If you have already completed the planning stage of your trip to Vietnam and have started packing, you are probably wondering what exactly you need to take to this exotic country? Below is a useful list of things that will definitely come in handy in Vietnam.
The first step in any trip is deciding what kind of travel bag to take with you. Like most countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is harsh. Even in the big cities, you can’t always expect paths and sidewalks. That’s why backpacks are a good idea, as they will give you more mobility when moving around. Opt for luggage with wheels. This will allow you to roll the bag for most of the trip and carry it if necessary.
Necessary clothing and footwear
A transition to a hot and humid tropical location calls for comfortable clothing in lightweight, natural fabrics such as cotton and silk. Tank tops and t-shirts are a good choice for Vietnam, with light colors and khakis being ideal.
As for footwear, flip-flops or other open sandals are fine on Vietnamese beaches, but you'll also want to wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes to protect your feet when sightseeing in the cities.
Consider bringing a lightweight sun hat to protect your face from UV rays and rain.
What clothes should you not take to Vietnam?
When traveling to Vietnam, you may want to leave your jeans and denim shorts at home. You will sweat in the humid climate, and denim takes a long time to dry. Irritation and heat do not mix well.
Remember also that the Vietnamese dress conservatively. Women and men generally wear long pants and short-sleeved or long-sleeved tops. Visitors should do the same, despite the heat. When in Vietnam, you will fit in better with the environment if you ditch the shorts in public.
Don't take a lot of clothes with you. Instead, take a small amount of only what you really need. If you need more clothes after you arrive in Vietnam, you can buy them there, as the Asian country is famous for its inexpensive clothes.
Equipment, toiletries and medicines
Once you have decided what to wear in Vietnam, you can pack other things besides clothes, including all the basic toiletries, extra toilet paper, and of course sunscreen, which is a must. The weather in Vietnam can be rainy, so bring an umbrella or poncho to prepare for the occasional downpour.
Bug spray is another must-have for your trip, as mosquitoes in Vietnam carry malaria, so anti-malarial tablets are also a smart idea. Consult your doctor before you travel. Bring anti-diarrhea medication if the food in Vietnam doesn’t suit your stomach, as well as a small travel towel or a few handkerchiefs that are easy to carry. Trust me, you’ll want to wipe away all your sweat while sightseeing. Packs of wet wipes will come in handy in some restaurants that don’t have napkins.
In Vietnam, it is advisable to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust and the bright hot sun. It is also wise to take a small first aid kit, a waterproof backpack that can withstand the unpredictable weather in Vietnam, and of course, a mobile phone. Download WhatsApp (iOS, Android) as an affordable way to stay in touch. Don’t forget to bring a travel adapter for your phone, camera, and other electrical devices that you plan to bring to Vietnam.
