Why is it important to get ready properly?
Vietnam isn't just beaches and temples, it's also a tropical climate, bustling streets, and pharmacies where English isn't always spoken. Forgot your allergy pills? Finding them in Hanoi can be tricky. Lost your charger? Prices can get steep in tourist spots. Our article is inspired by real travel stories and local tips to help you avoid getting into trouble. Want to learn how to fit everything you need in your backpack without lugging around extras? Read on!
1. Documents and money: You can’t go anywhere without them
Vietnam is a country where you can't go far without a passport and dongs. Here's what you need to take:
Passport and visa : Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. Effective August 15, 2023, Vietnam extended the e-visa validity to 90 days—check this in advance. Make copies of your passport and keep them separately.
Bank cards and cash : Vietnam is a cash-heavy country. VND (dongs) are useful at markets, taxis, and cafes. International cards (Visa, Mastercard) work in cities, but in smaller towns, it's best to have cash. Bring 50–100 USD for emergencies—currency exchange offices are everywhere.
Insurance : Healthcare in Vietnam is expensive for foreigners. Get insurance that covers emergencies, including motorcycle injuries (motorbikes are popular transport). SafetyWing or World Nomads are proven options.
Lifehack : Save scanned documents to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) and write down the embassy contact information. Lost your passport? Don't panic, we'll tell you what to do.
2. Medicines: What to take, what not to find
Vietnamese pharmacies are full of local medicines, but common drugs may not be available, and the language barrier makes it difficult to find. Here's what to put in your first aid kit:
Painkillers and fever reducers : Paracetamol or ibuprofen are your lifesavers for headaches or colds. Vietnamese equivalents are available, but the instructions are in Vietnamese.
Antihistamines : Allergic to seafood or pollen? Take cetirizine or loratadine. European brands are hard to find in Vietnam, and local ones may be weaker.
For an upset stomach : Loperamide (for diarrhea) and smecta are must-haves. Street food in Hanoi or seafood in Nha Trang can upset your stomach. Enterosgel or charcoal are also helpful.
Antiseptics and plasters : Hydrogen peroxide tablets (for dilution) and antibacterial plasters will save you from cuts or blisters from long walks around Hoi An.
Repellents and mosquito repellents : In the tropics (especially the Mekong and Sapa regions), mosquitoes are a real nuisance. Take a spray with DEET (30–50%) and a bite cream (such as hydrocortisone). Local repellents are weak.
Prescription medications : If you take medications (for blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma), bring a sufficient supply for your entire trip, along with a prescription in English. These medications may not be available in Vietnam, and imported ones are expensive.
Eye drops : Humidity and dust in cities like Ho Chi Minh City can irritate your eyes. Eye drops will be your salvation.
Important : Vietnam strictly checks imported medications. Avoid codeine-containing medications (some cough syrups)—they are prohibited. Pack medications in their original packaging with instructions.
Lifehack : Pharmacies in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City carry basic medications, but in smaller towns like Can Tho, the selection is limited. Bring everything essential with you.
3. Clothing and footwear: Comfort in the tropics
Vietnam's climate is hot, humid and rainy (especially from May to October). Here's what to pack:
Light clothing : Cotton or linen t-shirts, shorts, and skirts. Women should wear long dresses or trousers when visiting temples (shoulders and knees should be covered).
Raincoat or umbrella : A compact raincoat will protect you from heavy rain, and an umbrella will keep you warm. Rain is frequent in Hanoi and Hue, even during the dry season.
Warm clothing : In the northern regions (Sapa, Hanoi) in winter (December–February) the temperature can reach +10–15°C. A fleece or light jacket will come in handy.
Footwear : Comfortable sandals for beaches and walks, sneakers for trekking (for example, in Halong or Sapa). Flip-flops are for hostels and beaches.
Headwear : A Panama hat or cap will protect you from the sun. In Phu Quoc or Nha Trang, you can't go without them.
Lifehack : Clothes are cheap in Vietnam—in Hoi An, you can have a dress made in a day for 3–5 USD. Buy the minimum and buy the rest on arrival!
4. Technology and gadgets: Stay connected
Vietnam is technologically advanced, but not everywhere there are power outlets or Wi-Fi. Here's what you need:
Smartphone and charger : Grab and Google Maps are your best friends in cities. Bring a portable battery (10,000 mAh) for longer trips.
Adapter : The sockets in Vietnam accept European plugs (type A/C), but a universal adapter is a good idea.
eSIM or local SIM card : Wi-Fi is available at cafes, but it's unreliable on the road. Buy a Viettel or Mobifone SIM card (from 100,000 VND for 1 GB/day) at the airport. An eSIM from Airalo is a convenient option for beginners.
Waterproof case : For your phone or camera - a lifesaver during heavy rain or while walking along the Mekong.
Lifehack : Download offline maps (Maps.me) and a translator (Google Translate) – Vietnamese is a difficult language, and English is not widely spoken.
5. Cosmetics and sun protection: Save your skin
The sun in Vietnam is relentless and the humidity is a challenge for your skin. Here's what to pack:
Sunscreen : SPF 50+, water-resistant. In Vietnam, imported creams (Nivea, La Roche-Posay) are expensive, and local ones offer less protection.
Moisturizer and lip balm : Moisture can be deceptive—it can dry out your skin. Choose a lightweight, unscented cream.
Hygiene products : Tampons and pads are available, but the selection is limited. If you're looking for a specific brand, stock up.
Lifehack : Vietnamese markets are full of aloe gel – a great after-sun treatment for 20,000 VND.
Useful tips for traveling to Vietnam
Currency exchange:
Exchange money at banks or licensed exchange offices.
Cellular communications and Internet:
Buy a local SIM card - it's inexpensive and convenient.
Transport:
For short trips use Grab (similar to Uber), for longer trips use buses or trains.
Local cuisine:
Try pho, banh mi and nem, but be careful with street food, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
Traditions and etiquette:
Be respectful in temples: cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes before entering.
