Useful Phrases in Vietnamese

Vietnam is a country with many different weather systems. In general terms, Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with monsoon rains, warm temperatures (on average 24-34⁰C), and high humidity all year round. The weather can be divided into two main seasons: the rainy season (April to September) and the dry season (October to March). There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam as a whole, yet any time of the year might be great for some destinations. Weather in Northern Vietnam Weather in Halong Bay, Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh There are two distinct seasons in the north: a cold weather from November to March and a warm to hot wet season from April to October. It might be extremely cold and frosty in December and January, especially in the Far North. The temperature may fall to 2⁰C, which is not comfortable for the elderly and children. There might be also dense mists, which can reduce visibility in such destinations as Sapa and Halong Bay. However, from November to March is still considered better time to visit the North. The average temperature is around 25⁰C. It is dry and suitable for both sightseeing and adventurous trips. From April to October, it is very hot and humid. Between June and July, the temperature may be over 40⁰C in some cities. The north experiences the highest rainfall in this period, too. It may rain consecutively in a week, and the volume of rainfall may reach 600 mm per month. It is highly recommended that travelers should not have intrepid escapade to the Far North in this season, as the roads are bumpy and slippery. If you want to explore the beauty of Halong Bay, Hanoi, or Ninh Binh, but cannot stand the huge flocks of tourists at peak seasons, coming in summer might be a great choice. Weather in Central Vietnam Central Vietnam is a transitionary climate-wise area from the North to the South. Being shielded by the Truong Son mountain range, the rains of the southwest monsoon cannot make it to the coast. Therefore, from April to September, though the coastal areas have some rain, the rainfall is much less than other regions. On the contrary, the weather is extremely hot and dry, and the temperature may reach 45⁰C. In contrast, from September to December, the middle part, especially Hue, Danang, and Hoi An, receive remarkably high rainfall. Central Vietnam is also affected by typhoons and storms between August and November, resulting in severe flood in some regions. The further south areas like Nha Trang and Mui Ne are less affected by natural disasters and have much more pleasant weather with lots of sunshine and high humidity. It is the perfect weather to explore the beaches. Weather in Southern Vietnam This is the region which has the most pleasant weather. Between April and September, the southern part of Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta, receives lots of rain and has hot and humid weather during the southwest monsoon. June and July are extremely wet. At this time there is a high likelihood of flood in Saigon. The roads may be covered by water. And the southernmost island of Phu Quoc may have poor weather and rough seas. In contrast, the weather from November to March is excellent, especially in Phu Quoc. The climate is pleasant with the average temperature of 30⁰C, clear blue skies, calm sea water, lower humidity, and higher visibility.

The main local vehicle for transportation is motorbike which can be easily rented from motorbike rental shops scattering along the main road in Duong Dong town. The cost of renting a bike for one day is from 130,000 – 150,000VND and paperwork may not be required. This is an ideal solution for groups of young people to get around the island. Even at night, main roads in Phu Quoc are quite safe for female groups. It is also convenient for families with kids and/or aged people to catch a taxi on the way to the beaches with the fare of 10,000VND (about 55 cents) per kilometer. Taxis can also be hired for half-day or full-day Phu Quoc island tours. Negotiate with your driver exact places you want to visit and the price beforehand.

Phu Quoc is a wonderful island to pamper yourself in! On the island, there is an array of wellness centers and spas that unwind your weariness and bad mood. One of the highest-rated spas on the island is Le Spa, a boutique day spa, at Le Veranda Resort Phu Quoc. Completely rebuilt in November 2017, the brand new boutique spa occupies its own two-story building in a lush garden setting, featuring a covered yoga deck and 3 traditional French colonial treatment rooms, all with a refined French colonial ambiance. A full body scrub will flush toxins, hydrate, refresh your body, increase blood flow to your skin to help it rejuvenate. Then massage therapies from Swedish, Thai, to Vietnamese will help you relax and revive from head to toe. Not only adults but also kids can enjoy the body treatments. At La Veranda, a special treatment is designed to help children aged 4-12 relax their body and prevent hyperactivity. Mild and gentle virgin coconut oil is used to avoid possibilities of skin allergy. The light massage will give your kids physical and emotional pampering that they enjoy. Ladies may be also keen on beauty care for skin, face, body, and nail. Extra courses for dry, acne and sensitive skins are on offer to help enhance blood circulation, alleviates excess skin surface cells, prevent the growth of acne, and balance the level of your skin. Waxing treatments and nail care are also popular choices of female tourists coming to Le Spa. Three special treatments that are highly recommended are La Veranda Neuromuscular Treatment, King Gia Long Royal Warrior Treatment, and Anti-Stress Jet Lag Treatment. La Veranda Neuromuscular Treatment An intensely  therapeutic deep  tissue massage using  the masseuse’s  body weight with acupressure to aid in pain management as old injuries,  trapped nerves or chronic pain is nursed back to  full strength by flushing lactic acid and other metabolic waste from your muscles,  allowing more oxygen-rich and nutrient- filled blood to flow in.  Expect a deep and thoroughly relaxing massage.  It relieves chronic muscle pains,  restores proper alignment,  and increases flexibility in problem areas and chronic spinal pain.  A highly specialized and customized massage treatment including  4 to 5 sessions is recommended with each visit lasting between 2-4 hours using organic massage oils. King Gia  Long Royal Warrior Treatment The 3.5-hour treatment costs  4,030,000 VND but worths the money. In the past, before becoming the first emperor of Vietnam,  Gia  Long often came to Phu Quoc  Island to  rest and recharge between battles. Crafted for the highly stressed individual, this luxurious Royal Treatment pays homage to one of Vietnam’s greatest warriors.  Re-charge with 3-steps starting with a detoxifying scrub, followed by a customized deep-tissue massage with for back and muscle pains complemented with Vietnamese cupping to release trapped energies.  End with an anti-aging facial to protect skin against oxidation. Anti-Stress Jet Lag Treatment This jet lag treatment is an ideal Welcome Ritual. A treatment comprising of full body work concentrating on back, neck, shoulder and foot reflexology  to soothe  the body and promote circulation after a long tiring flight. A soothing warm welcome to start your stay. Consider These Information When Booking At La Veranda’s Le Spa: – Advance bookings are highly recommended to ensure your preferred time and treatment  is available. – Arriving 15  minutes prior  to your  scheduled appointment will allow  you time to fill in  a consultation card and discuss any concerns you may have with spa consultants. – Guests are asked to  refrain from using mobile phones within the  spa. Valuables and jewelry are best kept in your room’s  safety box. – Pregnancy: Inform the masseuse/therapist if you are pregnant so that the spa consultants can guide you in choosing treatments  suitable for  this special  time. – Health: Inform the therapist any health conditions, allergies or injuries, which may affect your treatment experience. – Gentlemen are advised to shave prior to all facial treatments to ensure a maximum result. – Cancellation: Four hours notice is required should you need to cancel or reschedule  your appointment. A 50% charge will apply for cancellations of less  than four hours notice and a 100% charge will apply for cancellations with no notice. – All treatments include services charge and applicable government tax. Aside from treatments you can book, Le Spa also offers wellness classes and activities including morning yoga by the sea, Vietnamese massage workshops, neuro-balancing analysis and private yoga sessions. All treatments make use of artisanal, organic products which are also available for purchase, allowing guests to take the wellness glow home with them. Other Options To Consider With tranquil beaches, salubrious sea air and year-round sun, Phu Quoc is truly the ideal Wellness and Beauty destination. Aside from La Veranda, there are numerous spas and salons range from inexpensive itinerant providers on the beach to high-end, world-class spas found in other luxury 5-star hotels. Sitting on the beach, you’re likely to be approached by ladies offering on-the-spot massages and other services including mani / pedis and even hair removal. In most cases, these women are minimally trained with poor quality accessories, so it’s a case of you get what you pay for. Day spas in Duong Dong include: Galina Spa (Tran Hung Dao Street, tel: 0915571007) offers a unique mud bath experience although the accompanying massage gets mixed reviews. Tranquility Spa (118/2 Tran Hung Dao Street) gets good customer feedback for their massages performed in a very basic home-like atmosphere. Phu Quoc Day Spa (100/3 Tran Hung Dao Street) is viewed as a good alternative to the beachside massages. The quality of the massages can be hit-or-miss depending on the staff. For a premium spa experience, another option is the recently opened Chanterelle Spa at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has wow factor for its whimsical décor by acclaimed designer Bill Bensley. The spa offers Ayurvedic treatments, wraps and facials among its services, but expect to pay premium prices. The resort is located on the southeast part of the island, a prohibitive USD25 round-trip taxi ride from Duong Dong.