Trying to figure out exactly what to pack for your trip to Vietnam? You’ve come to the experts. 

Packing can be a bit overwhelming, especially for a diverse place like Vietnam. Whether you’re exploring a megacity, taking off on a day trip in the jungle, or heading to the beach, you’ll experience a lot in one trip.

Throughout our travels, we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what’s actually worth bringing—and what you can leave at home.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it contains some of the items that we believe are true “must-haves”. We built this from real experience to help you feel prepared, organized, and ready to fully enjoy your trip without overpacking or unnecessary stress.

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What to Pack for Your Vietnam Trip

1. Filter Water Bottle

This LARQ PureVis 2 water bottle is high on the list for many reasons! It has a built-in filter, allowing you to drink water from any source with its high-quality purification system.

Normally, you won’t want to drink tap water in Vietnam, but this water filter makes it safe to drink! Instead of buying a new plastic water bottle every day, you can simply reuse this one. It’s easy if you’re out exploring and want to make sure your water is safe!

It also self-cleans every 2 hours, which is great if you’re traveling for a few weeks and don’t have time to clean it yourself. I was so impressed when I started using this water bottle – it’s seriously ahead of its time! I picked up replacement filters when I purchased my bottle, since you’ll need to replace them every 2 months. 

Another excellent filter bottle is the LifeStraw Water Bottle. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the LARQ Bottle has, it does its main job well and is a more affordable option. We like how it’s lightweight and compact, so if you throw it in your backpack or carry it on a hike, it isn’t too heavy or bulky. It filters out parasites, microplastics, bacteria, and even sand, dirt, or unknown cloudiness in water.

It’s a convenient travel item that gives you peace of mind while you travel to foreign places. Don’t forget to pick up a replacement filter as well, so you’re never without filtered water.

2. Sunscreen

One thing I never skip packing for Vietnam is sunscreen, and this one is my go-to. The sun in Southeast Asia is no joke – some of my worst sunburns have happened here!

While exploring a bustling city, cruising along Ha Long Bay, or lying on the beach in Da Nang, you’ll want sun protection. And you can find sunscreen in Vietnam, but many of the products available contain whitening agents, and the labels are in a foreign language, so you’re not always sure what you’re buying!

I personally love this natural sunscreen; it’s light on your skin but protective, and it’s a small bottle, so it’s packable. This is the same brand I use to protect the reefs when I’m snorkeling, so it’s my preferred choice wherever I’m traveling, because I know it’s gentle on the environment and my skin. Plus, it stays on while you sweat!

3. Microfiber Towel

Microfiber towels are another one of those “must-pack” items that all seasoned travelers will swear by. This is especially true in Vietnam, where you might use it at the beach, on a waterfall hike, or simply to wipe sweat off. Since microfiber towels are so small and lightweight, they are really easy to pack and come in handy frequently!

While there are a lot of options out there, I prefer this microfiber towel! It comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose what is best for you. It’s quick drying and packable, and high-quality microfiber – I’ve used the same towel for years, and it’s held up!

4. Bug Balm Repellent

Vietnam has a diverse climate, but one thing that never wavers is the bugs. Whether you’re in the jungle, the mountains, or the desert, the bugs will be there. Dengue is prevalent in Vietnam, and after having it myself, I am persistent about insect repellent!

My friend told me about this repellent balm, and now I totally swear by it! It’s made with natural products, so it’s eco-friendly and feels light and clean on your skin. Best of all, it actually works really well at repelling mosquitoes and other unfavorable flying creatures. I also really like that it’s a balm, so it doesn’t leak if I toss it in my bag, and it’s small, so I take it everywhere with me. 

Small, packable, TSA-approved, and a lifesaver! You don’t want to leave without it.

5. Travel Medication

It’s always good to be prepared, especially when you’re traveling in a foreign country. After getting sick one too many times, we’ve learned how important it is to pack a solid travel med kit—and this particular one truly has it all.

While you can find pharmacies all over Vietnam, it can be tricky navigating a language barrier or ending up with an unfamiliar off-brand (I know this from experience!). From food poisoning and allergies to cuts or basic pain relief, having everything you need in one place is a lifesaver.

6. On-the-go Hygiene

We love traveling to more remote destinations, and Vietnam’s stunning beauty is best found off the beaten path! But you know what’s not often included when you go rogue? Proper bathrooms.

Another easy, small packing tip that can make a big difference is to keep a little on-the-go hygiene kit in your day bag. There will be many times when you stop at a bathroom that lacks toilet paper and soap, so skip the middleman and bring your own!

I love this Mrs. Meyers’ hand sanitizer – honestly, anything from this brand! It’s small and packable, smells amazing, and is antibacterial. Keep it in your bag and spray it on before you eat, after using the toilet, or after visiting a busy market.

Additionally, packing some travel-sized toilet wipes is a game-changer. Especially if you get hit with some sort of food poisoning or your stomach is adjusting to travel. Having some wipes on hand just gives me peace of mind!

7. Sunshirt

One of my newest additions to my tropical climate packing list is a sun shirt! These are lightweight, long-sleeved shirts with UV protection, ideal for protecting your skin if you’re out in the sun for a long time. 

I like using these for any sort of boat trip, beach day, or any time I’m planning on being outside all day. It offers more protection than sunscreen, and you don’t have to reapply all the time. The sun in Vietnam is intense – don’t underestimate it!

For women, I recommend this specific sunshirt. It’s the one I’ve had for years, and it’s kept me cool in the hot weather and safe from sunburns. This men’s sun shirt is of the same quality and one of the top-rated options out there!

8. Anti-theft Bag

Traveling through Vietnam and Southeast Asia is generally very safe. Safer than many other areas of the world! But you still want to look out for petty theft and pickpocketing, especially in major cities.

We’ve been pick-pocketed while traveling before, and as frustrating as losing personal belongings or money is, it’s more of the violating feeling that stays with you. 

So to combat any chance of that, we picked up an anti-theft crossbody bag. I was skeptical at first, but we haven’t had any pickpocketing or issues since! It’s small enough to be packable and great for a day bag, and it fits a surprising amount of things. Best of all, it keeps your passport, wallet, keys, and other belongings safe!

9. Neck Pillow

If you haven’t started traveling with a neck pillow yet, you’re missing out. Especially on long-haul international flights!

I was against them for a while, simply for the space they take up, but once I started flying with this neck pillow, I was hooked. Now I can’t travel without it! One of the reasons I love this one is that it’s super packable and can roll up into a small ball. Once I’m off the flight, I can ball it up and put it in my backpack, and I don’t have to worry about it anymore. 

10. Comfortable Walking Sandal

One of my biggest stressors when packing is figuring out the exact right items to bring, especially when we’re talking shoes! Not only are the bulky items limiting you to how many pairs you can bring, but they also need to check all of the boxes. For me, comfort is key, but I also like functionality and a bit of fashionability, if possible. 

Both Dan and I love Tevas for comfort, durability, and they still look good! I have a pair of these Teva Hydraktrek sandals, and they are perfect whether we are hiking to a waterfall, exploring a city, or walking on the beach. Another one of my favorite travel sandals is these EVA Birkenstocks. They are made with a durable foam, making them super lightweight and ideal for a campground shower or a cute summer dress.

Dan swears by his Teva Hurricanes for the men. They have padding around the toes and heels so they don’t rub while you’re breaking them in. Luckily, Tevas are considered “cool” (trust me), so they work no matter where you travel!

11. Daypack

Another essential on my Vietnam packing list is a lightweight day pack, and this REI Flash 22 is the one I always reach for. 

You’ll be out exploring most days during your Vietnam trip, wandering through ancient sites, shopping in the market, relaxing on the beach, or taking off on a day trip. Having a versatile backpack that fits everything you need for the day is key.

I can easily pack sunscreen, water, snacks, a rain jacket (because those monsoons can come out of nowhere during the rainy season), and my camera gear. What I love most is how compact it is. It fits easily in my luggage or works perfectly as a personal item on the plane, but once you’re there, it still holds everything you need for a full day of adventures.

If you’re looking to travel with a large backpack instead of a suitcase, we highly recommend this Cotopaxi Allpa. This is the backpack we’ve used for a few years now, and it’s my all-time favorite. It opens up like a suitcase, so it’s easy to stay organized, and at 42 liters, you can actually pack so many things in here – trust me, we live out of these backpacks! They are also very comfortable to wear if you’re carrying them through the airport.

12. Women’s Clothing

Throughout my years of travel, I’ve learned that buying higher-quality items lasts much longer, and you usually don’t have to do laundry as often because these fabrics don’t hold on to smells. It’s ideal if you’re traveling for an extended period of time or don’t have access to laundry for your entire trip. 

For tops, I love this moisture-wicking t-shirt and this tank top! Not only do they go with a lot of outfits, but they are also breathable, ideal for hot temperatures. 

And for something a little fashion-forward that can withstand hot climates, I love these flowy pants! They are lightweight and packable, yet super cute, and they can go over a swimsuit or be worn for walking around town. I also love this maxi dress, which is stylish yet conservative. If you’re exploring temples or historic sites in Vietnam, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, so these options are a cute way to do so.

Finally, socks. I never really thought about buying good quality socks vs. cheap socks – but it actually makes a difference! Especially if you’re traveling and can’t pack 20 pairs of socks. These merino wool ankle socks can actually be worn multiple times without a wash, and they don’t get stinky. For hiking, I prefer these crew socks. 

13. Men’s Clothing

As far as men’s clothing goes, there are some great items that will make your pack lighter but are just as efficient! 

Dan has had this merino wool t-shirt for years and loves to wear it in hot or cold climates. It’s breathable and actually keeps you cooler, so it’s great for a hike or exploring the city, but still has wool properties that keep you warm when temperatures drop. This athletic shirt is another option that’s frequently packed, at a slightly more affordable rate. 

These Vuori pants have a similar appeal because the fabric is so lightweight! But they are nicer-looking than average athletic pants, so you can wear them out exploring, then sit down to a fancy dinner without having to change.

And we can’t forget about the socks! As I said earlier, the quality makes a difference. We’ve both had this brand of merino socks for years, and they last forever and keep your feet cool in the heat and warm in the winter. 

14. Rain Jacket

Vietnam’s rainy season varies by region. In the north and south, it will last from mid-May through October and will usually be nice in the mornings, with heavy rain showers in the afternoons. In Central Vietnam, it will be from September to December, with more torrential downpours and a higher risk of typhoons.

That being said, packing a rain jacket is essential! I love REI’s Trailmaid rain jacket because they are lightweight, breathable, and waterproof, not just water-resistant. It’s great in a hot, humid climate because it keeps you cool and dry, and the coat itself dries quickly as well.

You can get this jacket in men’s or women’s, and don’t worry, they have multiple colors, so you don’t have to match your partner. Check out the men’s REI Trailmade rain jacket or the women’s Trailmade jacket here! 

15. Portable Charger

A portable charger quickly became one of my must-haves when traveling, no matter where I’m going! 

There are many days when we would leave in the morning and be out for the entire day. So while I started with a full charge, by the time we spent a few hours exploring a city, looking up lunch restaurants, and getting directions to the meeting point for an afternoon tour, my phone would be nearly dead. 

We love this portable charger specifically because it holds a charge forever – I usually don’t even have to charge it on a trip! It also has multiple types of cords, so we can charge Dan’s Android, my iPhone, and even our GoPro while we’re out and about. Plus, it’s not ultra-heavy or bulky, so it doesn’t take up too much space in a bag. 

16. Travel Adapter

A travel adapter is one of those items that is easily overlooked, but can be essential depending on where you’re from! Vietnam uses type A (North America), type C (Europe), and type F electrical outlets.

We have this universal travel adapter, which is really handy because you only need this one, no matter where you travel. It also has multiple charging ports, which can be helpful as hotels often have a shortage of plugs. This is a must-pack for any international trip, in my opinion. I keep it in my bag all the time, that way I don’t forget it, as this is often overlooked!

This adapter does not convert voltage. For most items (computers, phone chargers, and camera chargers), you don’t need a voltage converter. But certain items, like a hairdryer, do need a voltage converter. We snagged this voltage converter before we left, just to be safe, but read the labels on your devices to double-check whether it’s needed or not!

17. E-SIM

You’ve probably used SIM cards while traveling, but have you converted to an eSIM yet? Dan and I have recently been won over by the ease of eSIMs – instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. 

We’ve tried out a handful of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve decided that Airalo is our favorite! It is really easy to set up (even my mom figured it out on her own!), and still very affordable. You can choose the amount of data and the length of the plan, and your phone will easily connect to a local network. 

Plus, you won’t have to try and get a SIM card at the airport, or be worried about being overcharged by a vendor (which happens a lot!). This is definitely the most straightforward way to go!

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18. Packing Cubes

Staying organized while packing is a game-changer, especially if you plan on visiting multiple destinations in Vietnam. If you’re looking for a way to keep everything neat and tidy, flight-friendly, and stress-free so you can focus on your adventure (and not laundry day), packing cubes are one of my favorite organizational tools.  

These packing cubes are a lifesaver for keeping everything organized—clean clothes, swimwear, leisure outfits, and even a separate cube for laundry after sweaty days. They make unpacking and repacking so much easier, especially if you’re changing locations often. If you’ve never used packing cubes before, they will change your perspective on packing altogether! 

19. Dry Bags

A dry bag is one of those items that you think twice about packing, but then are so thankful you have it! Between boat rides, beach days, jungle hikes, and sudden tropical downpours, your essentials are constantly at risk for water damage! 

We use these lightweight dry bags because they don’t take up much space but are perfect for protecting clothes, cameras, or snacks on excursions. They are especially useful for boat trips down the Mekong Delta or on Ha Long Bay, where splashes are unavoidable.

20. Kindle

My Kindle e-book is another non-negotiable when packing! It’s the perfect on-the-go entertainment and a great alternative to doom-scrolling, or to use when you’re out of service.

I know, many people prefer a real book over an e-book, but I actually started reading more when I got my Kindle. It’s easier to hold than a book, and it stores my entire library on the device, so I’m never without my next read. Honestly, for travel, it’s the way to go!

21. Walking Shoe

We’ve spent a lot of time in Vietnam, and always find ourselves getting a lot of steps in! Packing a pair of decent walking shoes is essential, and you’ll need something versatile to handle plenty of walking and a bit of adventuring. If you’re planning on doing a motorbike trip, walking through a crowded market, or on a Cu Chi Tunnel tour, you’ll be happy to have closed-toe shoes.

For women, you’ll love this pair of On Cloud 6 shoes. They are comfortable and durable, without being too bulky when packing. I also like that they have mesh, so they are breathable in Vietnam’s heat. Lastly, they look good with almost any outfit!

For men, you can’t go wrong with these Brooks Ghost 17 shoes. Brooks makes really good shoes that are comfortable for walking and lightweight for packing. They are really popular, so don’t wait to get your pair!

Extra Travel Items We Love

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Thanks for reading!

Vietnam is one of those places where it pays to be prepared. From personal experience, nothing can make your trip less than amazing by packing incorrectly! But don’t worry, we’ve traveled all over the country, and these items are always in my bag. So stick to our recommendations, and you will be ready for any adventure!

Before you take off, check out our other Vietnam travel blogs. Besides packing, we love sharing our favorite travel tips and tricks to make your vacation as memorable as possible. I’ll leave a few blogs below to inspire your next destination and help you plan the perfect trip to Vietnam – cheers!

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Hanoi, Vietnam: 3-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: 6 Areas & Hotels

10 Best Things to do in Sapa, Vietnam

The post What to Pack for Vietnam: Our Personal Packing List appeared first on Destinationless Travel.