Hanoi - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Informal in public places. It is hot and humid for parts of the year, and it is not uncommon to see local men shirtless or pulling their shirt up displaying their corpulence and cooling down. At the embassy and government buildings it's common to see people in uniform or suit, or business casual. - Aug 2021
Varies. For me, business causal was just fine. You see all styles and fashions here. - Dec 2019
It is HOT in Hanoi and I recommend breathable fabrics. Business casual is acceptable most places. Formal dress only a few times a year if you go to Marine ball, Burns Supper or Latin Ball. - Jul 2019
The Vietnamese always dress up. Or walk around in matching pajama sets. So, almost anything goes. Active wear is not very common. Only expats walk around in tank tops and yoga pants. Choose cuts and fabrics that will allow you to survive the humidity. - Apr 2018
Diplomats typically wear business -- sometimes business casual in the hot months. Vietnamese men typically wear business casual to work, while women tend to dress up a lot. After work, Vietnamese dress very casually at home or on the street. Bring a tux/gown to use at the Marine Ball and/or at one of the other formals that take place throughout the year. - Dec 2017
Same as DC. Although the locals often dress very provocatively at work. Skirt barely skimming their backsides. - May 2016
Work is pretty formal. Men wear suits and ties. Women wear dresses or skirts (sleeveless is ok b/c of the heat. No panty hose required!). Open toed shoes for women are ok. Unless you're on the beach, it's better to be relatively conservative. Shorts and Tshirts are ok, but not short-shorts, crop tops, bare midriffs. - Aug 2015
Business casual normally. Ties and suits if external meetings. - Mar 2015
Very casual in public. Business casual to formal at work. It's a warm climate. - Aug 2014
Business casual at work. Outside, casual. - Dec 2011
The Vietnamese usually dress up a bit more than the average American. Most men wear collared shirts. - Aug 2011
Business casual to semi-professional. - May 2010
A jacket with no tie is the preferred dress code. But ties are not rare. - Feb 2009
While business suits are worn for the most important meetings, business attire expecially in the summer months can be more casual such as no ties, no jackets, and open collar dress shirts. Dress in public is similar to other developed countries although highly revealing clothing may provoke disapproving looks and some temples do not allow shorts. - Sep 2008
At work, depending on your position, fairly relaxed, polo's and slacks to suits to jeans and polo's. Outside the embassy, pretty casual. It does get cool during the winters, down to around 10C on average. This year we actually had a few days down around freezing. - May 2008
