Skip to Content

What to wear in Vietnam (seasonal guide)

What to wear in Vietnam (seasonal guide)

Are you wondering what to wear in Vietnam? Vietnam has pretty constant weather year-round but the combination of heat and humidity can make it a tricky place to pack for. In this guide, we will cover what to wear in Vietnam in Summer, Winter, Spring or Fall as well as specific destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, and beyond.

Important Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Weather in Vietnam

Woman in Hoi An with river in background
What to wear in Hoi An

No matter what time of year you are visiting Vietnam you can expect quite consistent temperatures. In Fall (September, October and November) the average high is around 88°F with the average high rising to 93°F in Spring time (March, April and May).

Even in Winter (December, January and February) the temperatures are still pretty consistent.

However there are two distinct seasons in Vietnam – the wet season and the dry season.

The dry season starts in November and ends by late April / early May while the wet season runs from May to November.

For this reason it is always a good idea to prepare for rain when packing for Vietnam.

Are you traveling elsewhere in Asia? Check out our other guides:

Vietnam Dress Codes

Most places in Vietnam do not have a formal dress code. There will be some more upscale restaurants in the cities that may have smart casual dress codes, but for the most part dress codes shouldn’t be your primary concern when packing for Vietnam.

However if you plan on visiting temples on your visit you will want to have one more conservative outfit with you that doesn’t bear a lot of skins.

Tips for how to dress in Vietnam in Summer

Anyone who has lived in or visited Vietnam will tell you that heat and high humidity have to the primary concern of your packing list. For this reason, you should stick to lots of natural fabrics such as linen, silk and cotton to help cope with the weather conditions. Man-made fabrics will not be your friend in Vietnam.

It is also a good idea to have a top layer with you for going inside restaurants and malls where there is likely to be fierce air conditioning.

And finally, it is worth always having some waterproof shoes and a very lightweight waterproof jacket with you in Vietnam during the wet season.

What to wear in Vietnam Year Round

Woman in traditional hat on railway in Vietnam
What to wear in Vietnam

So what should you wear in Vietnam year round?

Maxi Dresses and Skirts

A Maxi dress is a staple of my Vietnam packing lists. I try and pick one made of a natural fabric such as cotton or linen so it is more breathable.

Click here to shop Maxi Dresses

Cardigan

It might sound strange to be heading to a country that is renowned for hot and humid weather daytime but I recommend taking a cardigan but I am.

The reason is because the indoor venues in Vietnam have strong air conditioning.

T Shirts / blouse

A T Shirt/blouse made of natural fabric is a great staple, especially for days when you will spend lots of time outside such as at Ha Long Bay, Cu Chi Tunnel, the beaches of Da Nang and Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.

Linen Trousers

If you do plan on going to some more upscale restaurants we recommend packing a smarter pair of linen trousers to pair with a blouse. These will keep you cool but also be stylish enough for places with dress codes.

Swimwear

With the heat and humidity a dip in a pool can be a great way to cool off after a day of sightseeing. Personally, I prefer to wear a one-piece or a bikini rather than a thong-cut bikini as you will find the styles in Vietnam more conservative.

Shorts

Shorts are a good pick for Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park especially for beaches and for days exploring outdoor venues. Running shorts and quick dry shorts are a great pick in the heat.

Hiking Trousers and long sleeve shirt

If you want to go hiking in one of the national parks we recommend packing some hiking trousers and a long sleeve top that will protect you from insects.

Sandals

Sandals are a great pick for Vietnam. I like to pick a pair that are good for walking but can also be used in more upscale restaurants and bars where you may need a smart casual outfit.

Sneakers

Our go to brands are:

  • Hoka,
  • Sketchers Go Walks or
  • All Birds

Click here to shop good sneakers

We recommend sticking with a lightweight pair of sneakers that will cope well with the heat.

Flip Flops

Although the most important shoes for Vietnam are definitely sandals and sneakers, you may also want to pack a pair of flip flops with you for wondering around the pool and beach.

Click here to shop flip flops

Underwear

This goes without saying.

Pashmina

For any trip to Vietnam whatever time of year you are traveling we recommend taking a pashmina as it is a handy extra layer if you are somewhere with lots of air con.

Pyjamas

Sun hat

The sun is very strong in Vietnam so to protect your face from the sun while walking around the city and for hanging out on the beach.

Click here to shop sun hats

Sunglasses

Sun safety in Vietnam is very important so be sure to pack a good pair of sunglasses that have good UV Protection.

What to Pack for Vietnam for Men

If you are a man traveling to Vietnam then you will want to pack:

Cotton / Linen Pants

These are better for dealing with the heat

T Shirts

T Shirts are appropriate throughout Vietnam for men.

Shorts

Shorts are great for anyone who wants to spend time outdoors in Vietnam.

Shirts

While T shirts are appropriate in most public places, button down shirts should be added to your packing list if you plan on eating at some of Singapore’s fine dining establishments.

Hiking Outfit

If you plan on visiting a national park or do any hiking in Vietnam we recommend having some long hiking pants and long sleeve tops with you that will protect you from bugs.

Sandals

Sandals are appropriate for men as well as women.

Sneakers

Sneakers are great for the days you plan on doing lots of walking in Vietnam.

Flip Flops

Again if you are at the beach and hotel, you may if you have room want to add some flip flops to your packing list too.

Vietnam Packing List (non clothing)

Woman with back to camera in rural Vietnam
What to pack for Vietnam

Now we have covered the clothes you should pack for Vietnam, we will look at the non-clothing items to put on your Vietnam packing list:

FAQs

What to wear in Ho Chi Minh City?

There aren’t many dress codes in Ho Chi Minh City outside of temples. However you will find lots of long loose clothing made of natural fabrics are best for the weather.

What to wear in Hanoi?

As with Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi doesnt have many strict dress codes. However you will want clothes made of natural fabrics with long and loose silhouettes to help cope with the high temperatures.

What else would you add to this Singapore packing list?