Consider your packing carefully. Generally, casual clothes are recommended. Loose fitting, lightweight cotton materials are the most comfortable for warm conditions, layers of warmer clothes for cold conditions and a warm water/windproof jacket for wintry weather in the north. The dress code throughout the tour is casual however, it is important that all passengers dress conservatively. Smart casual clothes are highly recommended for evening banquets and shows.

Refer to your Terrible Tour Guide about how to dress appropriately for this culture and advice about choosing your luggage. he/she will also give recommendations on how to pack for overnight trains and give you advice on the personal medical kit. Please note, due to restrictions on your internal flights, your luggage allowance is 20 kilos for checked luggage and 7 kilos for hand luggage.

Example packing list:

• Your travel documents and passport- including a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or stolen while you are abroad. Keep one photocopy at home and take another photocopy on your trip with you.
• Main luggage & luggage padlocks.
• ‘Day bag’ – a smaller bag to carry with you during the day.
• Money belt to carry passport, cash, credit cards, airline tickets, etc.
• Trousers (or long skirts for women).
• Shirts or long-sleeved tops of light cotton material.
• Walking shoes and socks – it is important to have sturdy and comfortable shoes for sightseeing every day.
• Sun protection – hat, sunscreen and lip balm.
• Personal medical kit including insect repellent
• Antibacterial wipes – wipes such as ‘Wet Ones Anti-bacterial’ to clean hands before eating.
• Tracksuit/similar outfit of soft material is recommended for the overnight train journeys.
• A water/windproof jacket.
• Torch, conversion plug and spare batteries – batteries available to buy in Vietnam tend to be unreliable.
• Scarf or bandana – useful to protect your face against dusty winds at high altitude.
• Spare glasses – it is difficult to get any prescription lenses repaired or replaced in Vietnam.
• Small bath towel is useful for overnight train journeys.
• Toilet paper – not all sightseeing public toilets will provide this.
• Snacks – tea bags/coffee, milk powder or sachets, instant soups or noodles, or anything else you can’t live without!
• Camera and spare film/memory card – film available in Vietnam tends to be bad quality or sun damaged.

In addition, if your tour visits northern Vietnam:

• Light jumpers or thermals
• A warm water/windproof jacket
• Thick, warm socks, gloves, scarf and a hat