What to Bring with you to Vietnam

Items that we suggest you bring depending on the season.

Vietnam has 3 regions, the North, Centre and South. Each of the regions has distinct climates.

The north is hot and extremely humid and receives heavy rain from June – August. Winter is from November until March and is cool and damp. The mountain areas of the north including Sapa and Mai Chau, can be extremely cold during winter although they do not receive snow.

The center is warm throughout the year and the rainy season occurs from August or September until December. The centre often receives storms or typhoons during October and November.

The south has 2 seasons, one dry and the other wet. The wet season last from June until October, but the summer storms rarely last more than a few hours.

Given the above weather information, please consider the items you will bring with you to Vietnam. This list should be used as a guide only and is not an exhaustive list.

Clothing
Please note most Vietnamese still dress modestly and out of respect for the culture you should dress conservatively ( no sleeveless/ halter neck tops, shorts other than for the beach, should not reach below the knee)

Packing List

Personal clothing items, toiletries, medication
Sunhat
Sarong (to cover your shoulders should you enter temples or pagodas)
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
Light weight clothing for the summer months
Warm clothing for winter in Hanoi and in mountainous areas
Camera with film
Small daypack for day trips and overnight trip to Halong Bay
Appropriate shoes for trekking, cycling or walking in caves (Halong Bay)
Sleeping sheet for train travel (can also be bought in Vietnam)
Ear plugs and sleep mask (for train journeys)
Water bottle and helmet (for cycling trips only)

Please note: Domestic airlines do impose restrictions on baggage at approx 20kg maximum, so travel lightly where possible. Also the trains cabins and boat cabins on Halong Bay have limited space so consider this when packing. Soft luggage is recommended.

What to Bring with you to Laos

You will be able to store any extra luggage or clothing not needed on your excursions in the hotel storage or our office.  Most of your toiletries requirements are available in Laos (e.g. tooth paste, soap, shampoo, sanitary towels).  Tampons are less widely available. If you wear contact lenses make sure to bring enough cleaning fluids are these are difficult to find.

Light thin layers of cotton clothing are the best.

Long-sleeved shirts and pants are a good idea for a number of reasons:

    * they provide good protection against mosquito bites
    * to keep yourself warm during chilly November to February evenings
    * they are necessary for temple and countryside village visits where the shoulders and  legs should be covered to below the knee (see more in the culture section)
    * Depending on the season, your activities and the region you will be visiting e.g. mountainous areas, it may be advisable for you to bring a jacket or fleece with you.

What to Bring with you to Cambodia

·         Personal clothing items, toiletries, medication
·         Sunhat
·         Sarong (to cover your shoulders should you enter temples or pagodas)
·         Sunscreen
·         Insect repellant
·         Light weight clothing for the summer months
·         Camera (you can easily buy extra memory cards)
·         Adapter for plugs and chargers for camera/phone/Ipod etc
·         Water bottle and helmet (for cycling trips only)

What to Bring with you to Thailand

We recommend you don’t bring too much! Many guests – especially first time travelers – pack far more than they need. Too much baggage can be difficult to keep track of, and simply too heavy. You will find every type of clothing, and quality of clothing in Thailand. All brands of toiletries and cosmetics are available here (tooth paste; soap; shampoo). Sanitary pads are widely available, even in the countryside. Here are some items you should bring with you, or buy once you arrive in Bangkok:
- If you wear contact lenses, make sure to bring enough cleaning fluid in the case you will visit remote areas, or islands.
- Mosquito repellent (prevention is always the best cure) + Sun screen cream: after a day in the sun, you’ll thank yourself.
- Prescription medications: All medications are available her, but if you take prescription medicine, you should bring extra, so that misplacing a medication will not harm your trip.
- Kinds of Clothing: Light thin layers of cotton clothing are the best.
o A light long-sleeved shirt & long pants for early evenings, mainly because you can prevent mosquito-borne diseases best thru prevention. These longer garments are also mandatory if entering a temple, to show respect
o A light sport coat or jumper
o A windbreaker jacket for light rain
- Camera!