Hanoi & Ha Long Bay Packing List: Old Town Walks & Cruise Days

Recommended packing

• PassportDocumentsArriving at Noi Bai Airport, Japanese nationals are visa-exempt for up to 45 days; check conditions officially before departure.
• A jacket for the seasonClothingBring a jacket and long sleeves around December to February; breathable clothes in summer.
• Comfortable sneakersFootwearWear familiar sneakers for the uneven and narrow sections of Hanoi’s Old Quarter pavements. If also visiting Ha Long, check whether your itinerary includes boat boarding or caves and choose soles suitable for wet footing. Follow local staff guidance when moving onto the deck.
• Seasickness remedyHealth & medicineFor the Ha Long Bay cruise; check when to take it before boarding.
• A layer for the deckClothingKeep an easy-to-remove layer handy for viewing Ha Long Bay from the deck. Consider wind and rain forecasts for the sailing day and time indoors rather than choosing only city clothes. Keep the layer dry against spray and separate from wet swimwear.
• Compact umbrellaOtherFor sudden summer rain.
• Plug adapter (Type A/C)ElectronicsSockets in Vietnam, including Hanoi, are mainly Type A/C at 220V. Check your chargers’ rated input (such as 100–240V) and do not use appliances that are not rated for it.
• Offline booking copiesDocumentsSave booking references, the accommodation address and arrival directions offline in case connectivity fails. Print them when a venue requires paper.
• Emergency contact copyDocumentsKeep accommodation, travel companion and insurance-assistance contacts, if insured, accessible even without your phone.
• Payment methods and appropriate cashMoneyArrange cards and cash for your itinerary. Check acceptance and overseas card settings; carry only what you need.
• Separately stored backup paymentMoneyKeep another usable payment option apart from your main wallet in case of loss or a declined payment. Do not put card details in public notes.
• Clothes and underwearClothingPack underwear for the days between laundry opportunities; adjust clothes for layering and washing plans. Add a spare change for sweaty activities.
• Spare socksClothingChoose socks suited to your walking shoes and keep a dry spare for rain or sweat. Bring fewer if your trip is mainly in sandals.
• Sleepwear or indoor clothesClothingCheck whether your accommodation supplies these before packing. Choose for indoor heating or air conditioning as well as outdoor weather.
• PhoneElectronics · Quantity: 1Prepare bookings, maps and relevant apps before departure. Check connectivity at your destination and download offline maps.
• Charger and compatible cableElectronicsCheck connectors and charger compatibility. A plug adapter is separate equipment and does not replace your charger.
• Power bank if neededElectronicsUseful on long days using maps and bookings. Check your airline’s current carriage and capacity rules; omit it if unnecessary.
• Toothbrush and dental careToiletriesCheck accommodation amenities and bring a small amount of your usual products if needed. Pack these as personal, not shared, items.
• Usual cleansing and skin-care productsToiletriesDecant only what you need for the stay. Check cabin-liquid rules and accommodation amenities; avoid multiple products for the same purpose.
• Small towel or handkerchiefToiletriesFor handwashing or sweat while travelling. Skip bulky towels if supplied and reuse activity towels for beaches or bathing where appropriate.
• Usual medication and prescription details, if neededHealth & medicineBring only your regular requirements in quantities appropriate to the itinerary. Check official import guidance; this list does not prescribe medicines or doses.
• Spare glasses or contact-lens supplies, if neededHealth & medicineOnly if you use vision correction: bring familiar spares and care supplies so you can still travel if one is lost.
• Bag for used clothingOtherSeparate worn clothes from clean ones. Do not keep wet items sealed for long; check where you can dry them at your accommodation.
• Tissues and wipes if neededToiletriesA small pack can help during meals and transit. Choose products you tolerate and dispose of them according to local or venue guidance.
• Small bag for carrying out rubbishOtherUseful when no bin is available during walks or nature visits. Keep your rubbish together temporarily and dispose of it appropriately.
• Small day bagOtherCarry only what you need in a closable bag. Follow venue size restrictions where applicable instead of carrying all your luggage.
• A small dry bag for kayakingOtherIf kayaking during a Ha Long cruise, pack water-sensitive belongings in a small dry bag. Ask your booked boat about supplied gear and allowed luggage, and leave unnecessary valuables in suitable onboard storage. Check waterproof limits and do not treat the bag as flotation equipment.