Packing for Vietnam is easier than it looks, but the country’s length makes it tricky: you might need a down jacket in the mountains of Sapa and swimwear in the Mekong Delta in the same trip. This Vietnam packing list covers clothes for every region and season, documents, health items, gadgets and the things travellers most often forget.
Packing principles
- Pack light. Laundry is cheap and fast almost everywhere, often returned the same or next day.
- Layer up. Light layers work better than heavy clothes for changing temperatures.
- Choose quick-drying fabrics. Humidity is high, and cotton takes a long time to dry.
- Bring a small daypack for day trips, treks and boat nights, and leave your main bag at the hotel.
- Buy what you forget. Toiletries, sandals, rain ponchos and light clothes are easy to find in cities.
Clothes by region and season
| Region | Season | What to pack |
|---|---|---|
| North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang) | December to February | Warm jacket, fleece, thermal layers, scarf, warm socks |
| North | March to May, September to November | Light layers, a fleece for evenings, rain jacket |
| North | June to August | Light breathable clothes, rain jacket |
| Centre (Hue, Hoi An) | February to August | Light summer clothes, swimwear, sun hat |
| Centre | September to December | Rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, sandals |
| South (Saigon, Mekong) | All year | Light clothes, swimwear, rain jacket from May to November |
Read our guide to the best time to visit Vietnam for more detail on the weather.
The clothing checklist
- 4 to 6 light T-shirts or tops, at least two with sleeves for sun protection.
- 2 pairs of light trousers or long skirts; one pair of shorts.
- 1 lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun, mosquitoes and temples.
- 1 fleece or warm jumper; a down jacket for the north in winter.
- 1 light rain jacket or poncho.
- Swimwear.
- Sleepwear and underwear, socks.
- A scarf or sarong: useful for temples, sun and air-conditioned buses.
- Something smart-casual for nicer restaurants.
Our tip
Dress codes matter at temples, pagodas, palaces and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: shoulders and knees should be covered. A light scarf and trousers or a long skirt in your daypack solve this instantly.
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for cities.
- Hiking shoes with good grip if you plan to trek in Sapa, Ha Giang or Pu Luong.
- Sandals or flip-flops that can get wet, for boats, beaches and homestays.
For trekking, see our detailed Sapa and Ha Giang trekking packing list.
Documents and money
- Passport valid for at least six months, plus a photocopy kept separately.
- Printed visa or e-visa approval.
- Travel insurance details.
- Bank cards from two different providers, and some US dollars in clean notes.
- Flight, hotel and tour confirmations, on your phone and printed.
More in our guides to visas and money, SIM cards and getting around.
Health and toiletries
- High-factor sun cream and lip balm.
- Insect repellent.
- Personal medication, with prescriptions.
- A small first aid kit: plasters, blister pads, painkillers, rehydration salts and something for an upset stomach.
- Hand sanitiser and tissues, useful for street food and rural toilets.
- Basic toiletries; most hotels provide shampoo and soap.
Gadgets
- Phone and charger; a local SIM or eSIM.
- A universal travel adapter (Vietnam uses mainly type A and C sockets, 220 volts).
- A power bank for long days and homestays.
- A small torch or headlamp.
- A dry bag for boat trips and kayaking.
- Earplugs and an eye mask for night trains and early mornings.
What not to bring
- Heavy jeans and thick cotton clothes, which stay damp in the humidity.
- Too many shoes.
- Expensive jewellery.
- A drone, unless you have checked the current rules and permissions.
- A large suitcase if you plan to move often; a medium bag or backpack is easier on boats and trains.
Packing for specific activities
Boat nights in Halong or Lan Ha Bay
A small overnight bag is enough: swimwear, a light jacket for the deck in the evening, sandals, sun cream and a dry bag for your phone. Large suitcases usually stay at your hotel in Hanoi or travel in the vehicle.
Cycling in the Mekong Delta
Light, breathable clothes that cover your shoulders, padded shorts if you are not used to riding, closed shoes or sports sandals, sunglasses and a buff for dust. Helmets and bikes are provided on our cycling tours.
Homestays
A towel, sandals, a headlamp, earplugs and a warm layer for cool nights in the mountains. Bring a small gift for your hosts if you like, such as postcards or sweets from home.
Cambodia and Laos
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples, US dollars in clean notes for visas and borders, and a hat and plenty of sun cream for long days at Angkor.
A packing list for families
- A lightweight stroller or baby carrier; pavements can be uneven.
- Children’s sun cream, hats and insect repellent.
- Snacks and favourite small toys for transfers.
- Rehydration salts and children’s medicine.
- A tablet or books for flights and drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Vietnam?
Light, breathable clothes for most of the year, with warm layers for the north in winter and modest clothes for temples.
Do I need warm clothes for Vietnam?
Yes, if you visit the north between December and February, especially Sapa and Ha Giang, where nights can be close to freezing.
Can I buy clothes in Vietnam?
Yes. Markets and shops sell inexpensive light clothes, and Hoi An is famous for tailor-made clothing.
What plug adapter do I need for Vietnam?
A universal adapter covers the common type A and C sockets. Voltage is 220 volts.
Plan Your Trip With Us
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