Appropriate dress differs from North to South. Southern Vietnam is tropical year round and people dress comfortably and casually. Lightweight cotton and wool fabrics will be comfortable at any time of year. Synthetics may resist wrinkles, but can be very warm to wear. Generally, short pants are more appropriate near the beach or a farm, however tourists wearing shorts in the cities are becoming more acceptable, though long pants and jeans are generally more socially acceptable.

Don't wear singlets, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive. Dress modestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc.

Winter in Hanoi (November through April) can be cool, and a coat may be necessary. Dress here is a bit more formal than the fashionable South. If travelling on business, jackets and ties are usually appropriate, regardless of the weather. Remember that Vietnam is a tropical country and most of the year it is warm and humid, so if you are not used to tropical weather, be prepared to change your clothes two or three times a day.