Are you traveling to Vietnam soon, and are unsure what to pack? I usually find packing to be a bit stressful because I have a slight over packing problem! However, I managed to fit everything for my 10 day trip to Vietnam in a backpack, and a small rolling carryon bag. Depending on how long you plan to visit Vietnam you may decide between checking a suitcase or traveling with just a backpack. Even though I was traveling with just a small carryon, I still had to check it on the plane as airlines traveling to Asia tend to be a bit strict in regards to the weight of a carryon. In the end it was more comfortable to travel with just a backpack, and my carryon arrived safely to my final destination. Regardless of the length of your trip there are several essential items that should be on your Vietnam packing list. Keep reading for my complete Vietnam packing list!
Typical Weather in Vietnam
Vietnam is quite a large country with varying landscapes, terrains, and climates. Depending on when you travel, and which cities you decide to visit the weather conditions can vary. One element that is quite consistent, however, is the humidity. The humidity levels were extreme in every city I visited, therefore, I recommend you keep this in mind when packing.
North: Typically from November to April the average temperature is around 20 degrees C (70 degrees F). However, when I went in April it was quite hot in the North. Summer is from May to October in the North, with the wet season lasting from July to September.
Central: In the center of the country, the hottest months are generally from January to July, where the temperature average is around 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). The rainy season lasts from October to November, and there is a possibility of encountering typhoons.
South: The South of Vietnam tends to be the warmest with an average year-round temperature of 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). However, keep in mind that I was there in early April and the daily temperature was about 40 degrees celsius with the humidity (104 F). The dry season is from November to April. The wet season, also known as monsoon season, is from May to November with the wettest months being July and August.
What to Pack
Packing for a trip to Vietnam will depend on many factors, including the length of your stay, and what activities you plan on doing. If you have done any research beforehand, and have an idea of which cultural our outdoor activities you wish to do this may help ease the packing process. For example, if you wish to go hiking or plan on renting a motorbike then you will definitely need to bring sturdy sneakers and appropriate clothing. Whereas, if you plan on spending most of your time at the beach, I recommend packing multiple swimsuits.
As I was only in Vietnam for 10 days, I managed with just a small carryon and a backpack. Below is my basic packing list which got me through my entire trip. If you are planning on going for longer, and wish to save space then also keep in mind that most hostels and hotels offer laundry service to clean your clothes along the way!
Vietnam Packing List Essentials
Even before you think about what clothes or accessories to pack, the below items are essential for any trip to Vietnam:
- Passport (Forget about getting on the plane without it. Make sure it’s valid and that you have free visa pages)
- Visa (Check to see if your country of residence requires a visa .You can get your visa beforehand at a consulate, online, or upon arrival).
- Two Passport Sized Photos (if you decide to apply for your visa once in Vietnam)
- Cash (it is much easier to exchange cash at the airport)
Women's Clothing Packing List
Due to the constant humidity and high temperatures, make sure to pack plenty of light weight, loose clothing that will keep you cool.
- 2/3 Pairs of Shorts (linen, cotton, demin)
- 1 Pair of Jeans
- 3 Dresses (Maxi, Midi, Mini)
- 1 Jumpsuit/Playsuit
- 3 T-Shirts/Tanks (neutral colors make them more versatile)
- 1/2 Long Skirts
- 1/2 Long Sleeve Tops (for cooler evenings in the North)
- PJs
- 2/3 Swimsuits (2 bikinis & 1 one piece)
- Beach Cover Up
- Enough Underwear (socks, underwear, bras)
- Comfortable Sandals
- Sneakers
- Flip Flops (can also be bought in Vietnam)
Accessories Packing List
Apart from the clothing, ensure to pack these vital accessories for your trip to Vietnam.
- Sun Hat (can also be bought in Vietnam at the markets)
- Sunglasses
- Small Crossbody Bag
- Small Backpack (to use during the day and on excursions)
- BPA Free Steel Water Bottle (you cannot drink the tap water, but a smaller water bottle that keeps cool throughout the day will be easier to travel with than a large 1L plastic bottle from the markets)
Electronics Packing List
Since I was only traveling for two weeks, my electronic packing list was quite short. However, you can adjust it and pack whatever else you need for your trip.
- External Battery (I highly recommend one with at least 20,000 MAH to last several hours)
- Headphones
- Camera
- Converter (Vietnam uses type A, C, and F outlets)
- Go Pro
- Tripod
Toiletries Packing List
Toiletries are essential for any Vietnam packing list. Definitely pack your daily use products as there are several things that you won’t be able to find, or are much more expensive in Vietnam.
- Sunscreen (expensive to buy in Vietnam)
- Aloe/ Aftersun (also quite expensive to buy in Vietnam)
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hand Sanitizer
- Body Wash & Lotion (most hotels provide these but I would pack some extra)
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Face Wash
- Makeup
- Makeup Remover
Extras
Make sure to add basic medications, and anything else you may need to complete your Vietnam Packing list.
- Pain Killers
- Allergy Meds
- Stomach Meds
- Any prescriptions you normally take
- Multi Vitamins
Whether you are visiting Vietnam for two weeks or two months, this Vietnam Packing list will cover all of the basic necessities. If you tend to overpack, then I suggest planning outfits beforehand, and packing versatile clothing that you can rewear in different ways.
Safe Travels,
-Vip <3
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Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked the article! 🙂