Packing for your trip to Vietnam can be a challenge, as you need to consider the weather, the activities, and the customs of this Southeast Asian country. To help you prepare for your adventure, here are some must-pack items and some helpful packing tips for you.
1. Clothes
Clothing is the first and most important consideration for Singaporean travelers. Depending on the season, you should consider choosing clothing that is appropriate and comfortable.
1.1. For Summer Trip
Summer in Vietnam is hot and humid, with frequent daytime rain, but it is relatively cool in the evenings. This begins in May and ends in October. with temperatures reaching up to approximately 400C in the Northern regions (Hanoi) and 410C in the Southern regions (Ho Chi Minh City), this is 5 – 100C higher than Singapore.
Therefore, you may consider the following clothing options:
- Cotton Shirts
- Shorts
- Dresses
- Long Skirt
- Long Pants
- Moisture-Wicking Shirt
- Lightweight Rain Jacket
- Waterproof Shoes
- Flip Flops
- Lightweight Socks
Lightweight and breathable clothing is the best suitable for Singaporean travelers to Vietnam in Summer
1.2. For Winter Trip
Winter in Vietnam is dry and often bitterly cold in the early mornings and evenings, especially in mountainous regions. This starts from December through February, with temperatures dropping to around 5 – 60C. It is approximately 100C lower than Singapore. Therefore, you need to prepare warmer clothing when traveling to Vietnam during the winter season.
Consider the following clothing options:
- Poncho – Choose a full-body poncho if you want to go by motorcycle.
- Extra Socks
- Extra Towel
- Travel scarf or compact neck buff
In addition to preparing appropriate clothing, you should also consider booking your tickets in advance about 5 – 6 months before the department to get discounted fares from airlines. Click here to book your tickets for a trip to Vietnam at a special price.
Warm clothing would be the best choice for you when traveling to Vietnam during the winter season
2. Health and Safety
Apart from clothing, your health and safety are also crucial. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Personal medical essentials: Medications or supplements that you need for your personal health conditions or preferences like allergies, asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure… This is especially important when visiting mountainous regions such as Sapa, Ha Giang,…..
- Anti-bug balm: Anti-bug balm is essential if you are prone to insect allergies. Especially when traveling to national parks, zoos, and other similar areas, you need to be well-prepared.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is an essential item when traveling to Vietnam during the summer, especially for women, to ensure that the skin is protected from sunburn.
- First-Aid kit: Carry a compact first-aid kit that includes adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, tweezers, scissors, and any other specific items you might need for personal health concerns.
You need to ensure safety and health when traveling to Vietnam
3. Toiletries
When packing toiletries for your trip, prioritize brand-specific items and focus on your personal needs. Make sure to bring an adequate supply for the first few days. It’s important to prepare the following items:
- Travel soap
- Shaving necessities: Razor blades, shaving cream, aftershave lotion, or moisturizer; electric shaver
- Solution for contact lenses (particularly if it is a brand intended for sensitive eyes)
- Menstrual products of choice (the type you like might be harder to find)
- Hair products/accessories
- Travel towel
- Insect repellant (malaria and dengue are significant risks in Vietnam)
- Baby powder (a lifesaver for hot wet climates)
- Deodorant
Personal belongings are essential when traveling abroad
4. Electronics to Bring to Vietnam
When it comes to electronics, aim to bring only what you truly need while in Vietnam, such as:
- Phone, headphones, and charger
- Travel adapter (Vietnam uses types A, C, and F)
- Camera/memory cards, connecting cables, and chargers
- Portable charger/battery pack
- Laptop or tablet and chargers
- Back up external hard drive/portable flash drive
*Note: On flight to Vietnam from Singapore, you should not bring items such as cameras, laptops, mobile phones, power banks, or e-cigarettes, as these items are prohibited by Vietnamese customs upon entry by travelers.
You need to pay attention to special electronic devices when bringing them to Vietnam
5. Packing Tips & Tricks
Here are some packing ideas and tricks to help you prepare for your trip:
- To keep them orderly and free from tangling, store every one of your chargers and cords in a different packing cube.
- Keep some Ziploc bags on hand to store any tiny goods like toiletries or snacks or for emergencies.
- Travel-sized containers are useful for storing jewelry, toiletries, and personal items. They aid in keeping things ordered and saving space.
- While the official currency is the Vietnamese Dong, it’s a good idea to keep a stash of US Dollars or Euros for emergencies or situations where local currency may not be readily accepted.
- Inform your bank and credit card companies before your overseas trip to steer clear of any potential card problems when traveling.
- If you need to charge multiple gadgets, bring a power strip that is compatible with the 220V and 2-pin power outlets in Vietnam. Check the voltage capacity to ensure it meets the requirements of your devices.
- Always keep medications and important tech gear in your carry-on luggage or personal item to ensure they are easily accessible and not at risk of being lost or damaged.
- Packing duct tape can be a lifesaver in various situations, so consider including a small roll in your luggage.
- Clip a few carabiners onto your bag or backpack as they can come in handy for attaching or securing items during your travels.
- Keep a few clothes pegs with you as they are useful for various purposes such as laundry drying or closing snack bags.
Packing tips and tricks will help you have a better trip to Vietnam
Packing the right items for your trip to Vietnam will guarantee you a comfortable and enjoyable adventure. Remember to consider the weather, cultural aspects, and your personal preferences when selecting what to bring. With these essential items and helpful packing tips, you’re ready to embark on a memorable journey in Vietnam.
