Seasons in Hanoi & the north
The easy months are October to November
Which part of the country
Hanoi & the north is in an easy stretch right now, October to November. Nothing extreme is running: pack for the temperature and stop worrying about the season.
Going in August
Hot, wet and heavy, with most of the year's rain falling between July and September.
What this means for your bag
A packable rain shell
Not a winter coat — it stays warm through the rain. A light hooded shell that folds into its own pocket ends up in the day bag instead of the hotel room.
See the Weather Protection packQuick-dry fabrics
Cotton takes two days to dry in this air and starts to smell before it does. Synthetics and merino wash in a sink and are wearable by morning.
See the Summer Sun Kit packRoom for humidity
Everything stays slightly damp. Pack fewer clothes and plan to wash them, and keep anything that must stay dry in a sealed bag.
See the Summer Sun Kit packInsect protection
Standing water means mosquitoes, and the ones out at dusk are the ones that matter. Repellent with DEET or picaridin, and long sleeves in the evening.
See the Health & Wellness pack
Build a packing plan around the season you are actually travelling in.