Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Beating Hanoi's Heat Wave

Monday, June 21, 2010

Beating Hanoi's Heat Wave

Hanoi people employ countless ways to survive in the current heat, including lining wet wash-cloths under their backs to sleep, soaking their bodies in water basins, etc.

VietNamNet Bridge – Hanoi people employ countless ways to survive in the current heat, including lining wet wash-cloths under their backs to sleep, soaking their bodies in water basins, lying on cool brick foundations, buying cold compress pillows, fans, sending kids to rural areas, etc.

It’s hot! No relief for Hanoi region until June 20

Heat wave leads people surrounding power office asking for electricity

Hot weather, power cut, Hanoians flock to streets

After seeing the power cut schedule and weather forecast for the next week, Mrs. Ngu Thi Yen in Cau Giay District has sent her two children to her hometown Ninh Binh to avoid the heat.

“My husband and I have to work. Our kids are on summer holiday. Hanoi is so hot. Power is cut all the time. I can’t let my kids stay in Hanoi. There are few trees around my home. They could fall sick,” Yen said.

Ms. Vu Thanh Tam, from Doi Can Street, said: “I only dare to go out on the street after wearing two overcoats, two gloves and a big sunglasses”.

Beer shops and swimming-pools in Hanoi are always crowded from 4-8 p.m., as people look to cool off.

The good news is that hot weather is expected to reduce in the northern region this week, as reported by the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecast.

Taking fresh air at a pavement tea shop.

The owner of this shop said she sells 200-300 summer overcoats a day.

Air swimming-pools have sold very well.

This cyclo driver said that he normally drives 5-7 rides a day, but that during these hot days, he only had 3 rides.

Summer fashion.

Going to swimming pools – the best choice these days.

People hiding themselves from the heat in a park.

Batteries and electric generators have sold like hot cakes, despite their prices increasing 2-3 times.

Sleeping on the pavement.

Sleeping in a flower garden.

Sleeping in a park.

Going to supermarket to avoid the heat.

As power is cut, many people rent hotel rooms.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.