Quảng Ninh has very pronounced weather contrasts. In summer, visitors may spend many hours:
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On a boat deck.
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At the beach.
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At a harbor.
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Walking outdoors.
Meanwhile, in Bình Liêu, Yên Tử, or mountain routes during the cold season, wind + rain + wet clothing can cause the body to lose heat quickly even when temperatures have not fallen extremely low. The CDC emphasizes that hypothermia can even occur in cool weather above 4°C if a person is wet from rain, sweat, or cold water.
Heat exhaustion
Signs may include:
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Heavy sweating.
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Fatigue.
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Dizziness.
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Headache.
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Nausea.
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Weakness.
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Muscle cramps.
The CDC recommends moving the person to a cool place, loosening their clothing, cooling them with a wet towel or a cool shower, and giving them sips of water if they are alert. If they vomit, their symptoms worsen, or symptoms persist, they should receive medical evaluation.
Heatstroke is an emergency
Danger signs include:
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Very high body temperature.
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Confusion.
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Unusual behavior.
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Loss of consciousness.
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Hot skin.
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Rapid heartbeat.
Heatstroke requires immediate emergency care. While waiting for help:
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Move the person away from the heat source.
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Cool them rapidly with water or cool towels.
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Do not try to give water to someone who is drowsy or unconscious.
In Vietnam, you can call 112 to request emergency assistance.
What about when you get cold?
Early signs of hypothermia:
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Shivering.
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Fatigue.
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Clumsiness.
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Confusion.
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Loss of coordination.
More severe signs may include:
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Slurred speech.
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Stopping shivering.
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Slow breathing.
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Loss of consciousness.
The CDC recommends:
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Move the person to a warm, dry place.
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Remove wet clothing.
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Warm the body’s core first: the chest, neck, head, and groin.
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Give warm drinks only if the person is fully alert.
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Do not give alcohol.
Common mistakes
A drowsy person with heatstroke → forcing them to drink water: risk of choking.
A person with hypothermia → drinking alcohol to get warm: not recommended.
Shivering from the cold → applying an extremely hot heat source directly: risk of burns and inappropriate warming.
How to prevent it
At the beach:
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Drink water regularly.
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Wear a hat.
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Rest in the shade.
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Do not remain active in the sun continuously for many hours.
In the highlands:
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A windbreaker.
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Warm layers.
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Rain gear.
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A change of dry clothes and socks.
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Do not continue trekking once you are wet, cold, and shivering heavily.
Quick checklist
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In the sun: rest before you become exhausted.
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Confusion in hot weather = a dangerous condition.
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Do not give drinks to a drowsy person.
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Cold + shivering + confusion = suspect hypothermia.
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Change out of wet clothes.
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Warm the body’s core.
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Do not use alcohol to “keep warm.”
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Severe symptoms → call 112.
