Vietnam Packing List: Expert Tips & What NOT to Bring

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Awesome! But figuring out what to pack can be a real headache. You know you need to prepare for different weather conditions and activities, but where do you even begin to create your Vietnam packing list?

The fear of overpacking is real, but underpacking can be even worse. Forgetting essential items can lead to unnecessary expenses, wasted time, and a whole lot of frustration. You don't want to be caught in a downpour without a rain jacket or be turned away from a temple because of inappropriate attire.

Relax and let this packing list from TravelThru be your guide. We've done the research for you so you can pack with confidence, knowing you'll be prepared for every aspect of your Vietnamese adventure.

Essential Documents and Money

Before you even start thinking about what clothes to pack or what adventures await, you need to make sure you have the absolute essentials sorted: your travel documents and money. These are the non-negotiable items that will get you into Vietnam and keep you going while you're there.

Passports & Visas

Your passport is your golden ticket to international travel, and for Vietnam, it needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Don't let an expiring passport ruin your trip before it even begins! Double-check that date right now.

Let's talk about visas. Do you need one for Vietnam? It depends on your passport. Fortunately, Vietnam offers several visa options:

• e-Visa: This is the most convenient option for many nationalities. You can apply for it online in just a few steps through the official Vietnam E-Visa website. It typically grants a single entry for up to 30 days.

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): While still possible, the e-Visa has become the preferred method. If you opt for VOA, you'll need a pre-approval letter obtained through a travel agency, and then you will need to collect your visa at the airport upon arrival.

• Visa exemptions: Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam for a specific period without a visa. Check the latest regulations on the official Vietnam Immigration website or your country's embassy website to see if you qualify.

Travel Insurance

While not a document required for entry, travel insurance is absolutely essential for any trip to Vietnam. Unexpected things can happen, from minor illnesses to flight cancellations, and travel insurance acts as your safety net.

Make sure your policy covers the following:

• Medical expenses: This is crucial, as medical treatment abroad can be extremely expensive.
• Trip cancellation/interruption: Get reimbursed if you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Lost or stolen baggage: Provides compensation if your luggage goes missing or is damaged.
• Emergency evacuation: Covers the cost of getting you to a medical facility or back home in a serious emergency.

Flight & Accommodation Bookings

Having printed or digital copies of your flight and hotel confirmations is highly recommended. While not always strictly required, they can be helpful during check-in or if any issues arise with your reservations. Plus, it's just good practice to have them readily available. Keep both printed copies in your carry-on and digital copies on your phone and backed up on the cloud for safekeeping.

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Copies of Important Documents

Make both physical and digital copies of all your essential travel documents:

• Passport (photo page)
• Visa (if applicable)
• Driver's license (if you plan to drive in Vietnam)
• Travel insurance policy details

Store these copies separately from the originals. For example, keep photocopies in your checked luggage and digital copies on your phone and in a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. If you lose the originals, having copies will make the replacement process much smoother.

Money Matters

Major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are the most common) are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger cities and tourist areas. However, it's always wise to carry some cash, especially when venturing outside of major cities or dealing with smaller businesses and markets. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being blocked due to suspected fraudulent activity. Also, be aware of potential foreign transaction fees charged by your credit card company.

>>> Recommended reading: Vietnam Travel Cost & Budget Tips for Your Dream Vacation

What Luggage to Take to Vietnam

This is one of the biggest questions travelers ask. Your choice depends on your travel style. But Vietnam presents some unique challenges.

Why a Backpack is Best 

Sidewalks in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are chaotic. You will find them full of parked motorbikes, street food stalls, and uneven pavement. You often have to walk on the road to get around these obstacles. Dragging a rolling suitcase through this mess is exhausting.

Also, many smaller hotels and homestays do not have elevators. You might have to carry your bag up several flights of narrow stairs. A backpack makes you mobile. It is the top choice if you plan to move between cities often.

When a Suitcase Works 

A suitcase works if you prefer a more relaxed pace. You can use one easily if you stick to resorts and take taxis door-to-door. Just be prepared to lift it over curbs. The wheels will struggle on the local streets.

What to Wear in Vietnam

Packing for Vietnam is tricky because the climate changes depending on where you go. You might sweat in Saigon one day and shiver in Sapa the next. Use this guide to cover all your bases.

Based on the Weather

Vietnam is long and narrow, so the weather varies wildly from top to bottom.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)

• Winter (Dec–Feb): It gets surprisingly cold. Temperatures drop near freezing in the mountains. Pack a warm fleece, thermal base layers, and a windproof jacket.
• Summer (May–Aug): It is sweltering and humid. Stick to loose cotton or linen to stay cool.
• Shoulder Seasons: Bring light layers. A hoodie or cardigan works well for cool evenings.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

• Dry season (Jan–Aug): The sun is intense. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and extra sunscreen.
• Rainy season (Sep–Dec): Heavy rain and typhoons are common. Bring waterproof sandals and a high-quality rain shell. Avoid canvas shoes that stay wet for days.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

• Year-round heat: It is always hot here. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Leave the jeans at home.
• Wet season (May–Nov): Expect sudden, short downpours. Carry a lightweight plastic poncho in your day bag. It works better than an umbrella.

Based on Activities

Your itinerary dictates your wardrobe just as much as the weather does. You need specific gear to stay comfortable on a trek and respectful in a temple. Here is exactly what to pack for the most common experiences in Vietnam.

Trekking and Hiking

If you're planning on trekking in stunning areas like Sapa or the Central Highlands, you'll need some specialized gear:

• Hiking boots
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Lightweight hiking backpack
• Water bottle or hydration pack
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Quick-dry hiking pants
• Rain gear
• Rain cover for your backpack
• Headlamp or flashlight (If you plan on doing any early morning or evening hikes.)
• Zip-off pants: These are ugly but practical. Use them as shorts in the heat. Zip the legs on for protection against mosquitoes or jungle brush.

TravelThru Tip: You simply cannot drink the tap water in Vietnam. It contains bacteria that will ruin your trip. We highly recommend a bottle with a built-in filter. This lets you fill up from any tap safely. You save money and help the environment at the same time.

Beaches and Water Activities

For those planning to soak up the sun on Vietnam's beautiful beaches or enjoy water sports, here are some must-haves:

• Swimsuit(s)
• Quick-drying beach towel
• Rash guard
• Water shoes, flip-flops, or sandals
• Dry bag
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Snorkeling gear (optional)
• Cover-up: A light kaftan, sarong, or sundress to wear over your swimsuit.
• Waterproof phone case

Exploring Cities and Visiting Temples

For days spent sightseeing in cities and visiting temples, prioritize comfort and cultural sensitivity:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Modest clothing for temples: Remember that shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting temples and pagodas. Pack long pants, a long skirt, and a shirt that covers your shoulders. 
• Light scarf or sarong: A versatile scarf or sarong can be used to cover your shoulders or knees when entering temples, and it can also serve as a sun shield or a light layer in the evenings.
• Daypack

Motorbike or Scooter Adventures

Thinking about renting a motorbike or scooter in Vietnam? It is an incredible way to explore the country. Just make sure you ride legally. You need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive here. Your regular license from home is not enough. Local police check for this document frequently in tourist areas.

Also, riding without an IDP often voids your travel insurance policy. Get this sorted before you leave home so you can ride worry-free. Once you have your paperwork, pack these items for a safer trip:

• Closed-toe shoes
• Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt
• Gloves (optional)
• Sunglasses
• Face mask or bandana 

Enjoying the Nightlife

• Smart casual: Rooftop bars in big cities have dress codes. Flip-flops and beach tanks are often banned.
• One nice outfit: Pack a collared shirt or a simple sundress. You will want to look sharp for the photos.

Toiletries and Medications for Your Vietnam Packing List

• Sunscreen (high SPF, reef-safe if possible)
• Insect repellent (DEET-based recommended)
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (consider solid options to save space)
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Deodorant
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Personal medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
• Basic first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, etc.)
• Feminine hygiene products (if necessary)
• Electrolyte powder: The heat in Vietnam is intense. You lose a lot of minerals when you sweat. Plain water sometimes is not enough to recover. Mix a packet into your bottle to stay energized. This is also the best way to bounce back fast if you catch a stomach bug.
• Activated charcoal: We love the street food here. But sometimes it might disagree with you. Charcoal is a gentle and natural way to settle an upset stomach. It traps toxins before your body absorbs them. Take this for minor bloating or queasiness instead of reaching for heavy medication right away. 

Electronics and Gadgets

• All-in-one adapter
• Portable power bank (for charging on the go)
• Charger
• Camera (if you're into photography)
• Vietnam eSIM/Local SIM Card (Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone are the major providers)

Essential Apps for Vietnam

Don’t wait until you land to download these. Having these apps set up beforehand will save you from airport Wi-Fi struggles and help you hit the ground running.

• Grab: It’s the Uber of Southeast Asia, but better. You’ll use it to book a car and motorbike taxis, order food delivery, and even send packages. Download and set up your credit card before you leave home so you don’t get blocked by OTP verifications overseas.

• Zalo: 99% of Vietnam uses Zalo. If you book a homestay, tour, or driver, they will likely ask for your Zalo number to coordinate. It’s faster and more reliable than email for communicating with locals.

• Google Translate: Essential for reading menus and street signs. Ensure you download the Vietnamese language pack for offline use, so it remains functional even without an internet connection.

• Xanh SM: A newer competitor to Grab that uses an all-electric fleet of VinFast cars and bikes. They are often cheaper, odorless, and the drivers are uniformed and highly professional. It’s a great eco-friendly alternative.

• BusMap: If you plan to use public buses in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, this app is a lifesaver. It shows accurate routes, arrival times, and fares, which Google Maps can sometimes get wrong for local buses.

• Currency Converter (like XE): Vietnamese Dong (VND) has a lot of zeros (e.g., 500,000 VND ≈ $20 USD). A converter helps you avoid the "mental math" fatigue and ensures you aren't overpaying.

Optional Items to Pack for Vietnam

While the previous sections covered the essentials, here are a few extra items that you might want to consider packing for your trip to Vietnam. These aren't strictly necessary, but they can enhance your comfort and enjoyment:

• Travel pillow and blanket
• Quick-drying towel
• Travel journal and pen
• Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)
• Playing cards or a small travel game
• Money belt (for security)
• Cable lock (for securing bags on trains/hostels)

• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs (for sleeper buses and honking traffic)

   

What NOT to Bring to Vietnam 

Knowing what not to bring to Vietnam is just as important as knowing what to pack. Bringing unnecessary or prohibited items can lead to complications, delays, or even legal trouble. To help you avoid any issues, here's a list of things you should leave at home:

• Drugs and illegal substances
• Weapons and firearms
• Expensive jewelry, flashy items (wearing flashy items makes you a target for drive-by bag snatchers in big cities)
• E-cigarettes (vaping is illegal in Vietnam, starting in 2025)
• Drones: Vietnam has strict laws about flying drones. Bringing one into the country can lead to it being confiscated at customs unless you have pre-arranged paperwork from the Ministry of Defense.

Practical Tips for Packing for Vietnam

• Pack for 5 days, not 15. You do not need to haul a massive suitcase. Laundry service in Vietnam is incredibly cheap, fast, and available on almost every street corner. Most hotels and hostels offer a "wash and fold" service for about 20,000 to 40,000 VND per kg (approx. $1–$2 USD). You drop it off in the morning, and it comes back fresh, dried, and folded by the evening. Save your back and let the locals handle the washing.

• It's highly likely that you'll want to buy some Vietnamese souvenirs during your trip, so make sure you leave some extra space in your luggage for those special mementos.

   

• If your trip falls in late January or early February, you might hit Tet Nguyen Dan. This is Vietnam's biggest holiday, and the whole country pauses for about a week. You must prepare for this. Withdraw extra cash early since ATMs often run empty. Pack enough snacks and toiletries to last a few days. Also, avoid wearing all black clothes. Locals view them as unlucky. Wear bright red or yellow to join the festive spirit.

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Vietnam is an incredible country, but it rewards travelers who are prepared. Don’t stress about bringing everything; remember that you can buy almost anything you forget for a fraction of the price once you arrive. Focus on the essentials: valid documents, lightweight clothes, and a sense of adventure. Now, give your bag one final check. If you have ticked off the items on this Vietnam packing list, you are officially ready to go. Have an amazing trip!