Did you know that last year more than 15 million tourists came from all over the globe to visit the beautiful country of Vietnam?
With so many gorgeous beaches, lively cities, breathtaking mountains, it's no wonder that the tourism industry in Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing in the world.
In just one visit you could take a cruise on the Mekong Delta, light one of the many lanterns in Hoi An, explore one of the world's largest caves, gorge on delicious pho, and much more. So what are you waiting for? It's time to pack your bags and have an adventure of a lifetime.
Keep reading to learn about what you'll need on your Vietnam packing list.
1. Important Documents
When thinking about what to bring to Vietnam, you should never forget your passport, of course, but there are other important documents you must remember as well. For example, Vietnam requires a tourist visa or a preapproval for a visa when you arrive.
You can apply for a visa at the nearest Vietnam embassy or you can do it online.
If you plan on doing any driving or taking part in the popular motorbiking, then you should get an international driver's license. For a small fee, they are quite easy to obtain from places such as AAA.
Unfortunately, when you go abroad, your health insurance most likely won't cover the medical expenses of any accidents, whether its a broken ankle or food poisoning. Just to be safe, it's a good idea to get travel insurance and carry that documentation with you.
2. Proper Clothing
Are you wondering what to wear in Vietnam? It all depends on the season. If you're traveling to Vietnam during the summer, it can get fairly hot and humid. It can also rain a lot. With this in mind, you should bring some t-shirts and tank tops, as well as a rain jacket or a poncho.
The country's culture is somewhat conservative so, to be respectful, you should try to avoid anything that might appear risque, such as mini-skirts and strapless tops. Instead, you should pack 4 or 5 light but long summer dresses.
As with most places one travels to, you'll be doing a lot of walking, so be sure to pack your most comfortable pair of sneakers. If you plan on going to one or more of the many beautiful beaches, you should bring a pair of flip flops and a bathing suit.
The winters, on the other hand, are generally cool yet dry, so you'll want to pack a couple of sweaters and jeans.
Keep in mind that doing laundry in Vietnam is extremely cheap, so don't be afraid to bring clothes with the intention of washing them and wearing them again. That way, you can have more room in your luggage for other essentials.
3. A Trusty Backpack
One of the most important things to remember when packing for Vietnam is to bring a backpack you can trust, something that won't fall apart or rip open so all your valuables fall out.
Not only to many travel backpacks simply look cool and stylish, but they can be extremely reliable and convenient.
Because of the rain, it would also be a good idea to bring a backpack that is waterproof.
At the very least, you should bring a rain cover for your backpack.
4. An E-Reader with Great Books
Traveling on a plan and layovers are always better when you have plenty of books to get lost in. With an e-reader, you can bring with you hundreds, even thousands, of books.
What can be really fun and potentially helpful too, is if you load onto your e-reader some books related to Vietnam. Whether it's a novel, a short story collection, a memoir, or something else, reading about the country you're visiting can truly enhance your overall experience.
Catfish and Mandala by Andrew X. Pham is a heartfelt travel memoir about a young Vietnamese-American who went on a journey to find his roots.
If you're more of a fiction reader, then The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen is a thrilling and emotional historical novel about the Vietnam War. It won the highly prestigious Pulitzer Prise in 2016.
5. Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellant
You'll be getting a lot of sunlight and, because of the rain, a lot of mosquitos, so your packing list for Vietnam should contain both sunscreen and mosquito repellant.
It's more common for Vietnamese people to simply protect themselves from the sun by wearing long clothing or umbrellas. Therefore, sunscreen is not as common in Vietnam as it is in the United States, for example, which is why you'll want to bring a supply that'll last you your entire trip. Even if you do come across sunscreen in Vietnam, it will most likely be way overpriced.
Mosquito repellant is not that much easier to find in Vietnam, so you'll want to bring a generous supply of the spray bottles and the wipes. Although there are fewer mosquitos after the rainy seasons, they can still be a problem. If you do get bit, you'll want to have cream handy so that itching can be prevented.
6. A Quality Travel Camera
With so many beautiful things to see in Vietnam, you'll want to bring a travel camera that can bring all the sights to life on Instagram and your social media accounts.
Smartphones have come a long way with camera technology, but they're still not as good as the real thing.
A Sony A6000, for example, is surprisingly lightweight, inexpensive, and can give you crystal-clear pictures of all the sights.
Are You Ready to Cross off Items on Your Vietnam Packing list?
Now that you know about all the essentials that should be on your Vietnam packing list, you can get prepared for an amazing adventure like no other.
You must be wondering about what the best things to do and see in Vietnam are. Mr Linh's Adventures can help plan the best trip of your life. You won't need to worry about a thing. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your trip while we do the work for you. Contact us to learn about our services.