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Vietnam Southeast Asia

What to Pack for Hanoi, Vietnam

From Old Quarter motorbike chaos to Hoan Kiem Lake mornings to a Ha Long Bay overnight cruise, here is everything that earns its place in your bag.

4 seasons covered
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  1. Quick answer
  2. Overview
  3. Spring (Mar-May)
  4. Summer Monsoon (May-Sep)
  5. Autumn (Oct-Nov)
  6. Winter (Dec-Feb)
  7. Packing Tips
  8. FAQ

Quick answer

Pack for Hanoi with lightweight breathable tropical clothing, a packable rain jacket for the May-September monsoon, modest clothing for temples (covered shoulders and knees), comfortable walking shoes for the Old Quarter's uneven streets, a Type A/C adapter for Vietnamese outlets (220V/50Hz; same plug as the US works too), insect repellent (mosquitoes carry dengue), and small amounts of Vietnamese dong (VND) for street food and markets. Apply for the Vietnam e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn at least 7 days before departure ($25 single entry).

Seasons

4 seasons covered

Region

Southeast Asia

Temp range

54-95°F

Country

Vietnam

Pack for Hanoi with lightweight breathable tropical clothing, a packable rain jacket for the May-September monsoon, modest clothing for temples (covered shoulders and knees), comfortable walking shoes for the Old Quarter's uneven streets, a Type A/C adapter for Vietnamese outlets (220V/50Hz; same plug as the US works too), insect repellent (mosquitoes carry dengue), and small amounts of Vietnamese dong (VND) for street food and markets. Apply for the Vietnam e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn at least 7 days before departure ($25 single entry). Do not drink tap water.

Packing for Hanoi means packing for a Southeast Asian capital with four genuine seasons (rare in tropical Asia) including a damp cold winter that catches many travelers off guard. Hanoi has cool dry winters (December-February, 13-18 C highs), hot humid springs (March-May), a long hot monsoon summer (May-September, 27-32 C with heavy afternoon rain), and crisp autumn (October-November, the postcard season). The Old Quarter's narrow streets stay busy from dawn to past midnight; pho and banh mi vendors set up by 6 AM, motorbike traffic runs constantly, and the area is hot, humid, and dusty most of the year.

Vietnam requires a visa for most US, Canadian, and Australian travelers. Apply for the e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn before departure ($25 USD for single entry, valid 90 days, processed in 3-7 business days). UK citizens get 45 days visa-free for tourism. The passport must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.

Tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink. Bottled water is everywhere and cheap (10,000-15,000 VND for 1.5L). Brush teeth with bottled water if you are sensitive. Ice in tourist restaurants is usually safe (made from purified water); ice at street stalls is sometimes not. Stick to busy restaurants with high turnover for street food safety.

Temperature: 63-86°F MAY 26 Spring transitions from cool damp early March to hot humid late May. April is mild and pleasant; May ramps up the heat and pre-monsoon humidity. Cherry blossoms and tropical flowers bloom along West Lake. Air quality is best in March, declining as temperatures rise.

👕Clothing

Essentials

  • Lightweight breathable t-shirts and tops x4
  • Light long-sleeve shirts x2 (Sun protection plus temple modesty)
  • Light pants or lightweight trousers x2 (Cover knees for temple visits)
  • Light cardigan for AC interiors
  • Underwear and socks x7

Nice to Have

  • One sundress or skirt (knee-length)

👟Footwear

Essentials

  • Comfortable walking shoes (Old Quarter streets are uneven)
  • Quick-drying sandals

Nice to Have

  • Slip-on shoes for restaurants and temples

🧴Toiletries & Health

Essentials

  • Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash
  • Sunscreen SPF 30+
  • Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (Dengue risk year-round in northern Vietnam)
  • Prescription medications
  • Imodium and oral rehydration salts (Stomach trouble is common for new arrivals)
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes x2

Nice to Have

  • Face mask (KF94 or N95) x3 (Hanoi has air quality issues, especially March-April)

🔌Electronics & Gear

Essentials

  • Type A/C power adapter for Vietnam x2 (220V/50Hz; US-style plugs fit Type A but voltage differs)
  • Portable power bank
  • Phone charging cable
  • Compact umbrella

💳Documents & Money

Essentials

  • Passport with 6+ months validity, 2 blank pages
  • Vietnam e-visa printout (Apply at evisa.gov.vn at least 7 days before departure)
  • Travel insurance card
  • Two credit cards x2
  • Vietnamese dong cash (3-5 million VND ($120-200 USD); most street food is cash-only)

🎒Day Bag Essentials

Essentials

  • Crossbody anti-theft bag (Bag snatching from motorbikes happens; zipper closure essential)
  • Reusable water bottle (Refill with bottled water from your hotel or shops)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection

Nice to Have

  • Wide-brim sun hat

Packing Tips for Hanoi, Vietnam

  1. 1 Vietnam uses Type A, Type C, and Type D outlets at 220V/50Hz. US-style plugs fit Type A outlets but the voltage is 220V (not 120V), so single-voltage US devices will burn out. Bring a dual-voltage adapter or check that your charger says 100-240V.
  2. 2 Apply for the Vietnam e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn at least 7 days before departure if you hold a US, Canadian, Australian, or most EU passports. UK citizens get 45 days visa-free for tourism. $25 USD for single entry, $50 for multiple.
  3. 3 Do not drink tap water in Hanoi. Bottled water is cheap (10,000-15,000 VND for 1.5L) and ubiquitous. Brush teeth with bottled water if sensitive. Ice at tourist restaurants is usually purified water; ice at street stalls sometimes is not.
  4. 4 Cash is essential. Most street food, small restaurants, and markets are cash only. ATMs at Vietcombank, BIDV, or Sacombank accept foreign cards; withdraw 3-5 million VND ($120-200 USD) at a time to minimize per-transaction fees.
  5. 5 Modest dress matters at temples and pagodas. Cover shoulders and knees for both men and women. The Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum all enforce dress codes; some sites provide cover-ups but most do not.
  6. 6 Crossing streets in the Old Quarter is a skill. Walk slowly and steadily; motorbikes will flow around you. Do not stop or sprint. Use crosswalks where they exist (rare).
  7. 7 Grab is the local ride-share app (essentially Southeast Asia's Uber). Download before arrival; works with foreign credit cards. Cheaper than street taxis and avoids haggling.
  8. 8 Tipping is not customary in Vietnam but is increasingly common in tourist restaurants and hotels. Round up the bill or leave 5-10 percent for good service. Tip hotel porters 20,000-50,000 VND per bag. Tour guides 100,000-200,000 VND per day.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit Hanoi?
Most travelers do. US, Canadian, Australian, and most EU citizens must apply for the Vietnam e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn before departure. The e-visa costs $25 USD for single entry (valid 90 days) or $50 USD for multiple entries, and processing takes 3-7 business days. UK citizens get 45 days visa-free for tourism or short business; longer stays still require the e-visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and have at least 2 blank pages.
What power adapter do I need for Hanoi?
Vietnam uses Type A, Type C, and Type D outlets at 220V/50Hz. US-style flat-blade plugs fit Type A outlets physically, but the voltage is 220V (not US's 120V). Bring a dual-voltage adapter or check your charger says 100-240V on the label (most modern phone, laptop, and camera chargers are dual-voltage and will work). Single-voltage US devices (older hair tools especially) will burn out. A universal travel adapter is the safest option.
Is tap water safe in Hanoi?
No. Do not drink tap water in Hanoi. Bottled water is cheap (10,000-15,000 VND for 1.5L) and ubiquitous. Brush teeth with bottled water if you are sensitive to changes. Ice at tourist restaurants is usually purified water (look for the cylindrical hole in the middle); ice at street stalls sometimes is not. Stick to busy restaurants with high turnover for street food.
What should I pack for the Hanoi monsoon season?
Pack a quick-dry packable rain jacket or poncho (not a small umbrella; the wind makes it useless), quick-drying sandals for flooded streets, moisture-wicking quick-dry shirts (humidity ruins cotton), a waterproof phone pouch, strong insect repellent (DEET 30%+ or picaridin 20%+) for dengue mosquitoes, anti-chafing balm for humidity, and extra socks and underwear because sweat is constant. Plan flexible itinerary; afternoon storms typically pass in 1-2 hours.
What dress code should I follow in Hanoi temples?
Modest dress is required at the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and most other Buddhist or Confucian sites. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees. The mausoleum has the strictest dress code (no shorts, no tank tops, no flip-flops; photography is banned inside). Bring a lightweight scarf or pashmina that you can quickly wrap as a cover-up. Some sites provide cover-ups but not all.
How much cash should I bring to Hanoi?
Cash is essential. Plan for 3-5 million VND (about $120-200 USD) per person at any time and refill from ATMs. Most street food, small restaurants, markets, and many taxis are cash-only. ATMs at Vietcombank, BIDV, or Sacombank accept foreign cards; withdraw 3-5 million VND per transaction to minimize per-transaction fees. Use Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) for taxis to avoid haggling; Grab accepts foreign credit cards.
What should I NOT bring to Hanoi?
Skip single-voltage US hair tools (they will burn out at 220V), revealing clothing for temple visits (cover shoulders and knees), large amounts of US dollars (use ATMs in Hanoi for VND at better rates), expensive jewelry (theft target), and drones (require permits and are often confiscated at the airport). Also skip heavy bottled sunscreens above TSA limits; Vietnamese pharmacies stock decent options.
What shoes should I pack for Hanoi?
Pack comfortable walking shoes with grip for the Old Quarter's uneven sidewalks (mesh and breathable for the heat), quick-drying sandals for monsoon-season flooded streets, and slip-on shoes for restaurants and temples that require shoe removal. Skip flip-flops as your primary footwear; the streets are not always clean and you will be on your feet 8-10 hours per day. Hiking shoes are useful only if you plan a Sapa trekking day trip.

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