Last checked: 21 September 2026.
Packing for Vietnam is tricky for one simple reason: the country has three climates. You can be in a winter jacket in Sapa and a swimsuit in Phu Quoc in the same week. The trick is to pack light layers, not two wardrobes, and to buy anything you forget locally. Vietnam is a very easy place to pick up a rain jacket, sandals or a sun hat.
The short answer
- Core kit: light breathable clothes, one warm layer, a light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sandals
- For temples: something that covers shoulders and knees
- Essentials: passport, printed e-visa, cards, some US dollars, a universal adapter, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Add for the northern mountains in winter: a proper warm jacket, hat and gloves
Documents and money
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival
- Printed e-visa, or proof you are visa-exempt (see our e-visa guide)
- Photocopies or photos of your passport and visa, stored separately
- Travel insurance details
- Two bank cards, kept in different places, and some clean US dollar notes for emergencies
- Hotel and tour confirmations, saved offline
Clothing by region and season
| Where and when | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Hanoi and the north, Dec–Feb | Long trousers, sweater or fleece, light jacket |
| Sapa and Ha Giang, Nov–Mar | Warm jacket, thermal layer, hat, gloves; nights can drop near 0°C |
| The north, May–Sep | Light clothes, rain jacket; hot and humid |
| Central coast, Feb–Aug | Summer clothes, swimwear, sun hat |
| Central coast, Sep–Dec | Rain jacket, quick-dry shoes, a spare layer |
| The south, all year | Light cotton or linen, swimwear, rain jacket for May–Nov showers |
Whatever the season, pack one outfit that covers shoulders and knees for pagodas, temples and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A light scarf or sarong does the job.
Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip: pavements are uneven, and trekking trails can be slippery
- Sandals or flip-flops that are easy to slip off, because you will remove shoes often at homes and temples
- Waterproof hiking shoes only if you plan real treks in Sapa, Ha Giang or Pu Luong
Electronics
- Plug adapter: Vietnam mostly uses type A (two flat pins) and type C (two round pins) sockets, at 220V. A universal adapter covers both
- Phone charger and a power bank for long travel days
- An unlocked phone if you plan to use a local SIM or eSIM
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen and after-sun
- Insect repellent (dengue is carried by day-biting mosquitoes)
- Any prescription medicines, in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription
- Basic first aid: plasters, painkillers, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea tablets
- Hand sanitiser and a small packet of tissues. Paper napkins are not always free at street stalls
Useful extras
- A light daypack with a zip, worn on your front in crowds
- A reusable water bottle
- A dry bag for boat trips and Ha Long Bay kayaking
- A small quick-dry towel
What you can leave at home
- A big umbrella: cheap rain ponchos are sold everywhere
- Lots of clothes: laundry is cheap and fast in most towns
- Formal wear, unless you have a special occasion planned
- Heavy guidebooks: save the pages you need to your phone
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy things I forget in Vietnam?
Yes. Pharmacies, convenience stores and markets in every city sell toiletries, rain gear and basic clothing. Bigger sizes in clothes and shoes can be harder to find.
Do I need a warm jacket for Vietnam?
Only if you visit the north between November and March, especially the mountains. For the centre and south, a light layer is enough.
Check the season first: Vietnam weather month by month.