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Luggage And Clothing

Do not overburden your luggage. A suitcase and a backpack will be more than enough during your trip to Vietnam. Everything can be found in Vietnam at much lower prices than in Europe: do not fear missing something, as you will find what you need on-site! You can also have laundry done at hotels at an affordable price. Additionally, for domestic flights, you are allowed only 20 kg (Bamboo Airlines) or 23 kg (Vietnam Airlines, in a single piece) of checked luggage. Try to stay within this limit. For carry-on luggage, most airlines limit the size to 55x35x20 cm and some limit the weight to 7 kg with Bamboo Airlines and Vietjet Air, while Vietnam Airlines limits the weight of carry-on luggage to 10 kg. It is recommended to carry in your carry-on luggage essential items to cover the risk of delays with your checked luggage. Also, consider bringing some plastic bags to wrap your belongings and ensure waterproofing, given the risk of inclement weather on-site. Most hotels will accept that you leave your luggage there after checking out. You can then retrieve them later. Thus, you can leave the large suitcase at the hotel in Hanoi or in big cities and travel with a backpack for short excursions of one or two nights elsewhere. To avoid any confusion, please label your luggage with your names. Security checks at airports are strict: avoid putting items such as knives, scissors, spare batteries, liquids, explosives, etc., in your carry-on luggage. Note that all your luggage will systematically be X-rayed (if you arrive by plane) at both entry and exit points.

It is advised to pack the following: If you are traveling to Northern Vietnam in winter, between mid-November to February, bring warm clothes: a double jacket, down jacket, thick sweater, gloves, hat, and scarf are a must. During spring (from March to May) and autumn (from October to November): Light clothing such as Bermuda shorts and t-shirts, a light sweater, and a down jacket for nights in the Northern mountains. From May to October, bring light clothing: shorts and t-shirts, and a pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt for temples or a light sweater for nights in the mountains.

• A swimsuit for HaLong Bay, beach stays, and swimming in lakes and waterfalls
• A waterproof windbreaker
• Easy-to-remove shoes/sandals (it is not uncommon to have to remove them to enter certain pagodas or people’s homes) and a few pairs of socks
• A cape or a light raincoat
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Tropical mosquito repellent for better effectiveness or anti-mosquito lotion (e.g., the brand Cinq sur Cinq Tropic) If you plan to trek, don’t forget your suitable gear: walking shoes If you are sensitive to noise, consider bringing earplugs for a good night’s sleep. A travel pillow for long vehicle journeys

If you are staying with locals, bring a toiletries kit with essentials: towels, soap, shower gel, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste, disposable razor, and shaving foam. In all hotels, towels and toilet paper are provided. However, if the products provided in the hotels do not suit you, it will be very easy to obtain quality products at low prices on-site. The same goes for shampoo and soaps.

It is advised to bring a small first-aid kit containing products for minor ailments such as headaches, diarrhea, pain, etc. Also, consider bringing a disinfectant, which can be useful. For those following a regular medical treatment, ensure you have enough of your usual treatments for the entire duration of your stay. We also recommend bringing your doctor's prescription to have the scientific name of the active substance: in case of need, it will be easier for Vietnamese pharmacists to identify what you need. If you carry syringes and/or needles for medical reasons, ask your treating doctor for a medical certificate (in English); otherwise, passing through customs can be tricky. Optionally, bring a prescription in INN (International Nonproprietary Name) which refers to the molecules and can be read and understood by doctors in all countries. Nevertheless, if you do not want to be burdened, you will find all these medicines in pharmacies in Vietnam.

Above all, do not forget the essentials: your passport and visa, plane tickets, and travel insurance. Also, check the validity dates of your passport (valid for at least 6 months upon exiting the country) and visa. You can enter later and leave earlier than the entry date indicated on the invitation letter or visa, but you cannot enter earlier or leave later than the date indicated on your visa. Also, make sure to keep paper copies and/or scanned files (stored in your email, for example) of your passport, visa, and plane tickets. This will facilitate administrative procedures in case of loss or theft.