What to Pack for Vietnam: A Practical Guide

Vietnam is a long country with wildly different climates at either end. A two-week trip that starts in the northern mountains and ends on a southern beach will take you from 10°C fog to 35°C heat and high humidity, through air-conditioned buses, sleeper trains, and open-air markets. Pack light and pack smart.

Clothing

Layers are essential, especially if you're visiting Sapa, Da Lat or Ha Long Bay between November and March. The Mekong Delta and HCMC are tropical year-round; northern Vietnam has genuine winters. A light packable down jacket takes up almost no space and is worth its weight in the mountains.

• 3–4 lightweight T-shirts or linen shirts (quick-dry fabric is worth the investment)
• 1 pair of long trousers (required for temple visits; also useful on overnight sleeper buses)
• 1 lightweight waterproof jacket (afternoon rain is common in most regions)
• Swimwear if you're heading to beaches
• A light scarf or sarong — doubles as sun protection, temple cover, and impromptu blanket
• Sandals for beach and city days; trainers or light walking shoes for everything else
• Flip flops that slip on and off easily (you remove shoes constantly at temples, homestays and many restaurants)

Health and Pharmacy

Vietnam has good pharmacies in every city, but bring a basic kit:

• Stomach remedies — traveller's diarrhoea is common in the first few days as your gut adjusts
• Rehydration sachets
• High-SPF sunscreen (significantly cheaper at home than in Vietnam)
• DEET insect repellent (essential in rural areas and in the delta)
• Antihistamines
• Any prescription medications with enough supply to cover delays

Malaria prophylactics are generally not recommended for standard tourist itineraries (cities, beaches, popular sites), but if you're trekking in remote border areas of the north or central highlands, consult a travel doctor before you go.

Documents and Money

Keep photocopies of your passport, visa and travel insurance separate from the originals. Vietnam is a cash economy outside of major hotel chains and upmarket restaurants — carry Vietnamese dong (VND) for street food, local markets, taxis, and small guesthouses. ATMs are widely available but may charge fees; withdraw larger amounts less frequently.

What Not to Bring

• Heavy shoes — you'll rarely need them and they take up enormous space
• Large amounts of expensive electronics — theft is relatively uncommon but why risk it
• Excessive clothing — laundry services cost almost nothing throughout Vietnam
• Full-size toiletries — available everywhere at low cost

The single most useful item you can bring to Vietnam is a small, lightweight day pack. You'll use it for day trips, beach days, overnight buses, and everything in between. Everything else can be bought, replaced or laundered on arrival.