After reading this guide you will have a complete Vietnam Packing List. After travelling in Vietnam, I definitely learned the key items to pack and not to pack while touring the country. While it is difficult to keep things minimal, it is much better then over-packing.
There are many different cities and sights to see in Vietnam. There are hustling and bustling cities, beautiful countryside and relaxing beaches. The clothing packed is very similar regardless of your main travel plans. Especially because you will be doing a mix of activities, it is good to be prepared for anything specific you would like to do.
There are no strict clothing requirements in Vietnam, but if you are visiting temples and religious areas, you should pack something to cover your shoulders and legs.
Vietnam Packing List – Here is what is included:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Clothes
Step 2: Toiletries Packing List
Step 3: Other Essential Items When Packing for Vietnam
Step 4: Packing Electronics
Step 5: Health & Essential Documents
Transportation in Vietnam
Other Advice for the Vietnam Travel Checklist
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Step 1: Choosing the Right Clothes
The weather is quite hot. Having light-weight clothing that breathes is really important. If you are travelling during the rainy season, or not, this is something to keep in mind. The rainy season can still be quite refreshing to cool off.
There are many markets in every city in Vietnam. You can find lots of flowing hippie pants, sandals, t-shirts and tank tops and custom leather clothing. These will be great souvenirs and you can wear them while you are here.
I didn’t get any custom clothing, looking back, I wish I would have. The leather shoes and bags looked amazing in Hoi An. There are also many seamstresses at the local markets, where you can pick a fabric and a design and they make your cute outfits.
Women’s Clothing
- 3 shorts
- 2 dresses
- 3 tank tops
- 1 cotton shirt
- 1 dry fit t-shirt
- 1 legging
- 1 skirt
- 1 long sleeved thin shirt
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket
- 6 pairs of underwear
- 2 bathing suits
- 5 pairs of lightweight socks (have at least 1 hiking pair)
- 2 sports bra
- 1 bra
- 1 lightweight travel scarf
- 1 hat
- 1 hiking boots (if you are hiking)
- Trainers
- Flip-flops
Men’s Clothing
- 3 shorts
- 4 tank tops
- 3 cotton t-shirt
- 1 dry fit t-shirt
- 1 long pants
- 1 long sleeved thin shirt
- 1 lightweight rain jacket
- 6 pairs of underwear
- 5 pairs of lightweight socks (have at least 1 hiking pair)
- 1 lightweight scarf
- 1 hat
- Men’s hiking boots (if you are hiking)
- Microfibre travel towel
- Flip-flops
- Closed shoes
Editor’s Note: I have some specific items included that help people who eat gluten free. I have celiac and eat gluten free while I travel across the globe. I have a specific set of items that are so helpful to make my trip a success. If you are gluten free, these will come in handy.
Step 2: Toiletries Packing List
Having your toiletry bag filled with your favourite products is very important. The product selection is very different in Vietnam so you may not be able to purchase it there. I always recommend having this bag nicely stocked with my essential items.
The sunscreen brands that I was used to, were highly priced in Vietnam and South East Asia in general. You should include one or two bottles of sunscreen in your luggage, depending on how long you will be staying. The bug spray is also a big consideration if you are used to getting bites. You never know the potency of Vietnamese brands, so pack a small bottle in your bag.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body gel
- Mosquito repellent
- Menstrual cup
- Wet wipes
- Lip balm
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Moisturizer and lotion
- Sunblock (the brands you are used to are hard to find in Vietnam)
- Deodorant
- Makeup (keep it light, because it is hot outside)
- Nail cutter and nail file
- Hand sanitizer
Step 3: Other Essential Items When Packing for Vietnam
- Packing cubes
- Ziplock bags (for food and electronics)
- Lunch containers (perfect for left-overs and for food while travelling)
- An ice pack (keeps your lunch cool)
- Granola bars
- Protein powder (bring only what you need)
- Spice mixes
- Stainless steel water bottle
- Sunglasses
Step 4: Packing Electronics
- Smartphone
- Camera
- Chargers
- Power pack
- Universal converter
- Headphones
- GoPro
Step 5: Health & Essential Documents
Making sure you have all of your travel and medical documents with you is so important. Medications are completely different from country to country. Coming prepared with these things can ease any stress you have if you need them.
Travel documents are super important. You will need your passport, VISA, return ticket and travel insurance. Things can happen while travelling, so ensuring you have travel insurance helps with dealing with this. I have seen lots of people injured while motorcycling around so it can happen.
Travelling with celiac, allergies, or other conditions is completely possible. You will just need to take a few more items with you in your suitcase.
- Personal medical essentials
- Celiac restaurant card in Vietnamese
- Gluten Ease or Charcoal
- Copies of all of your prescriptions/immunizations and your doctor’s phone number
- Allergy meds, asthma inhalers, & eye drops
- Mints or ginger to aid digestion and upset stomach
- Passport
- VISA
- Return Ticket
- Insurance – Click the link below to get a quote.
Transportation in Vietnam
I have included the flight, bus and hired car options below for you. Transportation in Vietnam can be easy if you know what the options are.
| Type of Transport | Where to Book |
|---|---|
| Flights | Check out Flights Here |
| Hired Car | Check out Car Service |
| Hired Car - Grab | Download the GRAB App Here |
3 Easy Gluten Free Vietnamese Meals Recipes
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Other Advice for the Vietnam Travel Checklist
“Have the Best Time Ever. Get out and Explore.”
You will have a fantastic time in Vietnam. Whenever possible, pack light and keep your mind focused on packing your essential items. Clothes can be easily purchased while you are in Vietnam, so don’t go overboard on packing tons of clothes.
If you focus on your toiletries, documents, electronics with a light clothing amount, you will do great. Even in the rainy season, it is really hot. So all of your clothes should be light and should pack well.
Editor’s Note: If you are heading to Vietnam, do not miss out on this Awesome Vietnam Country Guide. I also fell in love with Hanoi and Da Nang so you can link those links to get the Best City Guides.
