Hi, what’s the best clothing to wear for women whilst in Vietnam, shorts, linen trousers, dresses or just sports wear? Don’t want to buy holiday clothes if I’m not going to get to wear them because they’re not practical. Going in late May. Tia
Share your experiences or just ask people a question? Click to see the community
Got a question or an idea you want to discuss? Start a discussion here to get opinions and connect with other members.
Have a story, valuable experience, or a detailed guide to share? Contribute a high-quality article to enrich our community.
To ensure quality, all new posts are not immediately visible on search engines like Google, Bing... Our team prioritizes reviewing high-value, insightful posts to feature publicly. You'll receive a notification when your contribution is selected!
Ha Giang
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Ha Long
Sapa
Mekong Delta
Da Nang
Hue
Hoi An
Ninh Binh
Da Lat
Nha Trang
Phan Thiet
Phu Quoc
Quang Binh
Quy Nhon
Vung Tau
Thai Nguyen
Tiếng Việt
한국어
中文 (中国)
日本語
ไทย
Deutsch
Español
Destinations
Instagram
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Threads
Tiktok
Away 2 months and have brought 9 kilo with me. In the north you will need a light jacket, thin sweatshirt or jumper. I’ve got 3 lightweight shirts (so look a bit smarter if go to a nice restaurant or hotel) 3 tee shirts, 3 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of cargo pants and 2 summer dresses. Rotated everything as had to get stuff washed and it’s been 👌 Totally agree re long/very loose clothing comment – you don’t want anything brushing on the floor, near public toilets or on the back of a grab scooter!
Im here now and have taken way too many clothes!
Cotton/linen comfortable and conservative
It will be getting warm in the north by then. Been cold in Hanoi and halong bay ATM. Breathable fabrics best. Dresses are fine but knee length for temples and covered shoulders. Bring a scarf for that
Sun dresses, shorts and tank tops or nice tshirts. It’s fairly casual. If you want to visit temples you will need to cover shoulders and knees but most have coverups to give you or you can hire scarfs. As usual I’ve packed way too much 🤣
I take clothes that are in good condition, but I’m a bit over, so I might wear them once then leave them for the maid, folded up by the bin when I leave , or afk if they want them, they usually love it , it’s a win win, as you have more room to buy stuff and your old stuff gets a new life . Do a few just in case items you can leave never go astray. Pack weeks before going so you can delete or add as you go, don’t overpack, this is my packing list I leave in my case for Asian holidays ..3 shorts, 3 tops daytime 2 extra for night or fancy, 3 cotton dresses,1 cottony jumpsuit that you can dress up or down, pair of cargo’s or jeans. 1 going out dress and one going out pant if jeans not suitable. Undies on there last hurrah to chuck as worn, or 5 decent , 2 bras, shawl/large scarf/ sarong,cardigan/jacket for ✈️ 1 pair sandals you can walk a mile in,1 pair trainers, 1 thongs/ birks,1 nightie , I cami, hat, belt , earrings
For 3 weeks I brought ecco walking sandals and OC slip on runners, 5 sleeveless dresses in dark, lightweight material and 1 pair dark capri in lightweight fabric and 5 lightweight tops and thin panty liners to cut down on washing. My most reworn item was a sleeveless denim button front dress. It covered the shoulders and knees and didn’t show any stains. Dresses offered the best air circulation, less bulky to pack and easier in the bathroom. I did not bring or wear any jewelry except my watch. I bring laundry sheets to wash undies or capris as they dry overnight. Husband used local laundry same day service twice as it was significantly less than hotel laundry. Only needed to wash denim dress once. It’s so casual here no need to be fashionable or impress anyone. I did bring long pants and lightweight sweater for airplane travel and a lightweight shawl/wrap that fit into my bag if needed.
Whatever you do, don’t wear gym leggings material. I am prone to mosquito’s. So I avoided wearing shorts and wore gym leggings to go on a boat in the Mekong river. Worst mistake ever ! I then googled after and found that that’s their favourite material, they can sting you through it but also because that material traps the heat, it’s like a party for mosquito’s ! 🥴🤣 my legs look like I have chicken Pox now haha
Hi there. Just a heads up, late May is the start of our summer, so it gets quite hot and humid here. I’d recommend linen trousers and breathable dresses over sportswear. They are much more comfortable for the heat and look great in photos, especially if you plan to visit places like Hoi An or nature spots. Sportswear can feel a bit sticky and out of place in the old towns. Also, for temples and pagodas, you will need to cover your knees and shoulders. You don’t need to buy special clothes though—just keep a large scarf or sarong in your bag to wrap around when needed.
I would recommend things that are at least knee length and always carry a scarf to cover shoulders as you seem to end up in temples or similar almost daily. Be mindful of flowing dresses/skirts or pants that are too long as you have to manipulate them whilst going to the toilet so they don’t touch the floor. I wore long flowing wide leg pants. They were beautiful and cool but had to make sure I pulled them you high whilst walking especially on stairs etc and I was glad not to have been in too much of a hurry to use the loo when wearing them as I had to make sure I had pulled them up high enough in the legs before I pulled them down. My mid calf to ankle length dresses have been my fav to wear. Cool, comfortable, light in my luggage and can dress up or down.