So, you're planning an exciting trip to Vietnam! Get ready for incredible landscapes, vibrant cities, delicious food, and rich culture. But before you go, there's the practical question: what to pack for Vietnam? With its diverse climate stretching from the cool northern mountains to the tropical southern delta, and activities ranging from city exploration to beach relaxation and trekking, packing smart is key to a comfortable trip.
Don't worry, we've got you covered. This Vietnam packing list provides a comprehensive checklist covering essentials for every season and region, helping you pack efficiently for your adventure.
Vietnam's elongated shape means the weather varies significantly:
North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): Experiences four distinct seasons. Winters (Dec-Feb) can be cool to cold (especially in Sapa, sometimes near freezing with drizzle). Summers (May-Aug) are hot, humid, and rainy. Spring (Mar-Apr) and Autumn (Sept-Nov) offer the most pleasant weather.
Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Has a long dry season (Jan-Aug) with high heat, followed by a rainy/typhoon season (Sept-Dec).
South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta - like here in Ben Tre!, Phu Quoc): Tropical climate year-round. It's generally hot and humid, with a distinct dry season (Dec-Apr) and wet season (May-Nov), though rain often comes in short, heavy bursts.
Here are the essential items to consider for your trip:
Clothing Essentials:
Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Think cotton, linen, or quick-dry materials. Essential for managing heat and humidity.
Tops: T-shirts, tank tops, light blouses. Pack a mix suitable for different activities.
Bottoms: Shorts, skirts (knee-length or longer is more versatile), lightweight trousers or pants (linen pants are great).
Modest Outfit: Crucial for visiting temples and pagodas (shoulders and knees must be covered). A long skirt/trousers and a top with sleeves, or a scarf/sarong to cover up, works well.
Light Jacket/Cardigan/Sweater: Useful for cooler evenings, air-conditioned spaces, or travel days. More layers needed for the North in winter.
Swimwear: For beaches, pools, or Ha Long Bay.
Underwear & Socks: Bring enough for your trip, though laundry is easily available.
Sleepwear: Lightweight pajamas or sleep shorts.
Footwear:
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Essential! Sneakers, trainers, or comfortable loafers are ideal for exploring cities and sites. Make sure they're broken in!
Sandals / Flip-Flops: Perfect for beaches, casual wear, and easy removal when entering homes or some temples.
Optional: Water shoes (for waterfalls/rocky beaches), sturdy hiking shoes/boots (if trekking in Sapa or other mountainous areas).
Health & Toiletries:
Basic First-Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, medical tape, pain relievers (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen), motion sickness medication, anti-diarrhoea medicine (e.g., Imodium), hydrocortisone cream (for bites/rashes).
Prescription Medications: Bring enough for your entire trip, along with a copy of your prescription and potentially a doctor's note. Keep them in their original packaging.
Insect Repellent: Crucial, especially for evenings and rural/jungle areas. Choose one containing DEET for best protection against mosquitoes (which can carry dengue).
Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen (apply generously and often!), lip balm with SPF, after-sun lotion.
Hand Sanitizer / Wet Wipes: Essential for hygiene on the go.
Basic Toiletries: Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste. You can buy most standard items in Vietnam, but bring specific brands or sensitive-skin products you rely on.
Feminine Hygiene Products: While available in cities/towns, bring your preferred type/brand, especially if travelling to more remote areas.
Documents & Finances:
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
Visa (if required): Check Vietnam's visa requirements for your nationality well in advance.
Copies: Keep physical and digital copies of your passport ID page, visa, flight tickets, travel insurance, and hotel bookings.
Travel Insurance Details: Policy number and emergency contact information.
Credit/Debit Cards: Inform your bank of your travel dates. Bring more than one card as a backup.
Cash: Some USD for arrival (easy to exchange) and plan to withdraw/exchange for Vietnamese Dong (VND) for daily expenses.
Emergency Contact List: Phone numbers and addresses.
Electronics:
Smartphone & Charger: Essential for maps, translation, booking apps (like Grab). Consider getting a local SIM card upon arrival for cheap data.
Power Bank: Lifesaver for keeping devices charged on long travel days.
Universal Travel Adapter: Vietnam primarily uses plug types A (two flat pins), C (two round pins - common in Europe), and F (Schuko plug). A universal adapter ensures you can plug in anywhere. Voltage is 220V / 50Hz.
Camera & Accessories: Memory cards, batteries, charger.
Other Essentials:
Daypack: A small, comfortable backpack for carrying daily essentials (water bottle, camera, sunscreen, etc.).
Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste. Stick to bottled or purified water for drinking.
Travel Towel: Quick-drying, lightweight towel – useful for beaches, hostels, or unexpected situations.
Sunglasses & Hat: Essential sun protection.
Small Umbrella / Rain Jacket: Highly recommended, especially during rainy seasons, but useful for sun protection too.
Reusable Shopping Bag: Handy for markets and reducing plastic bag use.
Eye Mask / Ear Plugs: Useful for light sleepers on flights, trains, or in bustling areas.
Northern Vietnam Winter (Dec-Feb): Add warm layers! Fleece jackets, sweaters, long trousers, thermal underwear (for Sapa), warm socks, closed shoes, a warm windproof/waterproof jacket, scarf, gloves, and a beanie are necessary, especially in the mountains.
Rainy/Monsoon Season (South: May-Nov; Central: Sept-Dec): A reliable rain jacket or poncho is key. Bring quick-drying clothes, non-slip footwear (sandals or water shoes can be better than soggy sneakers), and a waterproof cover or dry bag for electronics/documents.
Trekking (Sapa, Ha Giang, etc.): Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots are non-negotiable. Pack layers (moisture-wicking base, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell), comfortable hiking pants, thick socks, potentially hiking poles, and ensure your daypack is comfortable for longer distances.
Beach Destinations (Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne): Extra swimwear, a beach cover-up or sarong, beach towel, and possibly a waterproof phone pouch.
Pack Light: Laundry services are affordable and widely available throughout Vietnam. You'll appreciate less weight when moving between locations.
Use Packing Cubes: Great for organizing your clothes and maximizing suitcase space.
Leave Room for Souvenirs: Vietnam has beautiful crafts, textiles, and coffee you might want to bring home!
Check Baggage Limits: Be aware of your airline's checked and carry-on baggage weight and size restrictions.
Roll Your Clothes: Rolling garments can save space and help reduce wrinkles compared to folding.
Packing smartly means you can focus less on what you brought (or forgot!) and more on enjoying the incredible sights, sounds, and experiences of Vietnam.
Ready to embark on your Vietnamese adventure? Explore our range of Vietnam Package Tours designed for every type of traveller, or get in touch with our travel experts to plan your personalized journey!
