A Tourist Guide on the Dresses to Wear in Vietnam

Vietnam is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The small but flourishing country is a haven to soak in the culture and relish the historical significance of the fifteenth-most populated countries.

Situated on the coast of the South China Sea, Vietnam is one of those places where even the rainy season makes the place look beautiful and vibrant. The natural setting coupled with the Buddhist teachings makes it a thriving tourist spot.

Given the cultural significance of the state, there are a few rules that apply to tourists and locals alike. While enjoying street food, gazing at the scenery created by mother nature herself is a wonderful pastime on your Vietnam trip, you also need to be respectful of the locals and dress appropriately for the occasion.

While exploring Vietnam’s rich culture, having Vietnam Travel Insurnace is advisable to cover unforeseen incidents during your trip. So, let’s discuss what attires are suitable for men and the dresses to wear in Vietnam so you can immerse yourself in the country’s many attractions and fit into it like the locals.

Clothing Etiquette

When packing for your Vietnam trip, one of the primary concerns is the weather. Much like other South Asian countries, Vietnam has defined seasons yet fickle climatic conditions. So, check the weather conditions in Vietnam during your trip and pack accordingly.

Based on the season and the activities in which you would like to partake, here are some local clothing guidelines for your Vietnam trip:

1. For Swimming -

Despite the religious sentiments and deep-seated culture in Vietnam, the locals are pretty open-minded and less fussy. However, nude sunbathing or overly revealing clothes are sincerely frowned upon. That doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy the coastline and the many water-borne activities in style.

Choose conservative swimwear such as shorts and a t-shirt, or if you must wear a swimsuit, cover it with a sarong or shawl when you exit the water. Not only does it protect the local sentiments but you can prevent sunburns which is a serious possibility in the tropical region.

2. For outdoor activities -

Aside from the coastline, Vietnam flaunts incredible natural terrains. You can go hiking, mountain climbing, biking, and enjoy a number of other outdoor activities.

Dress appropriately for your activity. Revealing too much skin is not just cringeworthy but also a real threat to your body. There are insects and a scorching sun that could dampen your experience in the country. Choose full-length loose leisure wear to protect yourself.

If you are going to partake in skydiving or motorbiking, wear something that won’t easily fly. Trousers or loose boyfriend jeans and a loosely fitting t-shirt could do wonders to enhance your trip.

3. For monasteries and other religious institutions -

The monasteries in Vietnam feature excellent architecture and culture. They are also places where conservativeness will get you an entry. Remember, it is a place of worship for the locals so covering yourself up when visiting the monasteries is considered a sign of respect towards the locals. You can choose dresses to wear in Vietnam, as long as you cover up modestly when visiting the monasteries.

It is ideal to wear floor-length dresses or those that cover the knee. Loose trousers and shirts and short and long-sleeved t-shirts are ideal choices.

You may also want to carry hats to protect yourself from the scorching sun in Vietnam. It is not fun to get sunburnt in tropical regions. Even after bathing in sunscreen, you may find it difficult to deal with the heat. So, carry a hat to shield your face and neck. Travelers often find it helpful to be prepared, and having International travel insurance ensures you’re ready for any unforeseen mishaps, such as lost belongings during temple visits.

For Men

The clothing etiquette in Vietnam, although needs to be culturally appropriate, is not that stringent. Men can opt for the following dress codes during the trip:

1. Breathable Trousers -

Loose trousers can be quite comfortable during any season in Vietnam. The length of the garment protects you from the heat and sunburn. They are also not too clingy, therefore if you sweat in summer or get drenched in rain during monsoon season, you won’t feel too uncomfortable.

2. Knee-length shorts -

Battling the heat in Vietnam is difficult but the scenery sure makes up for it. You can opt for knee-length shorts that allow some breeze to cool your legs while keeping the attire conservative and comfortable during numerous activities. Avoid wearing shorts to monasteries though.

3. Shirts -

A button-down shirt can quickly transform from leisure wear to dinner wear. These are safe and extremely comfortable. If the shirts you packed seem too stuffy, don’t worry. You can shop in Vietnam for comfortable shirts that you can wear on all occasions and in different climatic conditions.

4. T-shirts -

The best option for men is cotton t-shirts. These are comfortable during summer, winter, monsoon, autumn, or spring. The length of the sleeves can be determined by the season in which you visit. Summers and winters are easier to tackle in long sleeves as they protect you from the sun as well as the chill of the Christmas season. Short sleeves are ideal for other climates when the stuffiness in the atmosphere can become a little challenging, especially if you get wet in the rain.

For men clothing in Vietnam can be simplified by following a general rule of thumb to cover up during summer and winter. Dress in loose-fitting attires during summer and monsoon. Keep jackets handy for Winter and spring.

For Women

The culture of dresses to wear in Vietnam isn’t very strict for women either. You can flaunt your best dresses and cute tops on your trip. Here are some dresses to wear in Vietnam that wouldn’t raise a lot of eyebrows:

1. Modestly low-cuts -

The locals are not prudes. You can definitely wear your low-cut dresses while exploring the town or having lunch, dinner, etc. outdoors. Keep in mind not to flaunt your cleavage too much that attracts attention, and you are golden. Capped sleeves and sleeveless are excellent choices for dresses to wear in Vietnam.

2. Loose sundresses -

If you have a collection of beautiful sundresses, Vietnam is the place to flaunt them. Loose dresses allow you to move comfortably and not cause your thighs to chap in the summer heat. You can also enjoy the gentle breeze while keeping yourself covered against the rain and sun in this beautiful South Asian haven.

3. Shorts -

Shorts are common outdoor dresses to wear in Vietnam for tourists. They are comfortable tackling the tropical weather and you can easily keep your valuables in your pockets for protection. Couple it with a cute top and you are good to explore the town. Don’t opt for hot pants though, and avoid wearing shorts to monasteries.

4. Tshirts -

T-shirts are the perfect attire for a hike along the natural habitats of Vietnam. Even if you experience a little rain or are exposed to the heat, t-shirts remain comfortable outdoor clothing for any activity. You can also wear loose T-shirts to the monasteries with a long skirt or trousers.

5. Trousers and Skirts -

As long as you cover up the legs from the scorching tropical heat, these are good dresses to wear in Vietnam. A comfortable pair of trousers or a loosely flowing skirt not only protects against the climate but also lets you decide on spontaneous trips to the monastery without much planning or a wardrobe change.

Dresses to wear in Vietnam are easy to decide. Just remember to cover yourself up against the punishing weather conditions and be respectful of the locals’ religious beliefs.

FAQs

1. Can I wear short dresses in Vietnam?

If the occasion calls for it, such as nightlife, or extravagant parties, you can wear short dresses in Vietnam. However, bear in mind that they are not too revealing, provocative, or too tight. Instead, choose loose dresses to wear in Vietnam that modestly cover up and don’t offend the locals’ religious beliefs.

2. Can men wear shorts in Vietnam?

Yes, men can wear knee-length shorts in Vietnam if they are not too provocative and tight.

3. Is it ok to try on swimwear in Vietnam?

Yes, it is absolutely acceptable to wear swimming costumes in Vietnam as long as you don’t appear semi-nude. Cover up your swimwear with sarongs or over-dresses to wear in Vietnam once you are out of the water.

4. Do I have to cover my head to visit s monastery in Vietnam?

Monasteries are religious institutions. Some orthodox traditions do ask for women to cover their heads. Therefore, as a safe bet, carry a scarf to cover your head. If you see others in the monastery with uncovered heads, you can always remove them.