What to Wear in Hoi An: A blend of comfort and cultural respect

When coming to Hoi An – one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam, international tourists not only want to enjoy the ancient beauty and peace but also care about choosing the right outfit. Choosing clothes when traveling to Hoi An is not only about comfort, but also shows respect for the local culture. Understanding that, we send readers information about choosing clothes for a trip to Hoi An right below.

Overview of weather and climate in Hoi An

Hoi An is an ancient city located in Quang Nam province, Central Vietnam, famous worldwide as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. With hundreds of years of history, Hoi An possesses a unique blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and European cultures. The architecture here bears the mark of a vibrant trading period, with ancient houses, pagodas and assembly halls preserved intact. Not only that, the peaceful natural landscape with the Thu Bon River flowing slowly and long beaches also contribute to the appeal of Hoi An.

Hoi An is located in a tropical monsoon climate zone, with distinct differences between seasons. This affects visitors’ travel experiences throughout the year.

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Summer (May to August)

Summer in Hoi An is characterized by hot weather, with temperatures usually ranging from 28°C to 35°C, and even on hot days with temperatures reaching 38°C. This is the ideal time to participate in outdoor activities such as swimming, visiting historical sites or enjoying traditional festivals. However, the typical dry heat also requires visitors to be well prepared for sun protection.

Rainy season (September to December)

In contrast to summer, from September to December, Hoi An enters the rainy season with wetter weather. The rains last long, sometimes accompanied by storms and floods, affecting tourism activities. However, this is also the time when Hoi An puts on a different romantic beauty when the ancient town is immersed in the rain, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility. Visitors should pay attention to the weather forecast if they intend to come here during this time.

Spring and Fall (January to April and September to November)

Spring and autumn are considered the most ideal time to explore Hoi An. The weather at this time is extremely pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C, not too hot or too cold. The open space, unaffected by heavy rains or intense heat, helps visitors fully enjoy the beauty of the ancient town. This is also the season when Hoi An organizes many unique cultural events and festivals, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists.

What to wear when coming to Hoi An according to the season?

Below are detailed suggestions for what to wear to Hoi An according to the season:

Dry season (May – August)

During the dry season in Hoi An, the weather is quite hot with high temperatures, so choosing the right outfit is extremely important to ensure comfort when moving and exploring the city. You should prioritize light, airy and sweat-absorbent outfits.

• Cool clothes: Choose clothes made from cotton or linen, as these fabrics help to wick away sweat effectively and feel comfortable to wear all day long. Short-sleeved shirts, long, thin dresses, or shorts are the optimal choices to both suit the hot weather and maintain comfort when walking around.
• Sun protection accessories: Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential items to help you avoid the harmful effects of UV rays during your trip. These accessories not only protect your health but can also be a fashion highlight for your outfit.
• Comfortable shoes: Since Hoi An has many ancient brick-paved streets and you may want to stroll along the streets or explore the beautiful beaches, choose comfortable sneakers or sandals for easy movement. Your feet will be well protected and you will also feel more comfortable when walking in the hot weather.

Rainy season (September – December)

The rainy season in Hoi An can bring long periods of rain, so the clothes you choose should be water-resistant and easy to dry to ensure you stay comfortable even in sudden downpours.

• Quick-drying clothes: Choose clothes made of polyester or other materials that are slightly water-resistant. These materials not only help you feel comfortable but also dry easily when it rains. 
• Waterproof shoes: To avoid wet feet and discomfort when walking, you should choose waterproof shoes or plastic sandals. These types of shoes help you move more easily in rainy conditions and protect your feet from getting wet, avoiding health problems when moving a lot.

Spring and Fall (January – April, September – October)

Spring and autumn in Hoi An are the coolest and most pleasant times of the year, perfect for outdoor activities. However, you should also be aware of the change in temperature at night, when it can get a bit chilly.

• Light, comfortable clothing: Choose clothes that are breathable but still keep you warm enough, such as a thin long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt combined with jeans or soft pants. This will keep you comfortable throughout the day, and if it gets a little chilly, you will still feel warm.
• Light jacket: A light jacket is an ideal choice this season. You can easily carry it in your bag in case it gets cold in the evening or when visiting tourist attractions early in the morning.
• Fashion accessories: A light scarf will not only keep you warm but also add a highlight to your outfit. Scarves help you create a unique style, and are convenient when you need an extra layer of protection when the temperature drops slightly at night.

Suggested outfits to wear according to the time of day

What to wear in hoi an? Choosing clothes according to the time of day in Hoi An not only helps you suit the weather but also contributes to creating great experiences when exploring the ancient town.

Morning outfit

Mornings in Hoi An are often light with fog and chilly air, giving a fresh and pleasant feeling. Therefore, choosing clothes not only needs to ensure warmth but also be delicate and suitable for the peaceful space of the ancient town.

• Outfit suggestions: An elegant long dress with soft material not only helps keep you warm but also enhances your graceful, gentle look when you stroll through the ancient streets. In addition, you can also combine a simple T-shirt with jeans, creating a comfortable and dynamic style but still suitable for the morning weather. This combination brings a feeling of comfort and flexibility when moving, while still helping you keep the necessary warmth.
• Overall style: Elegant, comfortable, gentle warmth are the main keywords for the morning in Hoi An.

Afternoon Dress

What to wear in Hoi An? Afternoons in Hoi An, especially in the hot months from May to July, are warm, sometimes quite hot. This is the right time for you to choose cool, comfortable clothes, and at the same time stand out in photos taken in the afternoon sun.

• Clothing suggestions: Choose light colors such as white, yellow, beige to avoid absorbing heat and stand out when taking photos in the sunny space of Hoi An. Thin cotton and linen clothes will help you feel comfortable and cool throughout the afternoon. Avoid dark colors such as black or dark blue because they easily absorb heat, making you feel hotter.
• Overall style: Bright, comfortable, and suitable for warm sunny weather is the ideal style for an afternoon in Hoi An.

Evening wear

In the evening in Hoi An, the ancient town is sparkling and quiet under the warm yellow lights, imbued with ancient and nostalgic beauty. The weather in the evening is often more pleasant, allowing you to freely wear impressive outfits, suitable for the classic space.

• Clothing suggestions: Colors like yellow, green, or white will help you stand out when taking photos in the quiet old town and sparkling lights. If you want to blend into the classic space of Hoi An, traditional Ao Dai is a perfect choice, not only creating an elegant beauty but also honoring Vietnamese culture. In addition, you can choose comfortable, light clothes to easily walk around and enjoy the night scenery.
• Overall style: Classic, elegant and nostalgic is the right style for you to enjoy the beauty of Hoi An at night.

Night out outfit

When Hoi An ancient town is lit up by thousands of bright lanterns, you will feel a colorful, lively and enchanting space. This is the ideal time for you to relax, have fun and enjoy the night air comfortably.

• Outfit suggestions: Choose free and comfortable outfits according to personal preferences, however, you should avoid black tones to avoid being “drowned” in photos with lantern lights. Light and flexible outfits will help you move easily and take photos in the magical scenery of the ancient town at night.
• Overall style: Free, comfortable and individual are the main styles for night walks in Hoi An.

Clothing for sightseeing and recreational activities

What to wear in Hoi An? When coming to Hoi An, visitors not only admire the ancient beauty of the old town but also have the opportunity to experience many interesting activities such as sightseeing, taking photos and playing outdoors.

Visit Hoi An ancient town

Hoi An Ancient Town has a nostalgic beauty with tiled roof houses, stone-paved roads and a quiet atmosphere. Therefore, when visiting this area, you should choose classic or traditional style clothes to blend in with the scenery.

• Classic or traditional costumes: To better feel the ancient atmosphere of the old town, you can choose vintage-style costumes with neutral colors such as beige, brown, white, or pastel blue. In addition, the Ao Dai – the traditional symbol of the Vietnamese people is also a great choice, helping you both show respect for the culture and create impressive photos. Classic costumes will help you easily “blend in” with the quiet, deep space of Hoi An.
• Comfortable shoes: Hoi An ancient town has many stone-paved roads and you will move quite a lot during the tour. Therefore, prioritize flat shoes or sandals to keep your feet comfortable and easy to move throughout the journey.

Take pictures at famous spots

Hoi An is an ideal destination for you to capture beautiful moments through photos taken at famous locations such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient houses, and rows of colorful lanterns.

• Bright, floral-patterned outfits: With the colorful scenery of lanterns, warm yellow walls, and fresh green flowers on the small streets, you can choose outfits with bright colors and outstanding patterns to make a difference in your photos. Red, yellow, turquoise, or pink tones will help you become a highlight in the ancient and colorful space of Hoi An. 
• Traditional costumes: In addition to modern costumes, you can also choose traditional Ao Dai to take photos at locations with strong Vietnamese culture. Many places in Hoi An provide Ao Dai rental services with a variety of designs, helping you easily choose a suitable outfit to preserve beautiful moments.

Go to the beach or go to Cu Lao Cham

Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient town but also close to beautiful beaches and Cu Lao Cham – a world biosphere reserve. If you intend to participate in outdoor activities such as swimming or exploring Cu Lao Cham, choosing clothes suitable for the marine environment is a must.

• Swimwear and beachwear: For beach trips or water activities in Cu Lao Cham, don’t forget to bring comfortable swimwear and a sun-protective jacket to protect your skin from the sun. You should also bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and head on hot sunny days. 
• Light clothing: When not participating in water activities, you can wear a light maxi dress, shorts and a T-shirt to enjoy the sea air. Cool and soft outfits will help you move easily and feel more comfortable when participating in activities to explore the coast, stroll or climb mountains in Cu Lao Cham.

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Important notes when traveling to Hoi An

When visiting Hoi An, visitors are not only attracted by the ancient beauty and charm of this heritage city but also have the opportunity to learn and experience a long-standing traditional culture. To have a complete trip and respect the cultural values ​​of the locality, here are some important notes that you need to pay attention to.

Respect local culture

Hoi An is a city with a rich history and culture, especially famous for its ancient ruins and pagodas. Respecting local culture is important to preserve the cultural beauty of the place, while also showing respect for the local community.

• Dress appropriately when visiting monuments and temples: When visiting religious sites or relics such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Halls, or temples, visitors should choose modest clothing, avoiding wearing overly revealing clothing. This will help you blend into the solemn space, showing respect for local customs and spiritual values. 
• Pay special attention to sacred areas: In addition to choosing appropriate clothing, you should also follow the rules of conduct when visiting religious areas. For example, maintain a respectful attitude, avoid making noise, taking photos or filming without permission.

Appropriate clothing when communicating with locals

When you have the opportunity to interact with the locals, clothing also plays an important role in showing respect for the culture and people here. Hoi An people are very friendly and open, however, they also promote traditional cultural values.

Choosing modest, simple and polite clothing when communicating with people is a way for you to show respect and create sympathy with the community. Moreover, the harmony in the way of dressing also helps you to integrate more easily into the life of Hoi An, where people still retain the characteristics of traditional costumes.

If you are looking for a place to stay for your upcoming journey to explore Hoi An ancient town, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is a great place for you. We provide a variety of 5-star standard rooms, the best quality of service to help you have a wonderful vacation experience during your trip to Hoi An.