Asia & Pacific · Best Feb–Apr
Vietnam packing list for families
A family trip to Vietnam usually covers three very different regions, from misty Hanoi to the beaches of the center and the heat of the south. Packing for all of them at once, plus modest clothes for pagodas, is what makes this list specific.
Photo by Neil Mewes on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Vietnam
- Vietnam is long and narrow, so I plan it north to south with short domestic flights between regions: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, then Da Nang for Hoi An, then Ho Chi Minh City or a beach to finish. Three bases over ten days or so feels right with kids, and I never stack two travel days back to back.
- The regions have different weather on the same day. In January the north can be cool and gray while the south is hot, and October and November are the wet months around Hoi An. For one trip that covers the whole country, February through April is my favorite window, and I still pack a light fleece for Hanoi and the boat.
- US citizens need a visa, and most families apply on Vietnam's official e-visa site, with a separate application for each child. Pagodas and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ask for covered shoulders and knees, so I pack linen pants and sleeved tops that work for temples and dinner alike.
Best timeFeb–Apr
PlugsType A/C, bring an adapter
MoneyVietnamese dong
PassportYes
Where to go
Where to go in Vietnam
Splitting your trip across a few stops? Each place has its own detailed list, weather, and notes.
Your packing edit
Vietnam
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's 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
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Light fleece or sweaterHanoi and Ha Long Bay can feel cool and damp from December to February.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Easy slip-on shoesShoes come off at pagodas, homes, and some shops.
Beach & pool13
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Adventure2
Bug spray
Packable rain ponchosKristina's pickTropical downpours arrive fast and pass quickly, and a poncho fits over a backpack.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things22
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Pocket tissue packsStreet food stops and some restrooms have no paper.
Zip pouch for small billsDong notes run into big numbers and look alike, so keeping small ones apart makes snacks and taxis easier.
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech17
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType A/C, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Temple linen
Ivory, wheat, sage, clay
For the grown-ups
For the kids
For photos
- Soft neutrals against colorful markets and temples
- Early morning light, before the heat
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Vietnam 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 misty in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, warm and dry in the south, damp around Hoi An | Tết, the Lunar New Year, in late January or February, when families travel home and many shops close for days |
| February | 68°F 20°C | Cool and misty in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, warm and dry in the south, damp around Hoi An | Tết, the Lunar New Year, in late January or February, when families travel home and many shops close for days |
| March | 73°F 23°C | The sweet spot: a warming north, drier central coast, and hot, dry south | Calm, warm days for Ha Long Bay cruises and central beaches |
| April | 81°F 27°C | The sweet spot: a warming north, drier central coast, and hot, dry south | Calm, warm days for Ha Long Bay cruises and central beaches |
| May | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid everywhere, with heavy afternoon showers in the north and south; the central coast is beach weather | Calm, warm days for Ha Long Bay cruises and central beaches |
| June | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid everywhere, with heavy afternoon showers in the north and south; the central coast is beach weather | |
| July | 91°F 33°C | Hot and humid everywhere, with heavy afternoon showers in the north and south; the central coast is beach weather | |
| August | 89°F 32°C | Hot and humid everywhere, with heavy afternoon showers in the north and south; the central coast is beach weather | |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Rain and storm season on the central coast, with flooding possible in Hoi An; the north turns pleasant in October and November | Golden rice terraces before harvest in the northern mountains Mid-Autumn Festival, with lanterns and mooncakes, in September or early October |
| October | 83°F 28°C | Rain and storm season on the central coast, with flooding possible in Hoi An; the north turns pleasant in October and November | Golden rice terraces before harvest in the northern mountains Mid-Autumn Festival, with lanterns and mooncakes, in September or early October Comfortable, clear weather returns to Hanoi |
| November | 77°F 25°C | Rain and storm season on the central coast, with flooding possible in Hoi An; the north turns pleasant in October and November | Comfortable, clear weather returns to Hanoi |
| December | 71°F 22°C | Cool and misty in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, warm and dry in the south, damp around Hoi An |
Questions families ask
Vietnam with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Vietnam with kids?
The best time is Feb–Apr. The sweet spot: a warming north, drier central coast, and hot, dry south
What's the weather like in Vietnam?
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 Vietnam?
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 Vietnam?
Type A/C, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Vietnam with kids?
Vietnam is long and narrow, so I plan it north to south with short domestic flights between regions: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, then Da Nang for Hoi An, then Ho Chi Minh City or a beach to finish. Three bases over ten days or so feels right with kids, and I never stack two travel days back to back.
let's stay in touch
New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.
Want the whole trip handled?
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.