Heading to Vietnam in December? You’re in for an incredible journey across vibrant cities, peaceful bays, lush mountains, and tropical coastlines. But the weather? It varies dramaticallyβfrom cool in the north to beach-worthy warmth in the south.
You’ll need a smart mix of breathable layers, modest outfits for temples, and rain-ready gear. Expect cooler temperatures in Hanoi and Sapa, while Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta stay sunny and hot. Be ready for it all with this comprehensive list.
πNote: This article is all about Vietnam packing list December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments! *
Weather & Travel Context π¦οΈ
- Hanoi: 15β22Β°C / 59β72Β°F π₯οΈ
- Sapa: 8β17Β°C / 46β63Β°F (colder in mountains) βοΈ
- Hue/Hoi An: 18β25Β°C / 64β77Β°F + possible rain π¦οΈ
- Ho Chi Minh City: 23β32Β°C / 73β90Β°F βοΈ
- Weather shifts from cool north to tropical south
What to Pack for Vietnam in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Hereβs everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
𧳠Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Backpack or suitcase β Depends on city hopping vs slow travel ππ§³
- Daypack β For excursions, treks, or scooters πΆββοΈ
- Packing cubes β Divide by climate or region π§©
- Shoe bags β Keep mud off your clothes π
- Toiletry kit β Humidity + skincare focused π§
- Document organizer β Visas, bookings, insurance π
- Compression sack β For jackets or warm layers π¦
- Laundry pouch β Laundry is cheap & frequent π§Ί
- Neck pillow β Long trains/buses π€
- Sleep mask & earplugs β Essential for noisy hostels π΄
π Clothes
- Light t-shirts/tops (4β6) β Breathable, quick-dry π
- Long-sleeve shirts (2β3) β Modesty + layering π
- Light sweater or fleece β Hanoi/Sapa evenings π§₯
- Rain jacket or windbreaker β For central Vietnam β
- Maxi dress/skirt β Stylish + temple-appropriate π
- Quick-dry shorts (2β3) β South Vietnam heat π©³
- Long pants or travel trousers β For cooler north π
- Swimsuit (1β2) β Phu Quoc, beaches, hotel pools π
- Cover-up β For pool or beach π§£
- Pajamas β Light, breathable π
- Undergarments β Bring extra for hot days π
- Socks β Mix of cotton + warm π§¦
π Skincare
- Gentle cleanser β Removes sweat, dust π§Ό
- Toner β Keeps pores happy in humidity π¬οΈ
- Moisturizer β Light but effective π§
- Sunscreen β Must for daily outdoor life βοΈ
- Lip balm w/SPF β Tropical air is drying π
- Face mist β Hydration on the go π¦
- Makeup remover β Wipes are handy π§½
- Eye cream β Especially for overnight buses ποΈ
π Makeup
- BB cream or tinted moisturizer β Light coverage π
- Concealer β For photos + nights out β¨
- Blush β Freshen your face πΈ
- Waterproof mascara β For sweat + rain ποΈ
- Lip tint or gloss β Lightweight glam π
- Powder β Helps with humidity shine π§
- Brush kit β Travel-size ποΈ
π Hair Care
- Comb/brush β Anti-humidity must π¨
- Hair ties β Essential in heat π§΅
- Shampoo/conditioner β Travel size π§΄
- Dry shampoo β Road trip lifesaver π¨
- Frizz control β Humidity alert β‘
- Mini dryer β Optional (most places have one) π
- Headbands/clips β Style + convenience π
π Shoes & Accessories
- Breathable sneakers β All-day comfort π
- Flip flops β Beach + hostel showers π©΄
- Sandals β Easy, casual wear π‘
- Light scarf β Temples + sun protection π§£
- Hat or cap β Beat the tropical sun π§’
- Sunglasses β Must-have π
- Minimal jewelry β Safe + simple π
- Crossbody or anti-theft bag β Secure and light π
π Documents & Essentials
- Passport + printed visa approval π
- Travel insurance β Donβt skip it π§Ύ
- Copies of ID, visa, bookings π
- Emergency contacts β Printed & digital π±
- Cash (VND) + cards β Vietnam is mostly cash π΅
- Offline map app β Signal varies πΊοΈ
π First Aid
- Band-aids β For scooter or trekking scrapes π©Ή
- Painkillers β Essential for travel aches π€
- Anti-diarrhea meds β Street food reality π
- Motion sickness tablets β Winding roads π
- Antiseptic wipes β Clean on the go π§½
π§Ό Health & Hygiene
- Hand sanitizer β Daily must π
- Toilet paper or wipes β Rare in public toilets π»
- Toothbrush/paste β Travel essential πͺ₯
- Deodorant β Lightweight stick πΈ
- Razor β Compact πͺ
- Floss β Easy to forget π¦·
- Feminine hygiene β Bring your go-to π©Έ
π± Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger π±
- Power bank β Long excursions β‘
- Universal adapter β Vietnam uses types A, C & F π
- Camera or GoPro β Nature shots galore πΈ
- SIM card or eSIM β Cheap & easy πΆ
- Offline apps β Translator, Grab, Google Maps π²
π§ Entertainment
- Books/e-reader β For train days π
- Travel journal β So many stories π
- Music/podcasts β For long buses π§
- Card games β Fun in hostels or homestays π
π Extras
- Reusable bottle β Stay hydrated π§
- Shopping tote β Night market must ποΈ
- Mini laundry detergent β For hand-washing π§Ό
- Umbrella β Central coast rain β
- Bug spray β Especially in the Mekong π¦
π Travel Tips
- Dress modestly for temples π
- Expect varied weather β Layer wisely π¦οΈ
- Use Grab app for transport π΅
- Carry small bills and coins π°
π Visa Tips
- Apply for e-visa ahead of time π₯
- Bring a printed copy π¨οΈ
- Passport must be valid 6+ months π
β Must-Haves
- Rain jacket β
- Sunscreen βοΈ
- Bug spray π¦
- Breathable shoes π
- Copies of your visa/passport π
π Good-to-Have
- Packable umbrella βοΈ
- Filtered water bottle π§
- Earplugs + eye mask π΄
- Offline map + phrasebook πΊοΈ
- Power strip β Charge everything at once π
