How to dress for Vietnam in May: a packing guide for men and women, region by region

This guide gives month-specific advice for each zone, for men and women, following the same format as our October packing guide. Women who want more detail on cuts, swimwear and local norms should read the dedicated women's May guide alongside this one.

May in Vietnam at a glance: where it is hot, wet or cool

May is the shoulder month between the dry season and the southwest monsoon. It is the hottest and driest month on the central coast, hot and stormy in the north, cool and damp in the mountains, and the start of the wet season in the south.

Zone and destination	Day °C	Night °C	Rain in May	What to wear: men	What to wear: women
Hanoi and Ninh Binh	32-34	24-26	~190 mm, evening storms	Linen short-sleeve shirts, knee-length shorts, 1 long trouser	Midi dresses, wide trousers, sleeved tops, scarf
Sapa	23-25	15-17	200-250 mm, drizzle and showers	Quick-dry trekking trousers, fleece, rain shell	Leggings or trekking trousers, fleece, rain shell
Fansipan summit	8-14	5-10	Cloud, wind	Fleece plus windproof layer	Fleece plus windproof layer
Ha Giang city	31-32	23	250-300 mm across province	Tee, long trousers, gloves for riding	Tee, long trousers, closed shoes
Dong Van plateau	26-28	17-19	Heavy showers	Warm layer for evenings	Warm layer for evenings
Mu Cang Chai	27-29	19-20	Muddy dykes	Roll-up quick-dry trousers, grippy sandals	Quick-dry trousers, trail shoes
Mai Chau and Pu Luong	30-32	22-23	Humid, mosquitoes	Light long trousers at dusk	Light long trousers at dusk
Ha Long Bay	30-31	24-25	~180 mm, short storms, sea 27-28	Collared shirt for dinner, swim shorts	Midi dress or trousers, swimwear, rash guard
Hue	33-35, spikes 38-40	25	~100 mm	Linen shirt, light long trousers	Maxi skirt, linen top, scarf
Da Nang and Hoi An	32-33	25	50-100 mm	Shorts, tee, one collared shirt	Light dresses, cover-up for temples
Phong Nha	34-35	25	Lao wind heat	Quick-dry only, swimwear for caves	Quick-dry only, swimwear for caves
Nha Trang and Quy Nhon	32-33	26	~50 mm	Beachwear plus cover-up	Beachwear plus cover-up
Da Lat	24-25	16-17	~200 mm, afternoon showers	Jeans, hoodie, rain jacket	Jeans, fleece, rain jacket
Buon Ma Thuot	32	22	~200 mm	Dark trousers, grippy sandals	Dark trousers, grippy sandals
Ho Chi Minh City	34-35	26	200-220 mm	Light shirts, smart outfit for rooftops	Dresses, smart trousers, sandals
Can Tho (Mekong)	33-34	25	Afternoon storms	Hat with strap, light long trousers	Hat with strap, light long trousers
Phu Quoc	32-33	26	200-250 mm	Swimwear, poncho, dry bag	Swimwear, cover-up, poncho
Con Dao	32	26	Short showers, calm seas	Modest wear for memorial sites	Modest wear for memorial sites
Mui Ne	32-33	25-26	60-80 mm	Sandals for dunes, buff	Sandals for dunes, scarf

Figures are typical averages. Verify against national climate normals before travel.

Three takeaways:

• Heat is the main issue, not rain. The UV index reaches 11 to 12+ almost everywhere, and the heat index in Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City regularly passes 40°C.
• Rain arrives in bursts. Storms come mostly from mid-afternoon to evening and last 30 to 90 minutes. A poncho or umbrella is enough for cities.
• You are packing for three climates. The tropical lowlands, the mountains and air-conditioned interiors (sleeper buses, trains and malls run at 18 to 20°C).

Calendar notes that affect dress and crowds: the 30 April and 1 May holidays bring domestic crowds, 19 May is Ho Chi Minh's birthday with long mausoleum queues, and Vesak (Buddha's birthday, next around 20 May 2027, verify the official date) fills pagodas with worshippers. Vietnamese summer school holidays begin in late May, so beach crowds build. Early May still resembles late April, and late May leans towards June in the south.

Northern cities: Hanoi and Ninh Binh

Hot, muggy and stormy. Highs of 32 to 34°C, nights of 24 to 26°C, humidity around 80%, and heatwaves that can reach 38 to 40°C. Expect about 190 mm of rain over 14 to 15 days, mostly as late-afternoon or evening thunderstorms. Hanoi's slippery pavements and flooded kerbs after storms set the footwear choice.

Hanoi

• Old Quarter walking, the Temple of Literature, the mausoleum and evening street food.
• Men: loose linen or seersucker short-sleeve shirts rather than tank tops. Knee-length chino or quick-dry shorts for the street. One pair of lightweight long trousers for the mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda area.
• Women: loose midi dresses or wide trousers with sleeved tops. Keep a light scarf for shoulders. Bike shorts under dresses help against chafing and make motorbike-taxi rides easier.
• Footwear: sport sandals with heel straps, which survive storm puddles. Leave leather shoes at home.
• Carry a light long-sleeve layer for aggressive air-conditioning in cafés and malls.

Ninh Binh

• Trang An and Tam Coc boats mean 2 to 3 hours on open water with no shade. Wear a wide-brim hat with a chin strap or a conical hat, a UPF long-sleeve shirt, and sunscreen on feet and shins.
• Hang Mua has about 500 stone steps. Climb at 6 a.m., in shoes with grip.
• Bai Dinh is a vast complex with shoulder and knee rules enforced. Long, light trousers suit both men and women.
• Late May to early June is the golden rice harvest around Tam Coc, which means hot, exposed paths.

Storm puddles in Hanoi hide broken paving and open drains. Cross flooded kerbs in sandals, not barefoot, and never in leather.

Northern mountains: Sapa, Ha Giang, Mu Cang Chai, Mai Chau and Pu Luong

This is where packing goes wrong most often. Altitude splits the climate within a single province. The rains begin, trails turn muddy, and nights are cool only at height.

Sapa and Fansipan

• Days of 23 to 25°C and nights of 15 to 17°C. Rain comes in frequent afternoon showers and drizzle, with about 200 to 250 mm in the month.
• The Fansipan summit (3,143 m, reached by cable car) can sit at 8 to 14°C, windy and in cloud. A fleece and windproof layer are essential even when the town is warm.
• Men and women: quick-dry trekking trousers rather than shorts (mud, plant scratches, leeches on forest routes), a synthetic or merino tee, a light fleece or hoodie for the evenings and a breathable rain shell.
• Women: a sports bra and leggings or trekking trousers. Skirts do not work on muddy descents.
• Men: zip-off convertible trousers work well for the valley-to-ridge temperature swing.

Ha Giang loop

• Ha Giang city (around 100 to 300 m) has highs of 31 to 32°C and lows near 23°C. The Dong Van and Meo Vac plateau (1,000 to 1,600 m) has highs of 26 to 28°C and lows of 17 to 19°C.
• This is one of the wettest parts of the country in May, at about 250 to 300 mm.
• Riding gear for both men and women: closed shoes (never flip-flops), full-length trousers that also protect against exhaust burns, gloves, a buff against dust, a two-piece rain suit rather than a poncho (ponchos flap at speed), and a warm layer for the plateau evenings.

Heavy rain can trigger landslides on mountain roads. Check conditions daily and do not ride in active downpours.

Mu Cang Chai

• Days of 27 to 29°C and nights of 19 to 20°C.
• Mid-May to early June is the water-pouring season, when the terraces are flooded and mirror-like. Dykes and paths are muddy, so wear sandals with grip or waterproof trail shoes and quick-dry trousers you can roll up.

Mai Chau and Pu Luong

• Low altitude: 30 to 32°C by day, 22 to 23°C at night. Hot hiking, humid homestays and mosquitoes at dusk.
• Light long trousers and a long-sleeve shirt for the evenings (insects, not cold).
• Pu Luong's golden rice season runs from late May to early June.

Trekking and night temperatures

• Trail runners with deep lugs beat Gore-Tex boots in May, because boots overheat and stay wet once flooded. Rubber boots can be bought in Sapa for about 100,000 to 150,000 VND (US$4 to 6). Leech socks are useful for forest routes.
• Homestay nights at altitude are cool and damp. Keep one dry sleeping set in a dry bag.

Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruises

A hot, mostly calm month. Days are 30 to 31°C and nights 24 to 25°C, with sea temperatures of 27 to 28°C and rainfall around 180 mm, mostly as short evening storms. Typhoon season formally starts later, though early-season storms can occasionally cancel sailings.

On deck and at dinner

• Deck wind is mild in May. A light long-sleeve shirt or linen overshirt is enough for evenings, and a fleece is unnecessary.
• Many cruises have a smart-casual dinner. Men: a collared short-sleeve shirt and light chinos. Women: a simple midi dress or trousers with a nice top.
• Deck sun is intense, with glare off the water. Bring a hat with a strap and sunglasses with a retainer.

Kayaking, swimming and caves

• Swimwear plus a rash guard, for sun rather than modesty, works for both men and women. Water shoes or sport sandals for rocky landings.
• Sung Sot and similar caves have damp, slippery steps, so avoid flip-flops.
• Carry a small dry bag for your phone. If thunder starts, return to the boat, because exposed water during lightning is a real risk.

Central coast: Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha, Nha Trang and Quy Nhon

The hottest and driest zone in May, and peak beach season. The key fact most guides miss is the Lao wind (gió Lào). This hot, dry westerly blows over the mountains from May to August and can push Hue and Quang Binh to 38 to 40°C. Sun protection matters more here than rain protection.

Hue

• 33 to 35°C highs (spikes up to 40°C), 25°C nights, and about 100 mm of rain.
• The Imperial City means 3 to 4 hours of walking with little shade. Go at opening time or late afternoon.
• Men: linen shirt and light long trousers, which suit both the citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.
• Women: maxi skirt or wide trousers with a sleeved linen top, plus a scarf.
• Khai Dinh tomb has steep, exposed steps. Carry water and electrolytes.

Da Nang

• 32 to 33°C highs, 25°C nights, sea at 28 to 29°C, and roughly 50 to 100 mm of rain.
• Swimwear is fine on My Khe beach. Cover up for cafés and the Marble Mountains, which have temples inside caves.
• Ba Na Hills (around 1,400 m) is 20 to 24°C, so take a light layer.
• Motorbiking the Hai Van Pass calls for closed shoes and long trousers.
• The Da Nang fireworks festival usually runs from late May or June into July. Check announced dates.

Hoi An

• Same climate as Da Nang, but the Old Town is airless at midday. Wear the lightest linen or cotton you own and plan indoor time from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tailors: order linen and cotton, not wool, and allow 24 to 48 hours.
• Basket-boat trips at Cam Thanh are fully exposed to the sun.

Phong Nha

• 34 to 35°C highs. The Lao wind hits Quang Binh hard.
• Paradise Cave involves a long, humid boardwalk climb. The Dark Cave requires swimwear for the mud bath and zipline.
• Multi-day cave expeditions involve river crossings, so wear quick-dry clothing only. Cotton fails here.

Nha Trang and Quy Nhon

• 32 to 33°C highs, 26°C nights, and very little rain (about 50 mm). Classic beach weather.
• Po Nagar Cham towers enforce covered shoulders and knees. Bring your own cover-up.
• Domestic crowds grow from late May with school holidays.

Central Highlands: Da Lat and Buon Ma Thuot

The rainy season starts here in May, with afternoon showers typically between 2 and 5 p.m., while altitude keeps Da Lat cool.

Da Lat

• 24 to 25°C days, 16 to 17°C nights, and about 200 mm of rain over 15 to 18 days.
• Plan outdoor visits for the morning. Carry a packable rain jacket in the afternoon.
• Bring a hoodie or light fleece for the evenings. Locals wear jackets and puffers at night, and a man or woman in shorts and a tank top at the night market will feel cold.
• Women can wear jeans or trousers comfortably here, the one place in May where heavier fabrics work.
• Canyoning: water levels rise after rain and operators may cancel. Respect cancellations.

Buon Ma Thuot

• About 500 m altitude: 32°C days, 22°C nights, and around 200 mm of rain as the wet season begins.
• Waterfalls such as Dray Nur have slippery rocks, so wear sandals with grip.
• Coffee-farm visits mean red-dust mud. Wear dark trousers and avoid white shoes.

Southern cities: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta

The onset of the wet season. Highs of 34 to 35°C, nights of about 26°C, and rains typically setting in from mid-May. Downpours of 30 to 90 minutes in the afternoon (around 200 to 220 mm for the month) are followed by sun and steam.

Ho Chi Minh City

• Some districts flood at the kerb during storms and high tides. Wear sport sandals, and never wade through floodwater, because open drains are invisible under it.
• Rooftop bars often refuse men in tank tops or flip-flops. Men: pack one collared shirt and closed shoes or smart sandals. Women: a dress or smart trousers.
• Cu Chi tunnels: wear long trousers you do not mind getting dirty and closed shoes. Tunnels are hot and tight.
• Bring a light layer for buses and malls.

Mekong Delta

• 33 to 34°C, with intense reflected sun on boats. Wear a hat with a chin strap, because boat wind takes caps.
• Sandals for muddy banks and orchard paths.
• Long light trousers and repellent at dusk. Rain onset raises mosquito numbers and dengue risk, which is a real concern.
• Homestays are basic, with fans rather than AC in some, so pack the lightest sleepwear.

Southern beaches and islands: Phu Quoc, Con Dao and Mui Ne

Three islands and coasts with three different Mays. Phu Quoc turns wet, Con Dao is still good, and Mui Ne stays the driest.

Phu Quoc

• 32 to 33°C highs, 26°C nights, and about 200 to 250 mm of rain as the southwest monsoon arrives. West-coast beaches (Long Beach, Ong Lang) get choppier in late May, while the east and south (Sao, Khem) stay calmer.
• Swimwear and a rash guard for snorkelling around An Thoi. Bring a quick-dry cover-up for town.
• More rain means a poncho in the day bag, and a dry bag for boat trips.

Con Dao

• 32°C, seas still mostly calm, and showers short. May is one of the last good diving and snorkelling windows before the monsoon.
• Turtle nesting season begins around May. Night viewing on Bay Canh means dark, quiet, long clothing (insects) and no torches unless permitted.
• The prison sites and Hang Duong cemetery, including the night pilgrimage to Vo Thi Sau's grave, are solemn places for Vietnamese visitors. Men and women should cover shoulders and knees, with no beachwear.

Mui Ne

• 32 to 33°C, little rain (about 60 to 80 mm), and wind easing as kitesurf season winds down.
• At sunrise on the dunes the sand is cool, but by 9 a.m. it burns. Wear sandals rather than going barefoot, and bring a scarf or buff against blowing sand.

What to wear for temples, pagodas and the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum

Most guides only address women here. The rules apply to both sexes.

The general rule for men and women

• Cover shoulders and knees, avoid see-through fabrics, and take off your hat inside halls.
• Shoes come off at many hall thresholds, so slip-ons save time. Sun-baked stone courtyards can be very hot underfoot, so thin socks help.
• Men: no tank tops, no shorts above the knee. Men are refused at Bai Dinh, Hue and the mausoleum just as women are.
• Women: a scarf over a sleeveless dress may be accepted at relaxed pagodas but not everywhere. Trousers or a maxi skirt is the safe option.

The Ho Chi Minh mausoleum

• No shorts, short skirts or sleeveless tops for men or women. Remove hats and sunglasses, keep hands out of pockets, stay silent, and do not take photos inside. Bags and cameras are checked.
• The summer schedule (roughly April to October) usually opens 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., closed on Mondays and Fridays, with extended hours on weekends and holidays. Verify current hours before you go.
• The annual maintenance closure usually falls in mid-June to August, so it is normally open in May.
• 19 May brings the biggest queues of the month. Queues in direct sun mean a hat in hand until the entrance, plus water.

Site	Shoulders and knees enforced	Shoes off	Men's common mistake	Women's common mistake
Ho Chi Minh mausoleum	Yes, strictly	No	Sleeveless top or shorts	Short skirt or sheer dress
Bai Dinh	Yes	In some halls	Tank top	Sleeveless dress without scarf
Temple of Literature	Yes	In some halls	Shorts above the knee	Crop top
Thien Mu Pagoda	Yes	In halls	Singlet	Very short shorts
Hue Imperial City	Yes	In inner halls	Shorts	Strapless top
Po Nagar Cham towers	Yes	In tower interiors	Shirtless	Bikini top under a shirt
Marble Mountains	Yes	In cave temples	Running shorts	Bare shoulders
Jade Emperor Pagoda	Yes	In halls	Tank top	Low neckline
Con Dao memorial sites	Yes	No	Beachwear	Beachwear

Vesak and active worship

Around Buddha's birthday (next around 20 May 2027), pagodas are packed with worshippers. Dress more conservatively than the minimum, in muted colours.

Packing for men and for women

For men

• Pack: 3 to 4 linen or cotton-blend short-sleeve shirts (collars look neater than tees in cities), 2 quick-dry tees, 2 pairs of knee-length shorts, 1 to 2 pairs of lightweight long trousers (temples, the mausoleum, mosquitoes, motorbikes), board shorts or swim shorts, longer-leg boxer briefs against chafing, one smart outfit for rooftops and cruise dinners.
• Avoid: tank tops away from the beach, going shirtless in towns, very short running shorts in cities, jeans (except Da Lat and Sapa evenings), heavy leather shoes.
• Size warning: shoes above about EU 43 to 44 and tall or large clothing sizes are hard to find. Pack spares rather than planning to buy.

For women

• Pack: 2 loose midi or maxi dresses, 2 pairs of wide linen or viscose trousers, 3 to 4 sleeved tops plus one tank or camisole under a shirt, bike shorts for under dresses (chafing, motorbike taxis), a large scarf or sarong, a sports bra for trekking, swimwear plus a rash guard or cover-up.
• Avoid: very short shorts and crop tops in cities and villages, tight synthetics, bodycon dresses on motorbikes, white fabrics that turn see-through in rain or sweat.
• Practical notes: tampons are harder to find outside big cities, while pads are everywhere. Shoes above about EU 39 to 40 and larger clothing sizes are scarce. Bikinis are fine at resort beaches, but at local beaches many Vietnamese women swim in rash guards or clothes, so a cover-up is wise.

Gender-neutral core packing list

• 1 light long-sleeve UPF shirt
• 1 light fleece or hoodie (mountains, Da Lat, AC)
• packable rain shell (mountains only) or poncho
• wide-brim hat with strap
• sunglasses
• SPF 50+ sunscreen
• DEET or picaridin repellent
• electrolyte sachets
• dry bag
• quick-dry towel
• anti-chafe balm
• small pack of tissues (toilets often lack paper)
• universal adapter (types A, C and F)

Footwear and fabrics: what works in May heat and rain

Footwear strategy

• The three-pair system: breathable mesh sneakers or trail runners (dry overnight), strapped sport sandals as the May workhorse (storms, boats, flooded streets), flip-flops for showers and the beach only.
• Add a fourth pair (trail runners with lugs) only for treks. Waterproof boots overheat and stay soaked once wet.
• Never ride a motorbike in flip-flops. Mount from the left, because exhaust burns on the right calf are common among travellers.

Shoe type	City storms	Boats and kayaks	Temples	Treks and mud	Motorbike	Beach and dunes
Sport sandals with heel strap	Best	Good	Acceptable	Poor	Acceptable	Good
Mesh sneakers	Poor	Poor	Good	Fair	Good	Poor
Trail runners	Fair	Poor	Good	Best	Good	Fair
Flip-flops	Bad	Fair	No	No	No	Fair
Waterproof boots	Fair	Poor	Good	Fair	Good	Poor

Fabrics that work and fail

Fabric	Breathability	Drying at ~80% humidity	Odour	Best for	Fails at
Linen	High	4-6 hours	Low	Cities, temples	Wrinkles badly
Cotton	Medium	12-24 hours	Medium	Casual wear	Stays damp in storms
Cotton-linen blend	High	6-10 hours	Low	Everyday shirts	Heavy weaves
Viscose or rayon	High	4-8 hours	Low	Dresses, wide trousers	Weak when wet
Technical polyester	Medium	1-3 hours	High	Trekking, rain layers	City evenings
Ultralight merino	Medium	3-5 hours	Very low	Trekking tees and socks	Hot lowlands
Denim	Low	24+ hours	Medium	Da Lat evenings	Everywhere else
Silk	Medium	4-6 hours	Low	Dinners	Sweat marks

The "forget wool in the tropics" advice on travel forums is right for city clothing and wrong for 150 g merino trekking socks and tees in Sapa.

Packing lists by itinerary type

Two-week north-to-south trip

Route: Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, optional Sapa, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong. One carry-on-sized bag: 5 tops, 2 shorts or skirts, 2 long bottoms, 1 dress or smart shirt, 1 fleece, swimwear, poncho, 3 pairs of shoes. Laundry every 4 to 5 days.

Beach week

The central coast (Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang) or Con Dao beats Phu Quoc in late May, because Phu Quoc's west coast turns choppy as the monsoon arrives. Two swimsuits (one never dries in humidity), rash guard, cover-up, a temple outfit, sandals and flip-flops.

Trekking trip

Sapa, Ha Giang or Pu Luong: 2 quick-dry trekking outfits, 1 dry evening set, fleece, rain shell or rain suit, trail runners, leech socks, sandals, dry bags and a headlamp.

City and culture trip

Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City: linen-heavy wardrobe, 2 temple-ready outfits, a smart outfit, sneakers and sandals, scarf and a light AC layer.

What to buy in Vietnam instead of packing, and how to handle laundry

Item	Typical price VND (USD)	Where	Quality verdict
Poncho	10,000-30,000 (US$0.40-1.20)	Any convenience store	Fine for cities
Two-piece rain suit	100,000-250,000 (US$4-10)	Markets, petrol stations	Good for motorbikes
Conical hat	30,000-80,000 (US$1-3)	Hue, Ninh Binh	Genuinely useful
Local sun jacket	100,000-250,000 (US$4-10)	Local shops	Light and practical
Flip-flops	40,000-150,000 (US$1.50-6)	Markets	Short lifespan
Sapa rubber boots	100,000-150,000 (US$4-6)	Sapa town	Good for mud
Leech socks	30,000-80,000 (US$1-3)	Sapa, trekking shops	Buy before the trail
Market linen trousers	120,000-300,000 (US$5-11)	Hanoi, Hoi An	Check stitching
Hoi An tailored linen shirt	350,000-700,000 (US$13-27)	Hoi An tailors	Excellent value
Laundry per kilo	25,000-40,000 (US$1-1.50)	Laundry shops	Machine dried

Prices are indicative for 2026 at about 26,000 VND to US$1. Knock-off outdoor gear in the Hanoi Old Quarter is often fine for a fleece but unreliable for waterproofing.

Laundry shops usually machine-dry with same-day or next-day return. Hotels charge per item. Hand-washing in May is slow: clothes take 12 to 24 hours to air-dry at about 80% humidity. Dry them under AC with a fan, and pack synthetics or merino for anything you must wash in the sink. Mildew is a risk, so never pack damp clothes.

What to wear in other months: January · February · March · April · June · July · August · September · October · November · December

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is May a good time to visit Vietnam? Yes, if you plan around heat rather than rain. May is peak beach season on the central coast (Da Nang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang) and Con Dao is still calm. The north is hot with evening storms, and the south sees short afternoon downpours as the wet season begins. Phu Quoc's west coast gets rougher in late May.

Q: Do I need a jacket in Vietnam in May? Only a light one, and only for specific places: Sapa and Ha Giang nights (15 to 19°C), Da Lat evenings (16 to 17°C), the Fansipan summit (8 to 14°C), and air-conditioned sleeper buses, trains and malls. A light fleece or hoodie plus a packable rain shell covers all of these. Everywhere else, a jacket stays in the bag.

Q: Can men wear shorts and tank tops in Vietnam? Knee-length shorts are fine in cities and at the beach. Tank tops look out of place in towns and are refused at temples, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and many rooftop bars. Men need at least one pair of lightweight long trousers for religious and official sites, a point most packing guides only make for women.

Q: Can women wear shorts, dresses and sleeveless tops in Vietnam? In cities and beach towns, yes, with knee-skimming lengths blending in best. Temples and the mausoleum require covered shoulders and knees, so carry a scarf and choose a maxi skirt or trousers on sightseeing days. Rural villages are more conservative, and the women's May guide covers this in depth.

Q: Should I bring a rain jacket or just buy a poncho in Vietnam? For cities and the coast, a 10,000 to 30,000 VND (US$0.40 to 1.20) poncho or a compact umbrella is better, because rain jackets turn into saunas at 34°C. For Sapa, Ha Giang and Pu Luong treks, bring a breathable shell. For motorbike loops, buy a two-piece rain suit locally.

Q: Is it too hot to visit Hue and Hoi An in May? It is very hot (33 to 35°C, with Lao wind spikes to 38 to 40°C) but dry and sunny. Sightsee from opening time until about 11 a.m. and again after 3 p.m. Wear the lightest linen you own, a wide-brim hat and a UPF long-sleeve layer, and drink electrolytes, because heat exhaustion is a real risk.

Q: Do I need to bring toilet paper to Vietnam? Carry a small pack of tissues. Hotels, malls and most cafés supply paper, but public toilets, bus stops, rural restaurants and trekking homestays often do not. Many toilets have a bidet spray instead, and hand sanitiser is useful.