The weather in Vietnam varies by region, and the country spans multiple climates. Some areas are more consistent, while the coast and mountainous regions can see rapid weather changes daily. This guide covers what to pack no matter where you go, with tips on how to handle the cooler months, tropical heat, and rainy season.

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Luggage

Luggage

TSA approved luggage locks

These help keep your bags secure in transit. However, they aren’t foolproof, so you should always store valuables in your carryon. Choose a bright lock to make your luggage easier to spot.

Apple air tags

These were more affordable than we anticipated and so useful if your bags get lost. Plus, they provide nice peace of mind when you can see that your bags have made it on your plane!

Packing cubes

If you haven’t used packing cubes yet, this is your sign to buy them. They are a game changer in helping keep your suitcase organized – especially when you’re moving from place to place. We love them so much that we have two sets.

Our first set is mesh like this set and we love that you can see through the bags to know what’s inside.

This set from Gonex is water resistant – perfect for more adventurous trips – and each bag has an expandable zipper, so it’s like having two size options per bag.

Laundry bag

Some of our Airbnb's had washing machines for us to use on site, while other hotels did it for us. Having something to tote our clothing back and forth in was a huge help.

Clothing

Year round

Rain jacket

Look for raincoats with pit zips — arm pit zippers or vents — to help moderate your temperature. No raincoat is completely waterproof, so don’t get caught up in the lingo. Purchase a water resistant/waterproof coat from a reputable brand and you should be good!

Pajamas

You’ll want lightweight, breathable pajamas for humid nights.

Travel scarf

If you bring tops that are not suitable for temples (showing your shoulders) bring a scarf to cover up with. These also double as an extra layer on flights.

Cooler temperatures

Cooler weather usually lasts between November and March, especially in the northern mountainous region.

Fleece zip-ups

Wear this on its own or under your raincoat for an added layer of protection. The high humidity, in places like Hanoi, make temperatures feel much colder than usual.

Winter coat

If you’ll be traveling in Northern Vietnam, you’ll need a warmer setup. A packable puffy coat paired with a raincoat is the most travel-friendly option.

Gloves, scarf, warm hat

Warm accessories are especially needed in the mountains, but mornings can be chilly in the lowlands as well.

Base layers

Pack wool base layers to stay extra warm. They shouldn’t fit too tight and should feel comfortable underneath your clothing – it’s the air trapped between layers that keeps you warm.

Pants

Pair your base layers with jeans, trekking pants or wear insulated leggings.

Tops

Bring warm tops like sweaters, long sleeves, and t-shirts to be prepared for a variety of weather. If you’re coming from a colder climate, the temperatures may feel warm at the beginning of your trip, but you’ll adjust and feel colder by the end of your trip.

Warmer temperatures

Hoodie

You’ll want a light layer to wear in the mornings and evenings when the temperatures dip, especially in the coastal regions.

Pants

Focus on packing lightweight pants like these linen pants or shorts.

Tops

Pack sun shirts, either in a button-up style, or long sleeve, and t-shirts.

Sun hat

The sun is harsh in Vietnam – bring a sun hat for better odds at not getting sun burned and to use less sunscreen.

Swimwear

Bring modest swimwear for beaches and pools.

Travel umbrella

If you’ll be traveling between May and October, it could be monsoon season depending on the region. Come prepared with a packable umbrella.

Footwear

Walking shoes

You’ll spend a lot of time on your feet! Bring a great pair of walking shoes, but if you’re visiting in winter, you’ll want your shoes to be waterproof.

Socks

Wool socks are best to prevent blisters and wick away moisture. Find lightweight summer socks here and warmer winter socks here.

Sandals

Bring a pair of flip flops or Chacos for water-based activities like kayaking or riding the coconut boats in Hoi An.

Personal items

Water filter

Tap water is not safe to drink (including ice at some locations). To ensure that you’re drinking safe water you can:

Buy bottled water in Vietnam

Filter your own water using a water filter

Bring a water bottle with a built-in filter

If you do bring a filter, pack it in your carry on and keep them above freezing temperatures, otherwise they do not work correctly.

Bag

You’ll want a small bag that you can fit a few items in while you walk about town. Bonus if it is water resistant and RFID blocking.

RFID blocking wallet

If you don’t get an RFID blocking bag, get an RFID blocking wallet.

Sunglass

Vietnam can be bright and sunny year-round.

Handheld fan

Cash

Both cash (Vietnamese dong) and cards are used in Vietnam, but cash is more widely used, especially at smaller shops and in rural areas. Cards will be accepted, with a fee, at larger restaurants and stores.

Check to see if your bank will allow you to exchange currency at home or use an ATM upon arrival.

Toiletries

You’ll want all your standard toiletry items including the following: travel size toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, brush, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, body wash, and facewash.

Facewash wipes

In addition, we also packed face wipes. These were very convenient to freshen up mid-day, and we even used them on the long travel days we flew in and out of the country.

Toilet paper

Not every public bathroom will have toilet paper. Pack a couple travel size rolls and you can purchase more in country if needed.

Sanatizer

If washing your hands isn’t possible before snacks and meals, use sanitizer! This will help keep you healthy throughout your trip.

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

Body Glide

Put this on before you start any day that you’ll be walking a lot to prevent chaffing.

First aid kit

Medicine can be hard to find in Vietnam, so it’s best to pack your preferred painkiller like Tylenol, allergy medicine like Benadryl, Imodium in case of traveler’s diarrhea, and Dramamine if you get seasick or car sickness.

Pack electrolyte tablets in case of dehydration and activated charcoal capsules to help an upset stomach. Include a few KN95 masks as well in case the of poor air quality as well.

Personal medication

Check with the CDC and your doctor to see if you should get any travel vaccinations prior to your trip. Malaria pills are often prescribed.

Paperwork

Visa

Most nationalities will be required to apply for a Visa before arriving in Vietnam. Read more on this here.

Passport

Don’t forget to pack your passport and make sure it’s valid for at least another six months.

Paperwork copies

Have copies of your Visa, passport, and itinerary for reference and emergencies.

Electronics

Chargers

Bring charging cords for your phone and other devices.

Travel adapter

Vietnam uses 220V A, C, and D plug ins.

Prepaid SIM

Getting a prepaid SIM is a great way to have cell phone and data service when traveling abroad. These plans are often much more flexible and affordable than purchasing international data plans from your home country's carrier. There are a lot of companies who offer prepaid SIMs that are valid in Vietnam – we recommend ordering online before your trip so you're ready to activate it at the beginning of your trip.

Portable power bank

This is optional, but it was helpful to have on our longer travel days. Running GPS burned through our phone batteries and being able to charge them on the go gave us peace of mind.

For the flight

Eye mask

Bringing an eye mask on long flights is a game changer. Wearing one will help you sleep no matter what your seat neighbors are doing or when the plane lights come on.

Neck pillows

Headphones and ear plugs

Pack these to stay entertained or block out noise. Ear plugs are great for helping you sleep in the city, too – street noise starts early!

Snacks

Compression socks

These helps aid in circulation and prevent swelling in your legs – they’re essential for long flights.

Sleep aids

Disinfectant wipes

Call Meghann a germaphobe, but she insists on using these on every flight. Wipe down all the surfaces you’ll be touching to prevent from getting sick at the start of your trip.