- Home
- Destination
- Asia
- Vietnam
- What to wear in Vietnam
Weather in Vietnam varies considerably, so what you wear is dependant on the time of year you visit and where you go. Dress standards can be more conservative outside of major cities in Vietnam. To respect this, and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend wearing modest clothing. This means clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, particularly in pagodas and religious sites. In many rural areas, women will need to wear modest clothes, even while swimming. Consider bringing a sarong, which conveniently doubles as both a cover-up and a blanket.
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 20°C (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 13°C (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 is recommended. A raincoat is also a good idea during the rainy season.
When travelling to Cambodia, Vietnam or other neighboring Southeast Asian countries, your packing list will vary based on the time of year you decide to travel.
Packing list for Vietnam
- 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 travelling to Northern Vietnam)
- Warm jacket, gloves and beanie if travelling to Saba between November and February
- A raincoat
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops
- Reusable water bottle
See our ultimate packing list for a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to Vietnam.
Click here to return to Vietnam FAQs
Our Vietnam Tours
10 Days From 1432
Take a tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the Mekong...
10 Days From 1586
Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Visit the Mekong Delta, cruise...
18 Days From 2957
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Vietnam and Cambodia....
8 Days From 2404
Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...
13 Days From 2259
Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....
13 Days From 2351
Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...
9 Days From 1224
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
15 Days From 3321
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...
15 Days From 3297
Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...
15 Days From 3915
Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...
15 Days From 1992
Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this Vietnam adventure. Trek in the quiet...
8 Days From 1752
Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...
13 Days From 4043
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
13 Days From 4944
Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...
19 Days From 7990
Take a Premium trip exploring Thailand and Vietnam’s highlights, including Bangkok,...
11 Days From 739
Take an awesome trip through Vietnam. Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue, Hoi An,...
9 Days From 1632
Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...
30 Days From 6019
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this tour of Thailand, Laos,...
20 Days From 4982
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
12 Days From 2456
Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...
20 Days From 1865
On this epic trip through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll bounce from Hanoi to the...
20 Days From 5989
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...
12 Days From 1339
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City then take a trip through Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat...
18 Days From 2808
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
15 Days From 1557
Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...
15 Days From 990
Take an incredible Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...
11 Days From 2133
Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Enjoy...
13 Days From 3384
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this adventure from Ho Chi Minh...
8 Days From 1056
Follow the ancient trails on a trip to Cambodia, starting in Thailand and ending in...
10 Days From 820
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
20 Days From 2948
From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...
11 Days From 1140
Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south...
23 Days From 3625
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
23 Days From 1815
See Cambodia and Vietnam on a whirlwind trip that visits Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phonm Penh...
8 Days From 1672
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...
22 Days From 4793
This Southeast Asia trip snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...
22 Days From 4793
South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...
9 Days From 927
Travel to Cambodia on an adventure from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem...
26 Days From 2822
Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...
9 Days From 757
From Bangkok, you'll hit the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get rural in Banteay...
19 Days From 2029
Explore South East Asia on a19-day adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia – Hanoi, Ho...
32 Days From 3715
Take an epic journey to Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang,...
27 Days From 6775
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...
5 Days From 500
Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hilltribe...
24 Days From 10849
Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...
2 Days From 395
Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...
2 Days From 323
See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...
20 Days From 5420
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
19 Days From 5420
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
19 Days From 5420
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
As an avid traveler with a deep passion for Southeast Asia and a particular focus on Vietnam, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to guide you on what to wear in Vietnam. Having explored the diverse landscapes and cultures of this beautiful country, I understand the nuances of its weather patterns and cultural expectations, especially outside major cities.
Weather Considerations: Vietnam experiences considerable variations in weather, making it crucial to pack accordingly. Southern and central cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hue are warm year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. However, the temperature decreases as you move north. Hanoi and Halong Bay, for instance, may require a light jacket, hoodie, or fleece between November and March when temperatures can drop to 13°C. Sapa, in particular, gets quite cold from November to February, necessitating warm jackets, layers, gloves, and a beanie.
Cultural Dress Code: Dress standards in Vietnam can be more conservative outside major cities. To show respect and ensure your own comfort, it is strongly recommended to wear modest clothing, especially in pagodas and religious sites. Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is advisable, and in many rural areas, even while swimming. Carrying a sarong is a practical choice as it serves as both a cover-up and a blanket.
Clothing Recommendations:
-
Summer Months: Loose, lightweight, and breathable clothing is essential during hot and sticky summer months. While linen and cotton are good options, cotton may not dry well in high humidity. Athletic wear designed to absorb sweat and stay dry is recommended.
-
Appropriate Attire: Short shorts, crop tops, and tank tops are not considered appropriate. Opt for loose, long clothing, which is not only respectful but also tends to keep you cooler in hot climates.
-
Footwear: Good quality, comfortable footwear is crucial, especially 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.
-
Rainy Season: If traveling during the rainy season, carrying a raincoat is a wise decision.
Packing List Summary:
- Loose, breathable clothing covering shoulders and knees
- Athletic wear for humid days
- Swim shorts or bathing suit
- Sarong for modesty
- Light jacket or fleece
- Hoodie and warm layers for cooler months, especially in the north
- Warm jacket, gloves, and beanie for colder regions
- Raincoat
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes and flip flops
- Reusable water bottle
This comprehensive packing list ensures that you are well-prepared for varying weather conditions and cultural expectations during your trip to Vietnam. Whether you're exploring bustling cities or trekking through the serene landscapes, dressing appropriately enhances your experience in this enchanting country.
