Spring in Vietnam is fairly mild with less humidity than usual, making it the perfect time to go because there will be less chance of rain but the foliage should be nice and green! Across the north, temperatures vary due to changes in location, but daily highs should be a pleasant average around mid 70's and the average nighttime lows around low-mid 60's.
It is advised for guests to dress respectfully- nothing too short or revealing. Walking shoes may be preferred (we will be on both smooth and uneven streets!), and both open and closed toed shoes are acceptable! We will not be attending any restaurants or events with a dress code, so casual or nicer attire is fine anywhere!
Below are some suggested packing recommendations (this is not an exhaustive list, just covering some basics!):
-6-7 t-shirts or tank tops
-a variety of bottoms, shorter and longer options
-1-2 dresses, if desired
-4-5 long sleeve tops for layering such as cardigans, lightweight sweaters, or sweatshirts
-sturdy walking shoes and/or comfortable sandals, including footwear that can get wet if rainy
-pajamas
-socks and undergarments
-bathing suit (bikinis are acceptable)
-swimwear coverup
-hat (to keep out sun)
-light weight jacket for day, heavier fleece or mid-weight jacket for nighttime
-light weight scarf
-rain coat (this can also double as your lightweight jacket) and/or umbrella
-sunglasses
-electronic cords, chargers, and portable battery
-cash in your local currency (only clean, crisp bills will be able to be exchanged)
-one debit and one credit card (I always pack a photocopy of these in case of theft)
-documentation including a printed AND electronic photograph of your visa, passport and travel insurance vouchers (I always pack a photocopy of these in case of theft, as well as an extra passport photo and copy of my vaccine card)
-toiletries
-sunscreen
-bug spray
-hand sanitizer and masks if desired (masks are not currently mandated in Vietnam)
-personal medications and a current medication list (in case you need to replace your meds or have an emergency)
-feminine products (these may not be readily available in the kind you are used to)
-anti-nausea, motion sickness, or altitude aids if prone to car/boat/altitude sickness
-basic first aid supplies including antacid, pain relievers, blister pads, antibacterial ointment, and bandaids (I always carry one with us too!)
-plastic bags (you never know when you’ll have to pack something wet or contain a spill!)
-stain remover (to hold you over until you do laundry!)
-laundry bag
-plane pillow, eye mask, and compression socks for the flight
-plastic phone holder for taking photos on the water
-pen (you may have to fill out a customs form on the flight over and pens are not typically provided)
-tissues or wet wipes (some cafes or restaurants may not give you proper napkins)
-travel toilet paper (always a good idea when in a foreign country as not all bathrooms have it)
-luggage tag or air tag/luggage tracker
-small snacks like protein bars in case you need to hold you over on transports
-cross body purse
-reusable water bottle
-water filter if desired
-Your ICE pdf for emergency contact information (coming in your two week prep email!)
**please store all your valuable items like cash and photocopies of cards somewhere safe! My favorite travel hack is to store these in an overnight maxi pad with it's wrapper, old deodorant tube, or other trusty place no one will look- and make sure these come with you in your carry-on luggage!