vietnam, our foodie heaven!! egg coffee in hanoi, lanterns in hoi an, cruising through halong bay and driving the hai van pass in open-top jeeps. it's 13 days of pure magic from south to north and we can't wait for you to see it!!
the ultimate vietnam packing list for solo gals <3
vietnam, our foodie heaven!! egg coffee in hanoi, lanterns in hoi an, cruising through halong bay and driving the hai van pass in open-top jeeps. it's 13 days of pure magic from south to north and we can't wait for you to see it!!
the one thing that catches everyone out? vietnam is LONG, so the weather in ho chi minh can be totally different to hanoi. you could be sweating in the south and reaching for a jumper in the north in the same trip! and one more thing, gals: every single group ends up at the tailors in hoi an, so please, please leave space in your bag!! we've watched so many gals sit on their suitcase trying to zip it shut in hanoi.
whether you're joining our vietnam trip or heading out solo, here's our honest guide on exactly what to bring!
3 things you MUST know before packing for vietnam
- pack for two climates: the south is hot and humid all year, while hanoi and ninh binh can be cool from around december to march. layers are your best friend!!
- leave room for hoi an: tailored clothes, lanterns and market finds add up fast. pack 20% less than you think you need!
- you'll travel by plane, train, boat and jeep: a soft bag that's easy to carry makes the overnight train and halong bay cruise so much easier.
clothing: south to north essentials
- 4β5x vest tops & tees: light, breathable basics for hot days in ho chi minh and hoi an.
- 2β3x lightweight shorts: for bike rides through the hoi an countryside and the basket boats at coconut woods.
- 2x linen trousers or wide-leg pants: comfy for travel days and covering knees at pagodas and the independence palace.
- 2β3x summer dresses: for the boardwalk dinner in hoi an and sunset cocktails!!
- 1x going-out outfit: for hanoi's rooftop bars and our big group night out at the end of the trip.
- 1x activewear set: for the 500 steps up hang mua viewpoint and cycling in ninh binh.
- 2β3x bikinis / swimsuits: for halong bay swims, kayaking and hotel pools.
- 1x warm jumper or fleece: essential for hanoi in winter, the overnight train and halong bay evenings on deck.
- 1x light rain jacket or poncho: central vietnam can get heavy rain, especially later in the year.
- 1x comfy outfit you don't mind getting dusty: for crawling through the cu chi tunnels!
- 1x sarong / light scarf: a temple cover-up, a train blanket and a beach towel in one.
footwear: what do you ACTUALLY wear?
- 1x comfy trainers: for the cu chi tunnels, hang mua and walking tours in ho chi minh and hanoi.
- 1x sandals / birkenstocks: for wandering hoi an's old town and markets.
- 1x flip-flops: for the halong bay boat, hotel showers and the overnight train.
DO NOT BRING: loads of shoes!! hoi an's tailors and shoemakers can make you a pair in a day if you're desperate for more <3
toiletries, health & tummy prep
- SPF 50+ sunscreen: strong sun in the south and out on the water in halong bay.
- mosquito repellent: a must for ninh binh and evenings by the river in hoi an.
- imodium & rehydration salts: street food is one of the best parts of vietnam, so come prepared just in case your tummy needs time to adjust!
- electrolyte sachets: for hot days in the south and long travel days.
- earplugs & eye mask: total lifesavers for the overnight train from hue to ninh binh!!
- hand sanitiser & tissues: perfect for street food stops and local toilets.
electronics & travel essentials
- universal travel adapter: vietnam mainly uses type A and C sockets, so UK plugs won't fit.
- power bank: for long travel days and the overnight train.
- 10β20L dry bag: keeps your things safe while kayaking in halong bay and on the basket boats.
- crossbody bag with a zip: keep your phone and cash safe on busy streets and at night markets.
- e-SIM: so you can use grab and google maps straight away!
vietnam packing FAQs
is it cold in hanoi?
from around december to march, hanoi can feel cool, especially at night. a jumper, jeans or trousers and a light jacket are perfect. the rest of the year it's warm and humid!
what's the baggage allowance on the internal flight?
for our flight from ho chi minh to hoi an, you can take up to 12kg as carry-on and check in one bag up to 23kg. just remember you'll be adding tailor-made goodies along the way!!
what should i wear to temples and pagodas in vietnam?
cover your shoulders and knees. a linen trouser and tee combo or a midi dress with a sarong works perfectly!
should i get clothes made in hoi an?
yesss!! it's one of the best parts of the trip. bring screenshots of your favourite outfits and the tailors can recreate them. you'll need at least 24 hours for fittings, so order early in your stay!
ready to explore vietnam?! check out our upcoming vietnam group trips or read our solo female travel safety hub <3
see you in ho chi minh queeeeen!!
if you have any q's drop us a message on instagram or speak to our team on live chat!
