Vietnam will seize your senses and captivate your spirit from the first step you take in this Southeast Asian gem. As you land in this vibrant country, you’ll find yourself enamored with its dynamic growth while it still preserves its enchanting traditional allure. Indulge in the exquisite cuisine, engage with the amiable locals, and let the breathtaking vistas elevate your spirit. Whether you’re navigating the limestone pillars of Halong Bay by kayak or savoring the high life at a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam promises to ignite a spark of wonder within you.

Preparing for your Vietnamese adventure? The climate is predominantly semi-tropical, so pack light with airy shirts, T-shirts, and include some cozy layers for cooler evenings. If you haven’t experienced the spectacle of a Vietnamese monsoon (which typically spans May to October), prepare to be mesmerized: a sturdy raincoat is essential.

Be mindful that certain medications may not be readily available in Vietnam, so it’s wise to stock up before your departure. It’s also prudent to consider any necessary vaccinations. And what’s an epic journey without the perfect soundtrack, essential travel apps, and a curated list of Vietnam-themed reads? We’ll delve into those shortly.

Ready to embark? Here’s everything you’ll need for a memorable trip to Vietnam.

Passport Essentials A valid passport is essential for your entire stay in Vietnam, plus an additional six months. Keep a digital copy of your passport’s ID page on your phone and email as a precaution against loss.

Consider a passport holder for convenient storage of your passport and other vital documents, ensuring everything is organized and easily accessible.

Vietnam Visa Requirements Visa requirements for Vietnam vary by nationality. For instance, citizens from 24 countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Japan, can enjoy visa-free entry for short stays (usually up to 15 days).

Travelers from countries not on the visa-exemption list, such as the United States and Australia, may apply for a 30-day single-entry e-Visa online. Always verify visa necessities with your country’s embassy or the official Vietnamese immigration website.

Flight Documentation Carry both physical and digital copies of your flight tickets to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.

Travel Insurance for Vietnam Secure comprehensive travel insurance for your visit to Vietnam, covering potential losses, thefts, medical incidents, and trip cancellations. Keep your insurance details and provider’s contact number handy on your phone for quick access in emergencies.

Handling Money in Vietnam Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), available in denominations ranging from 1,000 to 500,000 dong. Exchange currency at authorized counters or banks, and note that some hotels and travel agencies may also offer this service. The US dollar is commonly accepted in major hotels, shops, and dining establishments.

Cash Withdrawal Tips for Vietnam Upon arrival in Vietnam, it’s advisable to withdraw local currency as backup cash. While card payments and ATMs are available, especially in urban centers, rural areas may offer limited services. Cash in hand will enhance your experience, allowing you to savor local delights like street food and draft beer.

Credit/Debit Card Advice In Vietnam, card payments may not be universally accepted, particularly in remote areas like Sapa’s villages. ATMs are common in airports, cities, and tourist spots, but typically impose a 4-5 million dong withdrawal cap. Be mindful of potential fees for international transactions, and consider English service options.

Carrying an extra credit card stored separately from your wallet is wise for added security. Protect your cards from unauthorized contactless transactions with an RFID-blocking holder.

Healthcare Preparations Vietnam may have limited availability of certain medications. Assemble a personal health kit with essentials like pain relievers, DEET-based insect repellent, anti-itch creams, antihistamines, bandages, and diarrhea remedies such as Imodium.

For malaria-prone regions, particularly the rural highlands, consult a healthcare professional for advice on prophylaxis. Vaccinations may be necessary; plan these at least six weeks before your trip. For more details, refer to the “other Vietnam info” section.

Carry any personal prescriptions and a medical letter detailing specific health conditions and required treatments.

Maintain good health by being cautious with food and water intake, protecting yourself from the sun, and preventing insect bites. Drinking tap water in Vietnam is not recommended.

Emergency Contacts For emergencies in Vietnam, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire services, 115 for an ambulance, and 9999 for English-speaking medical response. Contact your embassy if needed.

Keep toll-free international numbers for your bank and mobile provider handy, along with your embassy’s contact in Vietnam, and your insurance and flight company details.

Luggage Recommendations For your travels in Vietnam, pack a day bag for excursions and a compact suitcase or backpack. The day bag should accommodate daily necessities like a water bottle and camera. Choose a soft-sided larger bag for ease of transport in various vehicles throughout the country.

Photography Gear Vietnam’s landscape is a tapestry of stunning visuals, from the glistening rice paddies to the vibrant flower markets and serene lakeside tai chi sessions. These ordinary yet awe-inspiring scenes are perfect for photography enthusiasts. If you’ve been contemplating mastering a DSLR camera, there’s no better place than Vietnam to hone your skills and capture the beauty of this photogenic country.

Camera and Electronics Modern smartphones are typically equipped to capture Vietnam’s beauty, though they may lack some advanced photographic capabilities. Always seek permission before photographing locals.

For other gadgets, a Kindle is perfect for long flights and relaxing in Vietnam’s serene spots. A smartphone with a local SIM and essential apps should suffice for most needs.

Consider leaving laptops and tablets at home to disconnect and fully engage with Vietnam’s wonders. The fewer valuables you carry, the less you’ll worry about them, especially if they’re work-related.

Ensure you pack chargers for all devices.

Reading Material Stock up on digital books and don’t forget a travel guidebook to enhance your journey.

Power Adapters Vietnam uses type A, C, and F plugs. Travelers from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand will need an adapter, while those from North America and most European countries will not. (ORDER NOW)

Personal Care Items Pack basic toiletries like deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer. Include personal items such as a hairbrush and razors. Consider hydrating spray, moisturizer, and eco-friendly wet wipes.

Protect your skin with high SPF sunscreen and lip balm, essential for Vietnam’s sunny climate.

Sustainable Hydration: Refillable Water Bottle Carrying a refillable water bottle is not only convenient for staying hydrated from your flight to urban adventures, but it also contributes to reducing plastic waste. Embrace sustainable travel practices and make a positive environmental impact during your Vietnam exploration.

Your clothing choices for Vietnam should align with the season and region of your visit.

Winter Attire in Vietnam In the semi-tropical north, winter brings cooler temperatures, particularly in highland areas like Sapa. Pack warm layers such as hoodies or sweaters for evenings in Hanoi and its vicinity from December to March.

During November and December, central Vietnam often experiences rainfall, making a waterproof anorak or raincoat essential. The south remains warm year-round, so lightweight, airy garments paired with a sunhat and sunglasses are advisable.

Summer Wardrobe in Vietnam Opt for loose-fitting, breathable attire such as T-shirts, cotton pants, shorts, and thin long-sleeve shirts. In the hotter southern regions, lighter colors and linen fabrics can help keep you cool. Protect yourself from the intense midday sun with sunglasses and a sunhat.

Footwear should include sandals or flip-flops for casual strolls and beach visits. A lightweight rain jacket is also recommended to handle the sudden, heavy rains common during the monsoon season.

Embrace local customs by donning a vibrant plastic poncho available at street stalls. Don’t forget to pack swimwear for the numerous swimming opportunities, from pristine beaches to tranquil lagoons and hotel pools.

Attire for Outdoor Adventures in Vietnam

For active pursuits like hiking in Sapa or kayaking in Halong Bay, opt for garments made of light, breathable fabrics. Cotton T-shirts, airy long-sleeve shirts, and lightweight pants are ideal to protect against mosquitoes, particularly in jungle regions near the Mekong Delta. Most trails don’t require heavy-duty hiking boots; instead, choose robust trekking shoes with reliable grip.

Dress Code for Temple Visits in Vietnam

When visiting temples, dressing modestly is key, as it reflects the local customs. Ensure your clothing covers shoulders and knees—long pants and skirts are suitable choices. Vibrant scarves and sarongs, which can be easily purchased in Vietnam, are also commonly worn for temple visits. Since you’ll need to remove your shoes, carrying a pair of socks can provide comfort and respect the cultural norms.

City Attire in Vietnam For urban exploration, choose light and airy clothing paired with comfortable shoes. Evening outings may call for more elegant attire. In the northern regions, where temperatures can dip, layering with warm clothing is beneficial, especially to counteract air conditioning in indoor spaces.

Cultural Dress Norms Vietnam’s conservative dress norms suggest avoiding overly revealing or tight clothing. However, beachwear is acceptable in seaside destinations like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.

Tailored Clothing in Vietnam Vietnam, and Hoi An in particular, is renowned for its custom tailoring services, offering a vast selection of exquisite fabrics. You can have garments tailor-made to your specifications at very reasonable prices, making it an ideal place to replicate designs you admire.

What to wear in Vietnam – recap

• Lightweight tops: tees and light, long-sleeved tops to keep insects at bay
• Activewear: breathable and light materials for hiking, cycling and so on
• Swimwear, sunhat and sunglasses: to enjoy the tropical sunshine
• A light waterproof jacket/poncho: for frequent downpours, especially in summer
• Warmer layers: for any cooler evenings, strong air-con and winters up north
• Modest clothes: cover your shoulders and knees for temple visits
• Linen trousers: to keep the sun off your legs
• An evening outfit: optional, for going out in the cities
• Comfortable trainers/sneakers: for outdoor activities, choose a good tread
• Sandals/flip-flops: relaxing in

Essentials for Staying Connected in Vietnam

Prepaid SIM Card A prepaid SIM card is a cost-effective way to use your mobile phone in Vietnam, allowing you to access essential services like Google Maps without incurring hefty charges. While voice calling is often included, the primary benefit is data usage on the go.

Upon arrival, you can obtain a SIM card at airport kiosks or later in city shops. For approximately 200,000 dong (about 10 US dollars), you can enjoy a month of unlimited data. Viettel is highly recommended for its extensive coverage, followed by Mobifone and Vinaphone.

Long-Haul Flight Essentials Prepare for a comfortable flight to Vietnam with items like a sleep mask, earplugs, a neck pillow, and noise-cancelling headphones. Stay refreshed with eye drops, moisturizer, and chewing gum, and curb hunger with high-protein snacks.

Pack carry-on toiletries in a transparent, reusable bag for hassle-free security checks.

Must-Have Travel Apps for Vietnam

• inVietnam: Offers comprehensive guides on various provinces, tailored to your travel style.

• Foody: Discover Vietnam’s culinary scene with community reviews of local eateries.

• Vietnammm: Get a glimpse into Vietnamese cuisine and order food online.

• Google Translate: Aids in language translation, especially with sign reading via its camera function.

• Vietnamese Dictionary +: An excellent language resource with a phrasebook and flashcards.

• Grab: Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber, including moto taxis with GrabAbike.

• Coc Coc Map: A local map app providing current information on various amenities.

• XE Currency: Simplifies currency conversion and price checks.

• Wifi Finder: Locates nearby wifi hotspots, which are abundant in Vietnam.

• Google Maps and TripAdvisor: For navigation and travel advice.

While hotels typically supply bath towels, packing a compact travel towel can be beneficial for swimming and space-saving. Additionally, a portable fan can be a convenient accessory to combat the humidity.

Travel Tips: Entertainment and Organization

Ensure you have your favorite music downloaded on your phone to create a personalized playlist that will accompany you during journeys and unwind sessions. Carrying an extension cord can be a lifesaver, enabling you to charge several devices simultaneously with just one adapter. Consider using a packing cube to keep your chargers organized, and don’t overlook the convenience of a canvas laundry bag for keeping your dirty clothes separate.

Understanding Vietnam’s Climate Vietnam’s climate varies by region. In the north, expect cooler temperatures from December to March, followed by sunny, dry weather until the monsoon season from June to October. Central Vietnam enjoys sunshine for most of the year, but prepare for rain in November and December. The south is consistently warm, with the hottest months in mid-year and frequent rain in July and August.

Health Preparations for Vietnam Ensure your routine vaccinations are current before traveling to Vietnam. Additional vaccines like tetanus, MMR, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis might be recommended based on your itinerary and duration of stay.

Consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic about eight weeks before your trip, and verify the latest health guidelines through your government or embassy’s website. Pregnant travelers should seek specialized medical advice.

Hotel Reservations in Vietnam For those on a Flash Pack tour, accommodations are pre-arranged. Otherwise, book hotels in advance, especially when visiting popular spots like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City during peak season (November to April) or festivals like Tết. Early bookings are also advantageous for securing deals at upscale resorts, including those on Phú Quốc Island.

Securing Accommodation While it’s feasible to find accommodation spontaneously in Vietnam, which might result in favorable rates, it requires extra legwork to visit potential lodgings in person. For convenience, especially in Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City, choose accommodations in central areas to minimize the need for extended moto or taxi commutes due to limited public transport.

Tipping Practices Gratuities are welcomed for exceptional service in Vietnam but remain optional. A 10% service charge is commonly included in bills at restaurants and bars; however, it’s wise to review your bill to prevent double tipping.

For Flash Pack travelers, a daily tip of $3-5 USD for the Pack Leader is customary but voluntary, reflecting the service quality received. It’s typically presented at the journey’s conclusion.

Flash Pack participants often contribute to a communal fund at the trip’s start, allowing the Pack Leader to distribute tips to various service providers. While the suggested amount is $30 USD per person, this is left to individual discretion.

Responsible Giving Encounters with begging children in Vietnam pose a moral dilemma. Child welfare organizations recommend against giving money or sweets to discourage organized begging and promote education.

Contributions to local charities supporting homeless children or fundraising for entities like Unicef are constructive alternatives. Flash Pack commits a £5 donation to grassroots initiatives focused on education and human rights for each trip booked, details of which are available through the Flash Pack Foundation.