Packing is always one of the most difficult parts of organizing your holiday, especially when you are going far away and for a long period of time. If you plan to move around a lot, the most important item will be your backpack. The first thing to remember is to pack it as light as possible, because it can make your journey a drag, when you have to carry all your stuff on your back for many hours.

To begin with, let’s think about the weather and places you plan to visit in Vietnam. Those two aspects will determine what you will put into your backpack. The best time to travel is in the dry season from the beginning of November to the end of May, but it is hot and humid throughout the year in this country, therefore quick-drying and waterproof clothes are a must.

What is more, I would definitely recommend focusing on packing your first aid kit properly, which can be a life-saver in exotic places. Make-up and hair products are of a less importance, because the Vietnamese air will most probably destroy your efforts anyway. Nonetheless, it is worth investing in good sunblock cream, as well as in breezy sunhat and polarized sunglasses.

To make the packing process quick and easy, please check the list of the backpacker travel essentials! If you have any new ideas, please share them in the comments below :)

1. BACKPACK:

• 40-60 liter trekking backpack + waterproof cover

• compact waterproof backpack, f.ex. 10 liter Quechua

2. CLOTHES:

• quick-drying shorts

• quick-drying t-shirts 3x

• waterproof parka

• thermo-active long-sleeve

• lightweight, comfy pants

• lightweight hoodie

• regular shorts

• tops 3x

• sports leggins

• a pair of jeans

• swimming suit

• underwear (for three days will be enough, because it can be washed)

• trekking sandals

• flip-flops

• sports shoewear

• sunhat

• sunglasses

3. DOCUMENTS:

• passport

• visa

• plane tickets

• booking confirmations

• driving license

• travel insurance

• vaccinate certificate (if applicable)

• copies of all documents

4. FIRST AID KIT:

• painkillers

• antipyretic

• antibiotics

• malaria prevention medicine (not compulsory)

• anti-sunburn spray

• carbon for stomach problems

• antiemetic pills

• anti cystitis pills

• tweezers

• hydrogen peroxide

• bandage

• swabs

• plasters – different sizes

• insect bite gel

• plasters for blisters

5. ELECTRONICS:

• Vietnamese dictionary downloaded on your mobile

• camera

• goPro + spare battery and memory card

• power bank

• three-joint

• chargers (mobile, camera, GoPro)

• iPOD + headphones

6. COSMETICS:

• travel format cosmetics – most of them you can buy in Vietnam at low prices

• sunblock cream with high filters

• sunblock face cream with high filters

• soothing after-sun balm

• anti-bacterial hand gel

• face and body refreshing wipes

• intimate hygiene wipes

• paper toilet seat covers

• anti-insect repellant – get it in Vietnam, because it will be strong enough for exotic insects

7. MISCELLANEOUS:

• laundry string and pegs for drying the clothes

• silk bed linen

• quick-drying towel

• small notebook and pen

• poket knife

• mosquito-curtain

• pocket size travel guide

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