Affected by a cold front that is raging in northern Vietnam, the Mau Son mountain area in Lang Son Province has been experiencing a chill at minus 1-2 degrees Celsius since Thursday afternoon, with snow covering the entire area, including the Mau Son Tourist Center. The temperature in the area has continuously dropped over the past three days, together with drizzle, resulting in snow that has fallen thickly and reduced visibility to only 2-3 meters. This is the lowest temperature since 2009, the provincial Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Center said. On Tuesday, the temperature there was higher, at minus 2.5 degrees. Attracted by snow, which is rarely seen in a tropical country like Vietnam, thousands of travelers flocked to the area, in Loc Binh District, to contemplate the spectacular snowing landscape. Dang Tang Phuc, the owner of Huong Son Hotel in the district, said all hotels and restaurants in the area have been filled, without any vacant rooms. As so many visitors visited Mau Son, the road leading to the tourist site was often congested, Phuc added. If the biting cold continues, more snow will fall in a few days to come, according to the center. This is the strongest cold nap that has affected northern Vietnam from the beginning of the winter. Like some other provinces, Lang Son has seen temperatures decrease sharply, by 6-10 degrees, on average. On Thursday afternoon, the cold snap has spread to many north and mid central provinces, bringing rains to them, the center said. (www.tuoitrenews.vn [1] Feb 14)
