Vietnam is long and narrow, and travelling it from north to south feels like crossing several climates. Hanoi can be cool and grey in winter, Hue and Hoi An bring rain, and the south stays hot and humid all year. Add night trains, ferries in Ha Long Bay and the occasional scooter ride, and your bag becomes one of the most important decisions of the trip.
Backpack or suitcase?
For Vietnam, a backpack wins. Pavements in the old quarters are narrow and often used for parking scooters, and many guesthouses have steep stairs and no lift. A bag you carry on your back keeps your hands free and makes every transfer easier.
The Explorer Backpack and the Travel Bag are both built for this kind of trip: easy to carry, and organised enough that you are not emptying everything onto the bed each night.
What to pack
- Breathable, quick-dry clothing. Cotton stays damp for hours in the humidity. Light synthetic or linen dries overnight.
- A light jacket or fleece for the north between December and February, for air-conditioned buses, and for the mountains around Sapa.
- A rain layer. Downpours come fast, especially in the central region in autumn and the south in the rainy season.
- Covered shoulders and knees for pagodas and temples.
- Sandals and one pair of closed shoes.
Keep things dry and organised
Humidity gets into everything. Pack electronics and documents in their own pockets, and keep toiletries in a waterproof cosmetic bag so that nothing leaks onto your clothes. A water-resistant outer fabric helps when a tropical shower catches you between the station and your hotel.
On the night train
The Reunification Express between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is one of the great train journeys of Asia. Space in sleeper cabins is limited, so a backpack that fits under the bunk or on the luggage shelf is ideal. Keep a small bag with your valuables, water and a charger within reach.
Our tip
Leave a little room. Vietnam is full of tailors, markets and crafts, especially in Hoi An, and you will want space for something special on the way home.