From street food tours in Ho Chi Minh City to misty mornings in Hanoi and lantern-lit nights in Hoi An, Vietnam is a sensory adventure from north to south—and your packing game needs to be on point.
After 11 flavour-packed nights exploring cities, cafés, markets, and museums, I’ve put together this practical packing guide based on what I actually wore, what I wish I’d brought, and what saved me from total meltdown (hello, handheld fan).
☀️ What’s the Weather Like in Vietnam?
Vietnam spans multiple climates, so packing smart means being ready for hot city days, humid beach weather, and the occasional downpour. Here’s what to expect:
- Hanoi (North): Cooler in winter (Dec-Feb), with mild evenings—pack a light jacket or layers.
- Hoi An & Central Vietnam: Warm and humid most of the year, with rainy season from Sept to Jan.
- Ho Chi Minh City (South): Hot and sticky year-round, with brief, intense rains in the afternoon.
👗 Think: breathable fabrics, quick-dry clothes, and versatile layers.
👚 Dress Code & Style Tips
Vietnamese street style is relaxed and practical, especially in the heat. But temples and local neighbourhoods still call for modesty. Here’s how to balance comfort and cultural respect:
- A light scarf to cover your shoulders for temples or breezier evenings
- Loose trousers or flowy midi skirts for breathable, modest coverage
- Neutral tones or floral prints that don’t scream “tourist”
Pro tip: Temples require covered shoulders and knees, so bring a lightweight cover-up that folds easily into your daypack.
✈️ Long-Haul Flight Essentials
Travelling to Vietnam from North America is a long haul—hydration, comfort, and sanity-saving gadgets are key. Here’s what got me through:
- Noise-cancelling headphones – Block out the engine, crying baby, and mid-flight movie selections
- Face mist + moisturizer – Combat that recycled cabin air
- Lip balm + hand sanitizer + travel pillow – The MVP trifecta
- Snacks + reusable water bottle + electrolytes – Stay fuelled and hydrated
🎒 Want my full carry-on checklist?
👉 Check out my Long-Haul Flight Essentials Guide
🔥 Top 10 Must-Have Items for Vietnam
These were my ride-or-die items—used nearly every day or dearly missed when I didn’t pack them.
- Compression packing cubes – Save space and stay organized as you hop from city to city
- Microfiber towel – Great for beach days, sweaty tours, and spontaneous hotel rooftop dips
- Bug spray + AfterBite – Mosquitos love Vietnam almost as much as I did
- Waterproof phone case – Especially handy in Hoi An during the rainy season and boat rides
- Daypack / small backpack – For street food tours, museums, and market wanders
- Sandals with grip – You’ll walk a lot—flip-flops won’t cut it
- Loose linen pants + cotton tanks – Mix and match pieces to beat the heat while looking cute
- Dry shampoo & facial wipes – Essential when you’re on the move or too hot for a full routine
- Sunhat + SPF face stick -The sun in Saigon is no joke
- Travel fan – Life-saving in crowded food markets and sweltering temples
🛍 Want the FULL Vietnam Packing List?
I’ve created a printable Vietnam packing list just for this 11-night itinerary—complete with clickable links for Canadian 🇨🇦 and U.S. 🇺🇸 travellers. Easy to shop, save, and check off as you go.
💼 Click below to view or download the full list:
👉 View My Complete Vietnam Packing List Here
👉View My Long-Haul Flight Essentials List Here
🧠 Final Vietnam Packing Tips
- Don’t overpack: You’ll re-wear the same linen shorts 5 times and be fine.
- Laundry is easy and affordable: Drop-off spots are everywhere.
- Humidity = less makeup, more SPF: Embrace the dewy look.
- Shoes matter: You’ll walk through old towns, temples, and markets daily.
📢 Want the Thailand Packing List as a Downloadable PDF?
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