Northeast Vietnam, Vietnam
These seasons (Spring: March-April & Summer: May-August) offer mild to hot and humid conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for comfort during the day and evenings. Quick-dry fabrics are good for humidity and potential rain.
Winter (November-February) brings cooler temperatures, and the air can feel damp. Layers are notably useful for evenings and early mornings on the bay. Modesty is appreciated, especially at religious sites.
Comfortable shoes are needed for daily sightseeing and walking on various surfaces.
Useful for beaches, boat trips, and general wet conditions around the bay.
Bring these if you plan to trek on Cat Ba Island or explore caves with uneven terrain. Good grip is useful.
Keeping your documents organized and secure is important. Carry both original documents and copies, storing them separately.
Vietnam uses 220V at 50Hz, different from North America. Most modern electronics are dual voltage. Plug types commonly used are A, C, F, and G, with C/F being most common.
A smartphone camera captures many moments well. For high-quality landscapes, a mirrorless or DSLR camera is useful. A waterproof action camera works well for water-based activities.
Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for automatic backups of photos and important documents. An external hard drive or USB stick for additional photo backup is also an option.
Google Maps (download offline maps for use without data) and Maps.me (offline maps) are useful for getting around.
Grab (for taxis, motorbikes, food delivery), WhatsApp, and Zalo (a popular local messaging app) are helpful for communication and local services.
A well-stocked Personal first aid kit can prevent minor issues from becoming major inconveniences.
Vietnam's sun is strong, and mosquitoes are present, especially during warmer months. Appropriate protection is important.
Most cruises provide kayaks and life vests. You may want to bring some personal items.
Swim in designated areas.
If you plan to trek on Cat Ba Island, prepare for varied terrain.
These items contribute to comfort, security, and general convenience throughout your trip.
These items promote sustainable travel practices and daily convenience.
Reduce plastic waste, fill at hotels.
Secure online activity with NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Stay connected affordably. Airalo is an eSIM option.
Keep devices charged during long days out.
Roll clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles in your luggage.
