🎒 Packing guide for North Vietnam

You can find our complete packing list for long-term family travel here.

But if you’re heading to North Vietnam, this is what we’d specifically recommend.

North Vietnam is incredibly diverse - from buzzing cities to rice terraces, limestone bays and mountain villages. Your packing should reflect that.

🌿 Essentials for North Vietnam (All Year)

🦟 Mosquito repellent

Especially important in rural areas and near water.

🥾 Proper walking or hiking shoes

You’ll likely explore places like Ban Gioc or do boat trips around Lan ha Bay - good footwear makes a huge difference. We and the kids had hiking sandals that weren't particularly stylish but were very practical and waterproof, and we had a great experience with them.

🎒 Waterproof dry bag

Perfect for misty hikes, waterfalls, kayaking, or boat tours.

🧴 Sun hat & sunscreen

The sun is strong - even on cloudy days.

💊 Travel first aid kit (mini)

Fever reducers (especially for kids), electrolytes, bandages, disinfectant, diarrhea medication. Pharmacies exist, but not always where you need them.

🔦 Headlamp

It gets dark early (around 6 p.m.) and power outages can happen.

🔋 Power bank

Long bus rides + full camera roll = essential.

🔌 Travel adapter / multi-socket

🧣 Lightweight scarf or shawl

Useful for temples, sun protection, air conditioning, or as a quick blanket for kids. We also need them during scooter rides.

🧺 Quick-drying towel

Handy for simple accommodations, waterfalls, or boat trips.

📄 Copy of passports (digital & offline)

🍫 Snacks (especially with kids)

Very helpful for long travel days.

🥶 Extra for Winter Months (December–March)

If you’re visiting North Vietnam in winter - especially the mountains, like Cao Bang, don’t underestimate the cold.

🧥 Warm layers (onion principle)

Thermal base layers, fleece, lightweight down jacket. We didn't have enough warm clothes with us and had to buy some fleece jackets in Hanoi.

🌧️ Wind- & waterproof jacket

Winter often means mist, drizzle, and wind. On the scooter in Cao Bang, we wore our wind and rain jackets over our fleece jackets.

👖 Long pants & warm socks

Your Southeast Asia summer wardrobe won’t be enough up north.

🧤 Beanie & light gloves (for the kids)

Especially if you’re riding a motorbike or trekking.

🔥 Small hot/cold water bottle (optional but cozy)

Many homestays don’t have heating. Nights can be very chilly.

💄 Moisturizer & lip balm

Cold wind + humidity can be harsh on your skin.

Note: This isn’t a complete packing list, especially when it comes to personal medication. It’s simply what we would bring as a traveling family exploring North Vietnam.