Hiking in Vietnam: what clothes and shoes to pack?

Planning your next holiday in Vietnam and looking for advice on the clothing and footwear to pack for this Southeast Asian country? Read this article to pack your bags with ease!

Weather conditions in Vietnam

Despite monsoon seasons shaping crop cycles, days in Vietnam are almost always sunny. The country attracts more visitors year after year, with peak tourist numbers between November and March, the dry season.

However, there is no bad time for an unforgettable trip. Even during the rainy season, you will not get bored: daily downpours are brief and followed by bright sunshine. Rainfall is heavy, however, in the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands in May and October.

Here is a breakdown of the regions to help you plan:

• Northern Vietnam

The best time to visit Northern Vietnam runs from November to late April / early May. During this winter period, temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold, typically around 10–15°C.

• Central Vietnam

The best time to visit central Vietnam is from February to May. However, between November and late January, rainfall is very heavy.

• Southern Vietnam

The best time to visit southern Vietnam is from December to April, during the dry and sunny season. February is the driest month of the year, while March and April are the hottest, with averages of 34–35°C.

Hiking in Vietnam in summer

If you are planning to travel to Vietnam in summer, between April and October, opt for loose, lightweight clothing for comfort, along with a few fleeces for cooler mornings and nights. To deal with the rain, do not forget to pack a waterproof and ensure water-sensitive items like documents, films, and medication are packed in watertight bags.

Opt for synthetic fabrics. Cotton and denim take long to dry and will be uncomfortable in the rain or when sweating.

 

Also pack a swimsuit, a hat, sun cream, and a pair of sunglasses to make the most of the sunny weather.

Hiking in Vietnam in winter

If you are visiting Northern Vietnam between November and February, remember to pack warm clothing for cool mornings and evenings. A light layer will suffice if you are travelling in March, April, or October.

For footwear, remember to pack a pair of walking shoes for mountain hikes. Also pack sandals that are easy to take off when visiting temples.

Final useful tips

• Respecting places of worship

When travelling in Asian countries, modest dress is required, especially when visiting places of worship. Women should avoid short skirts and short shorts. Low-cut tops are also discouraged. To make the most of local hospitality, avoid causing offence with revealing or extravagant clothing. Military-style clothing is also best avoided.

• Trousers with hidden pockets for your safety

For security, leave valuable jewellery at home. You can also invest in hidden-pocket trousers like the ATOLL trousers for men and ALEXANDRIE for women. These feature two discreet pockets: one invisible exterior pocket and one interior pocket accessible only from inside the trousers. Hike for days, travel at night, or explore busy cities with complete peace of mind, keeping your phone, cash, and ID fully secure!

• Protecting against mosquitoes

To keep tropical mosquitoes at bay, pack clothing made from anti-mosquito fabric. Made with chitin, this Activ’Dry fabric is natural and hypoallergenic. Odourless and quick-drying, it lets you tackle the outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes and their bites!

• Gear for your comfort

Finally, consider compression socks, which are useful for long-haul and domestic flights, as well as for recovery after hiking. Also pack essential sanitary products, such as pads and tampons.

You are all set for your Vietnamese adventure!

Have a great trip!