Vietnam Packing List: What to Pack (2024 Guide)

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.

What to Pack For Vietnam?

As we say in all our packing list guides, do not overpack. Similar to other Asian 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.

When planning to visit Vietnam, it’s important to consider the weather and the types of activities you’ll be participating in. Vietnam experiences tropical weather, with hot and humid temperatures in the summer months and cooler, wetter weather in the winter.

As a result, lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking / hiking shoes are a must. Additionally, depending on your itinerary, you may want to pack items such as swimwear for beach activities, or rain gear for trekking in the North.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring along necessary items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun for your Vietnam trip! Although you can buy things like sunblock locally, we recommend bringing a brand that you’re already familiar with as there aren’t a lot of options.

Now, without further delay, here is a complete recommended packing list for Vietnam for both men and women.

Choosing the Right Travel Bag for Vietnam

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.

Visiting places like Hanoi, Hoi An, Sapa, or even Dalat offer you a huge variety of terrain and climates.

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 backpacks for travel. 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.

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.

Additionally when packing for a trip to Vietnam, just keep in mind that lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton dresses, shorts, and tops are the best to combat the hot and humid weather.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring on foot. If you’re planning on visiting the beach, don’t forget to pack swimwear and sunscreen.

Other essential items to bring along include a hat for sun protection, insect repellent, and a lightweight rain jacket for the occasional rain shower.

Listed below are some of my recommended items for visiting Vietnam. These are the items that my partner Anna used to pack for Vietnam so our recommendations have been tried and tested!

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
• 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 

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 (You want to make sure you have a good pair of flip flops with good arch support!)
• 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.

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 flashlight you can attach to your bag
• 1 Microfiber Towel

If Riding a Motorbike in Vietnam:

Riding a motorbike in Vietnam is a popular and convenient way to explore the country. However, it’s important to be prepared and bring along the necessary items to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Some essential items to bring with you include a valid international driving license, a full face helmet, comfortable clothing, and a map or GPS device. Before setting off, make sure to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and the road conditions, and always ride with caution to ensure a safe and memorable trip.

Here are some of the essential items that I brought with me during my 3 week motorbike trup across Vietnam.

• Rain Cover
• Headwear (head buff)
• 2 polarized sunglasses (I say two because you’re bound to loose a pair!
• Vietnamese Dictionary (pre downloaded on your mobile phone)
• Dry bag

Related: Travel Accessories: Must Have Items to Help You Travel Like a Boss

Travel Electronics

Bringing electronics when traveling to Vietnam can be useful for staying connected, capturing memories, and making travel easier. However, it’s important to consider the local conditions and regulations when deciding what to bring.

Power outlets in Vietnam are typically 220V, so you may need a voltage converter and plug adapter. It’s also a good idea to bring a backup battery or portable charger to ensure your devices stay powered.

For security, consider investing in a compact travel safe or padlock to keep your electronics and other valuables safe. Before leaving, make sure to check with your service provider about international roaming and data plans to avoid any unexpected charges. If you’re planning on traveling for longer, we recommend picking up a local sim to help you navigate around Vietnam.

• 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 
• Power bank
• Universal Adapter
• Unlocked iPhone

Read: Best Travel Cameras: How to Choose the Perfect Camera 

Toiletries List for Vietnam

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 and nail file
• Shaver
• Med kit (Your medkit should have the basics such as plasters, sterile gauze pads, basic medicine for pain, bad stomachs, and cough, vitamin c, 1 small bottle of betadine) You should also consider bringing charcoal tablets to help your stomach digest all the local street food.

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!)

Transport  in Vietnam

Transportation in Vietnam is diverse and affordable, with a variety of options available depending on your budget and destination. The most popular forms of transportation include buses, trains, taxis, and motorbikes.

Buses offer a budget-friendly way to travel between cities and are convenient for those who want to avoid flying. Trains provide a comfortable and scenic way to travel, especially for longer journeys.

Taxis are a convenient option for those who prefer a private mode of transportation, while motorbikes are a popular choice for those who want to explore the country at their own pace. Whatever you do, just make sure you agree on a price before hand!

For those traveling to more remote areas of Vietnam, researching the transportation schedule ahead of time is important.

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!).

Read our complete guide on where to stay in Vietnam.

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Looking for Adventurous Things to do in Vietnam?

• Riding a Motorbike in Vietnam
• Canyoning in Dalat
• Things to Do in Vietnam

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