What not to wear in Hanoi on tours visiting sites?
Learn what not to wear in Hanoi to respect local customs and stay comfortable while visiting the city’s cultural attractions.
Revealing Clothing
Revealing clothing refers to garments that expose a significant amount of skin or cling tightly to the body, highlighting the wearer’s figure. This type of clothing often includes items such as short skirts, shorts, tank tops, low-cut tops, crop tops, and any other attire that might be considered too revealing for certain cultural or social contexts, not to wear.
Examples of revealing clothing:
Avoid wearing short skrits
Short Skirts and Shorts: Skirts or shorts that are significantly wear above the knee.
Low-Cut Tops: Tops that expose a considerable amount of the chest or cleavage.
Tank Tops and Sleeveless Shirts: Tops that leave the shoulders and upper arms exposed.
Crop Tops: Shirts that expose the midriff or stomach.
Tight-Fitting Clothing: Garments that cling to the body and outline the shape prominently.
Why you should not wear:
Vietnamese culture
Cultural Sensitivity: Hanoi is a city with deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions. Wearing revealing clothing, such as short skirts, tank tops, or low-cut shirts, may be considered disrespectful, especially when visiting temples, pagodas, and other sacred sites.
Modesty Norms: Vietnamese culture values modesty, and wear conservatively is a sign of respect.
You should dress modestly in Hanoi:
Comfortable clothing
Layering: Carry a lightweight shawl or scarf to cover up when needed. This is particularly useful for visiting religious sites.
Loose-Fitting Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, which provide comfort in the humid climate while covering your body adequately.
Neutral and Muted Colors: Wear neutral or muted colors can help you blend in more easily and avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
Long Pants and Skirts: Opt for pants, long skirts, or dresses that cover your knees when visiting temples and other religious sites.
Short-Sleeved or Long-Sleeved Tops: Choose tops that cover your shoulders. Carrying a lightweight scarf or shawl can also help you cover up when needed.
Comfortable Footwear: Some temples require you to remove your shoes before entering, so wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on.
Heavy or Thick Fabrics
Heavy or Thick Fabrics
Heavy or thick fabrics refer to materials that are dense and have substantial weight, often making them less breathable and more insulating. These fabrics are typically used in colder climates to provide warmth but can be uncomfortable in hot and humid environments like Hanoi.
Examples of Heavy or Thick Fabrics:
Wool: Known for its insulating properties, wool is great for keeping warm but can be too hot and heavy in warmer climates.
Denim: Often used in jeans and jackets, denim is a sturdy and relatively heavy fabric that can be uncomfortable in humid conditions.
Corduroy: A durable fabric with a distinctive ribbed texture, corduroy is thicker and can be too warm for hot weather.
Leather: While stylish and durable, leather is heavy and not breathable, making it a poor choice to wear for hot and humid climates.
Heavy Cotton: Thick cotton fabrics, like those used in some sweatshirts and pants, can be stifling in warm weather.
Why to Avoid:
Climate Considerations: Hanoi has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers.Wearing heavy fabrics can make you feel uncomfortable and overheated. Opt for lightweight, breathable materials like cotton or linen to stay cool.
Ease of Movement: Lighter fabrics also allow for better movement and comfort to wear, essential for exploring the city’s many attractions.
You should wear lightweight and breathable fabrics:
Cotton clothing
Cotton: Opt for lightweight cotton, which is breathable and comfortable in hot weather.
Linen: Linen is excellent for warm climates as it is lightweight and allows air to flow freely.
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: Synthetic fabrics like polyester blends designed to wick moisture away from the skin can help keep you dry and comfortable.
Loose-Fitting Clothes: Clothes that are loose-fitting allow for better air circulation, helping to keep your body cool.
Should I bring high heels?
High heels
High heels refer to shoes where the heel is significantly elevated above the toes. They come in various styles, including stilettos, pumps, wedges, and platform heels. While high heels can add a fashionable touch to an outfit, they can be impractical and uncomfortable in many situations to wear, especially when traveling in a city like Hanoi.
Examples of High Heels:
Stilettos: Shoes with a very thin, high heel.
Pumps: Classic dress shoes with a medium to high heel to wear
Wedges: Shoes with a heel that runs under the entire foot, providing more stability.
Platform Heels: Shoes with a thick sole at the front as well as a high heel at the back.
Why you should not wear:
Practicality: Hanoi’s streets can be uneven, with many areas having cobblestones, narrow sidewalks, and bustling markets. High heels can make navigating these areas difficult and uncomfortable to wear.
Comfort: With so much to see and do, you’ll likely be walking a lot. Comfortable, flat shoes or sandals are a better choice to keep your feet happy.
You should bring comfortable shoes in Hanoi:
Comfortable shoes
Flat Shoes: Opt for flats, sandals, or sneakers that provide comfort and support.
Arch Support: Choose shoes with good arch support to prevent foot fatigue.
Breathable Materials: Look for shoes made from breathable materials to keep your feet cool in Hanoi’s humid climate.
Adjustable Straps: Shoes with adjustable straps can provide a better fit and added comfort.
Expensive Jewelry or Accessories
Jewelry
Expensive jewelry or accessories refer to items that are valuable and often made from precious metals, gemstones, or other high-value materials. These can include watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other adornments that have significant monetary worth. While these items can enhance an outfit, wearing them in certain situations, especially when traveling, can pose risks. For example:
Diamond Rings and Earrings: Items with high-value gemstones.
Gold and Platinum Jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces made from precious metals.
Luxury Watches: High-end brands such as Rolex, Omega, or Patek Philippe.
Designer Accessories: Items like handbags, belts, and sunglasses from luxury fashion brands.
Why you should not wear:
Safety Concerns: Wear flashy or expensive jewelry can make you a target for theft. It’s best to leave valuable items at home or in your hotel safe.
Simplicity: Traveling light and keeping your accessories simple can help you enjoy your trip without worrying about losing or damaging valuable items.
Tips for Traveling with Jewelry and Accessories:
Minimalism: Bring only what you need and avoid carrying your most valuable pieces.
Secure Storage: Use hotel safes to store valuable items when not in use.
Discreet Choices: Opt for simple and less conspicuous accessories that do not attract attention.
Travel Insurance: Ensure that your travel insurance covers lost or stolen jewelry.
Fake Alternatives: Consider to wear less expensive or imitation pieces that still look stylish but do not have significant monetary value.
Avoid wearing bright and flashy colors clothes
Colorful clothes
Bright and flashy colors refer to garments that are very vivid, eye-catching, and sometimes neon in hue. These colors can be visually striking and are often used to make a bold fashion statement. While these colors can be fun and expressive, they might not be suitable for all occasions and settings, especially when traveling in a culturally rich and traditional city like Hanoi. For example:
Neon Colors: Extremely bright hues such as neon green, pink, orange, and yellow.
Bold Primary Colors: Vivid shades of red, blue, and yellow that stand out prominently.
Metallics: Shiny fabrics like gold, silver, and other metallic tones that reflect a lot of light.
Patterns with Bright Contrasts: Clothes with bold, contrasting patterns that are visually striking to wear
Tips for Choosing Appropriate Colors in Hanoi:
Pastel clothes
Neutral and Earth Tones: Colors like beige, brown, grey, and muted greens and blues are versatile and appropriate for most settings.
Pastel Shades: Light pastel colors are soft, visually appealing, and more suitable for warm climates.
Cultural Sensitivity: Research local customs and dress codes to ensure your attire is respectful and appropriate.
Mix and Match: Combine a few bright pieces with neutral items to create a balanced and stylish look without overwhelming your outfit.
Why you should not wear:
Cultural Respect: In some cultural or religious settings, bright and flashy colors may be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate. Neutral or muted tones are generally safer choices.
Blend In: Wear more subdued colors can help you blend in with the locals, making your experience more immersive and less tourist-like.
Conclusion
When visiting Hanoi, dressing appropriately is not just about comfort but also about showing respect for the local culture and traditions. Avoiding revealing clothing, heavy fabrics, high heels, expensive accessories, bright colors, and inappropriate attire for religious sites will help ensure a pleasant and respectful experience. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and history of Hanoi while respecting its cultural norms.
Remember, dressing appropriately not only enhances your experience but also demonstrates respect for the local culture, making your visit to Hanoi more meaningful and enjoyable to wear.
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We will explore the most amazing places in the north of Vietnam. First, North Vietnam Hanoi Tour will bring you to explore Hanoi charming city, with a half-day city tour, you will visit the most iconic attractions in Hanoi such as President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the old quarter of Hanoi. After Hanoi, we are going to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh where we visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy the boat trip in Tam Coc and to discover the countryside. For ending two days of Inspirational Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Tour, we will spend one night stay on a cruise to explore the seven natural wonder of the world. Let’s explore the Magnificent North of Vietnam with Impress Travel.
HANOI ARRIVAL – GREETING – HANOI CITY TOUR– Private Tour (L)
Good morning, pick you up at Noi Bai International
Airport and transfer to Hanoi Capital city.
Check-in the hotel then have lunch at the restaurant.
Afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ( closed on Monday and Friday, every afternoon, and whole from 15 June – 15 August, view the outside the building). Inside the mausoleum, there are sightseeing of the Presidential Palace (view from outside), President’s Fishpond, House On Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Next, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Literature. It is where Confucius – The founder of Confucianism was worshiped. This place as known as the first National University of Vietnam. It is where kings, mandarins, talented people of Vietnam training to the functionary.
Our tour continues with an exciting visit. We will visit one of the most beautiful lakes in Hanoi is Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we will go to the Ngoc Son Temple, which is in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Continue a short walking tour around the old quarter with a tour guide.
Day Inclusions: Private A/C transfer, English-speaking tour guide in Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, hotel in Hanoi
Day 02
HANOI – NINH BINH (TAM COC, HOA LU) TOUR (B/L)
Good morning, have breakfast at the hotel.
7.30 – 8.00 AM: Pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter and transfer to Tam Coc.
8.00 – 10.00 AM: After two hours of transferring, our tour guide will introduce you to Vietnam as the history, culture, lifestyle of local people. On the conical hat, we will have a mini-game show to teach you how to say and write some Vietnamese simple words such as Xin Chào, Tạm Biệt, Tôi yêu Ninh Bình, etc. We will give you a little souvenir and you can wear it during the trip.
10 AM: We will prepare for a boat trip to visit the beautiful Tam Coc. It takes 1.30 hours rowing along the Ngo Dong river through the three mysterious caves. You can enjoy spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
11.30 AM: We will get on Thanh pier for a short walk to visit Thai Vi Temple, which is one of the well-known temples in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. We will continue 10 minutes walking along majestic valley with rice fields, rivers and lotus ponds for Tam Coc Nature Lodge where we will relaxing
Enjoy your lunch in here – Vietnamese food.
1.30 PM: you have a chance to be a fisherman and learn how to catch the fish in the pond or river.
2:00 – 3:00 PM: We ride a bike to Thung Nang, along the river among the rice field, lotus ponds, and limestone Mountains. We will continue to through a peaceful Dan Khe Trong village. This area is a real picture of the rural countryside in the north of Vietnam.
15: 00: Return the van, drive to visit Hoa Lu Ancient citadel which was built in the 10th century, and the temple dedicated to King Dinh and King Le
4:00 PM: Back to Hanoi Capital.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi & we will drop you at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
Have dinner is available on your request.
Overnight at the Hanoi Hotel.
Day Inclusions: Car/Mini-Van, Outstanding English speaking guide, Lunch – Vietnamese Cuisine at Tam Coc Nature Eco Lodge, All sightseeing tickets, Good bike with gears, 02 bottles of Mineral water, Services charges and government tax, Rowing boat to visit Tam Coc, One conical hat as souvenir, Demonstration of teaching to learn how to write, speak Vietnamese, and catch fish
Day 03
HANOI – HALONG CRUISE (B/L/D)
Good morning! Enjoy your with have breakfast at your hotel, then check-out the hotel.
07:30 am – 08:00: Pick up from your hotel to travel to Halong Bay (notice: pickup time can be a bit flexible depending on each different Cruise, distance Hanoi – Halong bay is 160km, a stop for break time on halfway for a refreshment).
You enjoy the drive and sightseeing the peaceful countryside scenery during the bus trip (4 hours), we arrive at the Ha Long bay seaport at around noontime.
12h 30: You will aboard the cruise, check-in & enjoy a welcome drink while your cabin will be assigned.
Check-in your cabin and put your luggage in, relax and may do a short inspection tour by moving around the cruise to discover about the cruise’s architecture & design
Enjoy the sumptuous lunch with fresh seafood meal while cruise slowly gliding out into the Halong bay.
15h00 – 16h00: Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16h00 – 17h00: Cruising to Titop Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titop or climb up to the top of the island for a view panorama of Halong Bay.
17h00 – 17h30: Return to the boat, enjoying beautiful seascape on the way.
17h30 – 19h00: Enjoy Sunset Party on the sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.
Day Inclusions: Hotel breakfast, shuttle bus A/C transfer, English speaking tour guide on CRUISE only, entrance fee, full board, joint Cruise in Halong bay with private cabin (2 persons share 1 cabin)
Day 04
HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L)
Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h00 – 07h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
08h30 – 09h30 Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10h00 – 10h30 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
10h30 – 11h30 while heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
11h45 – 12h00 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
12h15 – 12h30 Transfer back to Hanoi.
About 16:00 – Arrival back to Hanoi central city, recheck in the hotel
Dinner is available on your request.
Free time & Overnight in Hanoi city
Day 05
HANOI CITY CENTER TO NOI BAI AIRPORT – DEPARTURE (B)
Good morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, you have some free time to explore Hanoi city before going to Noi Bai airport for your scheduled flight.
The end of the tour, thank you and see you again!
What’s included in this trip :
A/C accommodation with DOUBLE or TWIN ROOM (2 persons share 1 room; single room can be available on request) with daily breakfast
A/C transfer from Airports to the hotel and other tourist destinations according to the itinerary
Bus round trip to Hanoi – Ha Long Bay; (private land transfer available on request)
2 days 1 night on Joint Cruise trip in Ha Long Bay, with DOUBLE or TWIN (2 persons share 1 cabin; single cabin can be available on request), full meals on board
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (Breakfast = 04; Lunch = 04; Dinner = 01)
English- speaking guides as specified (Chinese/ Malaysian speaking guide can be available on request)
Entrance fees
Mineral water (2 bottles/ per day with sightseeing tour)
What’s excluded in this trip:
All international and domestic flights
Specified as Chinese/ Malaysian/ Indonesian/Thai speaking guide can be available on request to pay for extra-fee.
Travel Insurance
Airport taxes
All meals not mentioned
Tips for tour guides, drivers, crew members in Ha Long Bay, other attendants if may have (3 USD/pax/day)
Other personal expenses not mentioned.
3 STAR HOTELS & CRUISES IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Room Type
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 3-star Hotels
Adamas Deluxe City
ADAMAS HANOI HOTEL Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/
3-star Halong Bay Cruises
Swan Cruise Deluxe
SWAN CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: http://swancruiseshalong.com/
4 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Room Type
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 4-star Hotels
The light deluxe with window
THE LIGHT HOTEL HANOI
Refer: thelighthotelhanoi.com/en/
4-star Halong Bay Cruises
Sealife Suite Canbin
HUONG HAI SEALIFE CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: www.sealifegroup.com
5 STAR HOTELS & CRUISE IN VIETNAM SELECTED
Destination
Hotel Category
HOTEL NAME, ROOM TYPE & WEBSITE
Hanoi 5-star hotels
Deluxe Sketch Apricot Hotel
APRICOT HOTEL HANOI
Refer: apricothotels.com/room/sketch
5-star Halong bay Cruises
Deluxe Room with Ocean View Margaret
MARGARET CRUISE HALONG BAY
Refer: https://margaretcruises.com
The hotels and cruise are subject to change to similar category in case of fully booked
Ranana
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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