find local services who watch over your stuff, however, it’s always better safe than sorry.
• Get a waterproof case for your phone. Thus, you will be able to take photos while having fun in the water.
• Put on enough sunscreens. The tropical burning sunlight in Vietnam might well damage your skin.
• Ask for the price before you use any services, or else you might be overcharged for being a foreigner.

Hitting the beach has always been one of the most exciting options for a vacation. We hope that you have found useful information to plan your next beach trip in Vietnam. Vietnamese beaches have so much to offer and you won’t regret visiting any of the aforementioned beaches. 

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• Top 5 Beaches In Hanoi: Indulge The Water Baby In You On Your Vietnam 2024 Trip

Hanoi is considered to be a culturally significant city in Asia. The city is blessed with countless museums where you can discover the art of the country and the real heritage of Vietnam. You’ll be blown away by the beauty of the historical structures in this area. Hanoi is a perfect place to visit because in addition to a rich heritage, the place is resplendent with picturesque natural beauty. The beaches in Hanoi have a picturesque beauty which is really very soothing to for any holiday goer. Make sure to stop by them and ride on the big waves.

5 Best Beaches In Hanoi

If you are a nature lover and want a trip to get off from your hectic schedule, then visiting these beaches in Hanoi , Vietnam, would be perfect. Here is a list of a few beaches near to the capital city, Hanoi:

• Do Son Beach
• Tuan Chau Beach
• Thinh Long Beach
• Cat Ba Island

1. Do Son Beach

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It takes 1 hour 55 minutes to reach Do Son Beach from Hanoi by car. The beach is known for its picturesque beauty, smooth sand, and fresh watery breeze. In addition to this, the beach hosts various famous restaurants, resorts with beach view, hotels and much more. You can munch on local delicacies while enjoying the beach. The place has god-gifted weather as it remains cool in summers and hot in winters.

If you are visiting Hanoi then visit Do Son beach to experience the real natural beauty of the place. The beach is divided into three sectors, first one is the entrance, the second one hosts hotels and restaurants, and third sector is for those who love to enjoy the nature’s beauty for ultimate relaxation and peace.

Must Read: 3 Must Visit Places In Hanoi No One Should Miss On A Solo Trip!

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2. Tuan Chau Beach

If you want to spend little time outside Hanoi far away from the hustle-bustle of the city then visiting Tuan Chau beach is a perfect idea. The beach hosts luxurious hotels, restaurants which will amaze you. the soothing environment in addition to the luxury recreational facilities will amaze you. A day at Tuan Chau beach will make your trip successful and this will become the best day of your life.

Tuan Chau Beach comes under one of the seven natural wonders; thus, if you are a nature lover then it is a perfect destination for you to visit. You will never feel bored here because the place is filled with numbers of artificial springs, waterfalls, marine life center, swimming pool, complex, malls and much more. The coconut trees and the smooth sandy shore offer a real glimpse of the tropical beach.

Suggested Read: 10 Wonderful Places To Visit In Hanoi, A Land Lost In Time!

3. Thinh Long Beach

It is a romantic beach where you can spend quality time with your partner, it is such a clean and calm, peaceful beach. The beach seems untouched and locals visit here on weekends and holidays. The beauty, the peace of the beach attracts visitors from far away towards the beach. If you are planning to visit Vietnam , then visiting Thinh Long beach is compulsory. The cool breezing air, the romantic weather makes the place perfect for the visitors who love to come out from the hustle-bustle of the city and those who want to see the time pass them by along the beaches around Hanoi .

Here, you will meet with locals who are friendly in nature and will serve you some seafood dishes which you can enjoy along with nature’s beauty. So get ready to have a selfie with a caption “nature’s beauty at its peak”. Refer to the map of beaches in Hanoi if you can’t find your way to the Thinh Long Beach. You’ll find them in any stationery store.

Suggested Read: 10 Most Romantic Things To Do In Hanoi

4. Cat Ba Island

This is such a really very beautiful beach with a fascinating combination of forests, caves, hills, waterfalls, valleys, boundless sea, river, spring which forces you to say “Wow this is what called All nature’s beauty at one place”. Additionally, you will enjoy a natural musical concert, the sound of waves crashing on cliffs, the sound of blowing wind and the hissing sound of the forest.

This is something really very amazing, visiting this place means you will get the chance to see nature’s beauty at its peak. You can have a boat trip here which allows you to add some most beautiful moments to your life. The beach also hosts restaurants; thus, you can stay here at night with a beautiful beach view while enjoying Hanoi’s local food.

Suggested Read: 10 Homestays In Vietnam That Redefine Affordable Luxury

5. Chay Beach

It is 100 km away from Hanoi and a perfect beach to visit during summer time. It takes less than 2 hours to visit the beach from Hanoi. The most interesting part about the beach and what makes it a must visit is the fact is that it is an artificial beach. Whenever you visit the beach, you would not even believe that it is a man-made. The beach also houses a number of restaurants, luxury hotels that allow you to spend more time here with almost all facilities.

The beaches in Vietnam, near Hanoi, offer the best natural beauty along with fresh air. Not just offers breathtaking views, these beaches in Hanoi, Vietnam house various resorts, restaurants with unique foods and recreational facilities.

Further Read: Top Restaurants In Vietnam That Will Delight Your Palate

Waking up with a beach view is something which everyone wants to have. You will experience the god gifted natural beauty at beaches in Hanoi which bust all the stress and tensions of daily life. Take a holiday and visit the place immediately to add some beautiful beach moments in your life. Also, now you know what to see on your trip to Vietnam . What are you waiting for? Book your trip now and avail exciting discounts and offers!

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• 5 day trip destinations from Hanoi

All photography by Christian Berg

Go just a few hours outside of Hanoi, and you’ll find another world, one that can be dreamy, dramatic, and enriching all at once. After taking in the whirlwind of sights, tastes and sounds in the capital, it’s good to spend a day in the countryside, getting in touch with the nature and culture of Northern Vietnam. Whether you head west to the ocean, east to the mountains or set off for a nearby national park, you’ll be glad you made the effort. Here are five easy destinations to explore from Hanoi.

A relaxing retreat: mai châu.

In Northwestern Vietnam, a three and a half-hour drive from the city takes you into the mountains of Hoà Bình. Here you’ll find the peaceful valley of Mai Châu, nestled close to the border with Laos. With a mountain range hugging it all around, Mai Châu is a great choice for laid-back nature lovers looking to cycle through quiet rice paddy fields, enjoy authentic cultural experiences and devour scrumptious home-cooked meals. Spend a day visiting the valley, or stay the night in a Tày stilt house and catch a live dance performance and sunrise over the rice paddies. 

Read more: The essential guide to Mai Chau

A once-in-a-lifetime cruise: Hạ Long Bay

One of Vietnam’s most famous attractions sits right on Hanoi’s doorstep. Hạ Long Bay, and its less well-known neighbours (Bái Tử Long Bay and Lan Hạ Bay), are just two hours outside of the city. For a convenient day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site, leave the capital at the crack of dawn. That way you can spend the day cruising in the sunshine, soaking up the magnificent landscape, exploring historic caves or kayaking in the jade waters. 

TIP: Bhaya Cruises -- a leader in sustainable cruising in Vietnam -- offers a comprehensive one-day excursion to Hạ Long Bay, including delicious meals and smooth transfers from Hanoi. Their traditional junk boats and smiling staff will make your Hạ Long outing unforgettable.

A day in the countryside: Ba Vì

An hour and a half from the capital, Ba Vì National park is a great gulp of fresh air. The rural hamlets and pastoral scenes on the way let you know you’ve definitely left the capital behind, and the park itself is full of bubbling brooks, lush jungle and lofty hills. Hike up one of the three peaks, where you’ll find a temple for national hero Ho Chi Minh and abandoned French military outposts. A soothing soundtrack of exotic birds, insects and frogs will keep you company at all times. Homestays and hotels are available in and near the park if you choose to stay the night.

A journey through history: Ninh Bình

What do a World Heritage Site, Vietnam’s biggest pagoda, and the country’s oldest national park have in common? They can all be found in Ninh Bình , a province just two and a half hours southwest of Hanoi. Ninh Bình can be seen in a day but be sure to arrange your tour in advance for a seamless experience. Float down a maze of waterways below epic karsts in Tràng An, before hiking up a hill to the epic viewpoint at Hang Múa. Don’t miss a visit to Hoa Lư, the ancient capital of the north, to discover the history of this area. If you want to extend your stay, kick back at a homestay enveloped by karsts in Tam Cốc. 

TIP: SensAsia offers one day and multi-day tours of this charming province with the expertise of a local guide and comfort of a private transfer. If you choose to combine several destinations in the north, look into their bespoke multi-day tours from Hanoi to Mai Châu, Ninh Bình and Hạ long Bay.

A spiritual adventure: Perfume Pagoda

In Vietnam, nature and culture are often intertwined, as the most beautiful areas were often chosen as sites for shrines, tombs, and palaces. This is the case at Perfume Pagoda, a series of pagodas and shrines set within the mouth of a cave just two hours from Hanoi. You’ll find the beauty of this destination not only in the sacred temple grounds but also in the journey there. Drifting along Yến stream, climbing the steps to the cave entrance, and marvelling at the impressive stalagmites are a few highlights to look forward to. 

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Visit Hanoi and you will find white French villas next to temples and monuments. The Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is one of the most visited attractions in the country and should not be missed. Hanoi Old Quarter is another must to witness Hanoi at its liveliest moments: flows of people and motorbike permeate all through out the streets.

Hanoi restaurants tend to centre around Vietnamese with Asian fusion or European fare, particularly French and Italian. You are more likely to find international dining in the Hoan Kiem District, but for local authentic flavours (and Hanoi’s famous Pho noodle soup dish) head to the Old Quarter street vendors. Note that most restaurants close at 11pm.

Because of its French colonial history and the fact that the locals love their coffee, Hanoi has a wide selection of cafes. Just about every block has some sort of coffee shop, everything from a simple local cafe to a Western-style venue. The Vietnamese truly like to experiment with their coffee. So when visiting Hanoi, make sure to try the egg coffee as well as the coconut coffee. Both are highly appreciated among tourists and locals alike. Take a seat and order a cafe au lait or a Vietnamese-style coffee while watching the Vietnamese in their everyday life.

Bars & Nightlife

Hanoi has only recently come to grips with the concept of nightlife past 10 pm, and the result is pockets of activity dotted around the city. Most tourists head for the bustling Bao Khanh Street in the northwest of Hoan Kiem, where late-night hangouts and bars huddle together, which attract the locals just as much as out-of-towners. There aren’t a huge amount of actual nightclubs in the city, but the handful you do come across are riotous affairs that stay open until the small hours and pump up the volume.

If you truly love shopping, don´t worry, there is for sure no lack of choices when it comes to shopping in Hanoi. The city is renowned for its bustling markets and colonial shophouses where to buy everything from authentic silk, local crafts to souvenirs, but there is also a numbers of fashion boutiques and shopping malls where to buy local and international fashion brands. Traditional markets are scattered across the city where you can buy great gifts and souvenirs to bring back home. If you would ask a local or tour guide where to find the most various kinds of traditional Vietnamese gifts and souvenirs, most of them will say “Hoan Kiem Lake” and “The Old Quarter”. So make sure to add these areas on your to-do-list. When you want to escape from the afternoon heat, the shopping malls are a good options. Savico Megamall for example should be in your agenda to visit, famous for being one of the largest shopping malls in Vietnam. Trang Tien Plaza is great for high-end fashion and offers all the well-known brands. One thing is for sure you will not leave Hanoi empty-handed!

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The Best Time to Visit Hanoi, Vietnam

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• Weather in Hanoi
• Key Events and Festivals

Rainy Season in Hanoi

Dry season in hanoi, heat season in hanoi.

Unlike the typical tropical conditions of South Vietnam, the capital of Hanoi shares the north’s mild tropical climate, with cold winters from November to February and a monsoon season that reaches a rainy crescendo from June to August. For tourists and residents alike, the cool season between October and December makes walking around Hanoi a joy, not a sweaty chore.

Despite the mostly cloudless skies, the weather at this time feels crisp, not oppressive: you won’t sweat even as you walk for hours past Hoan Kiem Lake to the Old Quarter , taking in the sights. Here are the best times to visit Hanoi and what each season brings to the table.

The Weather in Hanoi

Hanoi’s weather is governed by tropical monsoons that alternate directions over the year. A wet and warm southwest monsoon causes temperatures to rise and torrential rains to fall; then, a cool, northeast monsoon causes Hanoi’s weather to turn drier and colder.

The alternating monsoon winds result in three distinct seasons (including the sunny transitional period between monsoons):

• Rainy season: The southwest monsoon from over the Indian Ocean brings in warm, water-saturated ocean air, triggering pouring rains over Hanoi between June and October.
• Cool, dry season: The northeast monsoon blowing from Siberia creates a cool, dry climate between November and February.
• Hot, humid season: As the monsoon winds change direction between March and May, Hanoi experiences warmer but relatively rain-free weather during this transitional period.

These three seasons will determine what sights you should see when you visit and the prices you pay for access. Peak tourist season in the cool, dry months will also bring the highest prices, as will the domestic peak season in the hot, dry months between March and May.

If you’re booking a visit to Vietnam during these times (especially during Chinese New Year, or Tet as it’s known locally), expect transport and accommodation prices to be sky-high and booked months in advance.

Beyond the peak season mentioned here, Hanoi can trend towards uncomfortably hot and humid on the one hand and chilly on the other. The temperature in Hanoi ranges from 61 degrees F (16.2 C) lows in January to 84 degrees F (28.9 C) highs in June. Humidity peaks during the rainy season, reaching up to 85 percent in August, with rainfall measuring 12.2 inches.

Key Events and Festivals in Hanoi

Vietnam’s biggest festival is naturally the capital’s most important: Tet Nguyen Dan . Coinciding with Chinese New Year, the holiday takes place on a moveable schedule between January to February and marks the beginning of the New Year in the Chinese lunar calendar.

Hanoi citizens celebrate Tet over several days, with family reunions taking place between festive events in public places throughout the city.

The streets of the Old Quarter, for starters, are lined with stalls selling traditional Tet treats, decorations, and gifts. Locals crowd the Quang Ba Flower Market to buy auspicious blooms to decorate their homes. And a calligraphy festival at the Temple of Literature brings traditional arts to life.

The second-largest festival takes place between September and October, coinciding with the fifth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu) is also known as the Children’s Festival, and as a result, the best place to visit during this holiday season is the Old Quarter, where Hang Ma and Luong Van Can streets will come alive with toys for sale and lanterns lighting up the streets.

During Hanoi’s rainy season (June to October), the capital receives the highest amount of precipitation, with an average of 12 inches of rain per month. High humidity works with high average temperatures to turn anyone into a sticky, wet mess after a few hours outdoors.

During this time, flooded streets can cause numerous travel complications; the city’s drainage systems can become overwhelmed with the sudden rain showers, flooding roads for an hour or so until the water has a chance to drain away.

When visiting the city during the rainy season, make sure to bring mosquito repellent. This is also when Hanoi experiences a spike in cases of dengue fever , a tropical disease transmitted by mosquito bites. A 2017 dengue outbreak stretched Hanoi’s healthcare system to the breaking point, resulting in 90,000 infections, leading to 77,000 hospitalizations and 24 deaths.

Events to Check Out:

• Mid-Autumn Festival : historic areas like the Old Quarter turn into lantern-lit wonderlands selling toys and mooncakes.

Hanoi’s peak season for travel is a no-brainer: between November and February, temperatures drop to average lows of 61 degrees F (16.2 C) in January, the coolest month. Rainfall hits its lowest at 1.9 inches, compared to 12 inches in August.

The city feels packed with local and foreign tourists taking advantage of the cooler weather to see the sights. The Tet festival finds the city at its most festive. Hoan Kiem Lake is a popular choice for tourists, as the leaves change to a golden-yellow during this season.

On the other hand, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum sends the embalmed body of the deceased leader to Russia for touching-up for two months in October and November, closing the attraction while the body is away.

• Tet Nguyen Dan (Chinese New Year) : Vietnam’s most important festival, bar none. If you can brave the high ticket prices to visit during Tet, go to the Old Quarter for shopping, and watch the fireworks at Hoan Kiem Lake after dark.
• Co Loa Festival : From the sixth to the 16th days of the Lunar New Year, this temple celebration takes place at An Duong Vuong Temple, in Dong Anh District, just outside Hanoi. The festival celebrates a legendary king’s memory in the form of street food stalls and wrestling matches.

Smog in Hanoi

Dry and cold air in the winter months often causes pollution levels to increase during the cooler months. As a result, Hanoi's air quality index (AQI) exceeds the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines' maximum exposure threshold ten times over.

Fog-covered mornings and late afternoons in Hanoi restrict air circulation, creating a pollution problem exacerbated by the flat local topography and industrial zones in neighboring provinces. In these conditions, particulates are trapped at ground level, creating a thick smog that blankets the city and causes health issues, particularly among the elderly and children.

Temperatures start to crest between March and May in Hanoi, with temperatures hitting 81 degrees F (27.2 C) at the end of the season. You begin to wish the rain would start falling to break the heat!

These months also represent the domestic peak season, when Vietnam Reunification Day and International Labor Day (on April 30 and May 1, respectively) present the Vietnamese with a couple of days off for travel, including to the capital.

Some of Hanoi’s most prominent temples celebrate their key festivals this season. The top ones to consider visiting include:

• Dong Nhan Temple Festival : On the sixth day of the second lunar month (around March), the Dong Nhan Temple in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung District offers sacrifices to the Trung Sisters who helped save Vietnam from Chinese invasion.
• Chem Temple Festival : In Hanoi’s Tu Liem District, Chem Village hosts a temple dedicated to a Vietnamese folk hero who helped the Chinese Emperor drive out invaders. On the 15th day of the fifth lunar month (around May or June), the statue of Ly Ong Trong is bathed at the Red River, as the town breaks into a frenzy of entertainments, including traditional wrestling, human chess, and folk plays.
• Giong Festival at Phu Dong Temple : On the eighth and ninth days of the fourth lunar month (around May or June), Phu Dong celebrates its most famous son, Saint Giong, a legendary hero who drove off foreign invaders. A folk play takes place to reenact Giong’s climactic battle against the invading forces.

The cool season between November and February offers the nicest weather in Hanoi.

Rainy season in Hanoi spans June through October.

When to visit depends on what you're looking for. For cooler weather, but during peak tourist season, travel between November and February. To see peak domestic season, visit between March and May.

Temperatures vary on the season, but during the summer months, temperatures can range anywhere around 80 degrees F and 90 degrees F.

Climate-Data.org, Climate Hanoi (Vietnam) , 2021

MedicalXpress, Vietnam battles dengue outbreaks with 42 percent more cases , August 18, 2017

VN Express, Garbage overload, road construction blamed as Hanoi air quality takes a dive , January 6, 2021

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Stunning crystal lagoon, surf playground and shopping galore: hanoi's new mega complex is an urban oasis, ocean city, a vast 1,200ha development in vietnam’s capital, blends beach resort luxuries with essential services such as its own university and hospital.

When Vietnam’s largest property developer, Vinhomes, introduced the all-in-one mega complex called Ocean City, a dream city was realised in the east of Hanoi. Dubbed the “city of miracles,” or “the most livable place on our planet”, it aspires to fulfil every resident's needs,  from tranquil living spaces to entertainment, all within its expansive borders . 

Mr Johnny Cranston, an American English teacher and eco-warrior, ditched the bustling city four months ago for Ocean City, a 30-minute drive from Hanoi . “That’s four months of green living,” he beams, as sunlight glints off the man-made lake behind him. “My carbon footprint has shrunk! Everything – from lazy afternoons by the pool to catching up with friends over craft beer – happens right here within this self-contained paradise.” 

Every day after work, Mr Cranston takes a VinBus home, the electric hum replacing city honks. In just 30 minutes, he swaps buildings for swaying palm trees, leaving the urban dust behind.

From urban sprawl to city oasis

The traffic-clogged, stack-’em-high urban landscapes represent one of the most significant population shifts in human history. On average, Asia’s urban populations have swollen by 3.4 per cent every year since 1970, according to a 2019 report by the United Nations, compared to just 1 per cent in developed nations.

Amidst Asia's relentless urban sprawl, a new kind of urban area is rising in Hanoi. Vinhomes Ocean City carves out a haven of fresh air and green spaces within the bustling capital. This mega complex redefines urban living, offering residents a healthy and fulfilling life brimming with experiences – a stark contrast to the cramped streets and monotonous hum of traditional megacities.

“Every time my friends back home in Thailand ask about life in Vietnam, I can't help but burst into a grin. ‘ Ocean City! It's got everything you could imagine – and then some! ’ I tell them,” says Ms Sirirat Jiraporn, a 20-year-old student at VinUniversity, a top-notch university nestled within the heart of Vinhomes Ocean Park 1, one of three complexes within Ocean City.

In Ocean City , three complexes are turned into three distinctive districts which are consistently designed to strike a harmonious chord in the urban symphony. Vinhomes Ocean Park 1, the “Downtown” district, spans 420ha. Here, vibrant shophouse rows pulsate with activity, their colourful facades mirroring the drive and energy of the young generations nurtured by esteemed universities and thriving financial institutions.

Are there blind scuba divers? Here's the accessible way anyone can explore the ocean.

“Accessible Travel” is a six-part series focusing on the travel industry’s preparedness to welcome travelers with disabilities. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form .

When Jessica Pita and her dive buddy started their descent into the water off the coast of Mozambique this past March, her companion started humming the infamous tune to “Jaws.”

Pita instantly got the message: a shark. Without hearing that tune, she had no other way of knowing a five-meter-long shark was right underneath the two divers. 

The South Africa-based diver has been legally blind since she was a teenager. At 11, Pita underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor, but the procedure left permanent damage to her optic nerves. She emerged from the surgery without the tumor and the majority of her vision. 

Pita’s central vision is completely black but she sees “pinpricks of light, almost like stars,” she told USA TODAY. The outer parts of her eyes are extremely blurry, and she lacks depth perception. “Everything just fades into everything else.” 

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That doesn’t stop Pita, now 21, from being an avid scuba diver – typically thought of as a “seen activity,” where people are able to witness the vibrancy of life below the water’s surface. 

In fact, scuba diving is one of the rare chances Pita has to relax and get a break from everyday life.

“Going scuba diving, you get that peace and quiet – especially for me, where I rely on all my senses on a day-to-day basis to navigate where I am,” she said. When Pita’s diving, she can just go with the flow of being underwater and not have to constantly map out different places in her brain or worry about what's in front of her, she said. (Having a dive buddy, which is standard procedure for all divers, helps.)

Although Pita cannot see the fish or coral, her senses remain highly engaged. She can feel the movement of their wagging fins and tails. She can hear the crackling of the coral and feel the different types of sand and the weightlessness of the water around her.

With its intensive gear, such as heavy air tanks and fins, and the challenges of navigating the underwater world, most people wouldn’t think of scuba diving as an easily adaptive sport. However, just about anyone with physical and mental disabilities can still explore the ocean through diving – and reap its healing benefits.

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From good-for-you minerals and vitamins in salt water like magnesium and potassium to the buoyancy and joint relief of moving underwater, scuba diving offers an array of health benefits for people’s physical and mental wellbeing. 

“It’s a sport that allows you not only to heal (physically) but mentally as well. It gives you that feeling that you’re capable of anything,” Julie Andersen, PADI’s Senior Director of Brand, told USA TODAY. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors is the world’s most recognized diving organization, with over 29 million certifications. 

Opening the ocean to everyone

Scuba diving offers therapeutic benefits by immersing individuals in an underwater environment. Las Vegas-based Ryan Chen was 19 when he suffered a snowboarding accident at Big Bear, California, in 2008 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. An athlete his entire life, he sought out new hobbies and sports that could be adapted to his new capabilities. He discovered scuba diving in 2013 and has been hooked ever since.

Chen typically experiences back pain and pins and needles at the site of his injury, but when he is diving, the pain goes away. Focusing on his breathing and feeling the weightlessness of the water gives him physical relief but also makes him feel more confident. 

“You’re very free, you’re completely buoyant,” Chen, who co-founded a functional chewing gum company called Neuro that also promotes ocean conservation in partnership with PADI, said. 

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Chen and his dive buddy, Neuro co-founder Kent Yoshimura, have since dived in New Zealand, Catalina Island in California, Mexico, and, soon, Costa Rica. 

According to a 2021 study , scuba diving was found to help people with physical disabilities build their self-esteem, improve their motor skills, and decrease pain. Being underwater relaxes the muscles and increases the joint range of motion.

There are several organizations that use the healing power of scuba diving, such as Patriots for Disabled Divers , which introduces the activity to people with PTSD, autism and other disabilities. The organization offers veterans the chance to learn to dive at no cost.

Intrinsically an adaptive sport, PADI has long-welcomed divers from all paths of life, and that’s been spearheaded by Fraser Bathgate, the first wheelchair PADI pro-diver, since the 1990s. Chen said he was surprised over a decade ago when he first started diving by how easy and accessible the activity was for him. 

“You forget about any type of disability you may have on land,” Chen said.

Since 2017, PADI has offered two courses on adaptive technique specialties. In 2022, PADI widened its adaptive diving program even more, opening it to anyone wanting to learn how to become a dive buddy for adaptive divers. Now, there are more than 2,000 dive buddies who are trained to help those with various disabilities. 

There are also 40 adaptive service facilitie s worldwide – in places like San Diego, Maui, Australia and Italy – that have invested in infrastructure to help divers with physical or mental challenges, such as accessible pools or boat decks with lifting nets. The number of accessible facilities is only growing, Andersen said. 

Dive equipment can also be easily adapted based on the individual’s skill set and capabilities. Chen uses webbed gloves to help propel him in the water. Amputees can use adaptive scuba fins that strap above the knee. Full-face masks can also make people more comfortable breathing in the water. Sometimes, the only adjustment needed is switching the regulator hoses to the other side of the body.

For divers with hearing impairments, the communication process is nearly the same since scuba divers use hand signals or write on their slate underwater. (Although some hand signals in diving can be considered offensive in American Sign Language.) 

“I think the world is catching on that it’s no longer nice to have (to make) things accessible, it’s critical,” said Andersen. “And for us in our sports, it’s even more so. We feel so passionate about the potential of diving in the ocean.”

Jessica Pita’s journey

Although she’s always loved the ocean, Pita never thought she’d be a scuba diver after her surgery. “To go and see the corals and fish, having my disability, it was…never on my list,” she said. 

Last November, an old friend of her mom’s reached out, saying a dive school was looking for someone with a disability to help kick-start its adaptive diving program. Since Pita was on a semester break at university, she decided to try it out because it sounded “like an adventure.” 

“After that, I was like, wow, what have I been missing?” Pita said. “It was insane. So many things were happening in my brain. Everything was so calm at the same time. Just the feeling of being underwater and breathing through the regulator… It’s just a feeling you don’t get, it’s very hard to explain.” 

When she dives, Pita holds hands with her dive buddy, who signs directly onto her hand. Her buddy will squeeze her hand to ask if she’s okay, and she signs the normal “OK” back. Different types of fish call for different signals, like if there’s a starfish, they’ll draw a star on her hand. Sometimes the conditions are difficult for her to navigate, like if there’s a strong current.

“Scuba diving was never a thing I was interested in, but now it’s something I cannot live without,” Pita said. In the four or so months since she became PADI-certified, Pita has been on over 20 dives and is now a PADI ambassador, spreading awareness of “being able to do things for myself in a sport that's usually seen as a seen sport brings independence and empowerment to yourself.” 

Have you, or someone you know, had issues with accessibility while traveling? What happened?

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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CBP Releases March 2024 Monthly Update

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released operational statistics today for March 2024. CBP monthly reporting can be viewed on CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage .

“CBP - in coordination with our partners across the Federal government as well as foreign partners - continues to take significant actions to disrupt criminal networks amidst unprecedented hemispheric migration activity,” said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner. “Encounters at our southern border are lower right now, but we remain prepared for changes, continually managing operations to respond to ever-shifting transnational criminal activities and migration patterns.”

CBP continues to work closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to quickly process individuals encountered at the border and remove those who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States, delivering strengthened consequences promulgated by the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule and its associated measures. From May 12, 2023 to April 3, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 660,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the southwest border, including more than 102,000 individual family members. The majority of all individuals encountered at the southwest border over the past three years have been removed, returned, or expelled. Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2011. 

Below are key operational statistics for CBP’s primary mission areas in March 2024. View all CBP statistics online. 

Ensuring Border Security and Managing Migration 

CBP continues to expeditiously process and remove individuals who do not have a legal basis to remain in the country. We are working together with our domestic and foreign partners to jointly disrupt irregular migration across the region, offering safe, orderly, and lawful pathways for intending migrants and taking action against ruthless smugglers who continue to spread falsehoods and show disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable migrants. We are also working alongside U.S. government partners to target transnational criminal organizations and smugglers who take advantage of and profit from migrants and taking new measures to stop individuals from exploiting traditional travel methods for migration.

In March 2024, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 137,480 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border.  In March, encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border were 45% lower than in December 2023 and 16% lower than March 2023.

CBP had a total of 189,372 encounters along the southwest border in March 2024, including U.S. Border Patrol encounters between ports of entry, as well as individuals who presented themselves at ports of entry (including those with CBP One™ appointments, detailed further below).

CBP continually analyzes and responds to changes in migration patterns, particularly irregular migration outside of lawful pathways and border crossings. We work with our federal and international partners to combat human smuggling. The fact remains: the United States continues to enforce immigration law, and those without a legal basis to remain will be removed. Migrants attempting to enter without authorization are subject to removal under Title 8 authorities.

The U.S. Border Patrol has undertaken significant efforts in recent years to expand capacity to aid and rescue individuals in distress. To prevent the loss of life, CBP initiated a Missing Migrant Program in 2017 that locates noncitizens reported missing, rescues individuals in distress, and reunifies decedents’ remains with their families in the border region. In March, the U.S. Border Patrol conducted 439 rescues, a 77% increase from January 2024. This brings the FY 2024 total rescues to 2,488 . 

View more migration statistics and rescues statistics .  

CBP One™ App   

The CBP One™ mobile application remains a key component of DHS’s efforts to incentivize noncitizens to use lawful, safe, humane, and orderly pathways and processes. Generally, noncitizens who cross between the ports of entry or who present themselves at a port of entry without making a CBP One™ appointment are subject to the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule. This rule presumes asylum ineligibility for those who fail to use lawful processes, with certain exceptions. DHS encourages migrants to utilize lawful processes, rather than having migrants take the dangerous journey to cross unlawfully between the ports of entry, which also carries consequences under Title 8.

The CBP One™ app allows noncitizens throughout central or northern Mexico who lack documents sufficient for admission to the United States to schedule an appointment and remain in place until presenting at a preferred port of entry for their appointment, reducing migrants’ need to crowd into immediate border areas. Use of the CBP One™ app to schedule appointments at ports of entry has increased CBP’s capacity to process migrants more efficiently and orderly while cutting out unscrupulous smugglers who endanger and profit from vulnerable migrants.

In March, CBP processed 44,000 individuals through appointments at ports of entry utilizing advanced information submitted in CBP One™. Since the appointment scheduling function in CBP One™ was introduced in January 2023 through the end of March 2024, more than 547,000 individuals have successfully scheduled appointments to present at ports of entry using CBP One™ instead of risking their lives in the hands of smugglers. The top nationalities who have been processed are Venezuelan, Haitian, and Mexican.

A percentage of daily available appointments are allocated to the earliest registered CBP One™ profiles, so noncitizens who have been trying to obtain appointments for the longest time are prioritized. CBP is continually monitoring and evaluating the application to ensure its functionality and guard against bad actors. 

CHNV Parole Processes

On January 5, 2023, DHS announced processes providing certain Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans, who have a supporter in the United States, undergo and clear robust security vetting, and meet other eligibility criteria, to come to the United States in a safe, orderly, and lawful way. These processes were built on the success of the process for Venezuelans established in October 2022; they are publicly available online, and DHS has been providing regular updates on their use to the public. This is part of the Administration’s strategy to combine expanded lawful pathways with stronger consequences to reduce irregular migration and have kept hundreds of thousands of people from migrating irregularly.

Through the end of March 2024, 404,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans arrived lawfully on commercial flights and were granted parole under these processes. Specifically, 86,000 Cubans, 168,000 Haitians, 77,000 Nicaraguans, 102,000 Venezuelans were vetted and authorized for travel; and 84,000 Cubans, 154,000 Haitians, 69,000 Nicaraguans, and 95,000 Venezuelans arrived lawfully and were granted parole.

Safeguarding Communities by Interdicting Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

As the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs before they enter our communities. CBP’s combination of interdiction and intelligence capabilities, complemented by its border search authorities, scientific services, non-intrusive inspection equipment, and canine detection teams, places it at the forefront of the U.S. government’s efforts to combat illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

CBP continues to conduct operations, including Operation Apollo, which target the smuggling of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs. These operations leverage intelligence and investigative information to target drug traffickers’ supply chains and interdict items required in the production of illicit fentanyl, including precursor chemicals, pill presses and parts, movement of finished product, and illicit proceeds.

Nationwide in March, fentanyl seizures increased by 16.1% compared to February and heroin seizures by 19.6% .

To date in FY 2024 through the end of March, CBP has seized 10,026 pounds of fentanyl. CBP has stopped more fentanyl in the last two years than in the previous five years combined, and we continue to optimize our intelligence and field operations to stop these deadly substances from reaching American communities. 

Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found on the Drug Seizure Statistics webpage .

Facilitating Lawful Trade and Travel 

 As international travel continues to increase, CBP is leveraging technology to streamline efficiency and increase security at air and land ports of entry. Travelers are encouraged to utilize CBP’s mobile apps to enhance their travel experience, including the Global Entry Mobile Application and Mobile Passport Control , as well as new Global Entry Touchless Portals at nearly all international airports across the United States, which protect passenger privacy and expedite arrival processing by eliminating paper receipts.

Travelers arriving by air into the United States increased 13.9% from March 2023 to March 2024, passenger vehicles processed at ports of entry increased by 2.9% , and pedestrians arriving by land at ports of entry increased 10.8% over the same period.  

CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible and to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. In March 2024, CBP processed more than 2.8 million entry summaries valued at more than $275 billion , identifying estimated duties of nearly $6.2 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. In March, trade via the ocean environment accounted for 39.67% of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.

View more travel statistics , and trade statistics . 

Protecting Consumers, Eradicating Forced Labor from Supply Chains, and Promoting Economic Security     

CBP continues to lead U.S. government efforts to eliminate goods from the supply chain made with forced labor from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. In March, CBP stopped 749 shipments valued at more than $32 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor.

Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Counterfeit and pirated goods threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers.

Consumers are encouraged to be alert to the dangers of counterfeit goods especially when shopping online as they support criminal activity, hurt American businesses, and often have materials or ingredients that can pose serious health and safety risks. Every year CBP seizes millions of counterfeit products worth billions of dollars had they been genuine. In March, CBP seized 1,633 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $384 million . More information about CBP’s intellectual property rights enforcement is available at https://www.cbp.gov/trade .

CBP is on the frontline of textiles and trade agreements enforcement, combating textile imports that are not compliant with U.S. trade laws. Protecting the domestic textile industry and American consumers is vital to U.S. national security, health care, and economic priorities. Toward this end, CBP is intensifying its targeting and enforcement efforts to increase and expedite the prosecution of illegal customs practices. CBP’s efforts include de minimis compliance, forced labor enforcement, cargo compliance, regulatory audits, and public awareness. This month DHS announced an enhanced strategy to combat illicit trade and level the playing field for the American textile industry, which accounts for over 500,000 U.S. jobs and is critical for our national security. The plan details the actions CBP and Homeland Security Investigations will take to hold perpetrators accountable for customs violations, and safeguard the American textile industry.

View more UFLPA enforcement statistics , and intellectual property rights enforcement statistics. 

Defending our Nation’s Agricultural System  

 Through targeting, detection, and interception, CBP agriculture specialists work to prevent threats from entering the United States.  

CBP issued 7,105 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States in March 2024. CBP conducted 106,410 positive passenger inspections and issued 841 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.   

View more agricultural enforcement statistics . 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.