24/04/2014
TOP 10 THINGS TO BRING TO VIETNAM!
Vietnam is a great travel destination and, as with other travel destinations, there are certain things you should bring with you to minimize hassle during your trip.
Let’s pack for your travels.
1. THE ESSENTIALS:
Passport and Visa!!
Travel medical insurance information.
Cash. Keep enough cash with you as many stores and restaurants only take cash.
Money belt- Remember, like any large city, be cautious of petty theft and use a money belt to keep your money secure.
2. APPROPRIATE LUGGAGE
Soft shell bags: as the overhead luggage compartments can be quite small. Keep in mind that the baggage tariffs on internal flights and flights in the region can be quite high so soft shelled bags can save a lot of extra weight and therefore a lot of money.
Daypacks or backpacks:- For short excursions, treks and day trips around the city, a daypack is essential for carrying a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and shopping. A secure and sturdy daypack is the perfect thing to keep all your belongings with you as you go about your day
3. APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Moisture wicking clothing – In Ho Chi Minh City, rainy season is from June to November and dry season is during the rest of the year, although it stays between 25-35C throughout the year.
Light rain jacket - For the rain, a light jacket is fine but a plastic poncho may also work well.
4. APPROPRIATE SHOES
Walking shoes - Ho Chi Minh City and other cities in Vietnam are very conducive to walking, once you get past the occasional motorbike driver on the sidewalk! You may find that you end up walking several kilometres a day so good walking shoes are a must.
5. MEDICATION
Brand name medication – The medication regulations in Vietnam are different than in other countries such that over-the-counter medicines are both cheap and readily available. Many of the brand name medicines like Pepto Bismol and Tylenol are quite expensive but their non brand name counterparts are very cheap. If you prefer to take a certain brand of medicine, bring extra!
Special medication – Some non mainstream medications may be difficult to find here. Bring enough for your stay.
6. BATHROOM SUPPLIES
Toilet paper – It may be beneficial to keep toilet paper with you while traveling, especially on long bus rides. Most hotels, hostels and restaurants in the city have conventional toilets but many bus stop bathrooms have squatting-style toilets without toilet paper.
Female supplies – Sanitary napkins are easy to find here but tampons are not.
7. SUN PROTECTION
The sun is very powerful here so high SPF lotions or sprays are a must. Even local residents protect themselves from the sun by wearing long sleeves, hats and sun umbrellas!
8. INSECT PROTECTION
Insect repellent with Deet – Dengue fever and malaria are transmitted by mosquitos so an insect repellent with Deet is a good thing to have. Although malaria is rare and is confined to the rural areas, dengue fever is more prevalent.
Cortisone cream – Bites can be highly unpleasant and the last thing you need is an infection from scratching too much!
9. ELECTRONICS:
Chargers and backup chargers
Shape converter - Most hostels and hotels will have outlets that accept multiple plug shapes but the voltage is still 220V.
Computer-like gadget – A smartphone or iPod is a great thing to have! WiFi is readily available almost anywhere.
10. PROPER INFORMATION:
Travel books - Travel books can be invaluable here for important information about hospitals, money, embassies, and more.
Location information – Have with you the addresses, phone numbers, location and maps for your hotels before arriving so that you can relay information to your taxi driver.
If you forget any items, most things are available here but at a premium. Proper packing will ensure that you have a relaxing and hassle-free vacation!
