It’s more enjoyable to travel lightly so make a list of things to bring for your trip to Vietnam. While travelling, keep one eye on your luggage is at all times- particularly your hand bag, camera, etc. Do not leave them unattended or hanging on the back of ch
A quick note before the list. Vietnam has good shops in every city, so you don’t need to over-pack. Pack light and you’ll move easier between flights, trains, and hotels.
One safety reminder for your clients: keep a close eye on bags at all times, especially handbags and cameras. Don’t hang bags on the back of restaurant chairs or leave them unattended. Petty theft does happen in crowded spots like trains, night markets, and busy city streets. It’s rare on our private tours, but worth mentioning upfront.
Documents and Money
- Passport (valid 6 months beyond travel dates)
- Vietnam e-visa or visa approval letter
- Travel insurance certificate
- Air tickets and hotel/tour vouchers
- Cash in US dollars or Indian rupees for exchange (small denominations are easier to use)
- International debit or credit card
- Money pouch or hidden wallet
Health and Personal Care
- Basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain relief, anti-diarrheal medicine)
- Personal medication in original packaging, with a doctor’s prescription letter for larger quantities
- Spare prescription glasses or contact lens solution
- Mosquito repellent (important for Mekong Delta, Halong Bay, and rural areas)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Tampons or sanitary products (harder to find outside big cities, especially familiar Indian brands)
Clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll do a fair amount of walking on most itineraries)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat and humidity
- A modest outfit for temple visits: covered shoulders, no shorts above the knee
- A light raincoat or umbrella, especially if traveling May to October
- Warm layers if traveling November to March, particularly for Hanoi, Sapa, or Halong Bay (it gets surprisingly cold)
- Swimwear if visiting Halong Bay, Phu Quoc, or any beach destination
Practical Extras
- Universal travel adapter (Vietnam uses 220V, plug types A, C, and G)
- Power bank for phone and camera
- Refillable water bottle (avoid single-use plastic where you can; most hotels offer filtered water stations)
- Small day bag for sightseeing
- Camera with spare batteries or memory cards
- Earplugs or eye mask for overnight trains or early flights
- A printed copy of the itinerary and emergency contacts, in case of phone or internet issues
A Note for Trade Partners
Feel free to share this list directly with your clients before departure. If you want, I can also format this as a branded PDF with AAT’s logo, ready to send out as part of your pre-departure pack. Just let me know.
