Weather & Packing List
Weather
There is good weather somewhere in Vietnam all year round! Vietnam stretches over 2000 km from North to South. The climate differs all year round from one region to another. Overall, the north of Vietnam experiences more marked seasons than the rest of the country with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The mainly dry winter lasts from December to March with average temperatures of 18-20°C (≈64 - 68°F) but it can drop to as low 10’s at times. Summer lasts from May to October and is hot and humid with temperatures around 30°C (≈86°F).
North and Central Vietnam can encounter tropical storms and typhoons from October to January. Hue, Danang, and Hoi An in the center of the country, have very hot, dry weather from March to August with temperatures reaching the mid-30-39°C (≈86-102°F), but can experience cool weather and some heavy rainfall between September and February. During these months, seas can be rough with high tides and beach swimming may not be possible.
The South, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, benefits from sunshine and warm weather all year round. However, the rainy season lasts from May to November (with showers once or twice a day in general), and a dry season from December to April. The Central Highlands can be chilly. Nha Trang has warm – sometimes hot - weather all year round, with a rainy season from the end of September until December.
Packing List
Suggested Packing List:
Clothing:
Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for traveling in Vietnam. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics, but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. Shoes must be removed before entering some religious building or a private home.
Warm sweatshirt / fleece (during cooler months - November to February.)
Rain Gear - Waterproof Windbreaker, umbrella or Rain Coat (especially during the rainy season noted above)
Short-sleeved shirts
Long sleeve shirt
Long pants (light weight/flexible) - Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are required when visiting most temples, so be prepared.
Gym / sportswear (for outdoor activities)
Undergarments, socks
Bathing suits
Shorts (Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other revealing clothing when visiting pagodas and monasteries.)
Hat
One pair of flip flops / sandals / water shoes
One pair of closed toed comfortable walking shoes
Bath / Personal:
Personal medication
Anti-diarrheal medication
Glasses/contacts / contact solution, if applicable
Personal toiletries (If you have certain items that you need, bring enough to last until you return home. Don't forget to bring gender-specific hygienic products). Pack of kleenex for public restroom stops.
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Other:
One refillable water bottle
Books and/or magazines
Watch or small alarm clock
Light day bag or pack (a small backpack would be ideal)
Sunglasses
Personal snacks that you may need or crave (such as granola bars or power bars). We provide all stated meals; however, some have particular dietary/health needs.
Waterproof Disposable camera, film camera or digital camera - and film or memory card(s) for digital camera
Vietnam mainly uses 220V but in some areas, 110V is also used. A mixture of flat and round 2-pin outlets are used throughout the country. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor.