You're planning your next holiday in Vietnam and would like advice on the clothing and shoes to pack for this Southeast Asian country. Read this article and you'll be able to prepare your suitcase with ease!
Climate conditions in Vietnam
Despite the monsoon seasons that punctuate the harvests, the days are almost always sunny in Vietnam. The country thus attracts more visitors year on year. Tourists are particularly numerous between November and March, the dry season.
However, there is no bad time to enjoy an unforgettable holiday there. Even in the rainy season, you won't be bored, as the daily showers don't last long and alternate with bright sunshine. Rainfall is however heavy in the Mekong Delta region and on the central highlands in May and October.
Let's take a regional overview to shed some light on this:
- Northern Vietnam
- Central Vietnam
- Southern Vietnam
Hiking in Vietnam in summer
If you plan to travel to Vietnam in summer, between April and October, opt for loose and lightweight clothing for comfort and a few fleeces for cooler mornings and evenings. To deal with the rain, don't forget to pack a waterproof and make sure to store items that are sensitive to water — such as documents, films and medicines — in airtight packaging.
Opt for synthetic fabrics. Cotton and denim dry poorly and will therefore be less comfortable in the event of rain or perspiration.
Also pack a swimsuit, a hat, sun protection creams and a pair of sunglasses to make the most of the fine weather.
Hiking in Vietnam in winter
If you visit the north of the country between November and February, don't forget to pack warm clothing to protect yourself from the cool mornings and evenings. A light layer will be sufficient if you are staying in Vietnam in March, April or October.
For footwear, remember to pack a pair of walking shoes for the hikes you will do in the mountains. Also bring sandals that you can easily slip off when visiting temples.
Last useful tips
- Respect for places of worship
When visiting Asian countries, wearing appropriate attire is essential, especially if you wish to visit places of worship. Women should not wear skirts or short shorts. Low-cut necklines are also inadvisable. If you want to enjoy the hospitality of the locals, it is important not to offend them by wearing extravagant clothing. Military-style dress is also to be avoided.
- Trousers with secret pockets for your safety
For your safety, do not bring valuable jewellery. You can also invest in "secret" trousers such as the ATOLL trousers for men and ALEXANDRIE for women. These trousers feature two "secret" pockets: a hidden exterior pocket and an interior pocket accessible only from inside the trousers. You can therefore hike for several days, at night or in cities where tourist theft is common, without worry — as these two pockets allow you to safely store your phone, money and identity documents!
- Dealing with mosquitoes
To avoid being bothered by the many tropical mosquitoes, pack clothing made from mosquito-repellent fabric. Based on chitin, this Activ'Dry fabric is natural and allergy-free. Odourless and quick-drying, it will let you face the outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes and their bites!
- Products for your comfort
Finally, think about compression socks, which will be useful not only during the international flight but also on domestic flights, as well as for recovery after hiking. Also bring certain hygiene products, such as towels and sanitary products.
You're all set for the Vietnamese adventure!
Have a great trip!
