Ho Chi Minh City guide
🇻🇳 Packing List
What to pack for Ho Chi Minh City
In April, Ho Chi Minh City is typically hot, expect showers (25°C - 35°C). This list adapts to those conditions; adjust for your exact travel dates.
Ho Chi Minh City essentials
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for town and religious sites
- Sarong or shawl for temple visits
- Smart-casual outfits (skip gym wear for dinners)
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- Casual day outfits
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Compact umbrella
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS (7 days)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Insect / mosquito repellent
- After-sun lotion
- Busy stalls are fresh. Avoid pre-cut fruit. Bottled water only.
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type A/C plugs, 220V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Cash dominant (VND). Cards at hotels and malls. ATMs everywhere.
Local know-how
- Local SIM: Viettel, Mobifone. Buy at airport. Very cheap data.
- Pocket tissues: some island toilets are squat-style or limited
- Overcharging tourists
- April highlights: Reunification Day; Late dry season