What to Pack for Vietnam

Clothing

• Lightweight T-shirts or tops (quick-dry, breathable fabrics)
• Short-sleeve shirts/blouses (modest options for temples and cities)
• Long-sleeve sun shirt (UV protection for motorbike rides and boat trips)
• Lightweight pants (for mosquitoes, sun, and temple visits)
• Shorts or skirts (for hot, humid days)
• One nicer outfit (for restaurants, rooftop bars, or city evenings)
• Underwear and socks (pack extra; humidity means more frequent changes)
• Sleepwear (lightweight and quick-drying)
• Swimsuit (for beaches, pools, or island stays)
• Packable rain poncho or shell (monsoon season Jun-Sep)

Footwear

• Comfortable walking sandals (good for heat and city strolling)
• Closed-toe walking shoes (for long days and uneven sidewalks)
• Flip-flops or slides (easy for hostels, beaches, and showers)
• Water-resistant shoes (useful in rainy season and wet markets)
• Socks with cushioning (helpful for long walking days)
• Optional dress shoes or nicer sandals (for upscale nights)

Toiletries & Health

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (strong tropical sun)
• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (mosquito protection)
• After-bite treatment or antihistamine cream (for mosquito bites)
• Basic first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care)
• Personal medications (bring enough for the full trip)
• Motion sickness tablets (helpful for buses, boats, or winding roads)
• Hand sanitizer (for street food and transit)
• Tissues or toilet paper pack (not always provided)
• Travel-size quick-dry towel (useful for beaches and day trips)
• Rehydration salts/electrolytes (heat and humidity can drain you)

Electronics & Gear

• Universal travel adapter (Vietnam uses plug types A, C, and sometimes D)
• Voltage-compatible charger or power bank (check 220V compatibility)
• Phone and charging cable (maps, translation, ride-hailing)
• Portable power bank (for long transit days)
• Headphones or earbuds (flights and overnight trains)
• Camera or action camera (for Ha Long Bay, cities, and motorbike trips)
• Dry bag or waterproof pouch (boat trips and monsoon downpours)
• Daypack (for water, snacks, and temple visits)
• E-reader or lightweight book (long bus/train rides)
• Reusable water bottle (refill where safe or use filtered water)

Documents & Money

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Vietnam visa or e-visa approval (if required for your nationality)
• Printed and digital copies of passport and visa
• Travel insurance policy details (including medical evacuation)
• Flight, hotel, and transport confirmations
• Emergency contact list (paper and phone copy)
• Debit/credit cards with low foreign transaction fees
• Some cash in Vietnamese dong (useful for small purchases and markets)
• Backup card stored separately (in case of loss or theft)
• Passport photos (handy for some visa/permit needs)

Vietnam-Specific Essentials

• Temple-appropriate clothing (shoulders and knees covered for pagodas and religious sites)
• Lightweight scarf or shawl (easy coverage when needed)
• Local SIM card or eSIM plan (Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone for strong coverage)
• Water-resistant phone case (useful in rain and on boats)
• Mosquito net or net-treated sleep gear (for rural stays or budget guesthouses)
• Monsoon gear (compact umbrella or poncho for Jun-Sep rains)
• Sandals that can handle wet streets (frequent flooding in some areas)
• Small bills and coins (useful for street food, taxis, and market change)
• Translation app downloaded offline (helps in less touristy areas)
• Plug adapter with Type A/C support (most common in Vietnam)