What to pack for Vietnam?

List of things to pack for Vietnam

A responsible trip to Southeast Asia requires good preparation and proper research before traveling. For this, you will need a travel checklist that includes the essentials for Vietnam that you need to pack. What will we find on this list?

• Visa – don't forget your visa (if required for your passport), otherwise you won't even be able to fly to Vietnam and you won't be allowed on the plane.
• Passport – be sure to pack your passport and make sure it is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your trip + you have 2 blank pages in your passport.
• Copies of documents – in case of loss or stolen documents, it is a good idea to have an electronic copy/printed physical copy of the most important documents with you.
• Medicines – do you need medicines and a first aid kit in Vietnam? Yes, it is definitely worth packing your own personalized first aid kit for Vietnam. What medicines are worth taking with you to Vietnam? It is worth taking a first aid kit with medicines for stomach problems (diarrhea, electrolytes, probiotics), painkillers, fever reducers, bandages, disinfectants, allergy and insect bite medications, sunburn remedies, as well as all medications for chronic conditions (with a doctor's note, preferably in English).
• Cosmetics – take your favorite cosmetics with you, such as creams, conditioners, and other necessary items that you will not be able to buy in drugstores in Vietnam or will have to spend a long time looking for replacements.
• Insurance – always remember to take out travel insurance! It is worth having it handy, either in electronic form (often password-protected with the password stored in a familiar place) somewhere on your phone or, preferably, a printed policy somewhere in your backpack.
• Vaccination booklet – I recommend carrying your vaccination booklet with you, as it can always come in handy if you need to visit a hospital or (hopefully not) in case of health problems.

• Clothes – bring light, breathable clothes made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen) that protect you from the sun, such as shirts or skirts, and a swimsuit, plus long pants and sleeved blouses for visits to temples and cooler evenings, especially in northern Vietnam. What clothes to take to Vietnam during the rainy season? Rain gear (raincoat/umbrella) will also be necessary. Keep in mind that the north tends to be cooler in winter, so a sweatshirt or even a light jacket will come in handy.
• Comfortable shoes – be sure to pack comfortable and breathable shoes so that you can sightsee comfortably and not get too hot, e.g., sneakers or sandals/flip-flops/thongs.
• Sunglasses – I personally don't use them, but I know that many people don't leave home without them in the summer. Sunglasses are particularly useful in Vietnam, so it's better to pack them right away, as they are the most commonly forgotten item.
• Headwear – a cap or hat is essential for effective protection against the strong Vietnamese sun.
• Sunscreen – definitely SPF 30, and preferably SPF 50 to protect against the aggressive Vietnamese sun... but don't worry, it's a great sun for relaxation!
• A smaller backpack/bag/pouch – useful for carrying cash, sunscreen, water, etc., so you don't have to carry a large backpack.

Additional items worth taking with you to Vietnam

• Chargers – your luggage for Vietnam must, of course, be filled with chargers for your electronic devices, especially your phone. If you lose your charger, you can easily buy a replacement at an electronics store, which can be found in every slightly larger Vietnamese city.
• Power bank – is it worth taking electronics and a power bank to Vietnam? Yes, it is definitely worth having a convenient, lightweight, and powerful power bank with you, especially if you are doing a lot of sightseeing and don't want to waste time going back to your hotel or charging your electronic devices in cafes.
• Zipper bags – they will come in handy for packing dirty laundry or taking it to the laundry.
• Quick-drying towel – clothes and accessories for Vietnam include, for example, a quick-drying towel, ideal for wiping sweat or showering in accommodation facilities without towels provided.
• Mosquito repellent – mosquitoes in Vietnam are not as annoying as you might think, but it is definitely better to pack mosquito repellent and be calm about your nerves and health.

If you are wondering what to take to Vietnam for a month, you definitely need to prepare well for such a trip! Before flying to Vietnam, I recommend our other guides about this country:

• Vietnam tourist guide – visa, accommodation, attractions
• When to go to Vietnam? Weather and climate
• Vietnam – how to best plan your trip to this country?
• What to see in Vietnam? Sightseeing plan
• 10 most interesting dishes to try in Vietnam

For true travelers and fans of exotic climates, I invite you to check out our offer of trips to Dubai. The United Arab Emirates has a different climate than Vietnam, but it is a frequent stopover when traveling to Southeast Asia, and it is definitely worth exploring. Those interested can also check out the offer of accommodation in Dubai in private apartments with a great view of the city and attractions in Dubai, where you will find, for example, tickets to the Burj Khalifa cheaper than on the official website.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• How to pack for a tour of Vietnam?

What to pack for a tour of Vietnam is an important question asked by tourists before departure. For a road trip to Vietnam, you need to pack light clothing and something for heavy rain, necessary documents and your passport, chargers and a power bank, medicines and cosmetics, as well as accessories to protect you from the sun.

• What accessories will come in handy in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, accessories that protect against the sun and mosquitoes (sunscreen, headgear, repellents), a plug adapter (type A, B, C), power banks, comfortable shoes (sandals, sports shoes, hiking boots), a first aid kit (medicine for diarrhea, painkillers), light clothing (quick-drying), rain gear, as well as a bag for documents/a fanny pack and local cash. Gadgets to pass the time (e-book readers, games) are also important.

• How to pack light and practical luggage for Vietnam?

To pack light and practical luggage for Vietnam, choose breathable clothes (linen, cotton) that cover your shoulders and legs (protection from the sun and temples), comfortable sandals/sneakers, and an additional light rain jacket, mini cosmetics (you can buy many things locally). You will also need documents, a power bank, an adapter, and a first aid kit with stomach/mosquito medication.