11. What to Pack for Vietnam

Your Essential Travel Checklist

Packing appropriately makes travelling more comfortable, especially when visiting several regions with different climates.

Important documents

• Valid passport.
• Visa or evidence of visa exemption, as applicable.
• Flight confirmations.
• Hotel and tour booking details.
• Travel insurance information.
• Copies of important documents.
• Emergency contact details.

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Comfortable walking shoes.
• A light rain jacket.
• Swimwear when appropriate.
• Modest clothing for temples.
• A warm layer for northern winters, highland destinations and air-conditioned vehicles.

Health and personal care

• Prescription medicines and documentation.
• Personal first-aid supplies.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent.
• Hand sanitiser.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Any specialist personal care products.

Electronics

• Smartphone and charger.
• Suitable plug adapter.
• Power bank that complies with airline rules.
• Camera and memory cards.
• Copies of essential travel information saved offline.

Vietnam generally uses a 220V, 50Hz electricity supply. Socket designs vary, so a universal travel adapter can be useful.

Special packing tips

For Ha Long Bay cruises: Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear when seasonally appropriate, sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket.

For Sapa trekking: Bring footwear with good grip, rain protection, warm layers and a small daypack.

For Ninh Binh: Pack a sunhat, breathable clothing and suitable footwear for walking and boat excursions.

For Hoi An and coastal destinations: Bring lightweight clothes, sunscreen and rain protection according to the season.

Vega Travel Tip: Pack light enough to move comfortably, but prepare for sudden weather changes, particularly if your itinerary covers multiple regions.