Cycling in Ho Chi Minh City is clearly one of the best ways to get an intimate look at the city, as every ride offers a fresh perspective on Vietnam’s vibrant city— the colours, the sounds, the street food corners, and all the little moments you’d miss when travelling by bus or car. But before you hop on your bike, there’s one thing you’ll need to sort out: what to wear.
The good news? You don’t need fancy gear or expensive fabrics to enjoy the journey. Just a few wise choices can help you stay cool, protected from the sun, and prepared for the upcoming weather challenges.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to wear for cycling in Ho Chi Minh City. From breathable basics to tips on dealing with the weather, consider this your go-to checklist for dressing right and riding happy.
How Ho Chi Minh’s Weather Affects What You Wear for Cycling?
Before you set off on your journey of cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s essential to learn a bit about the weather and the somewhat unpredictable climate here. First, it’s vital to be aware that temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City typically range from 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F) year-round, accompanied by high humidity that often stays above 70%. Because of this, many travellers consider the dry season — from December to April — to be the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, especially for outdoor activities like cycling, when the skies are clearer and the chances of sudden downpours are much lower.
Additionally, the UV rays in Saigon are moderately high, even on cloudy days, which explains why Saigonese often cover themselves when going out with full face coverings, long sleeves, and gloves. If you’re cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s imperative to equip yourself with breathable, UV-blocking fabrics or sunglasses; they not only keep you cooler but also protect your skin from the city’s harsh sun rays during long rides.
And here comes the twist: A sunny morning in Saigon can quickly turn into an intense rain or even sudden downpours when you least expect it. To prepare for unforeseen situations during your journey of cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, remember to bring a compact rain jacket or poncho, along with quick-drying clothing and waterproof sandals or shoes.
Head-to-Toe: What to Wear for Cycling in Ho Chi Minh City?
1. Top Half: Beat the Sun, Not the Sweat
When it comes to the top half of your outfit, the goal is to stay cool while staying protected, especially when cycling in Ho Chi Minh City under the blistering tropical sun. For the upper body, wear a lightweight, fast-drying athletic shirt or cycling jersey that wicks away the sweat from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable as you cycle through the city’s streets.
For extra sun protection, consider wearing a long-sleeve UV-protective shirt or arm sleeves, which is a popular choice among locals. These sleeves are designed to block harmful rays while remaining breathable, ensuring you stay refreshed and comfortable under the sun.
Adding a cycling cap or visor under your helmet is another smart move — it offers extra shade for your eyes and face during sun-drenched rides and helps with sweat control. Believe me, you will enjoy the ride without worrying about sunburn, soaked shirts, or overheating, no matter how far your cycling in Ho Chi Minh City journey takes you.
2. Bottom Half: Comfort Over Style
For seasoned travellers cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, what you wear on your bottom half can significantly impact your comfort level throughout the day. While you cycle, you may struggle overwhelmingly with the city’s heat, humidity, and constant stop-and-go movement, and your legs need to “breathe” frequently.
For a hassle-free journey, cycling shorts and breathable leggings are ideal for long rides, as these outfits reduce friction, keep you sweat-free, and, of course, allow you to move freely.
If you plan to visit some iconic, oldest temples or local homes during your cycling in Ho Chi Minh City journey, opt for loose, breathable pants made from lightweight materials like cotton or linen. Additionally, avoid wearing jeans or any tight, non-stretchy bottoms, as they trap heat, restrict movement, and can make a short ride feel more exhausting when pedalling or navigating crowded streets.
3. Footwear Guide: Stay Steady with Good Traction
When it comes to cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, footwear may seem like a minor detail, still, it can make a significant difference in both comfort and safety. Saigon’s streets are a mix of uneven pavement, slick surfaces after sudden rain, and constant starts and stops, so traction does matter!
To move comfortably and cycle smoothly throughout the journey, wearing closed-toe shoes like trainers, running shoes, or sporty sandals with secure straps is totally ideal. They provide the grip you need on the pedals and keep your feet protected from dust and heat. On the other hand, flip-flops and slippers should not be worn on the road, as they’re not only uncomfortable for longer rides but can also cause you to slip off and offer no protection against the hot pavement, sudden rain, or debris on the road.
In a city where you’re constantly pedalling and navigating narrow lanes, choosing the proper footwear can make a significant difference in making your cycling experience in Ho Chi Minh City safer and far more enjoyable.
4. Smart adds-on for your journey
When you’re cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, a few well-chosen add-ons can seriously upgrade your ride. First, never skip the helmet; you never quite know what to expect with Saigon’s traffic, so choose the one that’s sturdy yet breathable to keep your head protected. Sunglasses are essential as well, as they shield your eyes from the bright sun, dust kicked up by passing motorbikes or trucks, and even bugs.
Additionally, cycling gloves will offer better grip on your handlebars, minimise strain on your hands, and provide a layer of sun protection, especially during long-distance trips. And don’t forget a face mask, you won’t want to breathe in polluted dust or have the harsh sunlight glaring directly into your face. All in all, these small items might not seem essential at first, but once you’re riding through the nonstop flow of Saigon’s streets, you’ll be glad you brought them along.
What not to wear for cycling in Ho Chi Minh City?
If you’re gearing up for cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most important things to consider is what not to wear. Unlike cycling in a calm, suburban neighborhood, navigating Saigon’s lively streets means thinking about both comfort and safety. Wearing the proper clothing can help you stay visible, move freely, and react quickly — all key to safer city cycling in Saigon.
Hence, choosing the wrong clothing can lead to discomfort, overheating, and even safety hazards. Here’s what to leave out of your outfit:
1. Heavy jeans and long skirts
Although thick denim and long skirts might seem fashionable, when cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, these outfits can make you feel highly uncomfortable. For instance, jeans can trap heat and sweat, making you feel overheated within minutes. Likewise, long skirts can easily get tangled in your pedals or bike chain, posing a safety risk while riding through narrow streets or main roads.
2. Open-toe shoes and high heels
Footwear matters more than you might think! Open-toe sandals or flip-flops leave your feet unprotected from dirt, rough surfaces, and sudden scrapes especially if you need to stop quickly in traffic. High heels are even more hazardous, offering little control and stability while pedalling—my suggestion is to stick with closed-toe, secure shoes, or sneakers that provide both grip and comfort for travelling urban roads. This is especially true if you’re planning to join one of the Vietnam cycling tours, where you might be riding through a mix of city streets, countryside paths, and uneven terrain — all requiring footwear that can keep up safely and comfortably.
Our recommended footwear choices are mountain bike shoes, road cycling shoes, and casual bike shoes (lightweight sneakers). Here’s how different types of bike shoes compare — and why some work better than others for city riding:
Road Cycling Shoes
- Designed for: Speed and long-distance riding on smooth roads
- Pros: Lightweight, stiff soles for maximum power transfer
- Cons: Not ideal for urban cycling — the stiff design and protruding cleats make walking difficult and even slippery on wet surfaces
- When to use: Best to use for non-stop road rides outside the city
Mountain Bike Shoes
- Designed for: Off-road trails, mixed terrain, and dismounting often
- Pros: More flexible soles, recessed cleats, and better grip make them much easier to walk in
- Cons: Slightly heavier and bulkier than road shoes
- When to use: A good option for cycling in Ho Chi Minh City if you’re using clip-in pedals but still want the freedom to walk around comfortably
Casual Bike Shoes or Lightweight Sneakers
- Designed for: Everyday riding, commuting, and recreational cycling
- Pros: Comfortable, breathable, easy to walk in, and don’t stand out off the bike — ideal for hopping on and off at cafés, markets, or temples
- Cons: May lack the efficiency and pedal grip of clip-in systems, depending on your pedal type
- When to use: The most practical choice for city cycling, perfect for riders who prioritize flexibility and comfort
3. Tight, fashion-focused outfits
While it’s tempting to dress up for those street-side coffee stops or Insta-worthy temple visits, it’s best to avoid clothing that restricts your movement. Tight jeans, body-hugging dresses, or anything that limits your range of motion will make pedalling uncomfortable and sweaty, especially in Saigon’s hot and humid air.
When cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s best to prioritise lightweight, breathable, and stretch-friendly fabrics designed for movement and comfort on the go.
4. Headphones, earphones
The streets of Ho Chi Minh City are alive with sound — honking motorbikes, passing trucks, street vendors, and surprise obstacles. Wearing headphones while cycling in Ho Chi Minh City cuts you off from those audio cues.
Therefore, staying alert to your surroundings is utterly crucial for avoiding accidents and reacting quickly to the flow of traffic. In a city as full of life as Saigon, it’s worth remembering that your ears are just as important as your eyes.
What to wear during the wet seasons in Ho Chi Minh City?
If you’re cycling in Ho Chi Minh City during the wet season, preparation is key — not just for comfort, but for staying safe when sudden downpours hit. A lightweight, packable rain poncho or a waterproof jacket should be at the top of your gear list. If you’re joining a Ho Chi Minh City cycling tour, it’s especially important to be ready for quick weather changes, as rides often take you through open streets, local neighbourhoods, and riverside paths where shelter might not always be nearby. Being appropriately dressed means you can enjoy the journey without letting the rain slow you down.
1. Best Footwear for Rainy Rides
Your footwear also matters; consider quick-dry socks paired with water-friendly shoes, or simply going sockless in sandals designed for wet conditions, to help you avoid soggy discomfort.
2. Protect your essentials
When cycling in Ho Chi Minh City, keeping your belongings safe and dry is just as important as dressing appropriately for the weather. Hence, it’s wise to carry a small waterproof bag or invest in a reliable backpack cover. These will help shield essentials like your phone, wallet, and camera from unexpected downpours or splashes from passing motorbikes.
For extra security, consider using ziplock pouches inside your bag or opting for a waterproof saddlebag — especially if you’re cycling in Ho Chi Minh City or covering longer distances across the city.
3. Little Details That Make a Big Difference
Finally, don’t forget a cap with a visor under your helmet—it helps keep the rain out of your eyes and improves visibility when you’re navigating through slick, crowded streets. A good cap not only shields your eyes from rain but also from the glare of headlights and streetlights reflecting off wet surfaces.
Pair it with clear or lightly tinted cycling glasses for extra eye protection. The rainy season may be unpredictable, but with the right outfit and thoughtful gear, you can fully enjoy the rhythm of cycling in Ho Chi Minh City without letting the weather hold you back.
Cycling in Ho Chi Minh with a Local Twist with Jackfruit Adventure!
Cycling in Ho Chi Minh City gives you a rare chance to see the city from ground level, to move at a pace that lets you really notice the details: a mother watering her plants on the balcony, kids playing football in an alley, the clatter of a morning market just as it wakes up. You might stop for a glass of iced tea with locals in an eatery, or hop off your bike to explore a hidden pagoda tucked between apartment blocks. It’s these quiet, unscripted moments that often become the most meaningful parts of the journey.
Riding with Jackfruit Adventure adds another layer to the experience, going with locals who know the backstreets, where to stop, when to keep riding, and how to let the day unfold naturally. Here, our rides are designed with this kind of experience in mind, not just checking off sights, but weaving through the living, breathing fabric of the city. If you’re looking to connect with Saigon in a way that feels grounded and real, joining one of Jackfruit Adventure’s cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City might just be the most honest way to do it.
