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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Vietnam

Dry Season Dressing Nov-Apr

This period presents the most pleasant weather, with sunny days and cool evenings.

Layering for Comfort

Rainy Season Dressing May-Oct

This season features higher humidity and frequent afternoon showers.

Wet Weather Wardrobe

Footwear Recommendations

City Walking

Comfortable Walking shoes or sneakers are good for exploring city streets, markets, and attractions.

Much walking is expected.

Hiking & Adventure

For trekking or canyoning, sturdy, Waterproof hiking shoes or durable Sandals with good grip are needed. Trails can be uneven.

Trails may be muddy.

Rainy Season Specific

Consider waterproof shoes or sandals that dry quickly. Avoid heavy canvas shoes that hold water.

Stay dry and comfortable.

Essential Documents

Your Travel Document Checklist

Keeping your documents organized and secure is a top priority for any international trip.

  • Passport & Visa: Originals, plus printed and digital copies of e-visa/approval letter. Keep in a Travel wallet.
  • Travel Insurance: Policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary. Physical and digital copies.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): If renting a scooter/car, needed with motorbike endorsement.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flights, accommodation, tours, transfers.
  • Health Documentation: Vaccination records, prescription copies, doctor's notes for medication.
  • Emergency Contacts: List of family/friends, embassy/consulate, and insurance provider.
  • IDs for Discounts: Student/Senior/Press IDs for potential discounts at some attractions.
  • Security Copy: Digital copies on phone, email, and cloud service for backup.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Staying connected and powered up is often important for travel.

Essential Tech Gear

Photography & Apps

Capture Dalat's beauty and stay informed with helpful applications.

Visuals & Utilities

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for backing up photos and important documents.

Physical Backup

A Portable hard drive serves as a physical backup for large media files.

VPN Services

Consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Pack a personal health kit to address minor ailments and maintain your well-being.

Essential Medicines

Environmental Protection

Protect yourself from the elements and potential health concerns.

Climate & Insect Defense

Special Health Considerations

Motion Sickness

  • The winding roads to Dalat can trigger motion sickness.
  • Pack specific motion sickness pills if you are susceptible.
  • Over-the-counter options are usually available locally too.

Altitude

  • Dalat sits at 1,500m, generally not high enough for altitude sickness for most.
  • Staying hydrated can always be a good practice at higher elevations.
  • The cool air is generally pleasant and refreshing.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & Trekking

Bring sturdy Waterproof hiking shoes or sandals with good grip.

  • Quick-drying clothing.
  • Layers for changing temperatures.
  • A small daypack for essentials.
  • Sun protection is advisable.

Canyoning

Wear quick-drying shorts and a t-shirt over swimwear.

  • Secure footwear that can get wet.
  • Tour operators often provide wetsuits.
  • Helmets and harnesses are usually provided.
  • A waterproof bag for valuables.

Motorbiking

Consider bringing your own lightweight Travel helmet for better fit and hygiene.

  • Rental shops provide basic helmets.
  • Sunglasses or clear glasses for eye protection.
  • Long sleeves and pants for sun and road protection.
  • A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is good.

Equipment Choices: Rent vs. Bring

Advantages of Renting

  • Convenience: No need to transport bulky gear.
  • Safety: Reputable tour operators provide maintained and checked specialized gear.
  • Cost-effective for single use.
  • Local knowledge: Operators know what equipment is suitable.

Advantages of Bringing Your Own

  • Familiarity: Use gear you are comfortable with and trust.
  • Hygiene: Personal items like helmets offer better hygiene.
  • Long-term value: For frequent adventurers, owning gear makes sense.
  • Custom fit: Gear fits your specific needs.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

These small items enhance comfort, security, and convenience during your travels.

Travel Comforts

Eco-Friendly & Hygiene Items

Embrace sustainable travel and stay hygienic on the go.

Sustainable Travel Kit

Regional Essentials

Lightweight Scarf

Useful for cooler evenings or modesty at temples.

Sun Protection

High-quality sunscreen and sunglasses for altitude sun.

Personal Medications

Specific prescriptions or durable outdoor gear might be harder to find.

Unlocked Phone

For local SIM card use and navigation apps.

Cultural & Dining Attire

Religious Sites

  • Cover shoulders and knees for both men and women.
  • Avoid overly revealing clothing like tank tops or short shorts.
  • You may remove shoes before entering some religious buildings.

General & Dining

  • Dressing respectfully in public is advisable, even in relaxed tourist areas.
  • Casual attire works for most local restaurants and street food stalls.
  • Smart casual (trousers/collared shirt for men, dress/separates for women) for upscale dining.

Packing Smart Tip

Make digital copies of all your important documents and store them in a cloud service or email. This proves greatly useful if originals are lost or stolen.

Opt for clothing that dries quickly and can be layered. This adaptability handles Dalat's variable temperatures throughout the day.