Preparing for a trip has never been something so easy and packing can cause the greatest anxiety of all. If you’re traveling to Hanoi, don’t worry! We are here to help you through this mess. Below are some of our tips about how to pack for Hanoi as well as suggested necessities that you may consider bringing along.
How to Pack for Hanoi – Necessities
1. Identification Documents
Since Visa and Passport are vital whenever you travel to a foreign country, please keep in mind that these documents must always be with you wherever you go, and you must pay close attention to keep it safe. You will never know if something happens and you will be required to claim your identity.
Another thing that you may need to prepare is scanning your identification documents and sending them to your email (in case you lose them). You must also have some emergency contacts in Vietnam with you, for example, the Vietnam Police Department (113), your tour agency, your tour guide, etc.
2. Local Currency
Although many places in Hanoi accept Dollars, euros, and credit cards, you should have an adequate amount of Vietnam Dong (VND) in hand. You can easily exchange your money for Vietnamese currency at the airport or at your hotels. However, the rates here are quite high. Therefore, gold shops and banks are much more favorable.
Check out our recommendations for money exchange spots in Hanoi.
3. Sunscreen
Hanoi’s summer can get exceptionally hot and humid. As a result, one essential item is sunscreen. If you’re traveling to Hanoi from May to July, it is advisable to put on sunscreen whenever you leave home to prevent yourself from ultraviolet rays and sunburn.
Read more about The Best Time to Go to Hanoi
Recommended sunscreen brands to pack for your upcoming Hanoi trip:
- Banana Boat Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Spray
- Copperstone SPORT Sunscreen Spray
- Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
4. Appropriate Clothing
For the summer, the easiest tip for packing for Hanoi is to pack a variety of cotton and linen materials. Going from place to place makes you sweat a lot, so these breathable types of cloth will help you fight against the heat. Heavy rain is supposed to pour down quite a lot in the summer, so preparing an umbrella or a rain poncho is recommended.
Since Hanoi has a host of magnificent temples and pagodas, remember to bring appropriate attire, including pants and shirts with sleeves. In Vietnam, formal clothing is required for religious places.
However, in the winter (from October to December), the temperature in Hanoi fluctuates quite a bit. It can fall to 9 degrees this morning and rise to 15 degrees the next day. That’s why you must bring different types of coats with you. One thick coat and three light jackets can keep you warm.
Check out Winter Clothes on Sales Online
5. A Bottle of Water
This is not just a travel-essential item but a necessity that you will have to bring whenever you leave home. Water can help your body function well and stay hydrated when you are out for such a long time. Moreover, having your bottle will protect the environment and be much more convenient.
Recommended brands:
- Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle
- Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle
- Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Water Bottle
6. Portable Charger
A portable charger is nothing unfamiliar if you prefer mobility to stationariness. You may have to use your phone for many purposes, such as contacting people, capturing your trip, browsing the Internet, or finding ways on Maps. Hence, running out of battery is quite terrible, and a portable charger can solve this issue immediately.
Recommended brands:
7. Medications
Sudden changes in your diet and climate may cause health disorders, so having some medicines in hand can never be too redundant. Some basics are antidiarrhea, antibiotics, disinfectants, a few bandaids, and… If you have prescription medicines, ask your doctor for an adequate amount throughout your trip.
What you should bring:
8. Mosquito Spray/Bug Repellent
Since Vietnam is a tropical country, a mosquito bite on your legs and arms can turn your holiday into misery. Bring along a mosquito spray to ensure your body is protected against mosquitoes and bugs.
How to Pack for Hanoi – Avoid These Items
1. Illegal Drugs/Chemicals/Weapons
Obviously, you are not allowed to bring any of those mentioned above anywhere in the world, including Hanoi. You are supposed to know that the penalty will not be easy.
2. Luxurious Items
Pickpockets and snatch thefts are common in Hanoi. Therefore, try to leave your exclusive or luxurious items behind to prevent them from being stolen while roaming the streets.
3. Pornography
Pornography is still strictly prohibited in Vietnam, and you will face strict enforcement if you try to sell or possess pornography. Notably, your luggage will be checked at the airport, so please get rid of all pornography material before traveling to Vietnam.
4. Reactionary Documents
Since Vietnam’s history is long-standing and the Vietnamese people are very sensitive towards politics-related topics, you are likely to face severe punishment if your luggage contains any materials that go against the current government.
How to Pack for Hanoi – Packing Tips
1. Make a List
Lists are notably important since they help us keep track of everything that we need to do or prepare before our trips. Try to start writing your checklist one month before your trip. It is much easier to add more things to it if you forget anything. What can be more pleasing than seeing your list completely crossed out or checked?
2. Organize Your Outfits
It would be great if you could organize your outfits for each day of your trip beforehand. This definitely kills two birds with one stone. Firstly, organizing your daily clothing helps to ensure that you do not pack unnecessary items in your suitcase. Moreover, during the trip, you will not have to be nervous and think about what to wear in the morning. Eventually, this tip makes your trip much easier.
3. Bring Your Backpack
Since Hanoi is a tropical country and there are many tourist attractions that you may want to explore, it is recommended that you should have your own travel backpack to carry most of your necessities for a day long but also assure mobility and balance for your shoulders.
4. Prepare Some Zip Lock Bags
You can never underestimate the usage of zip-lock bags. Although they seem to be a triviality that causes nearly nothing, zip-lock bags are one of the most necessary travel-friendly items. These bags can help you organize medicine, liquids, dirty clothes, rubbish, and even important documents to keep them waterproof.
Summary on How to Pack for Hanoi
Traveling to a foreign country has never been so easy. Nonetheless, if you pack your luggage right, everything on your trip will go much smoother. Thus, take our blog on packing for Hanoi into consideration and write a checklist to ensure that your suitcase is fully packed.