Mekong River - July or August

[geordie_jim]

We are debating doing a Viking River cruise in 2025 , and the prices are significantly cheaper in July/August. Can anyone update us of the weather conditions (rain/heat etc) and other implications. I suspect we know it is "cheap" for a reason, but a "little" rain never hurt anyone, surely ........

 

Jim

Edited July 2, 2023 by geordie_jim
can't spell

[suspaul]

Hi, we’ve been to Vietnam twice, our first time was with Avalon Waterways, can’t say enough wonderful things about this trip.  Total of 28 travelers, very nice, small river ship, excellent tours and staff, wouldn’t hesitate to say…take a look.

 

But, that isn’t what you asked,  our first time was in early January and it was quite warm.  We’re from the Gulf Coast in Texas so know what heat & humidity are and this was equally hot and HUMID as our summer temps.  The 2nd time was on our own in early December, not as hot but wetter.

 

Personally we can’t imagine going in July & August.  Have you looked at typical temps for that time of year in the towns along the river and in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.  I do get that the costs would be reduced so if heat and humidity doesn’t bother you, go for it.  It is a wonderful trip to a welcoming and beautiful country.

 

Here’s a tip…right before we left,  I went to WalMart and bought 6-7 thin, short sleeved inexpensive tee shirts.  Something that could be washed in the sink or shower and quik drying.  They were life savers.  We found we’d shower 2-3 times a day.  Bring very lightweight clothing, good walking shoes, baggy pants and a good hat.  Oh and plenty of sunscreen.  
 

Just an aside, on our Avalon ship we had to remove our shoes when getting back on board, the crew would take our shoes and wash them and we’d wear slippers or sandals.  They were very particular about outside shoes.  May not be the case with other companies.

 

Enjoy, you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

[LTC]

Hi, As suspaul says Vietnam is a fantastic place to visit. We were there from March 24-April 10 this year. Hanoi and Ha Long Bay were on the cool side but when we went to Siem Reap, the cruise part of the trip and a few days in Ho Chi Minh the weather was oppressive, very hot and humid. 45C, think that's about 113F. Clothes were changed every time we got back to the boat or hotel. Our guides were saying that this was hotter than usual for this time of year but summer was hotter. They did mention the rainy season saying we picked a good time of year to go so that we didn't experience the hot weather and rain that comes in July and August. One guide told us there were 3 seasons in Vietnam, hot, hotter and hottest with lots of rain. If you can handle that weather go for it but as you say there is a reason why it's cheaper that time of year.

[geordie_jim]

17 hours ago, LTC said:

Hi, As suspaul says Vietnam is a fantastic place to visit. We were there from March 24-April 10 this year. Hanoi and Ha Long Bay were on the cool side but when we went to Siem Reap, the cruise part of the trip and a few days in Ho Chi Minh the weather was oppressive, very hot and humid. 45C, think that's about 113F. Clothes were changed every time we got back to the boat or hotel. Our guides were saying that this was hotter than usual for this time of year but summer was hotter. They did mention the rainy season saying we picked a good time of year to go so that we didn't experience the hot weather and rain that comes in July and August. One guide told us there were 3 seasons in Vietnam, hot, hotter and hottest with lots of rain. If you can handle that weather go for it but as you say there is a reason why it's cheaper that time of year.

Thank you so much to suspaul and yourself for the updates. Yep looks like the July/August will be exceptionally hot and wet and humid. It was interesting that you specifically mentioned Ho Chi Minh in March/April as we are booked on a different Viking Ocean cruise arriving Ho Chi Minh 30th March 2024 have 2 overnights , then heading towards Ha Long Bay, looks like we will be packing very light and quick drying clothes !

 

Thanks again 

 

Jim

[gnome12]

I did the Mekong in late October into November 2017. I found the temperatures comfortable in Hanoi at the beginning of the trip, but as we moved south it got hotter, and Ho Chi Minh City was very hot at the end.

[terry&mike]

We have traveled to this area in January 2020, and again in December 2022/January 2023. Our last trip we sailed on the Mekong with Scenic, from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. The touring days were hot and humid. We live in Florida, so they weren't miserable for us, but there were some people on board who found the higher temperatures uncomfortable.

I can imagine that in July and August it could feel quite oppressive and may limit your experiences in getting out and enjoying these beautiful countries and their sites.