What to pack forHanoi
in March
79° / 66°F
12 days of rain. Sunset around 6:05pm.
Typical March, from ten years of weather
12 days
of rain
6:05pm
sunset
Type A/C/F
plugs
0 of 63 packed
Before you go
None of these fit in a bag. Sort them first and the packing gets easy.
Antimalarial prescription
Talk to a travel clinic before you go. Not a product, a reminder.
Apply for your e-Visa
Hanoi requires a e-Visa before arrival. It is an online application and cannot be sorted at the border.
Some cash in local currency
Cards fail more often than you'd think. Carry VND for markets and taxis.
Passport valid past your dates
Hanoi wants 6 months left on a passport past March. Check the expiry date now.
Vaccinations / travel clinic
CDC lists Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies for Hanoi. Talk to a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks out.
Copies of your documents
Photograph your passport, cards, and insurance. Email them to yourself. Ten seconds now saves a very bad afternoon.
Travel insurance
Most home health plans stop at the border. A quote takes two minutes.
eSIM
An eSIM works the moment the phone is switched on in Hanoi, with no SIM counter to find.
The essentials
Tick the box when it is in the bag
Rain shell (hardshell jacket)
12 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker.
12 rain days a month finds every seam. A real shell, not a windbreaker. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Fineline Stretch Rain Shell - Women's$123 at Backcountry.comFineline Stretch Rain Shell - Women's$123 was $189Shop at Backcountry.com
Storm Splitter Rain Shell$135 at Howler BrothersStorm Splitter Rain Shell$135Shop at Howler Brothers
Quechua Women's MH100 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket$40 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Women's MH100 Waterproof Hiking Rain Jacket$40 was $49.99Shop at Decathlon America
Quechua Men's Raincut Fullzip Waterproof Rain Jacket$15 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Men's Raincut Fullzip Waterproof Rain Jacket$15 was $29.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaSunscreen SPF 50
UV index hits 7.3 and the sun burns even on overcast March days in the tropics.
UV index hits 7.3 and the sun burns even on overcast March days in the tropics. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Polarized sunglasses
Glare off wet surfaces after rain makes polarized lenses necessary for eye comfort and safety.
Glare off wet surfaces after rain makes polarized lenses necessary for eye comfort and safety. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Matte Black/Smoke$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Matte Black/Smoke$38Shop at Backcountry.com
Premiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38 at Backcountry.comPremiums Sport Polarized Sunglasses$38Shop at Backcountry.com
Knockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38 at Backcountry.comKnockaround Fast Lanes Sport Polarized Sunglasses Desert$38Shop at Backcountry.comDEET or picaridin repellent
Jungle terrain and high humidity breed mosquitoes that carry dengue and malaria year-round.
Jungle terrain and high humidity breed mosquitoes that carry dengue and malaria year-round. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Adventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 at Backcountry.comAdventure Medical Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent Pump$1.92 was $2.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Ben's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 at Backcountry.comBen's 30 Deet Tick & Insect Repellent$1.92 was $2.95Shop at Backcountry.comTravel first aid kit
Tap water isn't safe and insect-borne illness peaks in warm, humid months.
Tap water isn't safe and insect-borne illness peaks in warm, humid months. Don't have one? Check these out.
Filter water bottle
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.
Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Go Series Water Filter 22oz Bottle$44.95 at Backcountry.comGo Series Water Filter 22oz Bottle$44.95Shop at Backcountry.comPower bank 10k–20k mAh
One outlet at the guesthouse won't charge a phone, camera, and laptop together.
One outlet at the guesthouse won't charge a phone, camera, and laptop together. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Carry-on backpack (35–45L)
Overhead bins on regional flights are tight, so carry-on size matters for every leg.
Overhead bins on regional flights are tight, so carry-on size matters for every leg. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price at MatadorMatador 45L Global Travel PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador GloberiderSee price at MatadorMatador GloberiderSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Go Carry-On 44L Backpack$180 at Backcountry.comGo Carry-On 44L Backpack$180Shop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Archeon 30L Backpack$132 was $265Shop at Backcountry.comDaypack (15–25L)
Daily excursions into jungle terrain need a pack that fits your shoulders all day.
Daily excursions into jungle terrain need a pack that fits your shoulders all day. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Consuelo 22L Daypack$120 at CotopaxiConsuelo 22L Daypack$120Shop at Cotopaxi
Elqui 24L Daypack$70 at CotopaxiElqui 24L Daypack$70 was $100Shop at Cotopaxi
Isabella 3.0 20L Daypack - Women's$66.75 at Backcountry.comIsabella 3.0 20L Daypack - Women's$66.75 was $89Shop at Backcountry.com
Arcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 at Backcountry.comArcane Large 20L Daypack$65.97 was $110Shop at Backcountry.comCarry-on suitcase (hard shell)
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.
Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dry bags
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks.
For the passport, the chargers, and the one dry pair of socks. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Tuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95 at Backcountry.comTuff Sack 5-55L Dry Bag$79.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Osprey Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 at Backcountry.comOsprey Packs Wildwater 35L Dry Bag Tunnel Vision$35.75 was $65Shop at Backcountry.com
Race Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99 at Backcountry.comRace Dry Bag - Double Roll$43.99Shop at Backcountry.comMoisture-wicking t-shirts
Eighty-one percent humidity and 12 rain days mean sweat and dampness cling to skin.
Eighty-one percent humidity and 12 rain days mean sweat and dampness cling to skin. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Simond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt$35 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Women’s MT500 Merino Wool T-Shirt, women's$35 was $54.99Shop at Decathlon America
Simond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Men's Merino Resist Long-Sleeve T-Shirt$45 was $69.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaSun hoodie (UPF long sleeve)
UV hits 7.3 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.
UV hits 7.3 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Topo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 at Backcountry.comTopo Designs Sun Hoodie - Women's$74.25 was $99Shop at Backcountry.com
La Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 at Backcountry.comLa Sportiva Cloud Shadow Sun Hoodie - Women's$66.50 was $95Shop at Backcountry.com
Sombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$52.50 at CotopaxiSombra Sun Hoodie - Women's$52.50 was $75Shop at Cotopaxi
Royal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120 at Backcountry.comRoyal Robbins Salathe Sun Long-Sleeve Hoodie - Men's$120Shop at Backcountry.comModest cover layer
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.
Wide-brim sun hat
Twelve hours of daylight with a UV index of 7.3 means the sun has direct reach.
Twelve hours of daylight with a UV index of 7.3 means the sun has direct reach. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Brixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95 at Backcountry.comBrixton Mitch Packable Sun Hat$48.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Orilla Sun Hat$35 at CotopaxiOrilla Sun Hat$35 was $50Shop at CotopaxiPermethrin-treated clothing spray
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.
Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Oral rehydration salts
Diarrhea from unsafe water leaves you depleted; salts replace what sweat and illness take.
Diarrhea from unsafe water leaves you depleted; salts replace what sweat and illness take. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Perfectly Peach$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Perfectly Peach$19.99Shop at Backcountry.com
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Green Apple$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Green Apple$19.99Shop at Backcountry.com
SaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99 at Backcountry.comSaltStick Fastchews Chewable Electrolyte Tablets Coconut Pineapple$19.99Shop at Backcountry.comAnti-diarrheal + probiotics
Unsafe water and warm temperatures breed pathogens that cause sudden illness.
Unsafe water and warm temperatures breed pathogens that cause sudden illness.
Multi-port USB-C charger (GaN)
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.
One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera. Don't have one? Check these out.
VPN
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.
Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
RFID travel wallet / money belt
Crowded markets and transit hubs in international cities attract pickpockets constantly.
Crowded markets and transit hubs in international cities attract pickpockets constantly. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Undercover RFID Money Belt$35 at Eagle CreekUndercover RFID Money Belt$35 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Eagle Creek Silk Undercover Money Belt Rose$17.02 at Backcountry.comEagle Creek Silk Undercover Money Belt Rose$17.02 was $30.95, 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Passport Wallet$94.95 at Peak DesignPassport Wallet$94.95Shop at Peak DesignAirTag / tracker for bags
Baggage gets lost on the route through Southeast Asia and beyond.
Baggage gets lost on the route through Southeast Asia and beyond.
Packing cubes
Wet clothes from rain and sweat need separation from dry gear in your bag.
Wet clothes from rain and sweat need separation from dry gear in your bag. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Packing Cube SetSee price at MatadorMatador Packing Cube SetSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Gear Cube Set$58.99 at Backcountry.comMatador Gear Cube Set$58.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50 at Samsonite3 Piece Compression Packing Cubes$50Shop at Samsonite
Ultralight Packing Cube$24.95 at Peak DesignUltralight Packing Cube$24.95Shop at Peak DesignLaundry bag / travel detergent
Twelve rain days mean clothes stay damp unless you wash and dry them often.
Twelve rain days mean clothes stay damp unless you wash and dry them often. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador Laundry BagSee price at MatadorMatador Laundry BagSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Knack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10 at Knack BagsKnack Pack Drawstring Cover and Laundry Bag-Large$10Shop at Knack BagsNoise-cancelling headphones
Airport noise and engine sound on regional flights make quiet hours impossible otherwise.
Airport noise and engine sound on regional flights make quiet hours impossible otherwise. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Lavender (M4 2nd Gen)$300 at SonySony WH-1000XM4C Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Lavender (M4 2nd Gen)$300Shop at SonyNice to have
You could skip every one of these
Shorts
A high of 79°F calls for legs uncovered in the heat and wet season overlap.
A high of 79°F calls for legs uncovered in the heat and wet season overlap. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Forclaz Men’s Travel 900 Hiking Shorts$40 at Decathlon AmericaForclaz Men’s Travel 900 Hiking Shorts, men's$40 was $59.99Shop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's NH500 Hiking Shorts$15 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Women's NH500 Hiking Shorts$15 was $34.99Shop at Decathlon America
Quechua Women's MH100 Hiking Shorts$20 at Decathlon AmericaQuechua Women's MH100 Hiking Shorts$20 was $24.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaWaterproof boot spray
Twelve rain days a month find every seam, so boots need protection before they're soaked.
Twelve rain days a month find every seam, so boots need protection before they're soaked. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Fabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comFabric & Leather Spray On Footwear Treatment$12.55Shop at Backcountry.com
Nubuck & Suede Proof Spray-On Footwear Treatment$12.55 at Backcountry.comNubuck & Suede Proof Spray-On Footwear Treatment$12.55Shop at Backcountry.comLip balm with SPF
High UV and constant moisture crack lips fast; SPF becomes non-negotiable here.
High UV and constant moisture crack lips fast; SPF becomes non-negotiable here. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
SPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29 at Backcountry.comSPF 50 Hydrating Sun Balm$29Shop at Backcountry.comMosquito head net
Dengue and malaria spread through mosquito bites in jungle terrain year-round.
Dengue and malaria spread through mosquito bites in jungle terrain year-round. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Ben's InvisiNet Head Net$15.99 at Backcountry.comBen's InvisiNet Head Net$15.99Shop at Backcountry.com
InvisiNet Head Net$15.99 at Backcountry.comInvisiNet Head Net$15.99Shop at Backcountry.comHand sanitizer
Contaminated water requires hand cleaning before eating or touching your face.
Contaminated water requires hand cleaning before eating or touching your face. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sunburn-safe insect bite relief
Insect bites itch intensely in high humidity, and scratching opens skin to infection.
Insect bites itch intensely in high humidity, and scratching opens skin to infection. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Short cables (USB-C)
Multiple devices need charging in a room with limited power access.
Multiple devices need charging in a room with limited power access. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
USB-C CableSee price at Peak DesignUSB-C CableSee priceShop at Peak Design
USB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99 at Backcountry.comUSB-C to C Cable, Paracord wrapped, 3 ft PD enabled$27.99Shop at Backcountry.com
Cable Kit$19.99 at Peak DesignCable Kit$19.99Shop at Peak DesignLanguage app
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.
Passport holder
Jungle crossings and border checkpoints demand your passport stay dry and protected.
Jungle crossings and border checkpoints demand your passport stay dry and protected.
Luggage locks (TSA)
Hostels and shared accommodations require locks on zippers to prevent theft.
Hostels and shared accommodations require locks on zippers to prevent theft. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Matador BetaLockSee price at MatadorMatador BetaLockSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
TSA Cable Lock$17.95 at Backcountry.comTSA Cable Lock$17.95Shop at Backcountry.com
3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13 at Samsonite3 Dial Travel Sentry Combination Lock$13Shop at SamsoniteToiletry bag (hanging)
Humidity at 81 percent turns toiletries into mold factories without good air circulation.
Humidity at 81 percent turns toiletries into mold factories without good air circulation. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Hanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95 at Backcountry.comHanging Toiletry Bag - Small$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Toiletry Bag$50 at Backcountry.comToiletry Bag$50Shop at Backcountry.com
DK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95 at Backcountry.comDK5 ModPak Toiletry Bag$49.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Buddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99 at Backcountry.comBuddy 2 Toiletry Bag$44.99Shop at Backcountry.comTravel pillow
Long transit days and noisy guesthouses disrupt sleep on a tight travel schedule.
Long transit days and noisy guesthouses disrupt sleep on a tight travel schedule. Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Blackout Travel Pillow$39.99 at Backcountry.comBlackout Travel Pillow$39.99 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.com
Sea To Summit Foam Core Pillow Starfish, Large$34.95 at Backcountry.comSea To Summit Foam Core Pillow Starfish, Large$34.95Shop at Backcountry.com
Exhale Neck Pillow$29 at Backcountry.comExhale Neck Pillow$29 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Backcountry.comThe basics
You own most of these. We are just making sure they make it in.
Toiletries kit
Travel-size toothpaste + brush
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Our pickMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price at MatadorMatador Toothbrush Caps 2-PackSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Matador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price at MatadorMatador Refillable Toothpaste TubesSee price 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Matador
Huppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99 at Backcountry.comHuppy Peppermint Toothpaste Tablets in Tin$12.99Shop at Backcountry.comDeodorant
Don't have one? Check these out.
Medications + prescriptions
Chargers (phone)
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Dual Slim Charger$64.95 at Peak DesignDual Slim Charger$64.95Shop at Peak DesignUnderwear
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Everyday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34 at Backcountry.comEveryday Merino Bikini Underwear - Women's$34Shop at Backcountry.com
Simond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99 at Decathlon AmericaSimond Trek 500 Merino Wool Backpacking Underwear Women's$29.99Shop at Decathlon AmericaSocks
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sleepwear
Reusable shopping bag
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Packable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95 at rumplPackable Tote Bag - Geo$24.95Shop at rumpl
Packable Tote Bag$49 at Eagle CreekPackable Tote Bag$49 15% off with CHRISANDSARAShop at Eagle Creek
Grocery Tote Messenger Bag$125 at Backcountry.comGrocery Tote Messenger Bag$125Shop at Backcountry.com
Chrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125 at Backcountry.comChrome Grocery Tote Messenger Bag Matte$125Shop at Backcountry.comPen (customs forms)
Copy of passport
Small lock
Don't have one? Check these out.
Earbuds
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sunglasses case
Don't have one? Check these out.
Nail clippers
Don't have one? Check these out.
Don't have one? Check these out.
Sewing kit / safety pins
Don't have one? Check these out.
Take this list with you
It keeps your ticks. Open it again when you are standing over the suitcase.It keeps your ticks. Open it again on your phone when you are standing over the suitcase.


