What to Pack for a Vietnam Resort Holiday
Packing for a beach resort holiday in Vietnam is mostly obvious — but a few specific items will make your stay significantly more comfortable and a few things most people bring are completely unnecessary.
Vietnam's resort scene spans beach, mountain, and highland environments. This list is calibrated for a coastal resort stay of 5–10 nights, with notes for those combining beach time with city travel or highland visits.
Essentials You Should Not Skip
- High-SPF sunscreen (50+): Vietnam's UV index regularly reaches 11–12 (extreme). Local pharmacies sell sunscreen but at tourist prices and in small quantities. Bring at least 500ml.
- DEET insect repellent (40%+): Mosquitoes at resort pools and beach bars are present at dusk. Dengue cases occur; prevention is cheap and easy.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: If you plan to snorkel, pack a reef-safe version. Several Phu Quoc and Nha Trang resorts now require it at their water sports centres.
- Lightweight cover-up: For temple visits (shoulders and knees must be covered). A linen shirt and lightweight trousers weigh almost nothing.
- Universal plug adapter: Vietnam uses types A, C, and D. Many resort rooms have USB charging points but bring a multi-port USB adapter regardless.
What Most Resorts Provide
Five-star and four-star properties typically provide: sunscreen (poolside), beach towels, toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dental kit), slippers, a hair dryer, a small safe, and a daily water replenishment. Do not pack these. Check ahead for anything specific — most resorts respond to email enquiries within a day.
What Not to Bring
- Formal clothes: Vietnamese resort dress codes are resort-casual at most. Smart-casual for dinner. You will not need a suit or gown.
- Large guide books: Download offline maps (Maps.me is better than Google Maps offline for Vietnam) and save weight.
- Lots of cash: ATMs are available in all resort towns. Carry enough for one or two days; withdraw more locally.
