What to Take to Vietnam

When you visit Vietnam, take as little as possible with you. Travelling light gives you much more flexibility to hop on and off buses, chose to do a trek at short notice or stay overnight on a boat.

As a general rule, bring light, cotton clothing but include a sweater for cooler evenings. Having laundry done is very cheap and you can replace worn clothing very inexpensively. A nylon rain cape is helpful as is a foldup umbrella which can be used to shield you from both rain and sun. A hat is a must and sunglasses and sunblock are advisable. Don't forget your swimsuit for a dip in Halong Bay or the great beaches further South, particularly at Hoi An and Nha Trang.

For the information of women travelers, in particular, don't bring jumbo sized bottles of your favourite shampoo or conditioner. Toiletry items can be purchased everywhere in small quantities which are lighter and less bulky to carry and quickly and inexpensively replenished when you need them. The only things you should definitely bring from home are a supply of tampons and your brand of contraceptive pill and, of course, applicable to everyone, any specific medication you require together with a copy of your spectacle prescription if you wear them.

Depending on your plans, you will need to bring hiking boots or at least sensible walking shoes for trekking in the North of the country or any other specialist equipment you need for your particular interests. Diving equipment is provided by dive companies but you may prefer your own tried and trusted gear.

Further References:

• Far East Dental.


• Maple Health Care, American/Canadian owned dental clinic.


• Family Vietnam Medical Practice, a well known clinic.


• International Medical Centre, open 24 hours per day.


• Vietnam Korea Eye Hospital.

The free, 2007 Editions of the on-line Cambodia and Thailand Travel Guides are now available in English. Other Travel Guides will be available in the near future.

In addition, Arikah now also features free, online encyclopedias in Dutch, English, German, French, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.