Vietnam is one of my favorite trips to take. I love the adventure, the pace of the cities and of course, the FOOD!

Before every trip I’ve taken to Vietnam has come my packing and my prep. I like to alternate between my first love, backpacker-style, and my new style, which is more casual, laid back and remote-work friendly.

In the list below, find what I’ve taken to Vietnam, and how you can prepare. Basically, a trip to Vietnam is a ton of fun, and prepare for surprises. Come with the conveniences of home, knowing that you can buy more (especially clothes, and custom-made souvenirs) to take home, so leave space for that.

Use the trip selector below to adjust the length of your trip for the checklist that follows!

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Travel Documents & Money

These are the non-negotiable items you’ll need regardless of trip length. Think of this as your foundation. Everything else builds on having these basics covered.

Passport

Make sure it’s valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.

Printed E-Visa

Keep a paper copy and a digital backup. Immigration will check this.

Printed return flight confirmation

Immigration may ask to see proof of onward travel.

Cash (Vietnamese Dong)

Essential for street food and small vendors. Many places don’t accept cards.

Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard)

Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocks. Useful for hotels and larger purchases.

Backup USD

Keep clean, crisp bills for emergencies or currency exchange.

Passport photos

Bring 2x2 inch photos just in case. Better to have them and not need them.

Luggage & Bags

These items will help you organize your bag and make packing more efficient. Good organization matters when you’re dealing with tropical heat, humidity and the mix of urban and outdoor exploration.

Nomatic Compression Packing Cubes

Packing cubes

Essential for keeping your bag organized. Makes it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything.

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Travel Backpack Pro 40L

Travel Backpack

Easier than rolling luggage on uneven sidewalks. Vietnam’s streets can be rough on wheels.

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Quince Neoprene Daypack

Daypack or Crossbody bag

For daily exploration and keeping valuables close. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas.

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Dry bag

If you plan on boat trips or heavy rain. The monsoon season brings sudden downpours.

Clothing for Vietnam

Vietnam’s diverse regions mean different climates. The north can be cooler, especially in winter, while the south is hot and humid year-round. Layers work well for the varied conditions.

Lightweight, breathable shirts

Cotton or linen blends work best. You’ll want fabrics that dry quickly in the humidity.

Shorts

For the heat. The south stays warm year-round, so you’ll live in these.

Long lightweight pants

For evenings and mosquito protection. Also useful for temple visits that require covered legs.

Threshold Utility Scarf

Scarf or Shawl

REQUIRED for covering shoulders at temples and pagodas. Many religious sites enforce dress codes.

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Women's Stormbird Waterproof Jacket

Rain jacket or Poncho

Sudden downpours are common, especially during monsoon season. A lightweight option packs small.

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Vessi Weekend Sneaker

Comfortable walking shoes

Broken in before you arrive. You’ll do a lot of walking on uneven surfaces.

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Havianas Flip Flops

Sandals or Flip-flops

Easy to take off for temples and homes. Many places require removing shoes before entering.

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PAKA Original Crew

Light sweater or hoodie

For air-conditioned buses and planes, or cooler northern nights. The north can get chilly in winter.

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Toiletries & Health

You can buy most things in major cities, but having these on hand saves time and stress.

Sunscreen SPF 30+

Sunscreen

SPF 30+ is essential. Imported brands can be expensive, so bring your own.

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Insect Repellent

Insect repellent

DEET or Picaridin works best for mosquitos. Dengue fever is a real concern in some areas.

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Hand Sanitizer Travel Size Flip Cap Bottles

Hand sanitizer

For street food adventures. You’ll eat with your hands often, so keep them clean.

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Tissues or Toilet paper packs

Public restrooms often lack paper. Carry your own supply everywhere you go.

Personal medication & prescriptions

Bring enough for your trip plus extras. Some medications can be hard to find.

Travel First Aid Kit

Basic first aid kit

Band-aids, painkillers and stomach medicine like activated charcoal. Food poisoning happens, so be prepared.

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Electronics & Tech

Stay connected and powered up.

Unlocked Smartphone

You’ll need this for navigation, translation and staying in touch.

Local SIM card or Google Fi

Buy a SIM at the airport or use Google Fi. Data is cheap and coverage is good in cities.

VPN App

Install BEFORE arrival to access all websites securely. Some sites are blocked in Vietnam.

Grab App

Download and set up your account before arrival for easy transport. It’s like Uber but works better here.

Universal Travel Adapter

Types A, C and G are common. Vietnam uses 220V, so check your devices are compatible.

Anker Power Bank 10,000 mAh

Power bank

For long days out. You’ll use your phone constantly for maps and photos.

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Beach & Outdoor Gear

Vietnam’s coastlines offer beautiful beaches. You’ll want gear that handles sand, salt water and intense sun.

Chubbies Men's Swim Trunks

Swimsuit

You’ll find plenty of beaches and pools. Pack at least one you can wear all day.

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PackTowl Personal Microfiber Towel

Quick-dry towel

Lightweight and packs small. Perfect for beach days and hostel stays.

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Goodr Sunglasses

Sunglasses

The sun is intense, especially near the coast. Protect your eyes.

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Patagonia Terrebonne Hat

Hat or Cap

Essential for sun protection. You’ll be outside a lot.

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Sapa & Trekking Add-ons

If your itinerary includes trekking in Sapa or other mountainous regions, you’ll need specific gear for the terrain and cooler weather.

Vessi Stormburst High-Top Rainproof Sneaker-Boots

Waterproof hiking boots

The trails can be muddy and slippery. Waterproof boots keep your feet dry and provide better grip.

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Warm layers

Fleece or thermal layers work well. The mountains get cold, especially at night.

PAKA Quarter Performance Socks

Moisture-wicking socks

Your feet will sweat on long hikes. Moisture-wicking socks prevent blisters and keep you comfortable.

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