Summer months can be incredibly hot and sticky, so loose, lightweight and breathable clothing is essential. While linen and cotton are good options, cotton in particular does not dry well in high humidity. Athletic wear designed to absorb sweat and stay dry is a better option for humid days. Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate in Vietnam. Loose, long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates.
Southern and central cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, are warm year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 68°F, however, the temperature does drop as you go further north. Pack a light jacket, hoodie or fleece for travel to Hanoi and Halong Bay between November and March.
January is typically the coldest month, when temperatures drop as low as 55°F. It gets particularly cold in Saba from November to February, when temperatures can dip near the freezing mark. Pack a warm jacket, layers, gloves and beanie to stay warm for trips during this time.
Good quality, comfortable footwear is best for hiking. Paths can be uneven, rocky, slippery and muddy depending on the season, so waterproof, worn-in walking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended. A raincoat is also a good idea during the rainy season.
Whentraveling to Vietnam or other neighboring Southeast Asian countries, your packing list will vary based on the time of year you decide to travel.
Loose, breathable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. Athletic wear is recommended for particularly humid days
Swim shorts or bathing suit
A sarong
Light jacket or fleece
A hoodie plus warm layers are recommended for the evening during cooler months (especially if traveling to Northern Vietnam)
Warm jacket, gloves and beanie if traveling to Saba between November and February
A raincoat
A hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
Flip flops
Reusable water bottle
Seeour ultimate packing listfor a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to Vietnam.
Read more about the weather in Vietnam
FAQs
Clothing and footwear
Athletic wear designed to absorb sweat and stay dry is a better option for humid days. Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate in Vietnam. Loose, long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates.
What is casual wear in Vietnam? ›
Some Tips On What to Wear in Vietnam
When travelling to cultural places or local markets women are advised not to dress in short skirts, pants, or low cut tops or dresses. For men, casual jeans and shirts are the normal dress code, but they are advised not to take off their shirts in public places if it gets too hot.
Can ladies wear shorts in Vietnam? ›
Wearing shorts is acceptable in most situations for both men and women. However, Vietnam's traditional culture is somewhat conservative, so avoiding sleeveless shirts, tank tops, or short shorts—especially while visiting Buddhist temples—shows the greatest respect for it.
How to dress in Vietnam as a woman? ›
Clothing and footwear
Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate in Vietnam. Loose, long clothing is both respectful and tends to keep you cooler in hot climates.
Should I wear jeans in Vietnam? ›
Undoubtedly, many tourists traveling to Vietnam will wonder if it is acceptable to wear above-the-knee dress, crop tops, tank tops or skinny jeans in Vietnam. The answer is 'Yes' if you're planning to visit big cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc) and other famous tourist destinations.
Can you wear red in Vietnam? ›
Red áo dài are worn during Tết for luck and prosperity. Brides and grooms may also wear red on their wedding day, so it's a good idea to come in a different colour if you're a guest. White symbolizes purity and innocence, as seen in the white dresses of highschool students, and black is most often worn at funerals.
What shoes to wear in Vietnam? ›
Breathable walking shoes are essential for traversing cities and quaint villages alike. When beach-bound to spots like Phu Quoc or Nha Trang, flip-flops or water shoes should be in your travel bag. For upper-body wear, think of moisture-wicking T-shirts or breezy sleeveless tops.
What can't you bring into Vietnam? ›
Items that you cannot bring into Vietnam include weapons, munitions, explosives and inflammables, firecracker of all kinds, opium and drugs, toxic chemicals, and cultural materials unsuitable to Vietnamese society (p*rnographic seditious publications, films and photos), harmful child toys.
What to wear in the evening in Vietnam? ›
Vietnam is a semi-tropical country but winters in the north can be chilly (especially in highland areas such as Sapa). If you're heading to Hanoi and the surrounding region between December and March, make sure you pack a few hoodies or warm sweaters for the evenings.
Are there dress codes in Vietnam? ›
What to wear in Vietnam. In general, you can wear normal shorts and shirts that have open space of knees and shoulders in lots of places in Vietnam expects holy places like pagodas, temples, churches, cathedrals, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Additionally when packing for a trip to Vietnam, just keep in mind that lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton dresses, shorts, and tops are the best to combat the hot and humid weather. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll likely be doing a lot of exploring on foot.
Is it safe to wear jewelry in Vietnam? ›
Don't: Wear a lot of jewelry or carry a flashy bag. Display your belongings while riding a motorbike or on public transport. Wear revealing clothes to temples or pagodas.
What is the ideal woman in Vietnam? ›
According to Confucian perception, an ideal woman was not only possessed of “tu duc” (four virtues): “cong” (housemaid work), “dung” (good countenance), “ngon” (speech) and “hinh” (chastity), but also subject to the principle of “tam tong” (three submissions): “tai gia tong phu, xuat gia tong phu, phu tu tong tu” (When ...
Can you show skin in Vietnam? ›
This goes double for visiting temples and pagodas - keep your arms and legs covered, and hide as much bare skin as you can. It's extremely rude to go to such places while insufficiently dressed. Colorful and ostentatious dressing is also frowned upon, although more so in the provinces than in big cities.
How can I be a respectful tourist in Vietnam? ›
As a general rule, keep your cool and avoid loud arguments, making a scene, berating others for mistakes, or pointing out anything that may cause the locals to feel shamed. TIP: Vietnamese dislike public displays of affection, and men and women often do not touch in front of others.
Is it rude not to tip in Vietnam? ›
Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but it is always appreciated. If you're happy with the services provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.
Should I wear jewelry to Vietnam? ›
Secondly, in Vietnam's biggest cities—like in many big cities—if you flaunt your wealth, it may be taken from you. Do your best to not carry a purse, always lock up your motorbike if you have one, and don't wear obviously expensive jewelry that talented pickpockets could slip off you.
