Packing Tips for Australian Travellers Heading to Vietnam

Packing Tips for Australian Travellers Heading to Vietnam

G’day fellow Aussies! After calling Vietnam home for nearly two decades, Tracy and I have seen countless Australian tourists arrive woefully unprepared for what awaits them. From melting in Saigon’s humidity with too many jeans packed, to shivering unexpectedly in Sapa’s winter chill, we’ve witnessed it all. Having lived in Vietnam since the early 2000s, I’ve gathered a wealth of practical knowledge about what you actually need when visiting this diverse and beautiful country. So before you start throwing things in your suitcase for your Vietnamese adventure, grab a cuppa and let me share some hard-earned wisdom that might save you some hassle.

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Understanding Vietnam’s Climate Zones

First things first, mates – Vietnam isn’t just one climate. This country stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south and has three distinct climate zones. This is crucial information that many Aussies miss when packing.

The north (including Hanoi and Halong Bay) experiences four seasons. Winters (December-February) can be surprisingly cold and damp with temperatures sometimes dropping to 10°C. I remember Tracy and I hosting friends from Perth who arrived in Hanoi in January wearing shorts and thongs, expecting tropical heat. They ended up emergency shopping for jumpers and closed shoes!

Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An) has hot, dry weather from January to August and a rainy season from September to December. The rain here isn’t your typical Aussie drizzle – when it pours, streets can flood within minutes.

The south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) is consistently hot and humid year-round, with a wet season from May to November. Think Far North Queensland on steroids – 35°C with 80% humidity is common.

Essential Clothing Items

Based on nearly 20 years of living here and helping visiting mates, here’s what I recommend clothing-wise:

• Lightweight, breathable clothes (cotton, linen, technical fabrics)
• Quick-dry underwear and socks (trust me on this one)
• A light rain jacket or poncho (especially if visiting during wet season)
• One light jumper or fleece (even for southern Vietnam, as restaurants and buses crank the air-con)
• One pair of long pants/trousers (for temple visits and cooler evenings)
• Comfortable walking shoes that can handle getting wet
• Thongs/flip-flops for casual wear
• Swimming costume
• A scarf or sarong (multi-purpose for sun protection, temple modesty, or impromptu beach blanket)

If you’re visiting the north in winter, add a warm jacket, proper shoes, and maybe even a beanie. Tracy and I keep a separate “Sapa wardrobe” specifically for trips to the northern highlands.

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Packing for Cultural Sensitivity

Vietnam is generally more conservative than Australia, especially outside major cities. While Vietnamese people are understanding of tourists, showing respect goes a long way.

When visiting temples, pagodas, or Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum in Hanoi, shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Ladies, pack a light cardigan or scarf to throw over tank tops. Blokes, a pair of lightweight long trousers will serve you well in these situations.

One of our Aussie mates was turned away from the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City for wearing a singlet. Don’t be that person.

Essential Non-Clothing Items

From personal experience and observations of hundreds of Aussie tourists who’ve visited us over the years, these items are absolute must-haves:

• High SPF sunscreen (the Vietnamese sun is fierce, and quality sunscreen is expensive here)
• A good insect repellent with DEET (especially for evenings and rural areas)
• Hand sanitizer (not all toilets have soap)
• Wet wipes (multi-purpose lifesavers)
• A small first-aid kit with basics including diarrhea medication and rehydration salts
• A microfiber travel towel (handy for sweaty days and impromptu swims)
• Portable power bank (especially useful during long bus trips)

After a memorable incident involving Tracy’s sensitive stomach in a remote part of Phong Nha, we never travel anywhere in Vietnam without Imodium and electrolytes!

Technology and Gadgets

Vietnam is well-connected, but there are a few tech considerations:

Universal power adapters are essential. Vietnam uses several socket types, but most commonly the two round-pin European style (Type C) or the two flat-pin American style (Type A). Most upscale hotels have universal outlets, but budget accommodations often don’t.

A quality camera is worth bringing – Vietnam offers stunning photo opportunities at every turn. Tracy and I have filled countless memory cards over our years here.

Consider a basic water-resistant phone case during rainy season or if you’ll be taking boat trips in places like Halong Bay or the Mekong Delta. I’ve seen too many iPhones take unexpected swims!

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Medications and Health Supplies

While pharmacies are plentiful in Vietnam, counterfeit medications can be an issue, and language barriers might complicate getting exactly what you need.

Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you regularly take. I recommend carrying these in original packaging with a copy of your prescription.

For over-the-counter needs, pack:

• Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Motion sickness pills (for winding mountain roads and boat trips)
• Antihistamines if you have allergies
• Band-aids and antiseptic cream

A tip from our own experience: Tracy is particularly sensitive to air pollution in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you have respiratory issues, consider bringing a face mask, especially during winter months in Hanoi when pollution can be heavy.

What NOT to Pack

Sometimes what you leave behind is as important as what you bring. Save suitcase space by skipping:

Heavy beach towels – most accommodations provide them, and if you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t, lightweight microfiber towels are better options.

Too many toiletries – basics like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste are readily available and cheap. The exception is deodorant, which can be expensive and limited in options.

Excessive cash – ATMs are everywhere in tourist areas, and many places accept cards. We usually recommend bringing enough cash for your first few days and then withdrawing Vietnamese dong as needed.

Final Preparations Before You Fly

In the last 24 hours before your flight:

• Double-check visa requirements – rules change frequently
• Download offline maps of your destinations
• Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks
• Scan important documents and email them to yourself
• Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on (in case checked baggage is delayed)

One tradition Tracy and I have maintained since moving to Vietnam is carrying a small bottle of Vegemite. Not just for hom