Wondering what to wear in Vietnam? Whether you’re heading to Hoi An, Halong Bay, the beach or the countryside, this comprehensive packing guide will help.
After the most incredible adventure in Vietnam, I’ve returned with endless travel tips for you guys. It really was the trip of a lifetime. We spent 3-weeks in Vietnam in November, enjoying the most wonderful and varied itinerary.
Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in southeast Asia, and is home to a wide range of landscapes. We enjoyed the hustle and bustle in Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the vibrant culture of Hoi An, the laid-back vibes on the island of Phu Quoc and the natural beauty of Halong Bay.
We also happened to be travelling with our 8-month-old son. It was no mean feat…! In terms of packing, it’s fair to say that small babies come with a ridiculous amount of stuff. I’m not just talking about nappies and clothes, there were lots of snacks, pouches of purees, a travel high chair and a pram!
We decided we could only manage two medium suitcases, so we were forced to be relatively compact with our wardrobe choices. We both chose items of clothing that would mix and match easily, fit a variety of scenarios and pack down small. An enforced capsule wardrobe!
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
To help you pack for Vietnam, you’ll need to decide when to visit the country, then look at the weather for that time of year. While you may think of Vietnam as warm and tropical, due to the geography of the country (it’s very long and thin!) it actually has three different climates.
Broadly speaking, the best time to visit Vietnam is between November and April. We chose to travel in November as it’s usually dry in the south and a little cooler and less humid in the north of the country. It also meant we could escape the dreariness of autumn in the UK. Hurrah! The only negative? November is one of the wettest months in central Vietnam, so we did have to deal with a few rainy days.
Weather in Vietnam by region
Here’s a quick overview of the weather you can expect in each region throughout the year.
Northern Vietnam: May – October tends to be hot and humid with the most rain. November – April will be much drier. It’s worth noting it can get really cold in December and January in Sapa and the most northern areas.
Central Vietnam: January – August you can expect very hot, dry weather. September – November is the rainy season and you may even see flooding during these months (as we did in Hoi An).
Southern Vietnam: November- April tends to be hot and dry. Then from May – October you’ll move into the warmer, wetter season.
What to wear in Vietnam
After spending a lot of my pre-trip research googling how to dress in Vietnam to visit various areas or take part in specific activities, I thought it’d be helpful to pass on a few words of wisdom from our trip. It’s definitely a country you should consider both the culture and practicalities before you go.
From the best footwear to travel with, to lightweight clothing ideal for the tropical climate and a few vital accessories (some of which I wished I’d packed!) here’s my ultimate guide to what to wear in Vietnam. Consider this your Vietnam packing list!
Oh, and don’t worry guys, I’ve popped a few ideas together for you men out there too.
What Should A Woman Wear To Visit Vietnam?
While tourism is widespread in Vietnam, and you’ll see Westerners in the main tourist areas, it’s always important to be considerate of the culture and local customs by dressing respectfully. This is particularly important if you’re planning to visit any religious sites in the country. I’d always recommend packing a lightweight scarf so you can cover up easily when needed.
What To Wear In Vietnam: Women’s Clothes
In order to plan what to pack for a trip to Vietnam, be sure to research exactly where you’re going. As mentioned, temperatures vary from beach areas in Phu Quoc or Da Nang, to the mountains in Sapa. It can get really chilly in the winter in Sapa, so if you’re visiting that part, make sure you have a few warm items.
What to wear in Vietnam’s cities
If you’re spending time in cities such as Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Hoi An or Hue, I’d recommend lightweight shorts, skirts, tops and dresses, ideally made of breathable fabrics. It can get sticky at times, so you won’t want materials that cling to your skin.
In terms of footwear, I tended to wear Birkenstock sandals or trainers. The sun is powerful, so don’t forget to pack a hat and sunglasses too.
If you visit Hoi An, don’t miss the opportunity to have some garments made at one of the many tailoring shops. We had a great experience at Ba Ri Tailors in Hoi An old town. I had a beautiful turquoise dress made, while Macca bought a linen suit and several shirts. The prices are reasonable and the quality is great, especially for such a quick turnaround.
What to wear on Vietnam’s beaches
Vietnam is home to many white sandy beaches, including those on the paradise island of Phu Quoc in the south and the long coastlines of Da Nang and Nha Trang. All of these destinations have a mix of beachfront resorts and more relaxed accommodation.
If you’re planning some beach time in Vietnam, you’ll want to pack swimwear (bikini or bathing suit), shorts and light dresses. I’d recommend a light coverup too, just to add an extra layer of protection from the sun. If you’re planning to go on a boat trip, snorkelling or spend long periods in the water, you might also want to pack a rash vest. The sun is really fierce, so be sure to apply a high SPF too.
If you’ll be spending time in northern Vietnam, I’d recommend packing a few layers. As mentioned, it can get pretty cold in the northern areas, especially at higher altitude. You might appreciate leggings, a cardigan and a light jacket there (depending on the time of year).
What to wear in Halong Bay
If you’re planning to visit Halong Bay (and I’d 100% recommend you do – it’s awesome!) your general Vietnam wardrobe should fit pretty well. I tended to wear shorts and a lightweight top, or a light, airy dress during the day. I dressed a little smarter for dinners on board our cruise ship. It was a little chillier by the evenings, so I was glad I had a cardigan.
Are you wondering what footwear to pack for Halong Bay? Sandals will be fine for most of the trip, but I’d recommend wearing trainers to climb up Ti Top Island and for exploring Sung Sot Cave. They’re not essential, but you might appreciate the support, sturdiness and extra grip.
Here are a few specific items of women’s clothing I’d recommend for Vietnam:
Women’s sundress – Something strappy, pretty and not too short for everyday use.
Women’s maxi dress – I quite liked having a longer item or two, especially for when insects were out. This one even has pockets!
Women’s midi skirt – I live in items like this in warm countries and have them in multiple colours and patterns. They’re comfortable and not revealing.
Women’s shorts – I packed a few pairs. I’d recommend something loose and comfortable like these shorts, and then perhaps some classic denim shorts too.
Women’s summer top – I wore a lot of things like this. Neutral colours are useful as you can mix and match with shorts and skirts. Plus, you can dress them up or dress them down!
Women’s bikini – You’ll need to pack a couple of items of swimwear. There are so many cute bikinis out there to choose from!
Women’s rash guard – Not essential, but if you burn easily (or plan to surf) I’d recommend one of these. This one is great as it has a built-in bra and comes with a pair of matching shorts.
Women’s sports vest – I’d recommend one or two sweat-absorbing vests like this for adventurous activities.
Women’s sports bra – Ideal for sporty or adventure activities. I prefer sports bras like this Puma one which has some built in padding for extra support.
Women’s leggings – You might prefer sports shorts, but depending on the activity you’re doing, you might want a pair of leggings for a bit of extra protection.
Sarong – A really useful item for any travels in warm countries! Use it as a towel, a cover up, to sit on, to lie on or for a cute addition to an outfit!
Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself.
Sunglasses – I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!
What Footwear Should Women Wear In Vietnam
Flat shoes, walking shoes, sandals, flip-flops, water shoes … the list goes on. Do you know what, they could ALL be useful in Vietnam.
For exploring the cities, I’d recommend trainers or supportive sandals. For the beaches, you could just slip on a pair of sandals or flip flops. For more adventurous trekking in Vietnam’s hills or countryside, you might prefer to wear proper hiking boots or sports trainers.
On our trip, I lived in my Birkenstocks. They were supportive and comfortable, easy to put on and they worked for so many different types of travel. I didn’t expect to wear them so much!
I also packed trainers and a smart pair of sandals so I could look a bit smarter for a few dinners.
What Footwear Should Men Wear In Vietnam
For men visiting Vietnam, I’d recommend packing a pair of trainers and some sandals or flip-flops. Depending on the type of trip you’re doing, you might also want to pack one smart pair of shoes for hotels or posh dinner.
Here are a few specific items of footwear I’d recommend for Vietnam:
Birkenstock sandals – Really durable, ideal for men or women and come in multiple colours. There are a few different styles to choose from too.
Teva trekking sandals – Really durable, great for travel, easy to take on and off and they come in lots of colours and patterns.
Skechers lightweight trainers – Really comfortable and they dry quickly too, so are useful for all sorts of travel.
Havianas flip flops – Male or female, everyone should own a pair! These ones for men are fun too.
Cute women’s sandals – Something like this is great for beach clubs, hotels and restaurants.
Tom’s flat loafers – A nice casual shoe for men, easy to slip on and great for exploring or going to restaurants.
Hiking shoes – Only necessary if you’re planning some big adventures. These ones are great as they’re lightweight and breathable.
Water shoes – Again, not essential, but can be useful for rocky areas or hiking around waterfalls.
What To Wear In Vietnam: Women’s Accessories
As mentioned, scarves are a useful addition to your suitcase for Vietnam. It’s a sunny country, so I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. Also, a sun hat, to protect your head from those powerful rays.
I used a backpack for day-to-day adventures, and then a small shoulder bag for dinners in the evenings.
It’s recommended to drink bottled water in Vietnam. However, I’d still recommend taking a reusable water bottle and topping it up throughout your trip.
What To Wear In Vietnam As A Man
Packing for Vietnam is very simple as a man! All you really need are several pairs of shorts, a handful of t-shirts, a few lightweight shirts and some swimming trunks. If you’re trekking, you might want some sporty items, like sports shorts or a sweat-absorbent top.
Here are a few specific items of men’s clothing I’d recommend for Vietnam:
Men’s casual shorts – I’d recommend several pairs of comfortable shorts for everyday use.
Men’s T-shirts – Pack a few options of t-shirts too.
Men’s shirts – A few shirts (long or short sleeved) are a good idea. I personally love these linen shirts. They look very cool!
Men’s vests – If you sweat a lot, you might find vest tops more
comfortable in the heat.
Men’s sports tops – For active days, something like this is really useful as it’s super-absorbent.
Men’s sports shorts – If you’re doing some adventurous hikes or activities, you’ll want shorts you can move freely in.
Swimming trunks – The more fun the pattern, the better! These ones have pockets and are quick dry too.
Baseball cap – Look for one with a mesh back like this one, so it’s more breathable.
Sunglasses – You can’t beat a classic pair of these Ray Bans!
What To Pack For Vietnam: Other Useful Items
Bug & Bite Essentials
Insect repellent – A must for tropical destinations. I usually take this good-quality repellent, and if you’re travelling with children, I’d choose one like this which is specifically designed for kids.
Bite relief – Don’t just pack the repellent, take something to deal with bites too. It’s great to travel with an after bite cream, but personally I swear by my Bite Away Pen, which I take on almost every trip. It takes the itch away immediately.
Sun Protection
Sun cream – A good SPF is one of the most important things in your suitcase. I really like this Sun Bum SPF for travel. It feels nice on your skin and lasts a long time.
Sunglasses – Protect your eyes as well as your skin. I’ve owned these Ray-Bans for years and they’re one of my travel essentials.
Sun hat – Ideal for sightseeing, beach days and those long afternoons in the sun. This one has travelled the world with me.
After sun / aloe vera – Because sometimes even the best intentions don’t stop you getting a little too much sun! I like this lightweight Ultrasun option.
Rain & Water Essentials
Lightweight rain jacket – Tropical rain showers can appear out of nowhere, so I always pack this waterproof jacket that folds down small.
Compact umbrella – A tiny umbrella is worth throwing into your daypack, especially during rainy season. I love that this one is small enough to fit into a handbag.
Microfibre travel towel – Small, lightweight and quick-drying. This one is perfect for swimming, beaches, waterfalls or picnics!
Dry bag – One of those things you might not realise you need until you’re standing beside a waterfall with an expensive camera! This drybag is ideal for keeping phones, cameras and other valuables dry.
Waterproof phone case – Another of my must-buys, if you’re planning to snorkel, visit waterfalls or spend lots of time around water, this waterproof phone case is really useful little addition to your packing list.
Things You’ll Use Every Day
Lightweight daypack – My go-to for sightseeing and day trips. This small backpack has enough space for a water bottle, camera, sun cream and other essentials without being bulky.
Reusable water bottle – A reusable bottle is one of my travel staples. I particularly like these ones, which have a built in straw to make drinking on the go much easier.
Travel Tech & Gadgets
GoPro – If you’re heading somewhere adventurous, a GoPro camera is brilliant for capturing snorkelling, hiking, rafting, wildlife and other activities where you don’t want to risk your phone.
Power bank – I use my phone a lot when travelling, so a power bank like this one which stores a lot of charge is essential.
Universal plug adapter – One of my favourite travel gadgets. This universal adapter can charge multiple devices via USBs and plugs all at once, and it works around the world.
Hopefully this post helps with your Vietnam packing. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!
Looking for more travel tips for visiting Vietnam? Don’t miss these posts:
- The Ultimate 3-Week Vietnam Itinerary
- 10 Tips For Visiting Vietnam With A Baby
- What To Wear In Vietnam For Women And Men: Vietnam Packing Guide
- Review: Hoi An Food Tour: Vietnamese Street Food and Traditional Dishes
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