Vietnam Packing List: What to Pack for Every Region and Season

Looking for the perfect packing list for Vietnam? Whether you’re cruising through Ha Long Bay, motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop, exploring lantern-lit Hoi An, or trekking through the rice terraces of Sapa, the right gear will make your trip so much easier—and lighter.

I spent a month backpacking across Southeast Asia with just a carry-on suitcase and a backpack—and to be honest, I still overpacked. Vietnam is surprisingly easy to pack for. You’ll find laundry services everywhere for cheap, and the key is flexibility—since there’s such a variety of landscapes and activities in Vietnam.

This post breaks down everything you need in your Vietnam packing list, including luggage tips, essentials for all climates, and a few things to skip entirely. Whether you’re headed to Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, or Ho Chi Minh City, this guide has you covered.

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Bags & Luggage: Choosing the Right Setup for Vietnam

Before we dive into the full packing list for Vietnam, let’s talk about what kind of luggage works best.

Travel Backpack vs. Rolling Suitcase

• Rolling Carry-On Suitcase: This is what I used and it worked just fine. Just keep it carry-on size—you’ll be tossing it into train cabins, strapping it onto buses, and possibly dragging it through uneven streets or muddy paths in rural areas. Beis is my favorite carry-on suitcase!
• Travel Backpack: If I did it again, I’d probably opt for a backpack. It’s just easier to move through tight alleyways, hop on scooters, and climb stairs at budget stays. Bonus: your hands are free!

Why Lighter is Better:

Traveling between cities often involves overnight buses, ferries, or even trekking. Smaller bags are easier to handle, repack, and haul on and off moving transportation.

If you’re staying in resorts, you might get help with luggage—but if you’re more of a DIY or backpacker traveler like me (and probably you), going light makes everything smoother.

Vietnam Packing List

Here’s everything I recommend bringing—based on real experience, unexpected lessons, and too many times thinking “I wish I packed that…”

Clothes

• Bathing Suits – For boat rides, beaches, or hotel pools. I recommend bringing two. Honey Swimwear are my favorite!
• Tank Tops & Tees – Lightweight and breathable for hot, humid days.
• Linen or Flow Pants – Modest for temples, comfy for long bus rides.
• Flowy Shorts – Especially helpful in the southern heat.
• Light Sweater or Hoodie – The north can get chilly in the winter (Nov–Feb), and night buses blast A/C.
• Light Dresses – Dresses that cover your knees are great for temples. Pair with a scarf for shoulders.
• Scarf or Sarong – Use to cover up at temples or as a beach wrap. Or you could buy something in Vietnam which would also make for a great souvenir.
• Athletic Outfit – Perfect for hikes, yoga, or motorbike rides.
  Paragon are my go-to travel leggings, these are some of my favorite shorts, and favorite quick-dry tops!
• Rain Jacket – Vietnam’s rainy season varies by region, but a lightweight one is always a good idea.
• Sneakers or Lightweight Hiking Shoes – Perfect for treks in the mountain areas or exploring rural areas.

Toiletries & Essentials

• Sunscreen – It’s expensive and often whitening in Vietnam. Bring reef-safe if you’re hitting the coast. This is my favorite mineral sunscreen for my face.
• Bug Spray – Especially important in rural and tropical areas.
• Tampons or Menstrual Cup – Not easily found outside big cities.
• Basic First Aid Kit – Include band-aids, Neosporin, and antiseptic wipes.
• Stomach & Motion Sickness Kit:
  • Activated Charcoal
  • Ginger Tablets
  • Imodium
  • Dramamine (for winding mountain roads and sleeper buses that can get real wild…)
• Electrolytes – Packets or tablets to rehydrate on hot or food-heavy days.

Travel Gear

• Power Adapter – Vietnam uses types A, C, and D. A universal one works best.
• Portable Charger – A must for long buses or remote areas.
• Reusable Water Bottle – Filtered water is available in most hostels or cafes.
• Quick-Dry Towel – Great for boat days or budget stays.
• Waterproof Pouch/Phone Case – Especially handy for Ha Long Bay or rainy days.
• Day Pack – A lightweight backpack for day trips.
  This one folds up and packs super small!
• Crossbody Bag – More secure in cities and markets.
• Portable Fan – The humidity is real, especially in the south.
• Drone (Optional) – Vietnam is incredibly photogenic. You could get some really cool drone shots. I travel with this drone!

Pro Packing Tips for Vietnam

Laundry is everywhere: It’s cheap, fast, and super common. No need to overpack.

You’ll be mobile: Between overnight buses, scooters, boats, and narrow alleyways—less stuff = less stress.

Final Thoughts: Your Packing List for Vietnam Should Be Light, Flexible, and Ready for Anything

Traveling across Vietnam is full of contrasts—mountains and beaches, cities and quiet countryside. Your packing list needs to work across all of it. Whether you’re hiking through Ha Giang, navigating Hanoi’s buzzing streets, or relaxing on a beach in Hoi An, this packing list for Vietnam will keep you prepared without weighing you down.

Still planning your itinerary? Check out my 2-week Vietnam travel route that balances adventure, culture, and chill time.