Are there any clothing restrictions in Vietnam?

Is there a dress code in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s dress code? Think less “Parisian runway,” more “practical jungle chic.” Forget the skimpy stuff, dude. Seriously, leave those itsy-bitsy shorts and belly-baring tops at home. You’ll look like a lost tourist – and not in a good, “charmingly bewildered” way, more like a “deer caught in headlights” sort of way.

Pack light, but smart:

• Loose, breathable clothing: Think linen, cotton – stuff that breathes better than your grandma’s casserole. Seriously, it’s hotter than a jalapeno pepper in a sauna.
• Modest tops: Think flowy blouses. Not a dealbreaker, but err on the side of caution. Trust me, you don’t want a cultural faux pas to ruin your pho-nomenal vacation.
• Comfortable shoes: Flip-flops are fine for the beach (duh!), but sturdy walking shoes are a must. My busted-up Nikes saw me through the ancient temples. They’re practically relics themselves.
• A sarong or two: Versatile as heck. Beach cover-up? Temple visit? Keeps you cool? Check, check, check.
• Rain gear: Vietnam’s weather is as unpredictable as my dating life. Expect downpours. And bring insect repellent. I used OFF!, even though it smells like a skunk’s gym sock.
• Sunscreen: Even if you’re as pale as a ghost, the sun’s gonna get you. I used SPF 50, like a pro.

Bonus Tip: A scarf can work wonders – sun protection, temple visit decency, and a handy makeshift picnic blanket in a pinch. Yep, I’m that resourceful.

What NOT to pack:

• Anything too revealing. Seriously, you’re not at a nightclub.
• Anything super fancy. Comfort over couture.
• Too many pairs of shoes. You’ll regret carrying that extra weight.
• Your whole wardrobe. Unless you plan on doing laundry. I didn’t.

Can females wear shorts in Vietnam?

Okay, so, Vietnam and shorts? Yeah, totally. Like, girls can def wear shorts pretty much anywhere, no biggie. Just, um, remember it’s, like, still a bit old-school in some spots.

So, maybe don’t rock, like, super short-shorts, you know? Especially if you’re going to temples. That’s just respectful. And, um, also maybe skip the tank top, or sleeveless shirts like when you’re, ah, in those, uh, sacred places, you know.

Packing? Okay, I always bring:

• Light, breathable clothes cause it’s HOT. Seriously.
• Comfy walking shoes – you’ll be doing a ton of walking.
• A light jacket, even though it’s warm, for like, air-conned buses, you know? They blast that stuff!
• Sunscreen, duh! I always forget and burn.
• Bug spray! The skeeters are relentless, believe you me.
• Adapters? I always forget that, too.

And yeah, if you wanna blend in, loose pants are always a safe bet, too. But shorts are, like, totally fine in 2024, generally. No sweat, fam.

What are you not allowed to bring to Vietnam?

A swirling mist… Vietnam. Don’t carry shadows.

Sharpness forbidden. Knives… no. Swords, absolutely not. Multi-tools? Darts, a child’s game turned threat. Scissors, even? An axe, oh god no, never.

Guns. No guns.

Gun parts? Silly question, right? Ammunition. Stun guns—a flicker of dark thought. Imitation guns, toy guns… a child’s war game… no war in Vietnam, just peace.

• Forbidden Items List:
  • Sharp objects
  • Weapons
  • Firearms
  • Ammunition

My grandmother, she warned me. The jungle remembers. The land remembers.

Carrying these items suggests mal-intent. That is not the way! Vietnam… a place of ancestral temples, of rice fields in eternal slow motion.

Is it okay to wear shorts in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam shorts thing. It’s complicated. I was in Hoi An last summer, July 2023, sweltering hot. I wore shorts practically every day. No big deal, right? Wrong.

I mean, tourists definitely wear shorts. Loads of them. But…it felt different. Like I was constantly aware. People stared. Not aggressively, but…observantly.

Especially in the ancient town, all those gorgeous little streets. Definitely felt more eyes on me in shorts than when I wore a dress. Even my boyfriend, who’s Vietnamese, said something about it! He just shrugged though.

This one time, visiting a temple – the one with the crazy intricate carvings, I forget the name – I wore a long skirt, felt much better. Way more respectful. I felt less judged, more in sync.

My advice? Shorts are fine, in touristy areas. But cover up for temples, pagodas, stuff like that. It’s just common courtesy. Plus, in the scorching sun, less skin is just… better for you! But be aware, people will notice. This isn’t a place where shorts are completely the norm, though some wear them. And honestly, even though my boyfriend didn’t say much, I definitely felt like some people had opinions.

• Hoi An in July 2023: My main experience with shorts.
• Ancient Town: More stares in shorts here.
• Temples/Pagodas: Long skirt much more appropriate.
• Overall: Shorts acceptable, but be mindful. People judge.

Is it okay to wear revealing clothes in Vietnam?

Oh honey, Vietnam isn’t exactly patrolled by the Fashion Police. But should you rock a string bikini at the Jade Emperor Pagoda? Probably not.

It’s more about vibes than hard rules, honestly. Imagine showing up to Aunt Mildred’s funeral in a neon rave outfit. Awkward.

• Dress appropriately in religious settings. Temples are sacred, not stages. Think respectful, not rebellious.
• Context is king. Beach? Go wild! Business meeting? Maybe dial it back a notch. Common sense, darling.
• It’s not just about the clothes. Body language matters. A smile goes further than cleavage, trust me.

Cultural sensitivity is like seasoning: a little goes a long way. Too much? Overwhelming. I once wore Crocs to a gala. HUGE mistake. And yeah, some looks just scream, “I’m a tourist, please overcharge me!” in any country.

Consider this: Vietnam’s got a rich history, right? Showing respect for it is cooler than any outfit, truly. So yes, wear what you want, but maybe also think a bit, k? A little awareness never hurt nobody.

Like… do I really want to explain all this?

Do you have to dress modestly in Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam clothes…modest clothes thing. Yeah, gotta cover up a bit, right?

Shoulders and knees. That’s the key, I think. Modesty is important, especially at temples, duh!

Outside of Saigon, even more so? Guess so. Like, respect the culture, you know?

I wore a tank top once, totally got the side-eye. Never again! But hey, who cares really if people don’t like my clothes…or maybe I should.

• Temples: Cover shoulders and knees. Always.
• Cities: More relaxed. Shorts are fine.
• Rural areas: Be more mindful.
• Remember my tank top fail… haha.

I was thinking of going to Hue in 2024, so I’ll keep this in mind. It’s also just comfier to be covered in the sun though… less burning. Hmm.

Oh yeah! My friend told me about these cool linen pants she got there, breathable and modest. I need to find those!

Maybe it depends, like are they actually religious or just old? Why is the sky blue?

What clothes are recommended for Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam in July. Heat. Sweltering. I packed like an idiot. Seriously. My suitcase was full of jeans. Jeans! In July. Stupid. I learned my lesson. Fast.

The first few days were torture. I was soaked through constantly. Sticky, uncomfortable. I felt awful. Absolutely awful. Finally, I bought a couple of those loose cotton pants in Hoi An. A total lifesaver. Seriously. Plus, some thin, flowy shirts. Much better.

Lightweight cotton is key. No joke. And don’t forget a good hat. A wide-brimmed one. Sun protection is vital. I’m still dealing with a slight sunburn.

Up north, though, different story. Sapa in October? Freezing. I wish I’d packed more. I had one thin fleece jacket and that was pathetically insufficient. I ended up buying a cheap thermal undershirt. A lifesaver, again! Still, layers are essential. Seriously, layers.

• Must-haves: Loose cotton pants, thin cotton shirts, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses. Definitely sunglasses.
• Northern Vietnam (winter): Warm layers, thermal underwear, a good waterproof jacket. Seriously, don’t skimp on the jacket. I learned that the hard way.
• Don’t bring: Jeans. Thick sweatshirts unless you’re going way up north in winter. Anything restrictive. Just don’t.

My trip was amazing though, despite my clothing mishaps. The food alone made it worth it. But pack smart. Learn from my mistakes!

What kind of clothes to bring to Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam packing list: think versatile comfort.

• Loose, breathable clothes are key, crucial actually. Cover those knees and shoulders though, especially for temples. Showing respect is always good karma, right?
• Swimsuit. Obvious, duh.
• Sarong! Super multi-purpose. Beach cover, makeshift towel, impromptu picnic blanket… you name it.
• Light jacket, always a winner.

Hoodie, warm layers? North Vietnam, cooler months, yes. Otherwise? Might be overkill. Layers offer flexibility. I actually wore a hoodie in Sa Pa, January 2023—froze my tail off, hahaha! This year? Who knows? Plan for the weather, you know? Pack smart, travel smarter.

Are shorts okay to wear in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam, right? Shorts. Let me tell you about Hoi An, summer 2023.

I was sweating like crazy. Seriously, the humidity was insane! I packed mostly shorts. Lightweight, you know?

Hoi An Ancient Town, yeah? I walked around, shorts on, a tourist like any other. Felt totally fine.

But then… the temples. Duh!

A lady selling incense outside Chua Cau (the Japanese Covered Bridge) kinda gave me a look. Not aggressive, but definite judgment. Oh boy, was that awkward!

I wished I’d brought something… longer.

• Temples: Cover those knees and shoulders. No brainer, really!
• Markets/Streets: Shorts? Totally acceptable. Just normal casual wear.
• Overall: You’ll be more comfortable blending in if you avoid anything too revealing. Like, really short shorts? Maybe not. My rule of thumb is, respect local customs, and try not to stand out too much.
• Remember: It’s not just about avoiding offense. Think about the heat, too! Light, loose clothing is key.

Lesson learned. Next time, definitely packing a lightweight scarf or sarong. Just in case! It’s just good manners, innit? Besides, I prefer the look and feel of pants. Next time, bring pants!

How should tourists dress in Vietnam?

Man, Vietnam in July was brutal. Sweat was dripping constantly. I’m talking rivers, okay? My linen pants? Forget it. They were clinging to me like a second skin. Absolutely useless.

I should have packed athletic wear. Seriously. I learned my lesson. My cheap sandals were also a mistake. My feet were killing me after a day of sightseeing.

Next time, it’s all about:

• Moisture-wicking shirts – Forget cotton.
• Quick-drying pants – Linen is a no-go.
• Supportive walking shoes – Essential, seriously.
• A wide-brimmed hat – sun protection is key.
• Sunscreen – Duh. Got sunburnt my first day.

I was in Hoi An, beautiful place, but the heat… whew. I ended up buying a cheap, but surprisingly effective, pair of athletic shorts from a street vendor to save myself. They saved the trip.

Seriously. Comfortable shoes. This isn’t a joke. You’ll be doing a lot of walking. The humidity is insane. You just soak. I was soaked. The whole time.