32 Top Vietnam Packing List Items for 2024 + What to Wear & NOT To Bring

What to Pack for Vietnam – 32 Essentials

• 1. Universal Power Adapter

  Vietnam uses a wide array of power outlets such as Type C, E, F, and G. These are all different from outlets in the U.S., so it’s essential to have a universal power adapter that will work in every different scenario. We recommend using an adapter with a built-in fuse protection like this one to protect your devices even if there’s a power surge, which is common in SE Asia. It’s handy to have 2 USB ports, and it also comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee.

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• 2. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

  A lipstick-sized portable charger will be a total game-changer during your trip. If you plan to use your smartphone for navigation, photos, and communication, you won’t want to get stuck with a dead battery when you’re deep in the canal network of Cần Thơ or boating through the Ben Tre islands. Use this as a backup battery when you’re on-the-go. Thank us later!

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• 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

  Vietnam ranks in the top 3 most targeted countries for online attacks in all of SE Asia, according to global security provider Kaspersky. With growing threats each day, a VPN is a non-negotiable for all travelers. It adds an extra layer of security encryption to your private data to keep you safe. If I had used one in Paris when I visited recently, I wouldn’t have had my credit card information stolen. You may not realize it, but joining public Wi-Fi networks at cafes, airports, hotels, and Airbnbs can lead to a vulnerable crack in your connection. Even at home, you may have snoopy neighbors, hackers, or third parties like the government monitoring your online activity.

  Another advantage for me is the ability to browse the internet uninhibited while traveling, even if the countries where you’re surfing limit, monitor, or censor internet use. In many Eastern countries, PayPal, Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, and YouTube are regionally-locked. All it takes is the push of a button and your VPN will give you access to the internet, no matter where you may roam.

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• 4. Neck Wallet

  Vietnam is fairly safe for travelers, but petty theft remains one of the biggest concerns. You’ll want to carry your important documents with you, along with any small amounts of cash or other payment methods you may need for the day. This neck wallet will allow you to do that much more safely than if you carried them in your bag or pocket. It stays tucked discreetly under your shirt but remains accessible so that you can get to the things you need without advertising them to potential thieves.

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• 5. High-Quality Water Bottle with Filter

  This region’s drinking water availability is limited to bottled or manually filtered water. Even the locals avoid the tap water or boil it at home. You’ll have to buy bottles or bring your own method of purifying water to ensure it’s safe to consume. I highly recommend bringing this Grayl water bottle because it’s top-notch, eliminating the health risk of dangerous parasites, bacteria, viruses, microplastics, and more. It also improves the taste of your water by reducing the levels of chlorine and harsh chemicals.

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• 6. Travel Insurance for Vietnam

  You may not realize it – but your domestic coverage only provides support within your home country, so health insurance typically does not follow you overseas. If things take a turn for the worse, you’ll need to be well-protected and insured for a variety of problems like hospital visits, medivac transfers, emergency trips home, theft, baggage loss, flight delays, etc. It’s best not to take your chances with out-of-pocket expenses when insurance plans are very affordable and offer sincere peace of mind.

  Our go-to provider is Faye because they make it easy to create a customized insurance plan that is tailored to your specific trip. You can add on policies that are rarely offered, like “cancel for ANY reason,” which is a huge benefit! When we had an incident, the funds were wired quickly through their mobile app and the claims process was way less daunting than with most providers. We’ve been singing their praises ever since and can’t recommend them enough!

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• 7. Packing Cubes

  Having an organized suitcase is an underestimated treat. Instead of throwing items all around the hotel room to find what you’re looking for – these packing cubes make it easy to classify your items into groups and keep everything in order. It can be a serious help when you’re staying in multiple locations, having to unpack and repack multiple times. Bonus points for the laundry bags that keep your clean and dirty clothes separate!

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• 8. Hanging Toiletry Bag

  Countertop space can be limited in Vietnam bathrooms and most public places or budget lodgings will provide a squat toilet (which is essentially a hole in the ground). While the toilet situations may not be glamorous, you can make up for this with a hanging toiletry bag! Keep your products confined to this eye-level case that turns any door, shower pole, hook, or tree branch (if camping) into a convenient mini-shelf storage system.

  It’s one of the best-executed concepts we’ve seen in the world of travel accessories and I must admit, after using it for over a year now, I will never travel without it. Not even for a weekend getaway! It’s even great for on-the-go grooming like a shower at the gym after working out. We love that this one is sustainably-made, leakproof, stain-resistant, and has all the compartments we could ever need, compacted down into an intuitive, lightweight case.

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• 9. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

  Watersports are a huge draw in Vietnam and you’ll need a quick way to dry off without carrying around bulky hotel towels. Moreso, your accommodation may not provide a towel or the one they provide could be sub-par. This one is our go-to because it’s light as a feather yet dries 10x faster than cotton. Plus, it’s small enough to carry with you if you need to.

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• 10. Activated Charcoal

  Having an upset stomach or traveler’s diarrhea is difficult to avoid in these countries. It’s best to bring activated charcoal with you, just in case. It absorbs any toxins that may be plaguing your system and can help you regain digestive balance after a variety of stomach ailments. This could save you hours or days of distress and get you back on your feet in no time!

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• 11. Windproof Travel Umbrella

  Tropical locations throughout the world are well-known for rain. And Vietnam is no exception. Rain can come and go quickly, so it’s best to ready yourself for all conditions with a reliable windproof umbrella that can be carried in your day bag. This one’s great because it can fit two people underneath and won’t collapse under gusty winds. It’s the sturdiest umbrella I’ve owned!

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• 12. Waterproof Phone Cases

  Your phone is an important part of travel planning, navigating, and communicating with folks back home. You’ll want to keep it protected from water, dirt, dust, scratches, and shocks while you’re moving from place to place. This case does it all, so you can stay connected while covering hot spots from land to sea.

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• 13. Flotation Strap

  Don’t neglect to bring this main accessory for your waterproof phone case – a case won’t be useful if your phone sinks to the bottom of the South China Sea! These flotation straps attach to your phone, keys, or any other necessities you wouldn’t want to see disappear into the sharp reefs of Nha Trang or the murky Mekong River.

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• 14. Sturdy Sandals

  Sturdy sandals are a must for any trip to Southeast Asia. You’re likely to be doing a lot of walking and will want to feel comfortable and supported. These sandals are perfect because they’re durable and dry quickly, so you’ll be prepared for anything from sandy beaches to muddy hillsides to thick jungle marshes. They’re also well-suited for temple visits since they easily slip on and off.

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• 15. Discounted Tickets on Vietnam Attractions

  Get Your Guide offers top-rated tours booked through local guides with flexible cancelation. While visiting the paradise of Vietnam – you must discover the rich history at archaeological sites like the Imperial City, the Vinh Trang Temple, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son Sanctuary.

  While these longer day trips are breathtaking, make some time for the nitty-gritty experiences like tasting the Street Food of Ho Chi Minh, perusing a local market, or more somber tributes like the Cu Chi Tunnels that reflect the country’s war-torn history.

  Leaving behind the city’s pace is sometimes necessary, and tours like Ha Long Bay and the Mua Caves are very popular. Our personal favorite excursions were simple but sweet, hiking through Bach Ma National Park and snorkeling near Nha Trang’s Beautiful Islands.

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• 16. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

  Vietnam is generally safe, but areas like Ho Chi Minh City have a decently bad rep for con artists and bag snatching. Not to mention, your checked luggage is out of sight for dozens of hours while in transit. After having things stolen out of our unlocked suitcase, we learned the hard way not to travel without luggage locks. Bring a set or two for lockers, backpacks, purses, or anything else that requires extra protection.

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• 17. Luggage Straps

  A suitcase strap serves many functions – it can fix a broken handle, tether bags together for easier navigation, and make your bags stand out in a crowd so you don’t have to sift through the chaos of the arrivals carousel.

  While some people use these purely for identification purposes (to spot their cases quickly at baggage claim), I’ve found that they really help my suitcase not fall apart during long journeys where the handling can be ROUGH. Millions of bags get damaged each year (particularly for international flights), but these adjustable straps take the pressure off your zippers and can withstand 700+ lbs of force tension. They also have a built-in identification card in case your bags get lost – an all-around security tool for checking bags.

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• 18. Shawl for Temples

  Vietnam has over 15,000 religious buildings, including Buddhist temples, viharas, and pagodas. These ancient sites hold stories of the country’s past and glimpses into the spiritual depth of the culture. Visitors must be aware that an improper dress code (uncovered legs and shoulders) can lead to denied entry. So pack along a multifunctional shawl to ensure that doesn’t happen while also displaying modesty and respect.

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• 19. Cooling Towel Set

  We never travel to balmy destinations without these magical cooling towels that provide sweet relief on a hot day. Simply add water and they will remain 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temperature for up to an hour. When the frosty effect diminishes, add more water, and boom! You’ll be able to withstand long days outside and beat the heat without any unbearable hot flashes.

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• 20. Daypack

  The items you’ll want to carry with you each day can be unwieldy if you don’t have a good day bag to carry them in. A backpack is ideal since it will keep you hands-free and reduce back aches from one-shouldered bags. This backpack is designed for traveling – it’s light, easy to use, and can be stowed away in its own inner pocket.

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• 21. Swimsuit Cover-Up

  There’s no doubt that much of your trip to Vietnam will be spent in and out of the water. Whether you’re diving into Ha Long Bay or sunbathing at Nha Trang Beach, you’ll want a trendy and lightweight swimsuit cover-up to throw on over your suit whenever you need it. This one’s cute and relatively inexpensive.

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• 22. Water Shoes

  You’ll be hopping from ancient cities to luscious lagoons and beaches to floating markets to rice terraces! So you’ll need a pair of shoes that can keep up with your grand adventures. This pair is fast-drying and super lightweight. The mesh top creates airflow, which reduces the risk of blisters or sweaty feet, and you’ll appreciate being able to move between different terrains with ease.

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• 23. Travel Sheet

  Some accommodations and bungalows may not have the cleanest of sheets… especially if it’s a hostel or motel! Bringing your own can offer peace of mind against bed bugs or moldy pillowcases. We recommend this set which is made for travel – it’s very compact but doesn’t skimp on the silky softness. It’s also great for future camping trips, long bus journeys, plane trips, etc.

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• 24. Waterproof Dry Bag

  The best way to get around the unique waterways of Vietnam is by cruisers, kayaks, or basket boats. While you’re exploring caves, beaches, and snorkeling islands like Cham and Nha Trang, you’ll need a trusty dry bag to protect your valuables. You don’t want to watch your backpack slosh around a deck or pull out disintegrated cash! This case is an affordable way to ensure everything you care about remains 100% dry.

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• 25. Mosquito Repellent Wristbands

  Mosquitoe-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue, and Japanese encephalitis are prevalent in areas of Vietnam, so it’s best not to take any chances. These wristbands keep you protected without having to apply messy, smelly, chemical-laden sprays, and they’re comfortable enough that you’ll forget you’re even wearing them! They’re deet-free which means they’re safe for both adults and kids. An absolute must-pack for your Southeast Asia trip.

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• 26. Rash Guard

  Since Vietnam is close to the equator, the sun can be more powerful, and the UV index has even been alarming to locals in recent years. Something as mild as a tan is considered ‘sun damage’ in the eyes of a dermatologist, so protect your delicate skin with a long-sleeved rash guard. For long days on dragon boats or playing in the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, this top offers a UPF of 50+ to prevent any painful burns.

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• 27. Deodorant Wipes

  Sticky and icky is not the vibe. While a tropical destination incites images of paradise – it can also mean humidity, heat, and sweaty pits! I keep these deodorant wipes with us for a quick refresh and immediate relief. They’re pocket-sized which is perfect for on-the-go odor control, and they leave zero white residue behind (which we can’t say for most deodorant brands!)

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• 28. Modest Skirt

  The Vietnamese people value humility and modesty. Tourists should not wear short shorts or crop tops as these can be seen as inappropriate and tasteless. In addition to this, temples may reject your entry if your legs are not covered below the knee. When visiting the stunning Cao Dai Temple or Tran Quoc Pagoda, this beautiful skirt will help you blend in with the regional garb and not look like a hokey tourist.

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• 29. TSA-Approved Toiletry Bottles

  TSA will throw away any of your beloved products if they exceed the 3.4-ounce limitation for liquids in your carry-on. Prevent this tragedy by opting for these travel-sized bottles. They’re the best ones we’ve used since they have a 3-layer leakproof design, and the shape allows you to get out every last drop!

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• 30. Vietnam Phone SIM Card

  While your domestic carrier will be more than happy to price-gouge you with outrageous roaming rates, there is another option. We recommend using a local SIM card to stay connected – this one offers 10GB of data for up to 30 days of travel time, giving you a regional phone number and simplified access without the sneaky hidden fees. Simply swap out your SIM card once you’ve landed, turn on data roaming, and restart your device. Easy peasy and it could save you hundreds of dollars!

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• 31. Fleece Jacket

  On the opposite end of the spectrum, Vietnam’s winters can be harsh due to the monsoon influence. Temperatures can vary depending on how northern or southern you are in the country, or as you climb snowcapped mountains. But if visiting in the autumn or winter, prepare for the frost and windchill with a thick jacket. Even in warmer months, you’ll need at least one reliable option for chilly nights, and Columbia is our go-to brand for affordable quality.

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• 32. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

  You should always bring along a backup bag for any shopping you may do on your adventure. This tote counts as your personal item on the flight home and fits neatly under your plane seat! The local markets and boutique shops hold the most gorgeous items that you’ll want to bring home to friends and family – local goods like Vietnamese silks, jewelry, lacquerware, Áo dài (dresses), Nón Lá (hats), bamboo products, pearls, rich coffee beans, and much more.

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