What to Wear in Hanoi

Because Hanoi sits in Vietnam's northern subtropics rather than the equatorial south, your packing list depends heavily on the calendar. Travellers arriving from Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok between December and March are frequently caught out by Hanoi's cool, damp winter winds, while visitors between May and September need ultra-lightweight fabrics for tropical humidity.

Seasonal clothing and footwear for Old Quarter pavements

• Closed-toe walking trainers or strapped sandals with grip: pavements in the Old Quarter are narrow, uneven and crowded with parked motorbikes and street kitchens, often requiring you to step up and down kerbs. Choose cushioned, wipeable trainers or sturdy walking sandals rather than flimsy flip-flops, and pick shoes that slip off easily when entering temple halls or traditional homes.
• Winter layers from December to early March: bring long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a warm fleece or merino jumper and a windproof light down or rain jacket; at 15°C with damp northern air, a single T-shirt is far too cold for walking around West Lake or cruising Ha Long Bay.
• Breathable cotton and linen from May to September: pack loose, sweat-wicking tops, light trousers or midi skirts, a sun hat and a compact waterproof poncho or travel umbrella for sudden summer cloudbursts.
• Autumn and spring (October to November, late March to April): T-shirts and light shirts for mild afternoons, paired with a light cardigan, overshirt or denim jacket for breezy mornings and rooftop cafes.

Dress codes for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and pagodas

Modest dress is strictly enforced at key civic and religious landmarks. To enter the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda, both men and women must wear clothing that covers the shoulders and reaches below the knee; sleeveless vests, crop tops, short shorts and miniskirts will be turned away at security checkpoints. Wearing light linen trousers or a long skirt with a collared shirt keeps you comfortable in the heat and ready to step into any shrine without carrying extra wraps. Check seasonal weather before you pack.