Packing for Vietnam is a bit like ordering from a street food menu in Hanoi: everything looks good, you want to try it all, and before you know it, you’ve gone way overboard. But don’t worry. That’s where we come into help you.
Whether you’re cruising through Ha Long Bay, weaving through the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, or chasing waterfalls in Da Nang, this guide will help you pack smart, light, and with zero regrets.
How to pack for Vietnam: travel edition
First rule for Vietnam: Pack light
No, trust us, lighter than you think.
Vietnam will humble your overpacking tendencies fast. Between humid weather, spontaneous shopping (hello tailor-made everything), and the occasional need to carry your own bag up three flights of stairs, less is definitely more.
Aim for:
- A carry-on or medium backpack
- Room for souvenirs
- If you’re debating a ‘just in case’ outfit. Trust us, you won’t need it.
Dress for the heat & bring something weatherproof
Vietnam is warm. Like, walk-outside-and-immediately-start-glistening-with-sweat–warm. Pack breathable, lightweight clothing.
Think:
- Cotton or linen tops
- Loose shorts, skirts, or airy pants
- A couple of swimsuits (you’ll use them more than you think)
- A lightweight rain jacket or poncho and/or a small umbrella
Image source: Contiki
Remember to take something modest
While beachwear is fine in coastal areas, Vietnam is culturally conservative in certain places, especially temples and pagodas.
Bring:
- A light scarf or shawl
- Something that covers shoulders and knees
Bonus: That scarf doubles as sun protection, blanket, or makeshift pillow on long bus rides!
Shoes: Comfort over cute
You’ll be getting your steps up in Vietnam! A lot of areas, especially in the bustling city centres, are made for exploring on foot – markets, alleyways, temples, food stalls, bars and more. Oh, and save some space for a cheap, rip-off pair of Converse or other brand shoes.
Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes (already broken in!)
- Slide, flip-flops/thongs or sandals for beaches and quick outings
Hot tip: Leave the heels at home. Trust us, you won’t need ‘em.
Image source: Contiki
Toiletries and health stuff
You can buy most things locally if you need (and want to save space by packing light!), but a few essentials are worth packing. Seriously, don’t miss these items.
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Basic meds (pain relief, stomach tablets, etc.)
- Hand sanitiser
Tech and travel essentials
Stay connected and capture every single moment to make all your friends back home jealous.
- Universal travel adapter
- Portable charger (you’ll use it constantly)
- Headphones for long journeys
- Copies of important documents (better to be safe than sorry!)
Most importantly: leave space for some tailor made Vietnam clothes!
Vietnam is a shopper’s dream! From custom tailoring in Hoi An to handmade crafts and coffee, spices and other goodies, the biggest reason we’re telling you to pack light is because you will 100% want to buy a lot of new things.
The options are endless: new tailored suits and shirts, linen dresses or pants, playsuits, shoes… all for a super reasonable price.
TL;DR when packing for Vietnam
Pack light, versatile and ready for anything.
Perhaps, I don’t know, you’ll want to undertake a wild adventure like riding through Vietnam on the back of a vespa or motorbike. The options are truly endless!
Image source: Contiki
Find out more about Contiki’s Vietnam trips here.
