Packing for Vietnam: What to Wear in the Heat and Humidity
In packing for Vietnam this week, it’s important to consider what to wear in the heat and humidity. To dress intentionally, I’m channeling what it’s like here in Jacksonville, Florida in August…with lightweight, breathable, stylish looks.
I also want to tell you about Netflix movies that Howard and I enjoyed. It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Outfit: The light blue J.Crew button-front dress
- The Look: J. Crew airy cotton dress with puff sleeves and a relaxed silhouette (50% off), raffia bucket hat (packable), black strappy sandals (really comfortable support), black-and-rattan bucket bag (40% off), tortoise and bone bangles
- Practical Tips:
- Modest coverage (sleeves, mid-length) is respectful for temple and museum visits
- The bucket bag holds sunscreen, and your phone securely (and I will carry a compact umbrella)
Guided Market Tour by Motorcycle
Outfit: All-white — ruffled blouse + wide-leg linen pants
This moped/motorcycle tour is give by young women (you sit behind them on their bike)…and I am nervous but game for it. Follow on Instagram to see how we do.
- The Look: White ruffled Gerard Darel French blouse (an investment but detailed and timeless), white linen trousers, Quince tan platform sandals, green crossbody bag, green beaded necklace, raffia bucket hat
- Why It Works for a Moto Tour: The crossbody stays secure and hands-free; the platform sandal gives a little lift and comfort on uneven market surfaces
- Style Notes: White-on-white is good in humid heat and the olive bag pops
- Practical Tips:
- Roll the pants slightly while on the bike
- The zippered crossbody keeps valuables close in a busy market
- Bring a small stain stick. Also, I have had good luck washing the linen pants in the sink and hanging to dry. They are a nice bathing suit cover-up too.
Beach Club Day in Da Nang (And Our Saigon Hotel has a nice pool)
Outfit: Navy printed swimsuit + matching sarong
- The Look: Navy dotted one-piece swimsuit, coordinating sarong tied at the hip (the bathing suit/sarong matching set is not always easy to find), black strappy sandals, raffia bucket hat, tortoise and bone bangles (I just inherited some from my mother-in-law), OPI blush nail lacquer
- Practical Tips:
- Da Nang beach clubs might have dress codes for restaurant areas — the sarong solves that
- The bangles work wet — no need to leave jewelry in your room
White Eyelet Shirt Dress
I wore this Sézane dress recently to lunch with Howard and am packing it for Vietnam.
Eyelet dress (size 6) • sunglasses • leather belt (I love this French Gerard Darel belt) • Margaux sandals • purse
Why Pack Lightly?
Why we packed light — and you should too: Hoi An is one of the world’s great tailoring destinations, and leaving room in your suitcase is half the strategy. Custom-made pieces — silk blouses, linen trousers, dresses made to your exact measurements — at a fraction of what you’d pay at home. My husband, son and daughter-in-law are leaving space, too.
What To Watch On TV: Remarkable Bright Creatures On Netflix
Did you read the book. It was great and Howard and I thought the movie adaptation was good, too.
We also enjoyed Marty: Life Is Short, a special on Netflix. Martin Short has had a lot of tragedy in his life and he can still make us smile (without foul language, too).
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
I am looking forward to hearing about your trip. We are considering a trip to Vietnam as well. Have a wonderful time!
Have a glorious trip Mary Ann! I love all your outfits they look so refreshing and cool!
I love that green bag from Maison Le Sabre. That suit and sarong are fabulous, and you look darling in that Eyelet dress. Shirt-waist dresses are so good on you!!