Packing List for Vietnam 2025

Plan your Vietnam trip with ease! Discover the ultimate 2025 Vietnam packing list with essentials for weather, health, electronics & more.

Packing for Vietnam can feel like a puzzle. Beaches. Mountains. Bustling streets. Humid air. Every spot demands something different. Miss one thing and you'll feel it. Stress sneaks in. But here's the good part. Vietnam's packed with affordable markets and shops. You can grab almost anything while you're there. No need to panic.

Still, smart packing pays off. Saves time. Saves money. Keeps frustration low.

This guide's got you covered. We'll make sure you're ready for whatever Vietnam throws at you. We'll also talk about eSIM for Vietnam. Because staying connected without those awful roaming charges is non-negotiable.

Quick Checklist for Vietnam Packing

What Bags to Bring to Vietnam

Main Luggage

• Suitcase: Great for city hotels. Roll it into lobbies and elevators with ease.
• Backpack: The real MVP if you're bouncing between cities. Slides into buses, trains, and ferries without a fight.
• Daypack or Small Backpack: Perfect sidekick for sightseeing. Big enough for snacks, water, and a camera.
• Fanny Pack or Crossbody Bag: Keeps your passport, phone, and money right where you can reach them.
• Dry Bag: Non-negotiable for boat rides, beach days, or during monsoon madness. It keeps your electronics dry and your documents safe.
• Packing Cubes: They are the tiny heroes. They keep outfits grouped and socks from escaping.

Pro Tip: Stick an AirTag or tracker on your bag. The chip could save hours of stress.

Important Travel Essentials

• Passport & Printed Documents: Take your passport. Also, bring printed hotel bookings, insurance details, and flight confirmations. Make photocopies too.
• Visa Requirements: Most travelers need an e-visa. Apply online before you fly. Skip it, and you'll be stuck explaining yourself to airport staff.
• Travel Insurance: Insurance includes health, cancellations, and theft.
• International Driving Permit: Police checks are common. Having one keeps your road trips hassle-free.
• Cash & Cards: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. ATMs are common, still many small shops are cash-only.
• Vaccination Certificates: Only needed in specific cases. Check before you travel.

Internet & Connectivity in Vietnam

eSIM for Vietnam

Staying connected is simple now. Skip roaming charges and avoid long queues at airport kiosks. The best e-SIM card for Vietnam activates in minutes. Just scan and download.

The best eSIM card for Vietnam works in cities and many rural spots. Great for rides, maps, and translations. No airport SIM hassle, just activate and go.

Useful Apps

You'll want a few apps on your phone.

• Google Maps: Works for both big cities and mountain trails. It helps you avoid getting lost in winding alleys or endless rice fields.
• Google Translate: Perfect when you are staring at a menu. Convenient for quick chats with locals, too.
• Grab: Whether you need a car, a bike ride, or even food delivery, Grab makes it easy.

What Clothes to Pack for Vietnam

Packing for Vietnam is all about comfort and climate.

Stay comfy in every climate, from Hanoi's chill to Ho Chi Minh's heat. Source - Freepik.com

• Tops & Bottoms: Stick to lightweight fabrics. Cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking shirts work best. Quick-dry clothes are lifesavers in humid weather.
• Jacket or Light Sweater: Nights in highland spots like Da Lat or Sapa can get surprisingly chilly. Toss in a sweater.
• Swimsuit & Cover-up: Vietnam has beaches worth bragging about. Islands too. A swimsuit and light cover-up will be useful.
• Temple Attire: You'll want modest clothing for temple visits. A scarf or sarong can double up as quick coverage.
• Undergarments & Socks: Bring enough to stretch between laundry days. Don't underestimate the power of clean socks.
• Hat or Cap: The sun in Vietnam doesn't play around. A hat makes long walks in the heat much easier.

What Shoes to Bring

Shoes can make or break your trip.

• Walking shoes or sneakers: Necessary for sightseeing. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh involve walking, so your feet will appreciate the support.
• Sandals or flip-flops: Effortless slip on and off. Perfect for beaches, hostels, or casual market strolls.
• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers: Ideal if you are trekking in Sapa or exploring caves in Phong Nha.

Toiletries & personal care

Shops are everywhere, but it is simpler to pack basics like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant.

• Sunscreen & bug spray: The sun is harsh, and mosquitoes are persistent. These are non-negotiable.
• Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: Great for street food stops. Some stalls do not have sinks nearby.
• Toilet Paper: Not every restroom provides it. Carry a small roll for emergencies.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: These can be limited in rural shops. Better to carry your own supply.
• Shaving kit, razors, makeup, pack based on your routine.

Health & Medical Items

Better safe than sorry.

Health essentials to pack for a safe trip to Vietnam. Source - Freepik.com

• Basic First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic, cotton swabs. Small stuff, but helpful when needed.
• Prescription Medications: Carry enough for the trip. A doctor's note helps at customs.
• Motion Sickness Pills: Roads twist, buses sway, and boats rock. Pills save the day.
• Rehydration Salts: Hot days, long treks, or a dodgy bowl of noodles. These keep you balanced.

Electronics to Pack

Electronics can make travel smoother.

Must-have electronics for your Vietnam adventure. Source - Freepik.com

• Phone + Charger: Your lifeline.
• Universal Travel Adapter: Vietnam runs on 220V with plugs A, C, D, and G. A single adapter keeps you covered.
• Portable Power Bank: Ideal for long rides or overnight trains when outlets are scarce.
• Camera or GoPro: Vietnam's landscapes are ridiculously photogenic. You'll want good shots.
• E-reader or Kindle: Lighter than lugging books. Best for downtime.
• Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Perfect for tuning out snoring dorm mates, crying babies, or nonstop honking.

Optionals

Not essentials, but they will make life easier on the road.

• Quick-dry towel: Compact, light, and dries in no time.
• Reusable bottle: Stay hydrated and cut down on plastic waste.
• Sunglasses: Perfect for sunny rides or boat trips.
• Sleep mask & earplugs: Buses and dorms can get noisy.
• Laundry bag: Keeps the clean and dirty apart.
• Small gifts: A sweet gesture for hosts or homestays.

Packing Tips for Vietnam

• Roll clothes instead of folding. Saves space and avoids creases.
• Pack layers. North and south weather can feel worlds apart.
• Leave room for souvenirs. Markets in Hoi An and Hanoi are too tempting.
• Don't pack heavy toiletries. Shops carry everything from shampoo to deodorant.
• Use zip-lock bags for liquids. Keeps leaks under control.
• Pack a spare outfit. Luggage delays do happen.

What Not to Pack

• Heavy jackets unless you're in the mountains in winter.
• Expensive jewelry. Not worth the risk.
• Too many shoes. Two or three pairs are enough.
• Thick denim. Takes forever to dry in humidity.
• Full-size toiletries. Travel-size options are lighter and easier.

Final Thoughts

Packing for Vietnam is really about balance. Keep it light, keep it smart. You'll find yourself bouncing between sandy beaches, buzzing cities, and misty mountains. That mix calls for layers and practical choices.

And when it comes to staying connected, don't sweat it. A Vietnam eSIM from Teloka makes the whole thing effortless. No standing in airport queues, no fiddling with tiny trays. Just instant internet when you need it most.Travel should be fun, not complicated. Pack light, stay connected, and leave room for adventure. Vietnam will take care of the rest.