Ho Chi Minh City Packing List: Markets, Walks & Showers

Recommended packing

• PassportDocumentsArriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport, Japanese nationals are visa-exempt for up to 45 days; check conditions officially before departure.
• Quick-access rain gearOtherKeep rain gear within reach during market and city walks. With a poncho, choose a length that will not catch around your feet and stop clear of busy traffic before putting it on. A separate bag for wet gear makes it easier to move indoors afterwards.
• A small cross-body bagOtherAround crowded places such as Ben Thanh Market, close the zip and keep the bag toward the front of your body. Stop away from the road before taking things out for navigation or photos. Keep contents light so extra shopping bags do not leave your hands overloaded.
• Small amounts of cash (dong)MoneyFor markets and street food, alongside card payments.
• Quick-dry clothes and a light layerClothingFor heat and sweat, plus a layer for air-conditioned places.
• Insect repellent and sunscreenHealth & medicineFor outdoors and evening street food.
• Plug adapter (Type A/C)ElectronicsSockets in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, 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.
• 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.
• Performance ticket and venue detailsDocumentsIf adding an evening show to city walks. Lune Production lists performances at the Saigon Opera House and other venues, so check the actual venue, date and start time for your booking. Save the ticket and address, treating an exterior visit and admission to a performance as separate plans.