Vietnam Packing

Pack lightly: Lay out only what you absolutely need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. The Travelite FAQ (www.travelite.org) is a good resource for tips on traveling light. The online Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info) will generate a customized list of suggested items based on your trip length, the expected climate, your planned activities, and other factors. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, also consult The Great Outdoors. Plastic bags are critical for keeping things dry and organized; do not underestimate their value.

Luggage: If you plan to cover most of your itinerary by foot, a sturdy internal-frame backpack is unbeatable. (For the basics on buying a pack,) Toting a suitcase is fine if you plan to live in one or two cities and explore from there, but not a great idea if you plan to move around often. In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is useful. Courier or drawstring bags are better for crowded cities.
Clothing: No matter when you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket or wool sweater, a rain jacket (Gore-Tex® is both waterproof and breathable), sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and thick socks. Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are must-haves for grubby hostel showers. You may also want one outfit for going out and a nicer pair of shoes. Vietnam has two seasons—the cold, dry season (14-19˚C in the north, 22-33˚C in the south) lasts from mid-Oct. to mid-Mar. and the warm, rainy season (25-33˚C throughout Vietnam) lasts from mid-May to mid-Sept.—so be sure to pack accordingly. Be prepared for monsoons and high amounts of rainfall throughout the country during the rainy season. If you plan to visit religious or cultural sites like traditional villages, remember that you will need modest and respectful dress. Shorts are almost never a good idea—no one wears them in Vietnam. Women should also consider wearing long sleeves, especially when visiting religious sites.
Sleepsack: Some hostels require that you either provide your own linens or rent sheets from them. Save cash by making your own sleepsack: fold a full-size sheet in half the long way, then sew it closed along the long side and one of the short sides. You’ll definitely want something to separate you from the bed.
Converters and Adapters: In Vietnam, electricity is 220V AC, enough to fry any 120V North American appliance. 220/240V electrical appliances won’t work with a 120V current, either. Americans and Canadians should buy an adapter (which changes the shape of the plug; US$5) and a converter (which changes the voltage; US$10-30). Don’t make the mistake of using only an adapter (unless appliance instructions explicitly state otherwise). Australians and New Zealanders (who use 230V at home) won’t need a converter, but will need a set of adapters to use anything electrical; travelers from the UK also need adapters. For more on all things adaptable, check out http://kropla.com/electric.htm.
Toiletries: Toothbrushes, towels, cold-water soap, talcum powder (to keep feet dry), deodorant, razors, tampons, and condoms are available in the big cities, but bring your own if you’re devoted to specific brands. Condom dispersion is still minimal even in small or medium-size cities. Contact lenses are likely to be expensive and difficult to find, so bring enough extra pairs and solution for your entire trip. Also bring your glasses and a copy of your prescription in case you need emergency replacements. If you use heat-disinfection, either switch temporarily to a chemical disinfection system (check first to make sure it’s safe with your brand of lenses), or buy a converter to 220/240V.
First-Aid Kit: For a basic first-aid kit, pack bandages, a pain reliever, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a multifunction pocketknife, tweezers, moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach medication (Pepto Bismol® or Imodium®), an antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, burn ointment, and a syringe for emergencies (get an explanatory letter from your doctor).
Film: Film is not too expensive in Vietnam; be sure to check the expiration date before buying it, and try to buy from stores sheltered from the sun. You can develop film in Vietnam more cheaply than back at home, although quality varies. If you don’t want to bother with film, consider using a digital camera. Although it requires a steep initial investment, a digital camera means you never have to buy film again. Just be sure to bring along a large enough memory card and extra (or rechargeable) batteries. For more info on digital cameras, visit www.shortcourses.com/choosing/contents.htm. Less serious photographers may want to bring a disposable camera or two. Despite disclaimers, airport security X-rays can fog film, so buy a lead-lined pouch at a camera store or ask security to hand-inspect it. Always pack film in your carry-on luggage in an easily accessible place, since higher-intensity X-rays are used on checked luggage.
Other Useful Items: For safety purposes, you should bring a money belt and a small padlock. Basic outdoors equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, waterproof matches, pocketknife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) may also prove useful. Quick repairs of torn garments can be done on the road with a needle and thread; also consider bringing electrical tape for patching tears. If you want to do laundry by hand, bring detergent, a small rubber ball to stop up the sink, and string for a makeshift clothes line. Other things you’re liable to forget are an umbrella; sealable plastic bags (for damp clothes, soap, food, shampoo, and other spillables); an alarm clock; safety pins; rubber bands; a flashlight; earplugs; garbage bags; and a calculator. A cell phone can be a lifesaver; see for information on acquiring one that will work in Vietnam.
Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, traveler’s checks, ATM and/or credit cards, adequate ID, and photocopies of all of the aforementioned in case these documents are lost or stolen . Also check that you have your travel insurance forms and ISIC .