The country of Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular and fastest-growing tourist destinations! With its immaculate emerald beaches, historically-rich sites, tasty food, inexpensive prices and the friendliest of people – this destination is a must-see for all travelers. Before you set out on your next adventure, we are here to help! 

This Vietnam packing list covers all of the essential items you should consider bringing on your upcoming trip. No matter what budget, how long your trip duration is or what your style of traveling is, here is your ultimate Vietnam packing guide:

Below-the-Knee Skirts or Pants

When exploring Vietnam's stunning pagodas or temples, modest clothing is a must. Although it will most likely be very hot during your time of visit, locals dress conservatively in these areas and it is expected that you do the same. When visiting government buildings or sacred places, dress respectively by making sure your shoulders and legs are covered. To make things more comfortable in the heat, avoid 100% cotton material and go for a blend of Rayon and Polyester.

Flip Flops

Either bring a pair of flip flops from home or purchase some when you arrive in Vietnam. This is the perfect footwear option to allow your feet to breathe in the hot and humid weather. Flip flops are easy to take off and on when visiting temples and certain restaurants and bars. Avoid bringing any expensive/sentimental shoes with you traveling as you are at a greater risk to lose or have something stolen.

Mosquito Spray

Mosquitos in Vietnam can tend to be quite vicious with the country’s tropical weather. The mosquitoes are known to be the most active at dusk and are hungry for any exposed bare flesh. Bring enough spray to last you your entire trip and cover up with your long pants and high socks. Take this advice very seriously. You wouldn’t want your trip wrecked from irritation and scratching annoyances. It’s important to note that some of these mosquitoes carry tropical diseases like malaria and dengue, so a strong DEET spray will be your best bet of protection.

Sunscreen

Vietnam’s tropical weather also means strong UV rays and lots of sun exposure. Don’t forget to pack and apply plenty of sunscreen if spending a lot of time outdoors. Protect your skin and avoid any painful sunburns. Odds are you’ll be spending some time in the ocean, so finding an option that is waterproof would be beneficial. Be a conscious and responsible traveler by purchasing one that is also environment and reef friendly.

Sanitizing Wipes

Exposure to foreign bacteria is an easy way to get sick when traveling abroad. Keep your hands as clean as possible (especially when eating) to avoid getting sick. Sometimes running water and soap aren’t easily accessible and so having some biodegradable sanitizing wipes on hand can save your day. 

Diarrhea Medicine 

Travelers’ diarrhea is an unavoidable occurrence that happens to more travelers than you think. It is usually caused by a big change in your daily diet when traveling to new places. Pack some medicine that will help you back on the right track.

Quick Dry Towel

Not all hostels or hotels in Vietnam offer towels free of charge for their guests. Pack a quick-dry towel that is lightweight and easy to pack. This essential item will come in handy when drying off from a day at the beach or an unexpected torrential thunderstorm during monsoon season.

Travel Adapter

To avoid any frustration of your electronic plugs not fitting into a socket, make sure you have the right travel adapter for Vietnam. For Vietnam, you will need an adapter that fits the plug type A, C, and F. However, it wouldn’t hurt to invest in a universal travel adapter that can carry you through all of your future travels around the globe.

Portable Phone Charger

These pre-charged battery packs will save you on any long bus or train rides. Keep your devices charged and reach for use! This is essential if planning on using your GPS a lot to navigate the country since your battery will burn out a lot faster than normal. There’s nothing worse than being stranded and lost in an unfamiliar place!

Protective Cell Phone Pouch

Vietnam has plenty of outdoor adventures to offer. Protect your phone from any harsh conditions with a protective pouch. This will keep your phone more safe from shattering and potential water damage. You’ll definitely want one if planning on snorkeling while in Vietnam to capture some amazing underwater photos and videos of the marine life.

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a lifesaver when it comes to organizing the inside of your bag. Avoid having to unpack and then re-pack your entire belongings when searching for one specific item. If you have never used them for traveling before, your upcoming trip to Vietnam is a great time to start. These are especially handy for backpackers who may not have a ton of packing space and are covering a lot of ground in short periods of time.

Cash

Although the official Vietnamese Currency is the Vietnamese Dong, US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere. If you don’t bring enough cash with you, you can withdraw US Dollars from most ATMs. This is recommended since you cannot exchange Dong outside of Vietnam, as it is only of worth inside Vietnam. That way, if you do end up with extra cash, the US Dollar is accepted more worldwide. Travel Tip- Keep your cash in multiple places in case anything happens to your belongings while traveling (just remember where those places are!).

And that is all, folks! Your complete Vietnam packing guide filled with your packing essentials for your upcoming trip. Reminder to pack light, smart and respectful! You are in for a real treat on your next adventure to Vietnam. Explore, take in every minute and let ACanela start planning your travel to Vietnam TODAY!

Post written by: Kirsten Cusack, @kirqsak