Before You Go

Vietnam Travel Checklist

Essentials

Travel documents (passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, tour voucher)
Money (cash, credit card, debit card, traveler’s ch, ques and money pouch)
Daypack for your personal needs during the day
Camera and extra memory cards and batteries
Cell phone and cell phone charger
Laptop charger (if you are bringing your laptop)
Travel plug/international adapter
Medication (including a doctor’s letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication)
Prescription glasses/contacts and if necessary, contact lens solution

Best to bring along

First aid kit
Toiletries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle with filter

Wardrobe

Comfortable walking shoes
Comfortable clothing, either light or heavy options, depending on the season you are traveling
Clothes suitable for visiting temples (long pants/skirts, long-sleeved tops)
Waterproof jacket / raincoat / umbrella
Hat & sunglasses
Bathing suit

Optional comforts

Earplugs & eye mask
Sleep sheet for homestays/trains
Lightweight travel towel
Local language phrasebook

Vaccinations Before Your Holiday

There are no compulsory vaccinations for Vietnam required by law for travellers from Western Europe to gain entry but certain vaccinations for Vietnam are strongly recommended by the CDC and WHO.

For most short-term travellers, the recommended vaccinations for Vietnam include cover against childhood diseases (Tetanus and Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps and Rubella) as well as cover against food and water-borne diseases, including Typhoid and Hepatitis A. For those trekking in the countryside or staying for longer periods, cover against Hepatitis B and Rabies should also be considered.

The recommended time to start your vaccines is four to six weeks before leaving home. However, for those planning a longer visit, or where if the planned trip is likely to bring them to more rural parts of Vietnam, ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you may need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from an oversea country. You should book your consultation earlier to ensure that there is sufficient time to complete the vaccine courses.

Luggage For Domestic Flights

Below is the luggage policy of Vietnam Airlines (Vietnam’s national airline)

HAND BAGGAGE

Hand baggage includes hand baggage item(s) and one accessory. For safety reasons, the weight and dimensions must follow:

The maximum weight for each piece of hand baggage is 10kg/22lbs.
The total weight of hand baggage item(s), plus one accessory must not exceed:
1. For Economy class: 12kg/26lbs (including one hand baggage item and one accessory)
2. For Premium Economy/Business class: 18kg/40lbs (including two hand baggage items and one accessory)
The total dimension of one hand baggage item must not exceed 115cm/45in (56cm x 36cm x 23cm or 22in x 14in x 9in).
The total dimension of one accessory must not exceed 40cm x 30cm x 15cm or 16in x 12in x 6in.

In addition to hand baggage item(s) and an accessory, passengers may take some personal items on board without a fee.

Important Notice:

If your hand baggage exceeds the quantity, weight and dimensions specified above, the luggage must be checked.

CHECKED BAGGAGE

The maximum weight of each piece must follow:

23kg/50lb for Economy/ Premium Economy class
32kg/70lb for Business class

The total dimension (width + height + depth) of each piece must not exceed 158cm/62in.