Vietnam Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Vietnam in All Seasons

Vietnam can be a bit tricky to pack for. As a long, thin country with both mountains and beaches, the weather is quite different in the North and South, and on the beach versus in the highlands.

It’s worth remembering that the North of Vietnam borders China, which has downright frigid winters.

Add altitude to that and you may be shocked at how cold Vietnam can get at times compared to other Southeast Asian countries, which are pretty much perpetual summer.

I visited Sa Pa in August a few years ago, and even in the middle of summer, it was freezing cold at night and I found myself seriously wishing that my hotel had heating.

If traveling in the North or in the mountains, throw in a few more long layers – Sa Pa is cool even in the summer!
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Central Vietnam does not get so cold in the winter like Hanoi and Sapa do, so if you’re planning on cities like Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, you’ll be spared somewhat of the winter cold. Generally, the temperatures in Central Vietnam are somewhat in between North and South. Generally, it will be hot year-round in Central Vietnam, with a rainy season from September to January.

Meanwhile, Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City) is pretty much hot and sweltering at any time of year, with the only fluctuations being the likeliness of rain and just how ungodly the humidity levels are (hint: they’re the worst in April, but it’s humid all year round).

So if you’re traveling through a large swath of Vietnam, such as if you’re going from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, in the colder seasons — you’ll want to pack clothing for a variety of temperatures as you might be quite surprised by how much variance there is!

Rainy season runs, roughly, from May to October with drier weather from November to April. However, having just come back from a trip to Vietnam in November, there were definitely quite a few thunderstorms and downpours even in the purported “dry season” – so you’re going to want to be prepared for rain no matter what.

Don’t freak out if you see that it’s supposed to rain for every day of your Vietnam trip. Typically, rain storms in Vietnam last about 1-2 hours and feel like a dam is bursting in the sky… and then the sun comes out to dry everything up freakishly fast and the humidity level is actually lovely for a few wonderful hours before it gets soupy again. That said, you never know – when I was in Sa Pa it was raining buckets every day in August, which made for some fun hiking experiences. Plot twist: It was not fun.

Basically, I would advise packing for as many contingencies as you can without overburdening your bag. This packing list is assuming you’re spending at least a week in Vietnam, traveling North to South.

If you are spending the majority of your trip up North in the winter, throw in a few more long sleeve T-shirts and maybe an extra pair of pants. On a similar token, if you’re only visiting South and Central Vietnam, you can skip some of the layers I recommend, though do bring at least a cardigan or something as the air conditioning in a lot of Vietnam can be… aggressive.

If traveling in the North, mountains, or winter months, be sure to throw in a few extra lightweight layers – and waterproof the hell out of everything.

What to Pack for Vietnam

What to Pack Everything In

I’ve been traveling for the better part of three years and my packing gear is always the same – a carry-on sized backpack from Tortuga organized with packing cubes, as well as a daypack with all my electronics and smaller items. However, I know that for some people, carrying a backpack is neither desirable nor practical, so if that applies to you, feel free to skip past my backpack recommendation.

However, let me just say that a backpack is ideal for Vietnam for a few reasons. For one, sidewalks in Vietnam are not always a given. If you try to walk with your luggage in Vietnam, you may find yourself dragging a rolling suitcase through a street as motorbikes zoom past you. The streets can also be a bit dirty because of litter and bike exhaust, so I don’t know that I’d love to roll my bag with all my clothes through it, especially if it is raining and the streets get particularly grimy.

However, most of these issues can be avoided by just taking a cheap taxi – just make sure you ask your hotel to call you a taxi or learn the reputable companies and how to spot a fake so that you don’t get taken for a fool. I got scammed a few times my first time in Vietnam and not at all my second, so partly it’s knowing what to look for and partly it’s luck of the draw.

Supposedly, Hanoi is the worst for taxi scams and my experience certainly supports that. I took Mai Linh taxis in Hanoi with no problems, and Vinasun Taxi in Saigon (and the occasional Mai Linh), and had good experiences. Grab is an app that works like Uber and is also great for avoiding scams – just hire a Grab Car instead of a Grab Bike if you are traveling with luggage, obviously.

Trust me – you don’t want to try crossing a street in Vietnam with a suitcase!
  • Travel backpack (carry on size or check-in size): I always use my Tortuga Setout Backpack so that I can avoid checking in my luggage, both to avoid fees and long waits for my luggage after a flight when I’m antsy as hell and just want to get to my destination/bowl of noodles. I’ve had this bag of a version thereof for several years and absolutely recommend them – they’re the only backpack I’ve used over the last 3 years of extremely frequent travel, including several month-long backpacking trips.
    • Why do I recommend Tortuga so much? Here’s why: this bag is 45L and has got three main compartments: one for a laptop and other flat objects, one giant rectangular compartment perfect for packing cubes stuffed with clothing, and one smaller compartment with pockets for passports, pens, odds and ends, etc. that I stash all my extras in – plus one small outer zipper pocket for anything you want quick access to. It also has a water bottle holder on the outside as well as buckles so that you can strap something like a yoga mat to the outside. Plus, it’s quite comfortable to wear, with a padded hip belt and comfort-molding shoulder straps complete with a chest strap so that you can distribute weight perfectly across your body in the event that you need to wear your backpack for longer than usual. Check out more specs and details here.
    • However, if you are planning a longer trip and want a bigger backpack, I’ve heard only positive things about the Osprey backpack , so if I were going to upgrade my backpack capacity, that’s the brand I would go with. Of course, you could always just bring a suitcase as well. I don’t travel with a suitcase anymore for the reasons I listed above, but I have on occasion used hard sided luggage with spinners and I much prefer that to the older two-wheel suitcases that you have to drag behind you.
  • A rain cover for your backpack: I’ll be honest, I actually don’t have one of these because I am a horribly irresponsible person, but every single time I see a person with a backpack proudly trudging through the rain with a rain cover on, clearly not frantically panicking about the state of their electronics the way that I am, I vow to get one. Be like them, not like me. I’m a failure of an adult. This rain cover looks to have good reviews but again, terrible at adulting, 1/10 barely remember to feed myself, so do your own research if you’re so inclined. Alternately, the Outbreaker Tortuga Backpack is water-resistant, so that’d also be a good choice for rainy Vietnam.
  • Packing cubes: Whether you pack for Vietnam with a suitcase or a backpack, I definitely recommend packing cubes. Most people who visit Vietnam visit several cities during their trip or make their way from North to South via the excellent train system (seriously, guys, their trains are the best) or vice versa. Since you’ll need to pack and repack your bag several times if you do this, packing cubes make the organization so much easier. Plus, as it keeps your clothes rolled neatly, it prevents wrinkles and makes sure you’re utilizing your space the best way possible.  I use these packing cubes and love them, but packing cubes are pretty much idiot-proof – they are just a bag with a zipper, really – so anything will do.
  • Laundry bag: In addition to packing cubes, I also like to bring a laundry bag to separate out my dirty clothing from my clean clothes. Laundry in Vietnam is insanely cheap – about $1 USD per kilo – so do it and do it often, and save yourself some room in your suitcase or backpack. While you could certainly just reuse a plastic bag for this purpose, I do like having a cute one like this travel-themed one from Kikkerland though, because I’m impractical.
  • Hanging Toiletry Bag: I tend to pack a lot of toiletries with me because this is one area where I find it hard to claim my “light traveler” status. I can’t help it, I’m vain. I use a hanging toiletry bag to pack them in an organized way that takes up minimal space. It has the perfect number of separators, organizers, and pockets without taking up any excess space. It’s kind of a magical Mary Poppins bag – you’d be amazed at how many travel-sized toiletries you can fit in it and unlike other bags, it zips up flat like a bulky manila envelope, so it is really easy to slide into your backpack or suitcase without being a weird bulky shape that makes bags annoyingly hard to close. Love!
  • Backpack with locking zippers: To me, this is a non-negotiable for Vietnam, as my daypack was nearly pickpocketed in broad daylight walking around the popular Turtle Lake in Hanoi – luckily, my friend caught the would-be thief and slapped his prying hand away!! In a funny plot twist, the thwarted thief then walked briskly in front of us, whipped out his junk, and peed on a tree, because I guess that’s a way to make it seem like you had no intentions of pickpocketing someone? Sigh. Anyway, I bought this exact backpack after my trip and I’ve brought it to 30+ countries ever since because it is the best thing ever. I used it again on my most recent trip to Vietnam and was so thankful I had it. While I didn’t have any close calls in Saigon like I did in Hanoi last time, I think it’s because my backpack’s locking zippers make it clear to a potential thief that I am not a target to be f#*&ed with. It’s visibly quite difficult to get into this backpack with its double-locking zipper (the zippers interlock, and then you can place them through a gold clasp that is not only super cute but also insanely secure). Plus, it’s slashproof and since it’s worn on your back, it’s not as susceptible to the dreaded motorbike snatch-and-grab tactic that unfortunately is quite common in Vietnam. I swear by PacSafe for the combination of functionality and cute aesthetics, and I love their PacSafe Citysafe backpack. It’s actually cute in addition to having all the baller security features that make you feel pretty much impervious to theft (though still, you should definitely be careful with your belongings everywhere!). If you’re curious to learn more, I have a full review here – not sponsored, just irrationally obsessed.
Me and my lovable travel daypack in the Faroe Islands

Essential Things to Pack for Vietnam

I find Vietnam a bit more difficult to shop in than other countries. While there are certainly malls and convenience stores, the majority of shopping takes place on the street and in informal markets. While this is a cool cultural experience, it also makes simple things like restocking a shampoo you forgot to buy a little more difficult. Other things, like lightweight clothing (long live elephant pants?) and accessories like bags and sunglasses, are much easier to stock up on.

  • Travel insurance: Travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Vietnam, but in my book, it is. My friend got a particularly bad strain of food poisoning in Sa Pa when we visited several years back and ended up checking herself into a private hospital to rehydrate and check that it wasn’t anything more serious. Without insurance, that would have been a $500+ bill, but as she had travel insurance she was entirely covered. Road safety is also not fantastic in Vietnam, with 45 million motorbikes in the country all vying for space on busy streets and overnight buses with questionable safety standards. Crossing the stret in Vietnam is a Frogger-esque mission and I’m always glad to have insurance for peace of mind. While I haven’t had any problems in Vietnam personally, I would never travel there without insurance. I used World Nomads on my most recent trip to Vietnam, as I do with all my trips, and highly recommend them. You can get a free quote here.

What to Wear in Vietnam (For Women)

This part of my Vietnam packing list is specific to women, so men, feel free to skip this part and go on to the next section, where I attempt to guess what you should bring.

Vietnam is culturally a bit conservative, despite the heat, so I try to wear slightly longer dresses and skirts in general and nothing too skimpy. Leave your tiny tank tops, short shorts, and minidresses at home and opt for cool fabrics that are slightly longer but still thin and breathable. I actually find that I feel cooler when I am wearing longer, loose skirts and

Saigon is a little less conservative than Hanoi, but still, people tend to cover up even in the heat.
  • 3-5 lightweight summer dresses: Dresses are great for Vietnamese weather, plus they pack up small, so bring as many as you can get away with. Aim for something that hits around the knee (a few inches shorter is fine, but avoid tiny mini dresses). I love maxis and midi dresses for this climate.
  • 5+ tees & tanks: You will sweat a lot, so opt for black, navy, and other dark colors. Yes, they attract heat, but they also avoid the telltale yellow pit stains that seem to be my constant vibe whenever I attempt to wear white.
  • 1 pair jeans: If you travel in northern Vietnam in the winter months (November to February, roughly) you may want jeans for cooler days and nights. And if you visit the highlands (Da Lat, Sa Pa) at all, jeans will come in handy. I also recommend picking up a few pairs of loose cotton pants when you arrive in Vietnam, which can be bought for around $5 USD a pair or less.
  • 1-2 pairs thin cotton leggings: Great for making yourself less appetizing to mosquitos at night and also for cooler nights up north or in the mountains
  • 1-2 long-sleeve tees or thermals, if traveling in the north’s winter, or in the mountains.
  • 2-3 skirts: I suggest bringing one black skirt and one printed skirt for flexibility. I especially love having midi or maxi length skirts, which feel great and coincidentally look nice in photos! As a bonus, the extra fabric around your legs traps some cool air, making you feel less hot.
  • 1 pair sneakers: Vietnamese streets are generally quite dusty and dirty, so I found that I liked having a pair of lightweight closed-toe shoes that were comfortable to wear for long stretches when I planned to walk a lot. I usually wear a pair of black Nikes as I find they look cute even worn with my dresses and I’m all about having options.
  • Moisture-wicking socks, preferably made of wool or something that is odor-absorbent like these ones from Smartwool
  • 1-2 pairs sandals: I suggest bringing one pair of rubber flip flops like these Havaianas and another pair of more stylish or dressy sandals. I’m obsessed with my Birkenstocks and will never go back. These are great for when it’s just too hot to put on sneakers, and rubber flip flops are great for days when rain is in the forecast.
  • 1 rain jacket: Even if you don’t plan on traveling in the rainy season, trust me, the rain in Vietnam often has other plans – namely, ruining yours. I love my Marmot rain jacket and bring it with me on every trip because it packs up small and offers pretty much complete waterproofing. Plus the underarms have zippers underneath which you can open, making the jacket more breathable, which is a must in humid Vietnam.
  • 1 cardigan: Great for if you travel in the winter months in the North or anywhere in the highlands, and also good for buses with overzealous air conditioning in summer. Trust me, even though it seems like the weather in Vietnam would make a cardigan ridiculous, you’ll use it at least once on your trip. And in a pinch, it makes an awesome travel pillow.
  • 1-2 bras: I personally brought 1 regular bra and 1 sports bra and switched between the two, but the cleaner people amongst us may object to that and want to bring more. You do you.
  • 7+ pairs of underwear: Laundry is so cheap in Vietnam that it’s silly to bring too much, but I like having about a week’s worth of underwear so I don’t always have to plan out my laundry days.
  • Bathing suit: If you plan on going to Da Nang, Nha Trang, the islands, or anywhere beachy or with a pool, you’ll definitely want a bathing suit. If a lot of your trip is on the beach, you should bring two bathing suits so one can dry overnight and you can use the other the next day. High humidity means that wet things often take a while to dry out, and nothing is grosser feeling to me than putting on a wet swimsuit, so having 2 is key.

What to Wear in Vietnam (For Men)

Full disclosure, I am not a dude. But if I was, this is what I would bring, I guess.

  • 1 pair jeans
  • 1-2 pairs thin, lightweight travel-friendy men’s pants
  • 2-3 pairs shorts
  • 7+ pairs underwear
  • flip flops
  • comfortable walking sandals
  • sneakers
  • a few pairs of moisture-wicking socks
  • sturdy waterproof rain jacket
  • swim trunks
  • sweater for colder weather + too much AC

What to Pack for a Hostel in Vietnam

If you’re backpacking through Vietnam, there are a few extra things that you should bring that you might not need if you were staying in hotels.

  • 1 pair flip flops: For communal bathrooms, you’re definitely going to want a pair of flip flops to avoid funky foot issues!
  • 1 travel towel: Some hostels will provide a towel, but it’s not always a given. You can usually rent one for a small fee, but I find it handy to carry my own XL quick-dry travel towel – they fold up quite small, are great for beach days, and are generally just a nice thing to have.
  • 1 eye mask: Great for when you want to sleep but your roommates don’t!
  • Some earplugs or good noise-canceling headphones: Vietnam is a LOUD country, even – especially – in the mornings, when the motorbikes start to roar to life around 5 AM. I love Hearos — they’re the gold standard for ear plugs.

What Toiletries to Pack for Vietnam

Basically, anything you use on a daily/weekly basis you will need to bring with you, as Vietnam is not the easiest country to stock up on familiar brands in. I went into a little more detail above in the “essentials section,” but here are a few more ideas.

Hand sanitizer is always a good idea when you travel, especially in Vietnam!
  • Hand sanitizer: I sometimes found that bathrooms in restaurants or cafés didn’t have soap, so I was glad to have hand sanitizer.
  • Kleenex packets: Like above — public restrooms may be lacking in the toilet paper department, so having some Kleenex in a portable sleeve is always a good move. Vietnam is also land of the “bum gum” – aka, a water gun that you use to er, hose yourself down, rather than use toilet paper. While this is definitely more eco-friendly, I find it hard to go without toilet paper, having grown up with it. For that reason, I bring some Kleenex with me as a replacement for TP if I need it.
  • LUSH solid shampoo: Life-changing. Just trust me.
  • Sunscreen: Vietnam is sunny AF and sunscreen without whitening agents can be hard to find. My skin is really sensitive on my face, so I use this fancy Japanese sunscreen to prevent acne, and a general sunscreen for my body.
  • Travel medications: I listed them above, but just to reiterate — stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, and some sort of painkiller are my standards.

Electronics to Pack for Vietnam

Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but you’ll want to really mind your smartphone if you bring it. Motorbike thieves who target tourists using their smartphones on the street are a big problem in the major cities. At the guesthouse that I stayed at in Saigon recently, a girl had her phone snatched from her hand two days prior.

Never get out your phone to use while facing the street! Instead, walk back from the curb quite a bit so that it’d be hard for anyone on a bike coming through to snag it, and just keep your wits about you. Yet another reason to have travel insurance.

World Nomad (the company I use) has two levels of coverage, one which protects you at up to $500 per item and one at up to $1500 per item, so if you have an especially pricey smartphone or camera you may want to go for the upper tier of coverage due to the relatively increased threat of theft. Again, you can get a free quote here.

Never get out your phone on a busy street, especially night, unless you are a few feet away from the bike traffic!
  • Laptop, if necessary: I bring my Macbook Air everywhere but other people may prefer a tablet or an inexpensive netbook. I work on the road so a user-friendly, lightweight laptop is a must.
  • Unlocked smartphone: Despite my warnings about phone snatching, I still think that’s no reason to leave your phone at home. I loved having a SIM card in Vietnam – they are insanely cheap (I paid about $5 USD for a month of basically unlimited data, 4 gigs of data per day!) and allow you to look things up on the road, hire a cheap taxi via Grab, order delivery, etc.
  • Kindle Paperwhite: Books are heavy and often hard to find exactly what you want on the road. I love the Kindle Paperwhite because the screen is glare-free, making it easy to read at the beach or in direct sunlight.
  • Travel camera: I use a Sony A6000 because it’s lightweight for a blogger quality camera, inexpensive, and a HUGE step up from a smartphone. You may want to replace this or add a GoPro if you are doing adventurous activities on your trip.
  • Portable charger: I like to carry a portable charger everywhere I travel and Vietnam is no exception.
  • Adaptor, if necessary: Vietnam is super convenient for plugs, actually, as their outlets accept both US + European prongs – I tested both as my electronics are a mix, and both worked fine. If you are from the UK you’ll need adaptors. If you have an adaptor, bring one anyway, just in case!

***

Well, nearly 5,000 words later, I think I’ve finally exhausted all the things you need to bring for Vietnam. While this sounds like a lot, I was able to fit it all into a 44L backpack (carry-on size) and daypack because I chose lightweight fabrics and packed carefully.

Is there anything I’ve forgotten? Is there anything else you’re wondering if you should bring to Vietnam? Let me know in the comments!

2 thoughts on “Vietnam Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Vietnam in All Seasons”

  1. >Typically, rain storms in Vietnam last about 1-2 hours and feel like a dam is bursting in the sky… and then the sun comes out to dry everything up freakishly fast and the humidity level is actually lovely for a few wonderful hours before it gets soupy again.

    Ha, sounds exactly like Florida. Yeah trust me, those daily rains are a blessing.

    Reply

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