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 dramaticallyāfrom 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.
šNote: 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 š¦ļø
- Hanoi: 15ā22Ā°C / 59ā72Ā°F š„ļø
- Sapa: 8ā17Ā°C / 46ā63Ā°F (colder in mountains) āļø
- Hue/Hoi An: 18ā25Ā°C / 64ā77Ā°F + possible rain š¦ļø
- Ho Chi Minh City: 23ā32Ā°C / 73ā90Ā°F āļø
- 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. Hereās 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
š§³ 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 ā Depends on city hopping vs slow travel šš§³
- Daypack ā For excursions, treks, or scooters š¶āāļø
- Packing cubes ā Divide by climate or region š§©
- Shoe bags ā Keep mud off your clothes š
- Toiletry kit ā Humidity + skincare focused š§
- Document organizer ā Visas, bookings, insurance š
- Compression sack ā For jackets or warm layers š¦
- Laundry pouch ā Laundry is cheap & frequent š§ŗ
- Neck pillow ā Long trains/buses š¤
- Sleep mask & earplugs ā Essential for noisy hostels š“
š Clothes
- Light t-shirts/tops (4ā6) ā Breathable, quick-dry š
- Long-sleeve shirts (2ā3) ā Modesty + layering š
- Light sweater or fleece ā Hanoi/Sapa evenings š§„
- Rain jacket or windbreaker ā For central Vietnam ā
- Maxi dress/skirt ā Stylish + temple-appropriate š
- Quick-dry shorts (2ā3) ā South Vietnam heat š©³
- Long pants or travel trousers ā For cooler north š
- Swimsuit (1ā2) ā Phu Quoc, beaches, hotel pools š
- Cover-up ā For pool or beach š§£
- Pajamas ā Light, breathable š
- Undergarments ā Bring extra for hot days š
- Socks ā Mix of cotton + warm š§¦
š Skincare
- Gentle cleanser ā Removes sweat, dust š§¼
- Toner ā Keeps pores happy in humidity š¬ļø
- Moisturizer ā Light but effective š§
- Sunscreen ā Must for daily outdoor life āļø
- Lip balm w/SPF ā Tropical air is drying š
- Face mist ā Hydration on the go š¦
- Makeup remover ā Wipes are handy š§½
- Eye cream ā Especially for overnight buses šļø
š Makeup
- BB cream or tinted moisturizer ā Light coverage š
- Concealer ā For photos + nights out āØ
- Blush ā Freshen your face šø
- Waterproof mascara ā For sweat + rain šļø
- Lip tint or gloss ā Lightweight glam š
- Powder ā Helps with humidity shine š§
- Brush kit ā Travel-size šļø
š Hair Care
- Comb/brush ā Anti-humidity must šØ
- Hair ties ā Essential in heat š§µ
- Shampoo/conditioner ā Travel size š§“
- Dry shampoo ā Road trip lifesaver šØ
- Frizz control ā Humidity alert ā”
- Mini dryer ā Optional (most places have one) š
- Headbands/clips ā Style + convenience š
š Shoes & Accessories
- Breathable sneakers ā All-day comfort š
- Flip flops ā Beach + hostel showers š©“
- Sandals ā Easy, casual wear š”
- Light scarf ā Temples + sun protection š§£
- Hat or cap ā Beat the tropical sun š§¢
- Sunglasses ā Must-have š
- Minimal jewelry ā Safe + simple š
- Crossbody or anti-theft bag ā Secure and light š
š Documents & Essentials
- Passport + printed visa approval š
- Travel insurance ā Donāt skip it š§¾
- Copies of ID, visa, bookings š
- Emergency contacts ā Printed & digital š±
- Cash (VND) + cards ā Vietnam is mostly cash šµ
- Offline map app ā Signal varies šŗļø
š First Aid
- Band-aids ā For scooter or trekking scrapes š©¹
- Painkillers ā Essential for travel aches š¤
- Anti-diarrhea meds ā Street food reality š
- Motion sickness tablets ā Winding roads š
- Antiseptic wipes ā Clean on the go š§½
š§¼ Health & Hygiene
- Hand sanitizer ā Daily must š
- Toilet paper or wipes ā Rare in public toilets š»
- Toothbrush/paste ā Travel essential šŖ„
- Deodorant ā Lightweight stick šø
- Razor ā Compact šŖ
- Floss ā Easy to forget š¦·
- Feminine hygiene ā Bring your go-to š©ø
š± Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger š±
- Power bank ā Long excursions ā”
- Universal adapter ā Vietnam uses types A, C & F š
- Camera or GoPro ā Nature shots galore šø
- SIM card or eSIM ā Cheap & easy š¶
- Offline apps ā Translator, Grab, Google Maps š²
š§ Entertainment
- Books/e-reader ā For train days š
- Travel journal ā So many stories š
- Music/podcasts ā For long buses š§
- Card games ā Fun in hostels or homestays š
š Extras
- Reusable bottle ā Stay hydrated š§
- Shopping tote ā Night market must šļø
- Mini laundry detergent ā For hand-washing š§¼
- Umbrella ā Central coast rain ā
- Bug spray ā Especially in the Mekong š¦
š Travel Tips
- Dress modestly for temples š
- Expect varied weather ā Layer wisely š¦ļø
- Use Grab app for transport šµ
- Carry small bills and coins š°
š Visa Tips
- Apply for e-visa ahead of time š„
- Bring a printed copy šØļø
- Passport must be valid 6+ months š
ā Must-Haves
- Rain jacket ā
- Sunscreen āļø
- Bug spray š¦
- Breathable shoes š
- Copies of your visa/passport š
š Good-to-Have
- Packable umbrella āļø
- Filtered water bottle š§
- Earplugs + eye mask š“
- Offline map + phrasebook šŗļø
- Power strip ā Charge everything at once š
