Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam? If you're planning to go to Ho Chi Minh City, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ho Chi Minh City
- Important essentials for Ho Chi Minh City
- Activities for Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City in January: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in February: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in March: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in April: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in May: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in June: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in July: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in August: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in September: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in October: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in November: weather and what to pack
- Ho Chi Minh City in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Based on the climate and weather in Ho Chi Minh City, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent option.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
For families with young children
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. This one works in most countries, but check with your hotel.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
Airplane or car necessities
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Activities for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Ho Chi Minh City.
If you intend to check out the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:
Trousers
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Long dresses
This one, for example.
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you plan to see the beautiful Central Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who is allowed to enter the building; it is best to check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you check out a temple, such as Cao Dai Temple, wear:
If you go to Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
Castle hopping? For Reunification Palace, take:
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Trousers
Dresses that cover your knees
We also recommend these top tours in and around Ho Chi Minh City.
What to wear/what to pack for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City in January, you will notice that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
If you're going to the beach
February
If you go to Ho Chi Minh City in February, you will notice that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
If you're going to the beach
March
If you vacation in Ho Chi Minh City during March, you may notice that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Skirts
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
If you're going to the beach
April
If you visit Ho Chi Minh City during April, you may notice that it can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Personal cooling fan
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and can provide UV protection.
Sunglasses
Light linen shorts
Insulated water bottle
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to help you stay cool:
Bug repellent
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring extra, since these easily get wet or dirty.
Skirts
Lightweight 'harem' pants
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Waterproof sandals
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
May
In May, Ho Chi Minh City is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (low 30s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Ho Chi Minh City, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
If you're going to the beach
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
June
If you vacation in Ho Chi Minh City during June, you may see that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Bug repellent
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
If you're going to the beach
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
July
Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City in July, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
Skirts
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
If you're going to the beach
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
August
In August, Ho Chi Minh City is extremely hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Ho Chi Minh City, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In August, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Skirts
Bug repellent
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
September
September is constantly hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Bug repellent
If you're going to the beach
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
October
If you go to Ho Chi Minh City in October, you will notice that it is extremely hot and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Waterproof sandals
Skirts
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Loose-fit shorts
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
November
Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City in November, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Skirts
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
December
December in Ho Chi Minh City can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
If you're going to the beach
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
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