Know What to Wear in Hoi An

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Definitely bring warm clothes because it gets very cold in Hoi An in December. Although there have been winters here that weren’t as cold, it usually gets very cold. It doesn’t snow here but a rain in December makes it very cold and damp. Knowing that it is one of the coldest cities in Vietnam will give you a hint what to wear in Hoi An, at least in winter.

Hoi An is located in central Vietnam in the province of Quang Nam along the coast of South China Sea. It is a tropical country on the same altitude as tropical Manila, Philippines, which is very hot and humid throughout the year. For this reason, looking on the map, visitors will be surprised to experience biting cold winters in Hoi An.

Throughout the year, the average temperature is a warm 29°C. It gets very cold in December and then very hot in June and July. There is continuous rain brought about by monsoon winds from September to January, but the rest of the months are very dry and humid. In other words, when thinking what kinds of clothes to pack when visiting this part of Vietnam, it would largely depend on what months you are coming. Pack light, cotton and summery clothes from March to July, which are the best months to visit if you wish to experience warm, soothing tropical climate; pack warm clothes and a raincoat if you wish to experience winter in a strangely cold Asian city; and maybe don’t come at all when it is raining hard in October and November. The best months to visit are February and April where there are no rains and the overall temperature is pleasant, neither too cold nor to hot.

In the hot months, don’t get naked in public. Be sensitive to local sensibilities. The ideal is light, cotton T-shirt with jeans, pants 3/4 pants or shorts. For the women, sleeved shirt is always preferred over sleeveless, as well as 3/4 pants over short shorts. A cap and sunglasses are very helpful and fashionable accessories to protect you from the scorching tropical sun.

Asians in general are very conservative. You won’t see many local women wearing a bathing suit in the beach. Often during the hot days, they would cool off and go for a swim but wearing regular shirts and shorts over a one-piece bathing suit. The nearby Cua Dai and Ang Bang beaches have pristine white sands, crystal blue waters and perfect sun for sunbathing; very inviting. But western tourists should not get carried away by putting on a skimpy two-piece bikini. Although locals will not frown at it since they are very friendly, it might seem very awkward for the tourist herself.

Finally, keep in mind that you are visiting Hoi An on vacation, so bring comfortable clothes as you go about seeing the place, meeting the people and observing local culture. To plan what to wear in Hoi An, imagine yourself walking along the laid-back, pedestrian-friendly, and very nostalgic Old Town through narrow alleys and dirt roads that lead to the nearby beaches. Imagine dining at riverside restaurants, getting on a cruise, and beholding the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary. Imagine having a great time in Hoi An, wearing the hippest summer clothes you own or a newly bought local shirt that says, “I Love Vietnam.”