Asia & Pacific · Best Oct–Apr
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay packing list for families
Northern Vietnam has real seasons, so a December cruise and a June city stroll call for very different bags. Planning for busy sidewalks, temple dress codes, and changeable weather on the bay makes the trip far easier with kids.
Photo by Marina Lobato on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
- US citizens need a visa for Vietnam, and most families apply for the e-visa online. Check the current rules and apply well before your trip.
- Hanoi sidewalks are full of parked motorbikes and food stalls, so I'd leave the stroller home and bring a carrier for little ones. Cross the street at a slow, steady pace and let traffic flow around you.
- Ha Long Bay cruises can be cancelled for storms in summer and early fall, so keep a buffer day. Winter days on the water are cool and misty, so pack a warm layer even if Hanoi feels mild.
Best timeOct–Apr
PlugsType A/C, bring an adapter
MoneyVietnamese dong
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing8
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable warm layer for the boatOur pickHa Long Bay is cool and damp from December to March.
Lightweight rain jacketSummer storms roll in quickly.
Light scarf for temples and the mausoleumCovered shoulders and knees are expected at sacred sites.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes1
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Little ones5
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerOur pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Travel-size hand sanitizerHandy before street food snacks.
Documents & tech5
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterOur pickType A/C, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Temple linen
Ivory, wheat, sage, clay
For the grown-ups
- Loose linen pants and midi skirts
- Light tops that cover the shoulders
- A scarf for temples and sun
For the kids
- Breathable cotton sets
- Shorts that reach the knee for temple visits
- Easy slip-on shoes for shoes-off sites
For photos
- Soft neutrals against colorful markets and temples
- Early morning light, before the heat
Month by month
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67°F 19°C | Cool and often gray in Hanoi, with misty, chilly days on Ha Long Bay. Bring real layers. | Tet, the Lunar New Year, usually late January or February. Festive, but many shops and restaurants close. |
| February | 68°F 20°C | Cool and often gray in Hanoi, with misty, chilly days on Ha Long Bay. Bring real layers. | Tet, the Lunar New Year, usually late January or February. Festive, but many shops and restaurants close. |
| March | 73°F 23°C | Warming up, with drizzle and mist early in spring and hot days by May. | Calm water and soft light on Ha Long Bay before the summer heat. |
| April | 81°F 27°C | Warming up, with drizzle and mist early in spring and hot days by May. | Calm water and soft light on Ha Long Bay before the summer heat. |
| May | 89°F 32°C | Warming up, with drizzle and mist early in spring and hot days by May. | Calm water and soft light on Ha Long Bay before the summer heat. |
| June | 91°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy. Typhoons can disrupt Ha Long Bay cruises. | |
| July | 91°F 33°C | Hot, humid, and rainy. Typhoons can disrupt Ha Long Bay cruises. | |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot, humid, and rainy. Typhoons can disrupt Ha Long Bay cruises. | |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Hot, humid, and rainy. Typhoons can disrupt Ha Long Bay cruises. | Mid-Autumn Festival, with lanterns, toy stalls, and mooncakes on Hang Ma Street. |
| October | 83°F 28°C | Dry, sunny, and comfortable. My favorite time for both Hanoi and the bay. | Clear autumn days in Hanoi, perfect for walking the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. |
| November | 77°F 25°C | Dry, sunny, and comfortable. My favorite time for both Hanoi and the bay. | Clear autumn days in Hanoi, perfect for walking the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. |
| December | 71°F 22°C | Cool and often gray in Hanoi, with misty, chilly days on Ha Long Bay. Bring real layers. |
Questions families ask
Hanoi & Ha Long Bay with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Hanoi & Ha Long Bay with kids?
The best time is Oct–Apr. Warming up, with drizzle and mist early in spring and hot days by May.
What's the weather like in Hanoi & Ha Long Bay?
Typical daytime highs range from about 67°F (19°C) in January to about 91°F (33°C) in June. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Hanoi & Ha Long Bay?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Hanoi & Ha Long Bay?
Type A/C, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Hanoi & Ha Long Bay with kids?
US citizens need a visa for Vietnam, and most families apply for the e-visa online. Check the current rules and apply well before your trip.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.