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 comprehensive 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. Let's break down exactly what you'll need:

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.

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.

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)

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)

Clothing (General)

• Lightweight and breathable clothing (linen, cotton)
• T-shirts and tank tops
• Shorts and skirts
• Long pants (lightweight for temple visits and cooler evenings)
• Long-sleeved shirts (sun protection, evenings)
• Light jacket or sweater (for air-conditioned spaces, higher altitudes)
• Rain jacket
• Underwear
• Socks
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops

Vietnam Packing List for Each Region

Packing for a trip to Vietnam requires careful consideration due to the significant variations in climate across the country. While the general clothing guidelines above are a great starting point, here's a more detailed breakdown of what to wear based on the region and season:

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)

Northern Vietnam experiences four distinct seasons, including a proper winter. Pack layers, especially if traveling during the cooler months.

Winter (December - February)

• Warm layers: This is the coldest time of year, especially in mountainous areas like Sapa, where temperatures can drop below freezing. Pack warm layers, including a fleece or jacket, a scarf, a hat, and gloves.
• Long pants and Jeans.
• Long-sleeved shirts and sweaters.
• Closed-toe shoes: Pack comfortable, closed-toe shoes or boots, possibly waterproof, especially if you plan on trekking in Sapa.

Summer (March - October)

• Light and breathable clothing: Summers are hot and humid, with frequent rainfall. Pack light, breathable clothing made from cotton, linen, or rayon.
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Shorts and T-shirts
• Sandals

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue)

Central Vietnam has a tropical climate with a distinct rainy season and a dry season.

Dry Season (February - July)

• Hot and dry weather clothing
• Sun protection: The sun can be intense during the dry season. Pack a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen.

Rainy Season (August - January)

• Rain gear: This period experiences heavy rainfall, particularly from September to November. A good quality rain jacket or poncho and a compact umbrella are essential.
• Quick-drying clothes: Opt for clothing that dries quickly, as you're likely to get caught in the rain at some point.
• Waterproof shoes or sandals: Consider waterproof sandals or shoes that can withstand getting wet.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

• Southern Vietnam has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. There's a wet and a dry season, but the temperature remains consistently warm. So, be prepared:

• Hot and humid weather clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are your best bet. Pack shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, skirts, and sundresses.

• Rain gear (especially May - November): While the dry season (December - April) is less rainy, it's still a good idea to have a light rain jacket or poncho on hand. During the wet season (May - November), rain is frequent and can be heavy, so rain gear is essential.

• Sandals: Comfortable sandals are perfect for the hot and humid weather.

Activity-Specific Packing List for Vietnam

Beyond the essentials and climate-specific items, you'll want to pack a few extra things depending on the activities you have planned for your Vietnam adventure.

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.)

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.

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

If you plan on renting a motorbike or scooter in Vietnam (ensure you have the proper license and insurance), consider these items:

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

Optional Items to Consider

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
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Quick-drying towel
• Small padlock for securing your bag
• Travel journal and pen
• Phrasebook or translation app
• Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)
• Playing cards or a small travel game

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
• E-cigarettes (vaping is illegal in Vietnam, starting in 2025)

Practical Tips for Packing for Vietnam

• Rather than folding your clothes, roll them up – it will change everything. It saves space, reduces wrinkles, and makes it easier to see what you've packed.

• Packing cubes are a fantastic way to organize your luggage and keep your clothes compressed. They help you separate different types of clothing (e.g., tops, bottoms, underwear) and make it easier to find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase.

• Resist the temptation to overpack. Remember that you can easily buy toiletries, laundry services, and even some clothing items in Vietnam, often at lower prices than in your home country. The less you bring, the easier it will be to get around.

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

• Before you leave, take photos of your luggage (inside and out) and its contents. This can be incredibly helpful if your luggage is lost or delayed, as it provides a visual record for the airline or your insurance company.

• Before heading to the airport, weigh your luggage to avoid any surprises or extra fees for overweight baggage. Use a luggage scale or a regular bathroom scale.

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