The Vietnam Packing List for Your Backpacking Trip
- Anna & Tom
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering what to pack? In our detailed Vietnam packing list, you'll find everything you need for your trip—without overpacking!
Table of Contents
1. Climate in Vietnam
Since Vietnam has multiple climate zones from north to south, you should carefully consider which regions you plan to visit. Within one country, you can experience tropical heat as well as cooler mountain regions.
We've experienced everything in Vietnam—from endless beaches to the cool northern mountains. Based on these diverse climate conditions, we've put together this comprehensive Vietnam packing list.
2. Luggage for Your Vietnam Trip
We generally recommend bringing a backpacking backpack as well as a small daypack for day trips. You can use the smaller backpack as carry-on luggage during your flight.
Your daypack should hold all your essential items, such as your passport, which you should always keep with you. Large backpacks are often stored in bus compartments, but you can always carry your daypack.
Tip: We always use a rain cover for both our daypack and trekking backpack. Not only does it protect against unexpected rain showers, but it can also deter pickpockets.
3. Vietnam Packing List
Below, you'll find all the essential items and documents for your trip to Vietnam, categorized for easy reference. Try to pack light and compact to save space and weight.
Travel Documents & Money
Die folgenden Dokumente solltest du bei einer Vietnam Reise bei dir haben:
Passport and a copy (stored separately, e.g., in the trekking backpack)
Wallet
Credit card
Health insurance card / travel insurance
Cash
International driver's license
Optional: Vaccination certificate
Optional: Student ID
Clothing
Before you start packing, keep in mind that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do laundry while traveling. Pack light and choose versatile, easy-to-combine, and multifunctional clothing.
Underwear (including sports bra)
Socks and hiking socks
Swimwear (bikini, swim trunks, etc.)
UV-protection shirt (UV shirt for women / UV shirt for men)—ideal for sun protection in the water
Pajamas
3-4 T-shirts
Functional shirt (quick-drying and breathable)
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for cooler evenings and sun protection)
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of long pants (comfortable for travel and sightseeing)
Sportswear
Dressier outfit (e.g., dress or collared shirt for an evening out)
Trekking pants* (lightweight and quick-drying, ideal for hiking)
Cardigan
Fleece jacket or fleece pullover (warm and compact for chilly regions)
Rain jacket (waterproof and packable)
Multi-purpose scarf * (can be used as a headscarf, face mask, or blanket on buses)
Vietnam Packing list: Shoes
Shoes take up a lot of space and add extra weight. Plan your activities and choose your footwear accordingly. Ideally, your shoes should be well broken-in before your trip.
Sneakers (comfortable for walking and everyday use)
Flip-flops, slides* (for the beach, hostel showers, or casual wear)
Water shoes* (essential for rocky beaches and water activities)
Optional: Flats or casual shoes (for evenings or more formal outings)
Optional: Hiking boots (if you plan on doing serious trekking)
Toiletries
We focus on small, lightweight, and minimal packaging for our toiletries. Here’s what we always bring:
Toiletry bag
Shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner (solid versions save space and reduce spills)
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Cotton swabs
Hairbrush
Hair ties
Makeup
Razor
Tweezers
Tampons, sanitary pads
Face cream
Body lotion
Small microfiber towel * (perfect for travel and quick-drying)
Travel First Aid Kit
It’s essential to prepare a travel first aid kit for Vietnam. We’ve created a separate post detailing the medications and first aid items you should pack for your trip.
>> Click here for our Travel First Aid Guide
Vietnam: Tech Gear
If you love photography, these items are a must-have in your backpack:
Camera (including lenses, batteries, filters)
Laptop
Chargers (for phone, camera, drone, laptop)
Adapter (compatible with Vietnam's power outlets)
Headlamp * (useful for night trekking or power outages)
Headphones
Power bank * (essential for long travel days)
External hard drive * (for backing up photos and videos)
SD cards * (bring extras for storing your photos)
Optional: Ebook reader * (great for long journeys)
Miscellaneous
Here are some extra essentials that we always take with us:
Sunglasses
Cap (for sun protection)
Waterproof sunscreen * (our top pick—it doesn’t feel sticky, absorbs quickly, is waterproof and has a cooling effect!)
Small combination lock * (for securing your backpack)
Optional: Diving mask & snorkel *
Backpack cover * (for protection during flights)
Lightweight sleeping bag * (great for hostels if you prefer extra cleanliness)
4. Keeping Your (Hand) Luggage Safe
You probably remember the old-school luggage tags with your name and address, in case your bag got lost. These days, it’s much easier: simply attach a QR code sticker * to your luggage, which can be scanned if found.
The benefit? Your name and address remain private, and you can be contacted anonymously.
You can also use these QR code stickers for other valuables, like your AirPods *.
Need More Travel Inspiration? These articles might help you plan your trip:
Want more insights from our travels? Follow us on Instagram at tom_rbg_ and anna_rbg_! If you have any route questions, feel free to reach out via our social media channels.
*This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, it won’t cost you anything extra, but it helps support our work. Thank you!
