What To Wear When Traveling To Ha Long?

Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald waters, limestone islands, and lush greenery, offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. The region enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by four distinct seasons, each bringing its beauty and charm. Visiting during the warm, humid summer or the cooler, misty winter months, Ha Long offers something special no matter the time of year.

When planning your trip, understanding the local weather and packing appropriately is essential for ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. You should choose the right clothing for Ha Long ensures comfort, respects local customs, and lets you fully enjoy activities like boat cruises on Ha Long Bay and hiking through its hills. At GTrip, we’ve created this guide to help you pack efficiently and prepare for your trip to Ha Long.

For those wanted to admire Ha Long's beauty, culture, or activities, knowing what to wear and pack ensures you’re ready to make the most of your trip. Let us guide you through the essentials you need to consider when selecting your attire, with tips for all seasons, so you can travel with confidence and style.

What to wear according to the season in Ha Long?

To make the most of your visit, it’s essential to adapt your wardrobe according to the changing seasons in Ha Long. Dressing for each season’s weather ensures comfort and allows you to enjoy Ha Long’s landscapes and activities.

Clothes for spring (March & April)

Spring in Ha Long brings mild temperatures and occasional rain. The average temperature ranges from 18°C to 25°C, and humidity is between 60% and 80%. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, but you'll want to be prepared for light showers.

What to wear:

• Layered clothing: You ought to pack a lightweight jacket or cardigan to stay warm during cooler mornings and evenings.
• Breathable fabrics: It is advisable to choose long-sleeve tops and lightweight trousers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
• Rain gear: You need to bring a compact umbrella or a light raincoat to be prepared for sudden showers.
• Comfortable shoes: You should wear sturdy walking shoes to explore caves or hike trails with ease.

In spring, you should wear light layers, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, and bring a light jacket and rain protection

Clothes for summer (May - August)

Summer in Ha Long can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 38°C and high humidity of 60% to 80%. It’s also the rainy season, so expect occasional thunderstorms. Dressing for heat and rain is key to staying comfortable.

What to wear:

• Breathable fabrics: You ought to wear light, moisture-wicking clothes made from cotton or linen to stay cool.
• Casual clothing: It is advisable to pack T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts for comfort in the heat.
• Sun protection: You must make sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the strong sun.
• Water-friendly shoes: You need to wear flip-flops or water-resistant shoes, which are perfect for beach visits.
• Rain protection: It is recommended that you bring a lightweight raincoat or poncho to keep yourself dry during unexpected showers.

Clothes for autumn (September & October)

Autumn in Ha Long is a delightful season with pleasant temperatures between 22°C and 28°C and humidity from 60% to 80%. This is an ideal time to explore Ha Long's natural beauty without the extreme heat or heavy rain.

What to wear:

• Light layers: You ought to pack a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt for cooler evenings.
• Comfortable pants: It is advisable to wear jeans or lightweight trousers for daytime activities.
• Sturdy footwear: Make sure to choose closed-toe shoes for outdoor activities like biking or trekking.
• Extra warmth: You need to bring a scarf or shawl for added warmth, especially during boat rides.

In autumn, you ought to pack light layers, such as a sweater or long-sleeve shirt, for cooler evenings

Clothes for winter (November - February)

Winter in Ha Long is cool to cold, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C and humidity between 60% and 70%. The chilly winds make it important to dress warmly.

What to wear:

• Warm outerwear: You ought to wear a coat or padded jacket to stay warm on colder days.
• Winter accessories: It is advisable to pack woolen scarves, gloves, and beanies for extra warmth.
• Footwear: Make sure to wear thick socks and sturdy shoes to keep your feet warm during outdoor activities.
• Layering: You need to layer thermal tops and leggings under your clothes for added warmth and comfort.

By planning your clothing for Ha Long's specific seasons, you’ll be ready for various activities, from boat cruises to hiking trails in Ha Long. This ensures you stay comfortable and prepared for the weather.

Embarking on a cruise or exploring caves, choosing the right clothing for specific activities will ensure your comfort and enjoyment in Ha Long. Choosing the right clothing for different activities, such as cruising, cave exploration, or trekking, ensures comfort and maximizes your enjoyment in Ha Long.

What to wear for specific activities in Ha Long?

Packing the right clothing for your planned activities in Ha Long ensures comfort, protection, and a more enjoyable experience. If you're cruising through limestone karsts, trekking scenic trails, or lounging on the beach, selecting the appropriate outfit is essential.

Outfit for Ha Long cruise

A Ha Long Bay cruise is a highlight of any visit, offering breathtaking views and a mix of relaxation and adventure. Dressing appropriately will keep you comfortable throughout the journey.

1. Casual daytime outfit

A Ha Long Bay cruise offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, so dressing comfortably and stylishly is important. During the day, you should breathable clothing like T-shirts, tank tops, or breezy blouses with shorts, capris, or lightweight trousers works best. Comfortable, non-slip footwear such as sandals or sneakers ensures easy movement. Sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is essential. If swimming or kayaking is on the agenda, packing a swimsuit and cover-up is recommended. Lastly, a light jacket or windbreaker will keep you warm during breezy boat rides.

A Ha Long Bay cruise combines relaxation and adventure, so dress comfortably and stylishly

2. Sparkling night outfit

As evening falls, Ha Long cruises often feature fine dining or live performances, requiring a more refined look. Women can choose a lightweight dress, skirt with a blouse, or tailored pants with a stylish top, while men can wear chinos or slacks with a button-up shirt or polo. Polished footwear like flats, loafers, or dress sandals ensures comfort and style. Since evenings can be cool, layering with a light shawl, scarf, or sweater is a good idea. Minimal jewelry or a statement piece will add sophistication to complete the outfit.

Outfit for hiking in Ha Long

Ha Long offers great hiking opportunities, like trails on Bai Tho Mountain, with uneven terrain and stunning views. You should wear moisture-wicking T-shirts or tank tops and quick-drying hiking pants or shorts. You must wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip for rocky paths. You need to bring sun protection, such as a lightweight hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It’s important to prepare light layers, such as a jacket or windbreaker, for cooler mornings or higher altitudes. Lastly, pack a small backpack for essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit.

Outfit for exploring caves in Ha Long

Ha Long is home to caves like Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Luon Cave, where you'll encounter uneven surfaces and humid interiors. For comfort and safety, wear long-sleeve tops and lightweight trousers to protect against scratches and cooler cave temperatures. You should choose non-slip shoes, such as sneakers or hiking shoes, to navigate slippery and uneven ground. A headlamp or flashlight is essential to improve visibility in darker sections of the caves. It’s also a good idea to pack a small, hands-free bag to carry essentials like a water bottle, camera, and guidebook.

For cave exploration in Ha Long, wear long-sleeve tops, non-slip shoes, and bring a headlamp, flashlight, and a small hands-free bag for essentials

Outfit for beach visits in Ha Long

Ha Long’s beaches, such as Tuan Chau beach, Ti Top, Bai Chay, Ngoc Vung, Ba Trai Dao, Quan Lan, and Minh Chau, offer unique features for swimming and relaxation. For a comfortable beach experience, you should wear swimwear and lightweight cover-ups for walking around. You must select footwear like flip-flops or water shoes for comfort on the sand. It’s essential to pack accessories like sunglasses, sunscreen, a beach bag, a quick-dry towel, and a wide-brimmed hat to enhance relaxation and protect against the sun. Understanding Ha Long’s cultural and historical significance will guide your outfit choices, especially for sacred sites or local festivals.

Understanding the cultural and historical significance of Ha Long will guide you in dressing appropriately, particularly when visiting sacred sites or attending local festivals. Being mindful of local customs and traditions will ensure respectful and suitable attire for these occasions. Let's find out below.

Cultural considerations for dressing in Ha Long

Ha Long is home to many cultural and historical sites, making it essential to dress appropriately out of respect for local customs. You should consider traditional etiquette when exploring sacred sites or attending festivals to ensure a respectful and immersive experience.

Modest clothing for visiting temples & pagodas in Ha Long

When visiting temples and pagodas in Ha Long, dressing modestly is a sign of respect. You should wear long pants, skirts, or dresses that cover the knees, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate at sacred sites. Choose tops with sleeves that fully cover the shoulders, avoiding tank tops or low-cut shirts. Loose-fitting and breathable fabrics are recommended for comfort, especially in warm weather.

Since it is customary to remove footwear before entering temples, you should wear easy-to-remove shoes, sandals, or slippers. Avoid wearing socks with holes, as this may be seen as disrespectful. Some temples may provide cloth coverings for visitors who are not dressed appropriately, but it is best to adhere to the dress code in advance.

When visiting temples and pagodas in Ha Long, wear modest clothing like long pants, covered shoulders, and easy-to-remove shoes to show respect

Traditional attire in Ha Long during festivals

Festivals in Ha Long are vibrant celebrations of culture, and traditional attire plays a significant role in these events. During major festivals like the Lunar New Year, Ha Long Carnival, and the Yen Tu Spring Festival, locals often wear ao dai, a long, flowing tunic worn over trousers. This elegant outfit is a symbol of cultural pride, with women’s ao dai featuring intricate floral, dragon, or phoenix patterns, while men’s designs are simpler yet equally dignified.

For folk festivals and historical reenactments, participants may dress in traditional costumes representing historical figures, mythical characters, or deities. Brightly colored garments, embroidered details, and headpieces add to the festive atmosphere. You aren't required to wear traditional clothing, but dressing modestly, like in an ao dai, shows respect for local traditions and enhances the experience.

In conclusion, understanding what to wear when traveling to Ha Long is key to enjoying your experience to the fullest. If you're exploring the limestone karsts or cruising the serene waters, dressing appropriately ensures comfort and enhances your adventure. We hope this guide has provided the essential tips for your journey.

Whenever you plan your visit, be sure to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and unique experiences that Ha Long Bay offers. When you're ready to make the most of your trip, explore our Ha Long Bay tours for a curated travel experience. At GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency, we’re committed to making your journey unforgettable.