You're planning your next holiday in Vietnam and want advice on the clothing and shoes you'll need to bring to this South-East Asian country. Read this article and you'll be able to pack your suitcase with ease!
Vietnam's climate
Despite the monsoon seasons that mark the harvests, days in Vietnam are almost always sunny. The country attracts more and more visitors year after year. Tourists flock in large numbers between November and March, the dry season.
That said, there's no bad time to have 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. However, rainfall is heavy in the Mekong Delta region and on the central highlands in May and October.
Let's take a region-by-region look to shed some light on this:
- Northern Vietnam
- Central Vietnam
- Southern Vietnam
Hiking in Vietnam in summer
If you're planning to travel to Vietnam in summer, between April and October, opt for loose, lightweight clothing for comfort and a few fleeces for the cooler mornings and nights. To handle the rain, don't forget to pack a waterproof and make sure you seal up anything water-sensitive, such as documents, films and medicines.
Opt for synthetic fabrics. Cotton and denim dry poorly and will therefore be less comfortable in wet or sweaty conditions.
Also pack a jersey, a hat, sun cream and a pair of sunglasses to make the most of the fine weather.
Hiking in Vietnam in winter
If you're visiting the north of the country between November and February, don't forget to pack warm clothing to guard against the cool mornings and evenings. That said, a light layer will be enough if you're staying in Vietnam in March, April or October.
For footwear, make sure to include a pair of walking shoes for the hikes you'll do in the mountains. Also pack sandals that you can easily slip off when visiting temples.
Final useful tips
- Respect for places of worship
When visiting Asian countries, dressing modestly is essential, especially if you wish to explore places of worship. Women should not wear skirts or short shorts. Low-cut necklines are also best avoided. If you want to enjoy the hospitality of the locals, it's important not to offend them by wearing extravagant clothing. Military-style dress should also be avoided.
- Trousers with secret pockets for your security
For your safety, leave your valuable jewellery at home. You can also invest in "secret" trousers such as the ATOLL trousers for men and ALEXANDRIE for women. These trousers feature two "secret" pockets: one invisible exterior pocket and one interior pocket accessible only from inside the trousers. Whether you're hiking for several days, travelling at night or visiting cities where tourist theft is common, these two pockets let you keep your phone, money and ID documents safely out of sight!
- Planning for mosquitoes
To avoid being troubled by the many tropical mosquitoes, pack clothing made from mosquito-repellent fabric. Made from chitin, this Activ'Dry fabric is natural and allergy-free. Odourless and quick-drying, it lets you face the outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes and their bites!
- Products for your comfort
Finally, consider packing 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 sanitary towels and tampons.
You're all set for your Vietnamese adventure!
Safe travels!
