What to Pack for Vietnam: Everything I Wore and What I Recommend Now

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Embarking on a journey through Vietnam’s captivating landscapes, bustling street markets, and serene temples is an adventure like no other. And what you pack for your travels can not only enhance your comfort, but also allow you to have deeper connections and more magical travel moments along the way. So whether you’re delving into the lively streets of Hanoi, lighting lanterns in Hoi An or wandering through mystical Yen Tu Mountains, I’m thrilled to unveil everything I wore and what I recommend now in my new blog post, What to Pack For Vietnam:

Everything I Wore

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing on the cliffside of Lying Dragon Mountain and dressed as an explorer while adventuring in Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner adjusting her belt bag on top of Lying Dragon Mountain in Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking out from the cliffs of Lying Dragon Mountain and dressed as an explorer while adventuring in Vietnam

Pictured: J.Crew Blue Button Down, Beige Ribbed Racer Tank, Banana Republic Green Barrel Pant, Banana Republic Brown Belt Bag, Miz Mooz Boots (Similar)

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner turning around and smiling from a rooftop in Hoi An, Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking up at some blue and yellow lanterns on a rainy day in Hoi An, Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner pushing her hair from her face on top of a rooftop in Hoi An, Vietnam

Pictured: Banana Republic White Button Down, White Ribbed Racer Tank, Tropical Midi Skirt (Similar), Miz Mooz Boots (Similar)

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing in front of a red, yellow and blue archway inside the Imperial Citadel of Hue in Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner smiling inside the red, yellow and blue archway inside the Imperial Citadel of Hue in Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner holding an umbrella in the rain in front of a red, yellow and blue archway inside the Imperial Citadel of Hue in Vietnam

Pictured: Caara Lucca Button Down Dress, Sam Edelman Ethyl Low Top Sneakers**

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner shielding her eyes from the sun while exploring the ancient ruins at MySon near Hoi An, Vietnam
What to Pack For Vietnam: Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing atop some of the ancient ruins at MySon near Hoi An while adventuring in Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking out and dressed in an explorer outfit while exploring the ancient ruins at MySon near Hoi An, Vietnam

Pictured: Cream Cinched Waist Utility Jacket, Burnt Caramel Ribbed Racer Tank, Banana Republic Green Barrel Pant, Banana Republic Brown Belt Bag, Printed Bandana (Similar), Custom Cognac Boots Made in Hoi An (Similar)

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing in front of the front of Ngoc Son Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner smiling in front of the front of Ngoc Son Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam
What to Pack For Vietnam: Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner looking out at Hoan Kiem Lake from in front of the front of Ngoc Son Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam

Pictured: Green Utility Shirt, Scotch & Soda Gia Pants, Custom Cognac Boots Made In Hoi An (Similar)

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing in a vintage-nspired adventure outfit near the river on a misty morning in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner bundled up in a rain-resistant jacket near the river on a misty morning in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
What to Pack For Vietnam: Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing in a Amelia Earheart inspired outfit near the river on a misty morning in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Pictured: Thakoon Collective Button Front Jumpsuit, Cream Cinched Waist Utility Jacket, Custom Dark Brown Boots Made In Hoi An (Similar)

Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner standing in one of Hoi An's streets wearing green pants and a brown belt bag, yellow lanterns behind her
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner walking underneath an umbrella while wearing green pants and a brown belt bag in front of a temple in Hoi An, Vietnam
Travel Blogger Jordan Gassner smiling with hands on her brown belt bag and green pants in one of Hoi An's streets, yellow lanterns behind her

Pictured: Banana Republic White Button Down, White Ribbed Racer Tank, Green Pants (Similar), Banana Republic Brown Belt Bag, Miz Mooz Boots (Similar)

What I Recommend Now

Button-Up Shirt

To lightly cover your arms and shoulders while visiting Vietnam’s temples by day and to help avoid mosquitos by night.

Light Tanks

For layering underneath Button Down Shirts or enjoying solo on especially humid days.

Summer-y Day Dresses

Pack 2-3 dresses to help you stay cool while exploring Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and more.

Linen Pants

To give some airiness to your wardrobe as you go temple hopping around Hue, Hoi An, Hanoi and more.

Costume Jewelry (Alt)

Minimize the risk of loss, theft, or damage to valuable pieces by opting for inexpensive swaps

Utility Pants

Something light and durable to stay comfortable in Vietnam’s hot and rugged countryside

Linen Tops

Pack 2-3 linen tops to use for layering or for dressing-up in the evening.

Lightweight Bandana

Add dimension to your outfits and keep yourself comfortable when it’s too warm for a jacket.

Lightweight Raincoat

Visiting during the rainy season? Even if the weather may be hot, plan to bring at least one waterproof jacket.

Loafers or Mules

For dressing-up on sunny days around town or to wear on lazy, lounge-y hotel days.

Aviator Boots

Look stylish and hike the muddy paths in the rain, while keeping bugs away from your ankles in the countryside.

Comfy Sneakers

To keep your feet happy and clean on sunny days in Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City*

Belt Bag

Keep your hands free on outdoor adventures and your valuables more secure from pickpockets on motorbikes.

Sun Hat (alt option)

To protect your hair, scalp and face from the warm Vietnamese sun

Neutral Cross-Body

Have a few more items to bring than will fit in a belt bag? Wear a neutral crossbody for your extras.

Swimsuit

An optional piece that is great for a dip in Halong Bay or a hotel pool.

Sunglasses

Protect your eyes while adventuring in Ninh Binh, Halong Bay and other outdoor destinations throughout Vietnam.

Cover-Up

An optional piece that is great for a dip in Halong Bay or a hotel pool.

These are the core wardrobe pieces I recommend based on my own travels to Vietnam. This guide is simply meant to be a starting point to help you determine what to pack. Please remember that what’s best for you will ultimately depend on your travel style and trip duration.