LAO CAI, Vietnam - Many northern provinces in Vietnam have been experiencing bitter cold, with snow falling heavily in many areas across the northern mountainous region.

This is due to a strong cold spell that has enveloped almost half of the country since Saturday.

The temperature in Hanoi on Monday (Jan 25) was around 11 deg C, slightly higher than on Sunday when it was around 7 to 10 deg C, Vietnam news reported.

Snow blanketed Sa Pa in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai and the temperature was minus 3 deg C on Monday, said the report. The temperature plunged to minus 5 deg C on Saturday night, the lowest in years.

Freezing temperatures were also reported in other areas, such as minus 0.4 deg C in Tam Dao (Phu Tho Province), minus 0.2 deg C in Dong Van (Ha Giang Province) and minus 4 deg C in Mau Son Mountain (Lang Son Province).

The cold spell from the northern region has also extended to the central localities, bringing rain to most areas along the central coast, according to Vietnam News.

It may reduce the temperature in Ho Chi Minh city and neighbouring provinces to as low as 17 to 18 deg C this weekend and early next week, said the report.

The cold snap has also triggered strong wind at sea, posing serious hazards to boats.

The Tonkin Gulf, the sea off central and southern provinces, as well as the entire East Sea have seen rough seas and fierce winds, said the report.