Dress for dinner out in Hanoi and Saigon
 

For the most part, we will not eat in fancy restaurants, but we have made note of some of the better restaurants people have recommended in Hanoi, HoiAn and Saigon (why not Hue?). My question - especially to dgunbug, barefootbeach, and rkkmk's wife Kathy - what is the appropriate dress for nicer restaurants like Temple Club? I assume for all the others (Mango Mango, Secret Garden and the like), capris and a tank top will be fine). Do I have to bring something "nicer" with me for the better restaurants? What about my husband (not whether I have to bring him - that's a given :-) )

Any where here in Vietnam they don't dress for dinner. I have worn my capris all the time and not felt under dressed. I would say in some of the rest. the AC is strong and something with sleeves may be more comfortable. Bob has been going to dinner in his long shorts and a polo or short sleeved shirt. Sandles for both. Everyone wears flip flops here.

Do go to secret garden...Make a reservation if you can. Also if you want to do a cooking school that is the place. They have a lovely set up for it.

Kathy, thank you -- that's great help! (Sounds like you're feeling better, too, which is good news....)

Just a minor correction but it's "Karen" not Kathy.

Sorry about that, Karen!

I agree with Karen - very casual. Wear what you are comfortable in. As an aside, I see that Kathy & Bob missed Brothers which is at the far end of town. We thought the food and atmosphere were wonderful. It was one of our favorite meals.

So very casual even in the "nicer" restaurants in the cities? What do business people wear? (not that I'll be frequenting those restaurants, just curious)

It's Karen and Bob!

lol. I knew that!

I recall the French restaurant at the Metropolitan hotel requiring suit and tie.

Well then we certainly won't be eating there!

Oops - not the Metropolitan but the Metropole hotel.

Thanks every one for remembering who I am...KAREN

Try the Green Tangerine in Hanoi which is set in a lovely old building with an outdoor courtyard. Food is French but wonderful service. It is more of an adult restaurant but it was my birthday when I was there and my young son wanted to take me somewhere nice and the lovely manager at the Hotel Elegance told us about this place. We ate early and sat outdoors which was rather warm but added to the ambience of the evening. I wore a long pair of shorts and a nice top and sandals - certainly did not look out of place.

I concur on the Green Tangerine - excellent food. And I wouldn't worry about dressing up in Hanoi.