If you are planning a visit to Vietnam and need a sample packing list, you may check out our suggestions for the Vietnam packing list below. When packing for Vietnam, it is just need to keep a few key factors in mind as you choose what to bring from home.

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What to Know Beforehand

Before we dive into the detailed Vietnam packing list, here is what you need to know to get an overview of your destination and prepare for any differences you might encounter.

Language

The official and primary language used in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Nearly 12% of the population can communicate in English. You can rely on translation apps while in Vietnam or contact a local guide in advance for assistance.

Currency and Money

Most areas only accept Vietnamese Dong, and in smaller provinces, options outside of cash are limited. However, in airports and touristy areas, you can exchange multiple currencies (USD, Euro,…) for VND to suit your needs.

You can find fun facts about the Vietnam Dong banknotes here!

Weather and Climate

Vietnam has a relatively mild and safe climate for year-round travel. The weather in Northern Vietnam features four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Meanwhile, Central and Southern Vietnam experience two main seasons: rainy and dry.

The best time to visit and what to pack for each destination depends on various factors such as scenery, festivals, prices, and safety. These factors can vary across different regions due to Vietnam’s diverse climate.

Legal Papers

The most essential and irreplaceable item on the Vietnam packing list is your personal identification documents:

• Passport
• Visa (if needed)
• Flight or train tickets
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Travel Insurance
• International driver’s license (if you plan to ride a motorbike in Vietnam)
• Additional documents for special cases (off-road driving, invitation letters, documents related to children, health records, etc.)

Ensure that all your documents are accurate, match your personal details, are still valid, and are stored safely.

Clothing

The main seasons of Vietnam (as aforementioned) require completely different attire. Depending on when and where you decide to travel, you will need to prepare quite specific clothing.

Most parts of Vietnam are relatively open-minded, so casual wear is acceptable. However, if you plan to visit places of worship (temples, churches, mosques,…) make sure to bring clothes that aren’t revealing and have good coverage.

Clothing in Vietnam is reasonably priced, starting at around 8 USD per item, with a wide variety of styles and quality to suit all seasons and fashion tastes. So, if you don’t pack enough, there will be no need to worry – you have plenty of options to choose from.

Dry Season

The dry season in the North is from October to March, the Central from January to August (summer included), and the South from November to April/May.

• Breathable clothing: For casual and formal clothing, you should pack clothing that is made from breathable materials such as cotton.
• Reusable water bottles: It is good to stay hydrated while traveling and public water fountains are not available most of the time.
• Sunglasses and hats: Must-haves, unless you want to have your skin turned into the color of a cooked lobster under the crazy Vietnamese summer sun.
• Shoes: If you plan to do a lot of walking, hiking, or trekking, a good pair of shoes will be invaluable.
• Sandals: They keep your feet dry and comfortable during leisurely strolls, especially when visiting areas with water like rivers and streams.
• Swimwear: How can you visit Vietnam and not travel to the wonderful beaches it offers?

Rainy Season

The rainy season in the North is from May until early November,  the Central from September to December, and the South from June through November.

During this time, it doesn’t rain every day. Showers may come unexpectedly for a short period, but it is rare to experience rain that lasts all day or over several days. Besides, during the rainy days, it tends to get humid, with days when humidity levels go up to 90% in the capital Hanoi.

• Breathable and airy clothing
• Umbrellas and raincoats: Very self-explanatory. Raincoats can be very easily found in stores everywhere, and a lot of street vendors will offer them for a good price.
• Rain boots: Wet and soggy footwear is never a fun experience, so invest in a pair of rain boots if needed.

Cold Weather

You are most likely to encounter cold weather in Northern and highland areas of Vietnam during the winter months, from November to February. Winter temperatures in Vietnam usually range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, and in mountainous regions, it can drop to around 5 degrees.

In this case, be sure to pack warm clothing, socks, beanies, and scarves. It is also a good idea to wear windproof and thermal jackets of all kinds, or light fabrics like fleece and cotton for easier movement.

Toiletries

While stores in Vietnam do offer a wide range of toiletries, you can also choose to bring products from home that suit your needs best.

• Tissues, baby wipes: Paper towels and wipes are usually provided in abundance at restaurants and hotels in Vietnam. However, it might be a good idea to bring some of your own for convenience.
• Oil blotting sheets, baby powder, etc: Baby powder and blotting sheets can be a lifesaver for the heat.
• Sun scream
• Makeup, contact lens solution
• Menstrual pads/ menstrual cup, etc.
• Hair and skin products: If you are traveling during the winter, you can opt for moisturizing products, as the weather tends to get very dry at that time of the year.

Medicine

• Prescription medication: You can contact your doctor for more advice on this.
• Allergy meds and/or epipens: Vietnam’s diverse and delicious range of food can sometimes contain ingredients you are allergic to, such as seafood and peanuts.
• Anti-diarrheal medication: In case you are not used to eating unfamiliar foods or trying local street food, it is good to take some precautions.
• Anti-bug spray, bug bite medicine: A downside of being a tropical paradise and having breathtaking scenery is being a perfect home for wide insects and bugs.

Electronics

Electronic devices may help during long flights, waiting periods, or to keep track of your travel journey.

• Phone, headphones, and charger. For local SIM cards, you could buy them at airports.
• Travel adapter (Vietnam uses type A, C, and F)
• Kindle and charger
• Camera/memory cards, connecting cables and chargers
• Portable charger/battery pack
• Laptop or tablet and chargers
• Back up external hard drive or portable flash drive

Here are some suggestions for your Vietnam packing list to ensure you are well-prepared for your trip. Eviva Tour Vietnam wishes you a smoothly organized journey and hopes you discover many exciting aspects of the local culture.

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