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According to the latest warning from the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, due to the strong influence of the El Nino phenomenon, hot and dry weather has appeared earlier and is more severe than the average of many years. The harsh weather not only affects daily life but also poses a major challenge to the tourism industry.
Observations show that temperatures in major tourist centers such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, and Ho Chi Minh City frequently remain between 35-39 degrees Celsius, and at many times during the day, even exceed 40 degrees Celsius in areas with less greenery or affected by the urban heat island effect.
In the Southern region, the prolonged period of sweltering heat shows no sign of abating. Localities such as Tay Ninh, Can Tho, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City are continuously under pressure from heatwaves, with peak temperatures ranging from 35-38 degrees Celsius.
In Hanoi, the intense heat has significantly impacted the progress of sightseeing and travel for both international and domestic tour groups.
Coastal tourist destinations such as Ha Long Bay, My Khe Beach (Da Nang), Nha Trang, or Phu Quoc Island, despite having the advantage of sea breezes, still experience high levels of hot and humid weather during the day.
The number of tourists flocking to the beaches has increased significantly.
Meanwhile, the influx of tourists to beaches and urban centers remains high, meaning the risk of health problems due to extreme temperatures is significant. To ensure uninterrupted travel experiences, adopting a "safe travel" mindset and mastering body protection principles is essential for everyone.
Actively replenish fluids and electrolytes continuously.
A common mistake many people make when traveling is only drinking water when their body signals thirst. When constantly active outdoors, the body automatically sweats to cool down, leading to a rapid loss of a large amount of water and essential minerals. Mild dehydration initially manifests as fatigue, mild headaches, or dizziness; however, if left untreated, it can easily lead to exhaustion, muscle cramps, or fainting.
Always carry a personal water bottle throughout your travels. The key rule is to drink regularly every 15–20 minutes in small sips, rather than drinking a large amount of water at once. To replenish minerals lost through sweat, in addition to pure water, travelers should prioritize natural mineral water, fresh coconut water, or specialized electrolyte solutions such as Oresol.
Early recognition and prevention of heat stroke syndrome.
Heatstroke (sunstroke) is the most serious medical complication resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight. In this situation, the brain's thermoregulation center completely loses control, causing body temperature to skyrocket above 40°C, posing a direct threat to life if not treated properly.
To prevent infection, residents and tourists should minimize strenuous physical activity or outdoor travel during peak hours from 11 am to 3 pm.
In addition, heat shock due to sudden environmental changes (going from a cold, air-conditioned room directly into a scorching hot, sunny space) is also very likely to occur. When moving outside, you should stand in an intermediate area such as a waiting area or in the shade for a few minutes to allow your body to adapt, avoiding sudden vasoconstriction which can lead to a stroke.
Warning signs of heatstroke to watch out for include bright red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating at all), rapid pulse, severe headache, nausea, lethargy, or fainting. If you or a companion experience any of these symptoms, immediately move them to a cool, shaded area, loosen their clothing, use a wet towel to cool their body, and contact the nearest medical facility promptly.
Adhering to health and safety guidelines is key to helping travelers fully enjoy their summer vacation.
Use sunscreen in the correct amount and frequency.
High sunlight intensity means the ultraviolet (UV) index reaches dangerous levels. UV rays not only cause skin darkening, sunburn, and painful peeling, but in the long term, they are a leading cause of collagen breakdown and increased risk of skin cancer.
When choosing protective products, prioritize sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher and labeled "Broad Spectrum" to ensure protection against both harmful UVA and UVB rays.
The correct scientific principle for using sunscreen is to apply it at least 20 minutes before going outside and to reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming, sunbathing, or when sweating heavily. Remember not to neglect sensitive areas that are often overlooked, such as the earlobes, the back of the neck, and the backs of the hands.
Tourists should stand in the intermediate area for a few minutes to allow their bodies to adapt to the heat.
Things to note when choosing smart protective clothing and accessories.
The choice of clothing when traveling in the summer directly affects the body's ability to cool down. Clothes that are too thick, tight-fitting, or made from stuffy synthetic fibers will trap heat, causing the body to heat up faster and quickly become exhausted.
Travelers should prioritize loose, comfortable styles and natural, breathable materials that wick away sweat, such as cotton, linen, or silk. From a physical standpoint, light-colored clothing reflects sunlight better, while darker colors tend to absorb more heat.
Don't forget to bring essential protective accessories such as sunglasses with UV protection to safeguard your eyesight, a wide-brimmed hat, and a specialized sun-protective jacket when going outdoors.
Traveling in extreme heat requires everyone to be more aware of self-protection.
Optimize your sightseeing schedule and nutrition plan.
A packed itinerary under the scorching sun will exhaust your body. Instead of trying to visit many places at once, design a smart schedule by reserving all outdoor physical activities such as swimming, hiking, and visiting historical sites for early morning or late afternoon when the temperature has cooled down.
The midday heat should be reserved for indoor, air-conditioned activities such as visiting museums, experiencing local cafes, or relaxing and rejuvenating at a hotel.
Simultaneously, dietary habits also need to be adjusted flexibly: limit consumption of foods high in fat, fried foods, and alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer (as alcohol promotes diuresis, exacerbating dehydration). Instead, replenish energy with light meals, plenty of green vegetables, and juicy fresh fruits to provide the body with natural vitamins.
Traveling in extreme heat requires everyone to be more aware of self-protection and to listen to warning signals from their own bodies. Careful preparation, from personal items and sunscreen to a well-planned travel itinerary, will not only help you avoid health risks but also ensure you and your family have a wonderful, fulfilling, and absolutely safe summer vacation.
