For Vietnam travel beginners, planning out a good check-list of what to bring before your trip gets started may seem like a creep. A lack of common sense on what to wear or what to know depending on each specific type of traveling can lead to the fact your excursion will get rid of happiness. This post is about to hand out a pre-Vietnam holiday specialized classifications categorized that are based on seasons, regions and travel appetite.
Heat and humidity vs rains and typhoons
Three regions of Vietnam are marked by distinctly variable weather patterns. However, all these three regions experience both heat and rain at some point of the year. The killing heat may be found in Northern Vietnam in between April and August, January to July in Central Vietnam, and November to April next year in the South.
Light clothes are welcomed (Source: Google)
During these sections of time, here are the must-have items to beat the heat of all three areas:
- Tank top, shorts or skirts in replacement for jeans or jacket.
- Pants and short-sleeved shirts are expected to help you stay cool in the humid heat. Do not forget to pack light-colored clothing that reflects the Sun’s rays to keep the heat away, especially light fabrics such as linen, silk or cotton.
- A pair of running shoes will make your excursion comfy and save you from dealing with sore feet on a hot and humid day.
- Other than that, high-quality sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats to stay protected from UV rays throughout your holiday. Do not forget these!
What if your visit is in the rainy season? The rest of the year in Southern Vietnam (May – October) is filled with raindrops. Meanwhile, Central Vietnam is prone to storms from August to December, and Northern Vietnam is soggy in between May and August.
Essential outfits for rainy seasons (Source: Google)
- During these times, large backpacks equipped with waterproof cover is perfect to restrain incidents ruining your electronic devices such as cameras, phones, and battery.
- Raincoat and umbrella are a must. Sometimes, a scarf will help you keep warm and prevent colds or fevers as of weather changes.
- Flip-flops are ideal when moving much on the streets.
The Mekong Delta wetlands vs the extreme coldness in Hanoi
Even though Vietnam topography varies greatly along the Northwest – Southeast axis, we pick the Mekong Delta and Hanoi as the two most significant features representing for a flooded-like wetland with tropical heat and humidity in the South against a freezing Red River Delta in the North.
The Mekong Delta is widely known for its immense network of rivers and tropical-oriented ambiance.
Mekong canal (Source: Google)
Hence, those below are seemingly fundamental depending on your specific Southern Vietnam holiday programs:
- Traveling by boat is definitely involved, hence preparing low-heeled waterproof footwear and flip-flops are highly recommended.
- Anti-insect spray is surely needed as a weapon to get rids of mosquitoes.
- Last but not least, sunglasses, umbrella, sunscreen, and hats are always wanted on the way.
Regarding such a frigid land like Hanoi or its surrounding, you are advised to:
- Not wearing jeans yet putting on overlapping light clothes.
- Wool-made scarf, hat and winter ear covers are smart choices.
- Cold weather tends to get your lips and hands chapped. Make sure proper hand cream and lip balm are always available in your pocket.
Hanoi in winter (Source: Google)
Stay warm in the cold (Source: Google)
Leisure vs adventurous outdoor activities
Compared to tour packages that require lots of moving and energy-busting activities, leisure trips seem to not ask for a careful and painstaking preparation. Leisure-oriented expeditions in your Vietnam holiday would be ideal if you grab for yourself easy-moving items such as sandals, flip-flops, or soft shoes.
Flip-flops and a sun hat (Source: Google)
A hat is sometimes needed when traveling in the Sun. A light-cloth outfit such as maxi skirts, shorts, T-shirt, and handbags made your day tours super fun and easy-going. One thing needed to be noticed, an entrance to any holy shrines or religious sites such as pagodas, churches, and temples demands your shoulders and knees to be well-covered.
Take it easy on your leisure trip (Source: Google)
In terms of adventures, note down these as following:
- Dressings, antiseptics, anti-insect, sunscreen, bottled water and canned food are essential things.
- A lighter and a torch help you get rid of darkness in some cases.
- Comfy and well-covered clothes are definitely involved.
- A waterproof bag helps you move fast.
- A soft running pair of shoes with anti-slippery sole prevent you from stumbling.
Get ready for an adventure (Source: Google)
With these detailed packing tips in Vietnam, you now have zero worries towards what to bring and easily get away from hesitation or fears. Depending on your specific tour program and category, the list will be applied accordingly. Bookmark this in case of your planned Vietnam holiday is about to come closer, obtain a good local guide by your side and save more time for having fun.
Yennie Nguyen
For more Vietnam travel guides:
- What to eat in Central Vietnam? Footsteps to the table
- The ultimate guide for your trip to the Northwest of Vietnam
- How to plan a good honeymoon in Vietnam? | Insider’s Guide
