When to travel to Vietnam

14
Nov

Vietnam’s tropical monsoon climate plays a significant role in determining the best time to visit the country. From May to September, the south and south-western monsoons lash the region, bringing rain to the west-facing slopes and the two deltas, while the northern monsoon picks up moisture over the Tonkin Gulf and carries it along the eastern side of the central highlands, between October and April. Given the variations that could take place due to differences in latitude and altitude, one can only feel puzzled as to which season is best to travel to Vietnam. This guide will provide an in-depth overview of the weather in the country, as well as provide information about the high-tourist and off-seasons, so you can make an informed decision, whether you are coming here to spend some quality time with the family or your partner or have fun and party with your friends.

The Climate Per Region

Southern Vietnam

The dry season here lasts from December through late April or early May. Then, it starts to rain, which is dosed as brief downpours in the afternoon hours; and rain continues to be a familiar pattern until November, sometimes cutting off remote villages and making transport more complicated. However, this is hardly off-putting as the temperatures seldom drop below 20^oC, so it is quite pleasurable being around and exploring the southern areas at this time of the year. For maximum sunshine and warm weather, coming between March and May will give you up to 40^oC to enjoy the sun, the seas, and the sugary sandy shores. As for the central highlands, they also follow the same climate conditions, but do expect cooler temperatures, especially after sunset and deep into the night.

Central Coast

The northeast monsoon reverses the rainfall patterns along the central coast. In the far northern part of the central coast (around Had Nang and Hue), the rains last from September to February but if you move more towards the heart of the coast you skip a good 2-month rainfall (around Nha Trang) as the wet season usually starts in November and lasts about 2 months until December. So spring is probably the best season to visit these areas. Now, the northern stretches of the central coast have relatively shorter rainy seasons while their summers are dry and hot. Again, the temperatures are close to 30^oC (or even higher) from June to August, which makes a trip to the surrounding hills and mountains a pleasant escape.

Northern Vietnam

If you visit the northern part of the country, expect sunny and warm weather from October to December. Afterward, the landscape changes, bringing cold and persistent mist that can linger on for several days. From March and onwards the temperatures start rising again, peaking between May and August, when they can climb to 40^oC. For less heat and more comfortable days and nights, Hanoi is an excellent option as the temps there range in the 30^oC neighbourhood. For even cooler experiences, the northern mountains comprise a superb getaway (during the winter, it may snow a bit here too, which is pleasant enough for a winter vacation). Note, though, that the summer in the northern parts of the country also comes with heavy downpours that often cause the delta area to flood.
So, if one had to make a decision based solely on the weather conditions in Vietnam, they would probably choose to visit the country either during spring or autumn, when the seasons are more favourable. However, the complicated weather picture does not leave much room for sound recommendations. At the end of the day, it is what you want to experience coming here.

Beaches in Vietnam

One of the reasons travellers, families, couples, students, and groups of friends alike, choose Vietnam for their holidays is the beautiful beaches with the sandy shores and crystal clear waters. The great thing about Vietnam is that there are beaches for every season, from Southern to Central Vietnam down to the east coast. When exactly you visit the country (if coming here to enjoy the shores, of course) basically depends on which beach(es) you want to visit.
The beaches of the south do boast warm temps year-round (about 30^oC) but if you had to pick a season, better steer clear from September-January (monsoon season) visits because occasional typhoons hit the southern regions.
Phu Quoc, on the other hand, experiences wet season from June to September so any time before or after that is ideal for a relaxing time by the beach. Most of the tourists prefer to fly to Pearl Island around February, though, when they admit enjoying the shores much more than any other season due to the great weather. The same applies to Mui Ne in regards to the wet season, although its microclimate includes less rain. Autumn and winter is an excellent time to savour kitesurfing and other water sports. Finally, Con Dao is humid and hot almost throughout the year, with a wet season that stretches from the month of May to late autumn (November).
Lastly, the central coastline around Hoi An and Danang is a much welcoming place with year-round warm weather and temps peaking at 38^oC between July and August. If you like it hot, go towards the end of the dry season. For milder temps, better visit around January. Rainfall increases after August and until November while there are high chances an occasional typhoon hits the area during this season.

Tourist Seasons

Tourism-wise, the high-season is between October and April, roughly speaking, while the summertime is mostly a rainy season (from May to September). Nevertheless, there are different low and high seasons for different travellers, depending on their country of origin. For example, the majority of western visitors prefer to fly to the country outside the low season months, which, by the way, is high-season for short-haul and domestic Asian and Vietnamese visitors.
But, if you are after the most cost-effective accommodation rates and a chance away from rubbing shoulders with flocks of tourists, the low season will serve you well, provided you are okay with the sticky hot weather and rainfall. At this time of the year, travel agencies and hotels offer, probably, their lowest rates and also launch special promotional campaign perks that you could benefit from. Besides, most places are not that busy during low-season, which can be a deal maker or breaker, depending on whether you are after a vibrant night scene or more relaxed holidays. Finally, the heat is manageable and the rare (usually short-lived) afternoon rainstorms may even feel romantic. For more “noise” and a party feel (also more crowds), the high season (for Westerners, that is) will please you much if you are ready to pay the heftier price tag.

Important Dates to Bear in Mind

During festivities, holidays, and other important dates in the Vietnamese calendar, things could change significantly around here and create an unexpected high season, which will demand more organising and pre-booking on your side. Some of these holidays to take note of are:

Tet – It marks the beginning of the New Year in Vietnam (usually falls between January and mid-February) and is, as one would expect, one of the most important celebrations of the nation. Expect large crowds flooding the streets and having fun, and a wide range of local festivities to take place at this time. The celebrations could last up to 7 days!
Hung Kings Temple Festival – Celebrated on the 10^th day of the 3^rd lunar month or early April, it sees crowds gathering at the Hung Temple to honour the first emperors and the traditional founders of the country. Processions start at the foot of the Nghia Lin Mountain and continue until people reach the Hung Temple, some 150 steps to the top of the hill while stopping at every temple along their way. If you fancy the idea of becoming part of a local spiritual ritual, this is an excellent time to visit Vietnam.
Vietnam’s National Day – This celebration takes place on the 2^nd of September and signifies the Vietnamese’s independence from France. You will see it celebrated with grandeur, including parades (the Ba Dinh Square march in Hanoi is the most significant one), fireworks, and many more activities.
Reunification Day (Ngay Thong Nhat) – This national holiday (aka Liberation Day or Victory Day) is typically commemorated on the 30^th of every April (if it falls on a weekend, it is transferred on the Monday after it) and is a remembrance of the 1975 fall of Saigon and marks the end of the Vietnam war. You will most likely see many Vietnamese visiting attractions and beaches at this time, as it is either preceded or followed by May Day, which allows for extended holidays for the locals.
May Day or International Labour Day – A public holiday falling on the 1^st of May, as in many countries over the globe, and is usually combined with Reunification Day, creating further day offs for the Vietnamese; hence, increasing traffic volume and crowds in popular hot spots.

What to Consider About the Festivities

During the celebrations mentioned above, there may be a shortage in international and/or domestic train and plane tickets, as well as limited availability in hotel rooms, especially in luxury resorts, and reduced food supplies at shores. Therefore, if you wish to live the thrill and immense in the local flair of national traditions and celebration, better come prepared (i.e., pre-book your plane tickets and hotel room).

Best Time to Visit Popular Vietnam Hubs

If you are planning to see the whole country, you will need to take into consideration its huge regional diversity (it is over 1,000km in length, after all), which will probably complicate things. But, deciding on the most suitable time to visit Vietnam is much less complicated if you know which cities or villages you want to include in your itinerary. Vietnam is an exceptional year-round tourist destination for those that make the right calls! Here is a small guide to help you be prepared as to what to expect, when, and where.

Sapa

Sapa’s climate is quite seasonal as is the weather in the mountains of northern Vietnam. The temps do not usually go above 30^oC in the summertime (humidity between 75%-90% peaking July-August), but it could be freezing in winter. The best time to come here is May and April to have nice, warm and dry weather of, for cooler climes, October and November.

Hanoi

Humidity and heat distinguish summer in Hanoi (May to September) while the average temperature is around 32^oC, which is manageable, especially considering the rejuvenating short downpours of heavy rain, which generally come in the evenings. Nevertheless, this is the time of the year with the most sunshine hours. Winters bring clouds, fog and cold (17^oC average) so better come October or November when it is much warmer (around 21^oC) with lots of sunshine and little rain.

Halong Bay

The visibility here is often reduced due to the mist but definitely adds a mystical ambiance. The skies are blue, and the weather is warm from March to May. It gets even more temperate (and wetter, at the same time) from May to November, with some light afternoon showers that are more than welcome. The winters are rather cold so better not visit from December to February if you are not a fan of wintry weather. Therefore, autumn and spring are definitely the best picks.

Saigon

The closer we move to the equator, the warmer the temperatures throughout the year. Saigon offers balmy days and a pleasant tropical climate marked by dry and wet season (May-November). However, it is highly unlikely travel will ever be affected by the afternoon downpours here.

Phu Quoc Island

Most of the rainfall comes between July and September in Phu Quoc Island and the clearer, sunnier skies are most often viewed between November and March. Consistent warm temperatures and a low humidity level (average at 27.5^oC) are what you can expect during the dry season when you can freely enjoy the sub, swim, snorkel or go sightseeing, bird-watching or camping. Just make sure you pre-book your hotel, as the island gets packed with tourists and locals, especially the luxury resorts at Duong Dong, such as La Veranda, during public holidays, national celebrations, and not only.
Traveling to Vietnam is an adventure on its own. Once you have decided how you want to experience it, things will find their way when the time comes to determine when is the best time to travel here. Soon, you will join the millions of travellers who say that any time is a good time to visit Vietnam!

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Where to stay in Vietnam

1. Where to stay in Vietnam? The tourism industry has been rapidly developed, thus there is a wide range of options for any types of journey, from luxury to budget tours. Luxury hotels and resorts High-end hotels and resorts are available for travelers who want to get the best services and do not care much about the expense. 4 and 5-star hotels are plentiful in big cities and tourist attractions, while resorts are mostly located near the beaches or in the famous mountainous tourist destinations. Visitors will be served with extensive guest services and recreational facilities. Some groups and companies that are reputable for luxurious hotels and resorts are Vingroup (Vinpearl Resorts and Entertainment Centers), FLC (FLC resorts), Intercontinental Hotel Groups (Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza), Sheraton, and La Veranda Resort. Beside the international enterprises, Vingroup and FLC are two big Vietnamese corporations that have hotels and resorts in many parts of Vietnam. Medium and small hotels, motels and hostels This kind of accommodation ensures a good level of amenities for tourists at not a very high price. Thousands of hotels are built in almost every city and tourist spots in Vietnam. Hostel and motel are more suitable for backpackers and budget travelers. They offer inexpensive smaller rooms and communal facilities. Homestay Homestay is the popular way to stay in Vietnam, especially in mountainous areas like Sapa and Ha Giang. Travelers will use shared rooms with others. The facilities and services have nothing much to say, the experiences are great. Visitors can experience the daily life of the local people, as well as learn more about the culture. You can get unique experiences at a smaller expense. Homestay is suitable for travelers of all ages such as gap year students, backpackers, friends, couples, and even families. 2. Vietnam hotels and beach resorts Followings are some recommended hotels and beach resorts: InterContinental (IHG) InterContinental Hotels Group holds a number of luxury hotels in Vietnam. It manages eight luxury hotels and resorts in the prime locations of the three major cities: Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. InterContinental brand has 6 hotels including Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Hanoi Westlake, Hanoi Landmark 72, Asiana Saigon, Asiana Saigon Residences, and Phu Quoc Resort. Regarding Crowne Plaza brand, there are The Crowne Plaza Danang, West Hanoi, West Hanoi Residences, and Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc. They are more modest than the InterContinental ones. VinPearl (VinGroup) VinPearl is a system of hotels with 5-star services and facilities in beautiful beaches of Vietnam. Starting with Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl has developed into a chain of luxury hotels and beach resorts throughout Vietnam. Vinpearl is currently developing its tourism and hospitality products with Vinpearl Resort (five-star standard), Vinpearl Luxury (over 5 stars), and Vinpearl Resort & Villas. List of Vinpearl Resorts is as follows: – Nha Trang: Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort, Vinpearl Nha Trang Bay Resort & Villas, Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang, Vinpearl Golf Land Resort & Villas, and Vinpearl Nha Trang Long Beach Villas. – Phu Quoc: Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort & Golf, Vinpearl Phu Quoc Ocean Resort & Villas, Vinpearl Phu Quoc Paradise Resort & Villas, and Vin Oasis Phu Quoc. – Da Nang: Vinpearl Da Nang Resort & Villas, Vinpearl Da Nang Ocean Resort & Villas, and Vinpearl Hoi An Resort & Villas – Ha Long: Vinpearl Hạ Long Bay Resort – Nghe An: Vinpearl Nghe An – Ha Tinh: Vinpearl Hà Tĩnh Ocean Villas FLC Resorts (FLC) Another big Vietnamese corporation with a series of luxury hotels and resorts is FLC. This group has resorts at the most beautiful beaches, namely Halong (FLC Ha Long), Quy Nhon (FLC Quy Nhon and FLC Sea Tower Quy Nhon), Sam Son (FLC Sam Son Beach and Golf Resort, FLC Luxury Sam Son Resort), and Quang Binh (FLC Quang Binh). La Veranda (MGallery Hotel Collection) La Veranda looks like a French mansion on the beach. It is among the top resorts in the beautiful island of Phu Quoc, Vietnam. With high-end services and perfect natural settings, the resort offers unforgettable moments to tourists, especially for those who are on honeymoon or family holidays. The majestic beauty of Phu Quoc Beach makes it even more romantic.

ISLAND TOURS

As it emerges from Vietnam’s southern tip, the charming island of Phu Quoc rightfully deserves the Pearl Island nickname. Holding unseen beauty inside it, it provides plenty of ways to live life here. Some of these are illustrated in the following tours. DIVING TOUR IN PHU QUOC There is an exciting ecosystem living inside the limpid waters of Phu Quoc, full of healthy coral reefs, many different types of fish, and more beauty that a human mind can digest easily. Taking diving or snorkeling or scuba diving tour is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you decide to join one or set out on your own, know that it is best to run this trip in the morning as the seas can get pretty rough in the afternoon, and you want to be onshore when that happens! So start the day early and begin this fascinating dive into the rich Phu Quoc underwater world at some of the greatest dive sites on the island enjoying calm, current-free waters, such as: Hon Ko – When looking at Hon Ko from up above, many people falsely believe that it is nothing more than a bunch of rocks rising from the water. Once down there, though, everything changes as if by magic. Besides an impressive reef system, Hon Ko also boasts a rich plethora of tropical fish, like rays, catfish, and bamboo sharks, as well as a fab selection of nudibranchs and miter shells, to name a few. Nudibranch Gardens – You will find it on the east side of Phu Quoc, and it will surely leave you in awe. Being the perfect diving spot for beginners due to its shallow depth, Nudibranch Gardens is also one of the most phantasmagoric sites on the island and home to more than 2,000 nudibranchs species. Diving here will also allow you to come face to face with bamboo sharks, which, most of the time, prefer to relax underneath a rock. Because of its low depth, you can also appreciate the Gardens with a snorkel! Turtle Island – This small island on the northeastern coast of Phu Quoc (about an hour’s boat ride) is ~50 metres in length and no more than 10 metres deep, which makes it the ideal location to explore marine life with relative ease. Surrounded by shallow, calm waters, Turtle Island is also a hospitable habitat for cute creatures like yellowtail damselfish, blue-ringed angelfish, stonefish, and a blossoming environment for the coral reefs the life around them. An Thoi Islands – Those looking to take their adventure to the next level will find An Thoi Islands challenging for their diving skills as they provide dive sites that can reach 25 metres. This small group of around 15 islets off the south coast of Phu Quoc is listed as one of the most spectacular dive sites in the country. From gigantic sea urchins and butterfly fish to scorpionfish, parrotfish, and fan corals, you have a lot of marine life to startle you. Bamboo sharks and blue-spotted rays also pass by, so you may as well spot one or two as you splash these waters. Now, if you prefer to go scuba diving or snorkeling, these sites will also do, so give them a try. However, you could also consider May Rut Island, Dam Ngang, and Finger Island as they are too on the list of the best snorkeling sites around Phu Quoc. They are full of colourful fish and some of the most diverse coral reefs on this planet. Note: To be able to enjoy this tour the most, it might be best to plan these activities anytime between November and May. That way, the weather will be your cordial ally, allowing you to take in every single moment of this experience. [gap height="40px"] [ux_image id="4263" image_size="original"] [gap height="40px"] VINPEARL SAFARI PARK & VINPEARL LAND TOUR The largest wildlife conservation park in Vietnam is found at Vinpearl Safari. It is ready to treat you to a plethora of fun games and activities for all ages while offering you the chance to spot rare animals such as beautiful flamingos, giraffes, striped hyenas, gibbons, African lions, and Bengal tigers, etc. The best way to get around the park and see it all is by taking a safari bus tour as the place is massive, and exploring it on your own may cause you to miss some interesting sites (or even get lost). As for Vinpearl Land, it is an excellent option for families too and a fantastic place for some wild splashes in the wave pools. Glide down the water slides at the water park and spike your adrenaline at the amusement rides. If you still have enough energy after all this fun, do enter the aquarium as it is indeed worth it, especially if you are lucky enough to attend a live show at the theater! Hungry? The food village is full of delicious foods to quench your appetite. Go back in. There is still the indoor games arcade, the artificial beach, and live shows that you have not yet played, visited, or seen! [gap height="40px"] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4256" image_size="large" height="141.5%"] [/col] [col span="8" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4257"] [/col] [/row] NATIONAL PARK & CUA CAN RIVER TOUR A tour to the Phu Quoc National Park, which is half the island, is not to be missed. Take your time and let your eyes get used to such profound beauty, unlike anything else seen before. Natural cliffs, verdant valleys, lush forests, karst limestone formations, swirling rivers, beautiful ponds, and so many more comprise a scenery that is hard to imagine. While there, you can take a short hike, go on a kayak ride, throw yourself to some romantic paddling with your significant other, tour local farms and enjoy a bit of sunbathing and swimming at Long Beach. [gap height="40px"] [ux_image id="4253"] [gap height="40px"] MEKONG DELTA TOUR The Mekong Delta is a popular pole of attraction that offers you the chance to realize how simple life is here, see the villages located on the banks of the Delta, visit the Floating Market of Cai Rang, and, why not, spend a night abroad a wooden cruise boat under a star-lit sky. You will soon acknowledge that the little communities here are like buzzing beehives, with everybody doing a specific task, mainly related to rice growth or fishing. There are also fruit orchards and lots of local produce that the locals use to create delicious dishes, which you may taste if you wish to while you are there. This journey can easily be a 2-day or even 3-day cruise and can stretch to Ho Chi Minh City if you want to go even further. Without a doubt, though, spending the night on the Mekong River can be mind-blowing as you will be surrounded by pristine beauty and so much bustling life around you. Even the sound of the river and the sight of the rising rise are a marvel on their own. The next morning, after a briefing with locals, you can hop on a sampan and travel to the Floating Market of Cai Rang. You can purchase anything from local handicrafts to exotic vegetables and fruit that are so abundant around here from friendly merchants on their boats, who love to chat with foreign people. After another full day, you can head to Rach Gia and catch the ferry to Phu Quoc or continue sailing with your boat, speedboat, or whatever else. [gap height="40px"] [ux_image id="4259"] [gap height="40px"] ISLAND HOPPING WITH A SPEEDBOAT If you have some 8 hours to spare on a speedboat, you can have a fantastic day exploring not only one but up to four exotic islands around Phu Quoc within a day. Fingernail, Dam Ngang, May Rut, and Pineapple Islands invite you to views that are just beyond words. The beaches are simply amazing, with magnificently white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. As for the vistas at the archipelago, they can be heart-stopping. With the jungle behind the shores, each small paradise island looks like a postcard image. There are many activities on this tour, including fishing, swimming, discovering coral reefs, etc. Don't forget to enjoy a catered lunch prepared freshly on-site, cook with fish you caught, and other delicious seafood. [gap height="40px"] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4266" image_size="large" height="141.5%"] [/col] [col span="8" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4262"] [/col] [/row]

BAI SAO BEACH

Sao Beach is one of the most beautiful tropical sandy beaches in Phu Quoc that is very famous for swimming, sunbathing, and doing other activities as well. The beach attracts many tourists due to its wonderful natural scenery, crystal clear waters, and white-sand shores. It is truly a must-visit place for tourists when coming to Phu Quoc Island. WHERE IS BAI SAO BEACH? Bai Sao Beach is nestled on the coast of An Thoi Town, which is about 25 km from the center of Duong Dong Town, Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province in the southwestern region of Vietnam. This is one of the most worth-visit beaches in Phu Quoc, with a smooth sandy shore and clear blue seawater. Setting foot on Bai Sao Beach, you will be amazed by the unspoiled beauty of the beach and the gorgeous landscape around. The beach stretches over 7 km with a white smooth sandy shore where it is defined as the whitest and cleanest sand on the island. Unfortunately, due to its reputation, there is a lot of trash in the southern part of Sao Beach. The seawater is calm, warm, and extremely blue. The further you go, the bluer the ocean becomes. [gap height="40px"] [ux_image id="4220" image_size="original"] [gap height="40px"] WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BAI SAO BEACH? Of course, the best thing to see here is the beauty of the beach. According to local people, the origin of the name Bai Sao is that there are tens of thousands of starfishes moving into the shores and under the water surface every night when dusk falls. Bai Sao Beach promises to bring the most memorable things to do in Phu Quoc. Coming to the beach, you can wander around the beach on the white smooth sandy shore and look for the crabs, snails, and other crustaceans. In the northern and southern tip of the beach, the local people created some small trails to get into the pristine forests. It is not a bad idea to explore the tropical jungle to admire the huge trees and listen to the songs of many kinds of wild birds. If you want to snorkel or dive, you can go to the sea area near the rocks in the Long Beach resort. It is the best place to see the heart of the ocean, where the reef is very flourished and home to many fish and shellfish. If you are having a day trip to Sao beach, you can relax on one of the many beach chairs and high-quality loungers which are available at the Parasido Restaurant, ordering a cup of soft drink or wine and viewing the seascape is such a fancy moment Sao Beach brings to you. [gap height="40px"] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4227" image_size="large" height="141.5%"] [/col] [col span="8" span__sm="12" align="center"] [ux_image id="4219"] [/col] [/row] Besides the beach bars made of palm leaves scattered on the beach, you can go for a meal at the open restaurants. The beach restaurants around the beach are quite more expensive than anywhere else because of their prominent location. You can order a lime soda which is very sweet and cool, but the price is only 32,000 VND. It would help if you also tried sugarcane juice 'nuoc mia' for only 10,000 VND / glass. Hiring a jet ski to ride is a good thing we highly recommend; it costs 450,000 VND for 10 minutes. You can ride one of these inflatable bananas that get pulled by a motorboat or try water skiing at the cost of 700,000 VND for 10 minutes. Moreover, near the cape, you can see anchoring fishing boats of the fishermen that combine with the gorgeous view of the sunrise to create a picturesque painting seducing your eyes. [gap height="40px"] [row] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4240"] [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4242"] [/col] [col span="4" span__sm="12"] [ux_image id="4241" height="125.5%"] [/col] [/row] FEELINGS OF TOURISTS ABOUT SAO BEACH Bai Sao beach leaves in the heart of tourists a lot of impressions. Stanislava Kunovska, a Russian tourist, said that: “Such a nice white sandy beach! Bai Sao beach is sheltered, with not many waves, clear water, but it is fairly shallow for quite a way out. Beware, they charge for everything here. It was 20,000 VND for a shower, 30,000 VND for a locker, 80,000 VND for a lounge chair, and the food here is also quite expensive. Bring your lunch if you can”. It shows a case that the quality of service here is not too good. The garbage is a problem on the beach, because of many tourists rushing onto the beach, they fairly throw out the rubbish on the ground. That causes the pollution and loss score in tourist’s mind.