Overview of Central Highlands
Overview of Central Highlands
Vietnam's Central Highlands region has gradually opened up to tourists over the past decade following years of government-enforced travel restrictions. Today, foreigners can explore the main centers of this region with relative ease. Occasionally, regulations may require the use of a guide when visiting the remote hinterlands, but for most places, you will be fine on your own. Traveling through Vietnam via the magnificent Central Highlands offers a fantastic alternative to the more frequently traveled coastal route. The Central Highlands boast beautiful natural features, such as relatively untouched forests, waterfalls, and spectacular scenery, which contrast with areas still bearing the harsh scars of war.
Location of Central Highlands
The Central Highlands is a plateau bordering the lower part of Laos and northeastern Cambodia. Kon Tum Province shares a border with both Laos and Cambodia, while Gia Lai and Dak Lak Provinces only share borders with Laos. Lam Dong Province is landlocked and thus has no international borders. The Central Highlands is not situated on a single plateau but rather on a series of contiguous plateaus, including Kon Tum (at a height of 500 m), Kon Plong, Kon Ha Nung, Pleiku (around 800 m), Mdrak (approximately 500 m), Dak Lak (around 800 m), and Mơo Nong (about 800–1000 m).
Weather of Central Highlands
Vietnam's Central Highlands present a distinct contrast to the tropical south, with an arid climate, rolling hills, and clear blue skies. The cool season in the Highlands runs from November to January, with temperatures averaging around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. In February, March, and April, the temperature can surge into the 30s. By late April or early May, the rains begin, and temperatures start to drop slightly, with the monsoon season ending in October. July and August are the rainiest months. Due to the Highlands' elevated altitude, the weather is cooler year-round than on Vietnam's coast. Even during the hot season, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and it can become quite cold late at night.
During the warm, dry months from February to April, the area can be parched and not particularly pleasant for travel. By April, dust and haze become significant issues, as can bushfires (both intentional and natural). The rivers are low, and the scenery is not as lush as it is during the remainder of the year. Throughout the wet season, torrential rains can cause flash flooding. The dust turns to mud, and getting around, especially on minor roads, slows down considerably. Through July and early August, the rain can seem almost continuous. If the rain and mud do not deter you, this is an excellent time of year to see the region at its most vibrant.
Vietnam's Central Highlands region has gradually opened up to tourists over the past decade following years of government-enforced travel restrictions. Today, foreigners can explore the main centers of this region with relative ease. Occasionally, regulations may require the use of a guide when visiting the remote hinterlands, but for most places, you will be fine on your own. Traveling through Vietnam via the magnificent Central Highlands offers a fantastic alternative to the more frequently traveled coastal route. The Central Highlands boast beautiful natural features, such as relatively untouched forests, waterfalls, and spectacular scenery, which contrast with areas still bearing the harsh scars of war.
Location of Central Highlands
The Central Highlands is a plateau bordering the lower part of Laos and northeastern Cambodia. Kon Tum Province shares a border with both Laos and Cambodia, while Gia Lai and Dak Lak Provinces only share borders with Laos. Lam Dong Province is landlocked and thus has no international borders. The Central Highlands is not situated on a single plateau but rather on a series of contiguous plateaus, including Kon Tum (at a height of 500 m), Kon Plong, Kon Ha Nung, Pleiku (around 800 m), Mdrak (approximately 500 m), Dak Lak (around 800 m), and Mơo Nong (about 800–1000 m).
Weather of Central Highlands
Vietnam's Central Highlands present a distinct contrast to the tropical south, with an arid climate, rolling hills, and clear blue skies. The cool season in the Highlands runs from November to January, with temperatures averaging around 12 to 15 degrees Celsius. In February, March, and April, the temperature can surge into the 30s. By late April or early May, the rains begin, and temperatures start to drop slightly, with the monsoon season ending in October. July and August are the rainiest months. Due to the Highlands' elevated altitude, the weather is cooler year-round than on Vietnam's coast. Even during the hot season, mornings and evenings can be chilly, and it can become quite cold late at night.
During the warm, dry months from February to April, the area can be parched and not particularly pleasant for travel. By April, dust and haze become significant issues, as can bushfires (both intentional and natural). The rivers are low, and the scenery is not as lush as it is during the remainder of the year. Throughout the wet season, torrential rains can cause flash flooding. The dust turns to mud, and getting around, especially on minor roads, slows down considerably. Through July and early August, the rain can seem almost continuous. If the rain and mud do not deter you, this is an excellent time of year to see the region at its most vibrant.
Comments
Post a Comment