Wondering what to pack for your trip to Vietnam? We were in the same boat once and after a reader asked us this question, we decided to put together this complete Vietnam packing list guide.
Both Anna and I traveled all over Vietnam for 2 months, and as our long-time readers will know, it’s actually where we met, so the country is one of our favorites.
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What to Pack For Vietnam?
As we say in all our packing list guides, do not overpack. Similar to other Southeast Asia countries, you really don’t need to take a lot with you. I personally rode a motorbike across Vietnam so I have added certain items to extra lists when applicable.
Now, without further delay, here is a complete recommended packing list for Vietnam for both men and women.
Choosing the Right Travel Bag
For any trip that I plan, the first thing I do is decide on what travel bag to take with me. Like most countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is rugged. Even in large cities, don’t always expect even pathways and sidewalks.
This is why we recommend backpacks which will give you a lot more mobility when moving around. In this table below, you can find some of our recommended travel backpacks. If you have a bad back as I do, I also recommend getting a convertible backpack/wheely bag.
This will allow you to wheel your bag for the most part and carry it around when needed. We’ve been personally traveling with Osprey for the last few years and absolutely love all of their products. If you want more options, click on the button below to see our full guide on the best travel backpacks.
| Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
 Osprey Farpoint | - Carry On Compatible - Opens like a suitcase - Padded Straps - Recommended for Men - Has a sleeve for electronics |  |
 Osprey Fairview | - Carry On Compatible - Opens like a suitcase - Padded Straps - Recommended for Women - Has a sleeve for electronics |  |
 Osprey Meridian | - Carry On Compatible - Convertible to a backpack - Has an electronic sleeve |  |
 Nomatic Pack | - Multiple compartments - Padded Straps - Waterproof Material | Click Here to See Price |
Vietnam Clothing Packing List
For the most part, Vietnam is a hot country! Even during monsoon season, expect to sweat despite the continuous rain. While there are some places in the country that relatively have cooler weather, it’s best if you plan what to pack around the heat and humidity.
Listed below are some of my recommended items on what to bring for your trip.
Women
- 3 shorts (1 Athletic Pair, 1 denim, 1 board shorts)
- 2 dresses (1 maxi, 1 short)
- 3 tank tops (I tend to stick to basic colors to make them easier to mix and match)
- 1 cotton shirt
- 1 Dri Fit T-Shirt
- 1 Leggings
(long or cropped)
- 1 skirt
- 1 long trousers (hippie pants) – buy them in Asia (they’re so cheap!!)
- 1 long sleeved base layer (thin)
- 1 Lightweight Waterproof Jacket
- 5 pairs of Travel Underwear
- 2 bikinis to mix and match (P.S. Check out my FAVE bikinis) Cupshe Fashion Bikini Set
|Strappy Cross Back Bikini
- 4 pairs of travel socks (have at least 1 hiking pair)
- 2 Sports Bra
- 1 bra
- 1 light weight travel scarf
/sarong
- 1 hat (sports hat or a cute but small sun hat
)
- 1 Hiking Boots
/trainers (low cut and light weight)
- 1 flipflops (don’t buy expensive ones as you will eventually loose them)
- 1 sandals /TOMS Women’s Classic
(long or cropped)
|
/sarong
/trainers (low cut and light weight)
Men
- 3 shorts (2 boardshorts, 1 Travel Shorts
)
- 4 Tank tops
- 3 Cotton T-Shirt
- 1 Dri-fit T-shirt
- 1 Long Trousers
- 1 long sleeved base layer (thin)
- 1 Lightweight Rain Jacket
(super important if you are riding a motorbike)
- 5 pairs of Travel Underwear
- 4 pairs of travel socks (have at least 1 hiking pair)
- Backpacker security belt (This product is awesome!)
- 1 lightweight scarf
- 1 Hurley Dri-Fit Hat
- Men’s hiking boots
- Microfibre travel towel (Don’t travel with out this)
- flip-flops
- closed shoes (vans or toms)
Editor’s Note: Check out our Vietnam Travel Guide featuring the best things to do, places to stay, and what to eat.
Trending Tours in Vietnam
Accessories: Packing Essentials
What you bring on your travels to Vietnam will depend on your travel style is. As we are digital nomads, we do pack/carry more gadgets than the usual backpacker, so feel free to leave a few of the items out of your list.
- Packing Cubes
– I swear, Packing cubes have changed the way I travel!
- Padlocks– this is a must if you’re staying in hostels
- Sleep sheet
- Ziplocks (trust me, they will come in handy!)
- Water bottle (water filtration system)
- Small LED flashlightyou can attach to your bag
- 1 Microfiber Towel
– I swear, Packing cubes have changed the way I travel!If Riding a Motorbike:
- Rain Cover
- Headwear (head buff)
- 2polarized sunglasses (I say two because you’re bound to loose a pair!
- Vietnamese Dictionary (on your mobile phone)
Related: Travel Accessories: Must Have Items to Help You Travel Like a Boss
Travel Electronics
- Laptop
+ charger
- iPad Mini
(doubles as my kindle)
- Headphones
- Headphone Splitter
(perfect when you are traveling with someone)
- GoPro
- Camera (our choice would be the Canon PowerShot G7
) or Sony A7ii
- Wires and cables
- 2 SD cards (1gb)
- Power bank
(this one is awesome because it has a built-in torch!)
- Universal Converter
- Unlocked iPhone
+ charger
(doubles as my kindle)
(perfect when you are traveling with someone)
) or 
(this one is awesome because it has a built-in torch!)Read: Best Travel Cameras: How to Choose the Perfect Camera
If you’re not a pro blogger/ photographer, we suggest to keep the electronics to a minimum.
Toiletries Packing List
Women
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body gel
- Mosquito repellent (the good stuff!)
- Menstrual Cup (This is a life changer for me!)
- Wet wipes (TRUST ME ON THIS!)
- Lip balm
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Moisturizer
- Reef Safe Sunblock (bring a good one with you as this gets expensive in Vietnam)
- Deodorant
- Makeup (powder, blush, eyeliner) Yep…that’s pretty much it for me!
- Nail cutter and nail file
- Hand sanitizer
- Med kit (band aids, sterile gauze pads, basic medicine for pain, bad stomachs, and cough, vitamin c, 1 small bottle of betadine)
Men
- Shampoo & body gel
- Mosquito repellent (the good stuff!)
- Chapstick
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Moisturizer
- Sunblock
- Deodorant
- Nail cutter
- Shaver
- Med kit (band aids, sterile gauze pads, basic medicine for pain, bad stomachs, and cough, vitamin c, 1 small bottle of betadine)
Again like we say for other countries when packing for Vietnam focus on which activity you will be doing most of.
If you are planning to ride a motorbike across the country take a few spare t-shirts that you won’t miss after the trip (trust me, you won’t want to wear after your trip!)
Travel Must: At the risk of sounding like your parents, make sure you get travel insurance before hitting the road. Trust us, it’s one of those things you don’t want to leave home without. We recommend either World Nomads or Safety Wing, depending on the type of traveler you are.
Transport in Vietnam
To help you make the most out of your trip, we recommend downloading the Skyscanner App to help you find cheap deals.
When it comes to booking buses, trains, or boats, we recommend using either Bookaway or 12Go website. You can easily look up schedules and book things on the go which is super handy, especially when traveling during peak seasons.
Accommodation in Vietnam
There are loads of places to stay in Vietnam for all types of budgets. There are hotels, hostels, guesthouses and more, all available for your booking at a much lower price than Western countries (win!).
Airbnb Travel Tip: If you prefer to stay in apartments or villas, we recommend Airbnb. Check out our full article on how to get $45 coupon code for your booking or simply click here to get our coupon code to apply on your next booking.
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