Are you heading to the wonderful country of Vietnam soon? As someone who has backpacked this country twice, here’s my easy guide on what to wear in Vietnam! Whether you’re heading to the mountains in the north or beaches in the south, this guide covers general clothing tips, regional and seasonal advice, what NOT to wear, and so much more. Keep scrolling to check it out.

Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

From the incredible Halong Bay and Ha Giang loop in the north to the magical beaches in the south and everything in between, Vietnam has a LOT to offer travelers.

Whether you’re a backpacker, solo traveler, couple, or family, there’s something for everyone in this diverse country—which is no doubt why it’s continuing to grow in popularity! (Along with its crazy affordability, of course!)

As someone who has backpacked Vietnam twice for a month at a time—as well as other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia—I’ve become rather experienced with what to wear in Vietnam.

The first time I spent one month in Vietnam was a sort of “trial and error” experiment—figuring out what types of clothing I wore most often, what fabrics were the best option, what shoes were right, and the like.

The second time around, my packing list was spot on. And I’m sharing all my best tips on what to wear in Vietnam so you can build the perfect closet! With that said, let’s get into it, shall we?

What to Wear in Vietnam: Regional + Seasonal Guide

Vietnam is a long and narrow country with a spectrum of climates—stretching from the cool, mountainous north to the tropical south. Due to its unique geography and topography, the weather varies dramatically depending on where and when you go.

Whether you’re braving Hanoi’s winter chill, sweating through Ho Chi Minh City’s humidity, or dodging the tropical downpours in Hoi An, knowing what to wear will help you stay comfortable and stylish while respecting local culture.

This guide on what to wear in Vietnam covers seasonal and regional differences, the best fabrics to pack, and a few cultural considerations so you can pack confidently for your adventure.

Dry and Rainy Season in Vietnam

• Dry Season (November–April): Generally the best time to visit. Expect mild temperatures in the north, warm sunshine in the central region and consistent heat in the south.

• Rainy Season (May–October): Hot, humid and prone to sudden, heavy downpours. The central region gets the worst of it, with storms and occasional flooding.

I visited Vietnam for the first time in August. Aside from Sapa and Dalat, it was so incredibly hot and humid that it rivaled anywhere else I’d been on my 3-month Southeast Asia backpacking trip!

My second trip to Vietnam was in March and I could really feel the difference. Specifically, it was surprisingly very cold in Hanoi and Sapa! I was not totally prepared for this, as I only packed one sweatshirt and one pair of long pants.

With regards to “rainy season,” yes, the downpours and storms can be pretty intense but I will say, they usually don’t last all day. I found that when I visited Vietnam in August, the heavens would open up and chuck the rain down a few times a day for like 10-20 minutes at a time.

These regional and seasonal differences are why it’s so important to do your research so you can best determine what you should wear in Vietnam!

Regional Differences in Vietnam

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang): Distinct four seasons, including a surprisingly cold winter (December–February), where temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) in the mountains.

• Central (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue): Hot and dry most of the year but experiences heavy rain and typhoons from September–November.

• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Think endless summer—it’s hot and humid year-round, with only slight variations between dry and wet seasons.

As you plan for your trip to Vietnam, don’t forget to check out my blog on 16 remarkably useful things to know before traveling to Vietnam!

What to Pack for Vietnam Depending on the Season

Based on the information above, you can likely grasp that packing for Vietnam and determining what to wear often depends on what season you’re visiting in. Here’s what I recommend based on what season you’re going in and where you’re visiting.

(Psst, if you want to quickly jump to and skim my Vietnam packing list featured near the bottom of this blog, click here!)

Dry Season (November-April)

North Vietnam — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ha Giang, Sapa, Ninh Binh

If you’re planning to visit Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, plan on bringing light layers for daytime and a jacket or warm sweater for the evenings and nights, especially if your Vietnam trip is in December, January and February.

Ninh Binh, which is technically in northern Vietnam, is more south of Hanoi and has a slightly warmer climate. You might need a light sweater or jacket in the mornings and evenings, but daytime is usually mild and comfortable.

If your visiting Sapa or Ha Giang, prepare for chilly weather. It gets cold here—like actually cold—during the winter months. You’ll need a proper coat (or jacket), layers and warm socks if you’re trekking or embarking on the popular Ha Giant Loop.

Central Vietnam — Phong Nha, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue

Perfect sightseeing weather! Phong Nha is further north than Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue so you may want to bring along a light long-sleeve for early mornings, evenings and nights. Additionally, if you do visit this location, it’s known for its caves, which are often a bit chillier!

For the daytime in central Vietnam, go for lightweight clothing made from breathable materials linen and cotton, plus a light sweater for cooler evenings (especially if you’re someone that often gets cold).

If visiting in early spring (March–April), you’ll start to feel the heat creeping in, so pack airy outfits and sunscreen (a must no matter where you’re going in Vietnam).

South Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc

This is peak hot and sunny season, so go for light, moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton, linen and bamboo viscose. Loose dresses and jumpsuits, shorts, tank tops and comfortable sandals are your best friends.

Rainy Season (May–October)

North Vietnam — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ha Giang, Sapa, Ninh Binh

Expect hot and humid days, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. With this weather, I recommend packing lightweight, quick-dry fabrics and a compact rain jacket or travel umbrella. (I brought my breathable Columbia rain jacket, which packs away into its own pocket.)

Central Vietnam — Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue

Rain storms are particularly tough in this region. Expect torrential downpours, especially in September–November. A waterproof jacket (like my Columbia one), umbrella and water-resistant sandals (I love my Teva Hurricane Sandals) will be lifesavers.

South Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc

The heat is intense, but rain showers are short-lived. Pack breathable clothing and quick-dry shoes (such as Tevas), as puddles can form quickly and flooding may take over roads. For Phu Quoc, beachwear, lightweight clothing and sunscreen are best for this picturesque island.

That said, temperatures and humidity are pretty stable in southern Vietnam. So basically just plan for hot days with lightweight clothing made out of breathable materials. This should help keep you cool while the temperatures soar.

What to Wear for Different Activities in Vietnam

When researching what to wear in Vietnam, the activities you plan to do will also influence your packing list. If your Vietnam itinerary includes a lot of cities and cultural activities, what you pack will look very different than if you were planning to focus on trekking in rural areas and motorbiking around Vietnam.

City Exploration

Vietnam’s cities are a mix of bustling street life, motorbikes and endless food stalls—meaning you’ll want comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.

Plus, the heat in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is often stifling, so breathable, sweat-wicking clothing is especially important.

• Breathable tops and loose pants or flowy skirts work well for the heat.
• Sneakers or cushioned sandals are a must—Vietnam’s sidewalks are often uneven or non-existent!
• A light scarf is handy for both sun protection and visiting temples.

Beach-y Destinations

With its incredibly amount of cool cultural sites, unique natural landscapes and vibrant cities, I wouldn’t say people head to Vietnam exclusively for its beaches. That said, the country has some truly gorgeous ones, especially in the south.

• Bikinis and swimsuits are fine at beach resorts, but bring a cover-up or sarong for walking around.
• Rash guards are great if you plan on snorkeling or spending hours in the sun.
• Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are ideal.

Mountainous and Rural Areas

This is particularly for those heading to Sapa and Dalat or embarking on the famous Ha Giang Loop. The landscape in these regions is mountainous and hilly, and potentially cold depending on what time you visit, so your footwear and clothing will be especially important.

• Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are essential for trekking.
• Leggings or lightweight hiking pants work better than shorts (keeps mosquitoes at bay).
• A rainproof jacket for unpredictable mountain weather.

Temples and Cultural Sites

Vietnamese culture leans modest, especially in religious places, such as temples and pagodas. So, being the considerate and conscious tourist that you are, it’s best to pack items that make it easy for you to responsibly visit these sites.

• Cover your shoulders and knees—a midi dress, loose pants or a maxi skirt works well.
• A light scarf or shawl is a great packable cover-up.
• Slip-on shoes, like Birkenstocks or crocs, make life easier when entering sacred spaces.

Vietnam is a wonderfully diverse and vibrant country. As you plan your trip, read up on my list of the top 10 incredible experiences to have in Vietnam to build out your bucket list!

Vietnam Packing Tips and Considerations

Vietnam is generally laid-back when it comes to dress codes, but there are a few key points to keep in mind. These tips are basically a compilation of everything mentioned above!

✔️ Loose, breathable fabrics are your best bet for the heat.
✔️ Layers are essential if you’re traveling between regions.
✔️ Avoid overly revealing clothing outside of beaches—locals tend to dress modestly.
✔️ A light rain jacket or umbrella is a lifesaver in the rainy season.
✔️ Comfortable footwear is a must, especially for exploring cities and trekking.
✔️ Opt for neutral colors—bright whites get dirty fast with all the dust and motorbike pollution!

What I Would Pack for a Vietnam Trip (as a Female Backpacker)

On both my Vietnam trips, I backpacked north to south, visiting each region mentioned above. This meant I had to be strategic about what I packed, as I was going to be dealing with the northern Vietnam chill, as well as the south’s heat and humidity.

As such, my Vietnam packing list is not necessarily minimalistic but not overly long either. That said, it still covered me for all scenarios! Whether I was motorbiking around Sapa, boating around Ha Long Bay or exploring Ho Chi Minh City, I never felt like I didn’t have the right clothing.

Note: there are affiliate links to some of my favorite eco-friendly brands in this Vietnam packing list, including Boody, tentree, Organic Basics, Mate The Label and Toad&Co. I actually do support these brands and their mission to create more sustainable clothing.

Tops

• 5-6 tank tops and t-shirts (I like the different tanks from Organic Basics and the rib tanks from MATE The Label)
• 1-2 long-sleeves (I love those from Boody, made from bamboo and organic cotton!)
• 1 light sweater/jacket (the relaxed waffle hoodie from MATE The Label is particularly lovely!)
• 1 rain jacket or poncho (love my Columbia rain jacket that packs snugly away in its own pocket)

Bottoms

• 2 pairs of shorts (I brought a pair of jean shorts and a pair of linen shorts, like these from tentree)
• 1 pair of biker shorts (love these recycled nylon ones from Organic Basics)
• 1-2 pairs of flowy pants (love these organic cotton + modal wide leg pants from tentree)
• 1 pair of leggings (the regular leggings and flare leggings from Organic Basics are so nice!)
• 1-2 flowy skirts or dresses (I brought one dress like this ribbed one from tentree)
• 1-2 jumpsuits (I love my “shorteralls” from Toad&Co and the jumpsuits from tentree)

Undergarments

• 7-10 pairs of underwear (I like to pack a lot so it doesn’t feel like I’m running out — Boody has my favorite bamboo underwear!)
• 3-4 pairs of lightweight socks (I like a mix of ankle and crew socks — I have these from Boody)
• 1 sports bra (I have this wireless one from Boody and it’s fantastic)
• 1 bralette (I have this one from Boody—it can also double as a top)
• 1 regular bra (I have this bra from Organic Basics—it’s awesome because it has adjustable straps for both parallel back straps and racerback straps)

Swimwear + Beachwear

• 3-4 swimsuits (I brought two one pieces, which doubled as tops when paired with shorts)
• 1 cover-up or sarong (also works as a cover-up for temples and religious sites—I recommend buying one at a market when you get to Vietnam)
• 1 wide-brimmed hat (keep your scalp safe from the strong sun!)

Shoes

• 1 pair of sandals (I always pack my Teva Hurricane Sandals)
• 1 pair of flip-flops (ideal for showering in hostels and going to the beach)
• 1 pair of lightweight sneakers or tennis shoes (not necessary but ideal if you’re trekking—I’ve heard really good things about Allbirds water-resistant, high-traction shoes!)

As mentioned earlier, I really recommend packing clothing made from breathable, lightweight and moisture-wicking materials, like linen, organic cotton, bamboo viscose and tencel (lyocell/modal). I particularly love wearing linen and organic cotton while traveling around Southeast Asia!

Avoid 100% polyester, heavy denim pieces (like jeans), heavy wool and silk (hard to wash and stains easily). These aren’t ideal for hot, humid and wet regions, such as those found in Vietnam.

In conclusion, Vietnam is one of the most rewarding and diverse destinations to explore, and dressing appropriately can make your trip even better.

Adjust this Vietnam packing list based on what you’re planning to experience! Make sure to prioritize your comfort and stay respectable of local culture.

Have questions about what to wear in Vietnam and what you should pack for your trip? Ask away in the comments below! I’m here to help.

Sophie xx

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