Can you wear flip flops in Vietnam?

Lightweight jacket or fleece – Especially for Northern Vietnam. Rain poncho or travel umbrella – A lifesaver during the rainy season. Comfortable walking shoes and flip flops – Essential for cities and temples. Sunhat, sunglasses and scarf – For sun protection and respectful coverage.

What shoes to wear on a trip to Vietnam?

Good quality, comfortable footwear is best for hiking. Paths can be uneven, rocky, slippery and muddy depending on the season, so waterproof, worn-in walking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended. A raincoat is also a good idea during the rainy season.

How should female tourists dress in Vietnam?

When traveling in Vietnam, women are advised to wear light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen, especially in hot weather. Outfits that cover the shoulders and knees are recommended, particularly when visiting temples or exploring rural areas.

What not to bring to Vietnam?

What is one of the biggest mistakes you can make in Vietnam?

Overpacking Your Itinerary

Vietnam is long and narrow, stretching over 1,600 km from north to south. A common mistake is trying to “see it all” in one trip, cramming Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc into just two weeks.

Hoi An Tailor Experience: What I Paid & What You MUST Know

What is frowned upon in Vietnam?

Speaking too loudly and making excessive gestures is considered rude in public places, especially as a woman. Many will not speak or look at others to avoid disrespect in public. Vietnamese culture greatly respects the elderly and, in general, figures of authority.

What should I be careful of in Vietnam?

Don't use or carry illegal drugs, including marijuana. Penalties for drug offences include the death penalty and life imprisonment. Never carry parcels or luggage for others. It is a crime to have drugs in your system, and you can also be charged for using drugs, even if it was outside of Vietnam.

What to avoid wearing in Vietnam?

Tight or Transparent Clothing: These items are considered inappropriate, especially in rural areas. All-White Clothing: you should avoid wearing all-white because white is associated with mourning in Vietnamese culture. Impractical Footwear: High heels or delicate shoes aren't suitable for Vietnam's often uneven ...

Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Vietnam?

Brushing Your Teeth: Safe or Not? The good news is, yes, you can usually brush your teeth with tap water in Vietnam—particularly in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and popular tourist destinations like Ninh Binh.

Should you bring toilet paper to Vietnam?

Toilet paper in Vietnam

The little dustbins (which are right next to the toilet ) are usually a swing bin ( so you can't see everyone else's used toilet paper ) and are easy to use. In the towns/cities then you will find toilet paper provided in most toilets, however, out of town you may like to take your own.

Is it okay to wear red in Vietnam?

Delicate suits and jackets are recommended, especially when you have to visit your friend's houses during the festival. We recommend you to pack some red clothes or jackets as this colour is considered as the appearance of luckiness according to Vietnamese culture.

What to pack for a Vietnam female?

How to dress in Ho Chi Minh city?

Men should not walk around shirtless, and swimwear is only appropriate at the beach or pool. If you plan to visit religious sites, dressing modestly is especially important. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Pants, maxi skirts, or sleeved dresses are good options.

Do people wear flip-flops in Vietnam?

Although flip flops are casual shoes, they can come in handy for many reasons while you're in Vietnam. Aside from keeping you cool, flip flops are also easy to slide off and on. If you're visiting a lot of religious sites or local Vietnamese homes, it's custom to remove your shoes before entering.

Should I bring rain boots to Vietnam?

- **Light Rain Jacket**: For both Hanoi and the southern regions, a compact, packable rain jacket can be useful for unexpected showers. Rain boots are typically more needed during the wet season (May–October), so for your trip in March, you likely won't need them.

What shoes to wear to Halong Bay?

Footwear: Sandals and walking shoes are both fine though the frequent exposure to water may make your feet wet and stinky with high capacity shoes. Sandals, on the other hand, may make you feel uncomfortable walking insides the caves or when you climb the rock to the top of some grottos.

Is showering safe in Vietnam?

Generally, showering with tap water in Vietnam is considered safe for most people, as the water undergoes treatment at municipal plants. However, the risk of infection via skin contact is minimal compared to ingestion, as bacteria do not typically penetrate intact skin.

Do you tip in Vietnam?

Do you tip in Vietnam? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Vietnam - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.

Are ice cubes safe in Vietnam?

You should also avoid ice cubes, unless you are sure they are made from purified water. Similarly, you should be careful with raw or undercooked food, such as salads, fruits, seafood, or meat, as they may carry bacteria or parasites that can cause stomach problems or worse.

What not to pack for Vietnam?

Weapons and firearms. Expensive jewelry, flashy items. E-cigarettes (vaping is illegal in Vietnam, starting in 2025)

What does "fingers crossed" mean in Vietnam?

In Vietnam the gesture is considered rude, especially to another person. Referring to female genitals, it is comparable to the middle finger in American culture. In German-speaking countries, as well as Sweden and Latvia, the gesture is a sign of lying. Instead, wishing for luck is gestured by holding one's thumbs.

How to avoid stomach issues in Vietnam?

Don't eat raw or undercooked meat, fish and shellfish. Don't eat moist food at room temperature, such as sauces and buffet offerings. Eat foods that are well cooked and served hot. Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and avocados.

Should I carry my passport with me in Vietnam?

Vietnamese law requires that non-Vietnamese citizens carry their passport at all times.

How to stop diarrhea in Vietnam?

At the first sign of diarrhea, drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS), a mixture of salt and sugar designed to replenish electrolytes and treat dehydration. Antimotility agents like loperamide can also be used to reduce symptoms, but they do not treat the gastrointestinal infection.

What mistakes should you avoid in Vietnam?

As a general rule, keep your cool and avoid loud arguments, making a scene, berating others for mistakes, or pointing out anything that may cause the locals to feel shamed. TIP: Vietnamese dislike public displays of affection, and men and women often do not touch in front of others.