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I am travelling to Vietnam with my family(2 children) end of july this year. we are going to Hanoi and Halong and thinking of travelling to Ha Giang and Meo Vac. Has any one been there and having an idea of the road condition in monsoon? Is it advisable to go or too dangerous? I am also happy about any suggestions for a bit nearer but also remote/beautiful destination. Thanks:)

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1

Well, if you're hiring a car, just let the driver do the worrying and routeing round the worst of it.

There are frequent landslides, but they are mostly just inconveniences.

There are fatalities however, so local guidance is good. I holed up early for an extra night when I was up in the north west last year just to get off the roads in heavy rain. Next morning, all was good again.

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2

Which monsoon ? The monsoon is in the south, not the north, where you get in July mostly short thunderstorms, generally late afternoon or at night ; all the roads are tarred, so there is no problem (if landslides, they are rapidly cleared by the very efficient Public Works workers)

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In response to #1

Thanks a lot for your help. I am not too worried about the inconvenience but was just worried because all guide books advise not to go. I guess its useful to come with some extra time though:)

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4

If you listen to some guide books on Vietnam, between all the alleged diseases, thefts, typhoons and heavy rain, transportation hazards, etc. you end up deciding not to go !

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5

We went in July-Aug and although there were times of pretty big rains we found the roads were good enough,but certainly not perfect---takes a bit of negotiation..but not bad enough not to go

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