Packing list for Vietnam, travel insurance for Vietnam, and taking your belongings

To take or not to take to Vietnam, leave at home or arrange locally?

Sufficiently insured or not for your activities in Vietnam?

Sufficiently insured or not for your trip to Vietnam?

What to bring to Vietnam: highlighted

Highlighted items:

• Documents: a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a visa. Copies never hurt.
• Money: ATMs are everywhere in the cities, but Vietnamese dong (VND) is handy to have for the countryside.
• Care: high factor sunscreen.
• Outdoor and conveniences: sunglasses.
• Clothing: light, breathable clothing: For the tropical climate. Long sleeves and trousers: Protection against mosquitoes and the sun.
• Shoes: comfortable walking shoes and sandals or slippers for the relaxed days.
• Medicines and travel kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, disinfectant, painkillers and ORS. Anti-mosquito agent, hand disinfectant.
• Safety: Money belt or fanny pack.
• Technology and equipment: A, C and D sockets, so some people will need a world plug.

What else can you bring:

• Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• Face mask for the air pollution in the city.
• Entertainment and power bank for long journeys.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Vietnam?

• There are a lot of mosquitoes and you can catch nasty diseases.
• DEET or picaridin is a must, especially in the early morning, afternoon and the rainy season.

Are there mosquitoes in Vietnam?

• Mosquitoes are a problem in Vietnam. In some places it is not too bad, in other places it is worse.
• Mosquitoes are most troubled during the rainy season: from May to December. Mosquitoes are also extra active during sunrise and sunset.
• Diseases occur all year round, so protect yourself well.

Are there sand flies in Vietnam?

• There are sand flies in Vietnam that can transmit nasty diseases.
• They are found throughout the country, in all kinds of areas. Con Dao is known for the groups of sand flies that swarm over the island in certain weather conditions.
• It is best to cover your ankles and spray on mosquito repellent.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Vietnam?

• DEET (Soffell is popular) can be found in pharmacies and supermarkets and online. Often they are lower concentrations. Picaridin is harder to find.
• Natural remedies are also widely used.
• Soffell is said to work well, but if you want something different or high concentrations it is best to bring a bottle yourself.

Where can you get your food and drinks in Vietnam?

• Supermarkets are extensive and handy for snacks, fruit and all your basic necessities.
• Restaurants come in luxury and cheap forms, all with delicious food.
• Street food is super popular and super tasty in Vietnam.
• Local markets are perfect for your fruit and vegetables.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Vietnam, or take it with you to Vietnam?

• Smoking a joint is illegal in Vietnam. There are hefty fines and even a risk of imprisonment.