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.
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
842
Take a ten-day tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops to cruise the...
18 Days
From
1665
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of Vietnam...
10 Days
From
773
Travel through Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Highlights include meeting...
8 Days
From
1420
Discover the highlights and traditions of Vietnam on this short Premium adventure from...
9 Days
From
748
Travel from Vietnam to Thailand on a South East Asian adventure that explores Cambodia...
15 Days
From
2142
Uncover Vietnam on a Premium journey from south to north, taking in Ho Chi Minh City,...
8 Days
From
960
Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a small group tour from south to north, visiting Ho...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
15 Days
From
953
Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on this 15-day Vietnam adventure. Trek in the...
11 Days
From
582
Head from old-world Hanoi to ancient Hue and on to pretty Hoi An via Ninh Binh,...
15 Days
From
1683
Uncover the proud, spirited heart of Vietnam on this classic 15-day adventure. Tour...
13 Days
From
3075
Be immersed in the rich historic and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia on this...
13 Days
From
1101
Experience the Asia of old on a family adventure that captures the spirit of Vietnam....
18 Days
From
1560
Follow the ancient trails through Cambodia and Vietnam. Explore Angkor’s temples,...
15 Days
From
1440
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Vietnam. Take in cultural...
15 Days
From
880
Discover Vietnam’s east coast on this 15-day tour, uncovering the hidden delights of...
20 Days
From
3995
Discover the incredible diversity, delectable cuisines, dramatic histories and natural...
11 Days
From
593
Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south...
12 Days
From
795
Hit Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on a 12-day adventure through Cambodia with Intrepid....
12 Days
From
1253
Travel the breadth of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing Halong Bay,...
24 Days
From
5620
Discover the highlights and traditions of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia on this 24-day...
13 Days
From
1229
Experience Vietnamese customs and charms on a 13-day family adventure from Hanoi to Ho...
11 Days
From
1071
Hike, bike and kayak across Vietnam on this active tour based out of Hanoi. Enjoy...
13 Days
From
1928
Uncover the dramatic histories of these two beautiful countries on a trip through the...
15 Days
From
769
Take a 15-day Vietnam adventure from hectic Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hanoi,...
30 Days
From
3209
Travel into the heart and soul of South East Asia on this comprehensive tour of...
20 Days
From
1624
From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to historical Hanoi, the Best of Vietnam tour is an...
22 Days
From
1433
Bounce from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, through Phnom Penh, Kampot and Siem Reap, then head...
12 Days
From
724
Travel to Cambodia on a 12-day adventure from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok. Explore...
9 Days
From
548
From Bangkok you'll hit the ancient streets and temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, get...
22 Days
From
1416
Explore South East Asia on a 22-day adventure through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand –...
26 Days
From
1581
Experience the best of South East Asia with Intrepid. Marvel at the Angkor complex,...
12 Days
From
855
Dive headfirst from Ho Chi Minh City into real Cambodia, visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap...
13 Days
From
1990
See Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand from two wheels on this 13-day adventure from Ho Chi...
23 Days
From
1890
Explore vibrant Vietnam, charismatic Cambodia and beguiling Bangkok on this awesome...
20 Days
From
2727
Get to know Vietnam and Cambodia, each with their own uniquely enchanting culture and...
23 Days
From
1324
Take a trip with the lot – Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Phong...
35 Days
From
3083
Join us for the South East Asian trip of your dreams – a little bit of Bangkok, a pinch...
22 Days
From
2507
South East Asia Uncovered snakes its way through the delights of Thailand, Laos and...
9 Days
From
860
Get the most out of your family getaway by cycling, kayaking, walking and cruising...
8 Days
From
804
Jump in the saddle for a two-wheeled adventure tour of Northern Vietnam. Take in...
20 Days
From
2965
Taste the true flavours of Vietnam and Cambodia, feasting on local food and catching...
27 Days
From
3515
Gear up for an energising and rewarding cycling tour that takes in the best of...
5 Days
From
288
Trek through Vietnam's mountainous region in the north-west to experience hiltribe...
2 Days
From
185
See local industry, beautiful islands and what life is like along the mighty Mekong...
2 Days
From
253
Cast away on a traditional-style boat and set sail through hundreds of limestone karsts...
