The ultimate checklist for family vacation in Vietnam!
Updated: Sep 14
Are you going to have a trip throughout Vietnam and wondering what you should pack? Our Chôm Chôm team knows that many families usually worry before their trip and others even stress out while packing since things should be well prepared when travelling with kids. Even though you spend a lot of time organising, you may miss items. Let us carefully review the checklist for family vacation in Vietnam below to ensure you do not forget any essential things!
1. Passport & Visa
The first thing not to forget on the checklist for family vacation in Vietnam is passports and visas.
Passport: Don’t forget to make sure your passport is in good condition, valid for at least six months, and has a blank page for stamps.
Visa: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may have a visa-free, or need a visa/E-visa to visit Vietnam.
From August 2023 there are some new updates on Vietnam visas.
1.1. Visa-free
As of August 2023, regular passport holders of the following 25 countries need visa-free to visit Vietnam. Let's check the list for detailed information!
If your nation is not on the list, you can check the webpage of Vietnam National Web Portal on Immigration to request an E-visa. This is simply filling out the application and paying online to apply for an E-visa. The processing time can take around five working days, and the visa code will be sent to your email. You can print your visa and bring it along on your Vietnam family vacation.
1.2. E-visa
In August 2023, the Vietnamese government published a list of some international border gates that allow foreign nationals to enter and exit using e-visas, including:
1. Air border gates:
Nội Bài Airport (Hanoi)
Cát Bi Airport (Hải Phòng)
Thọ Xuân Airport (Thanh Hóa)
Vân Đồn Airport (Quảng Ninh)
Phú Bài Airport (Thừa Thiên - Huế)
Đồng Hới Airport (Quảng Bình)
Đà Nẵng Airport
Cam Ranh Airport (Khánh Hòa)
Phú Cát Airport (Bình Định)
Liên Khương Airport (Lâm Đồng)
Tân Sơn Nhất Airport (Hồ Chí Minh City)
Phú Quốc Airport (Kiên Giang)
Cần Thơ Airport
2. Land border gates:
Tây Trang (Điện Biên)
Móng Cái (Quảng Ninh)
Hữu Nghị (Lạng Sơn)
Lào Cai
Na Mèo (Thanh Hóa)
Nậm Cắn (Nghệ An)
Cầu Treo (Hà Tĩnh)
Cha Lo (Quảng Bình)
La Lay (Quảng Trị)
Lao Bảo (Quảng Trị)
Bô Y (Kon Tum)
Mộc Bài (Tây Ninh)
Xa Mát (Tây Ninh)
Vĩnh Xương (An Giang)
Tịnh Biên (An Giang)
Hà Tiên (Kiên Giang)
Note
The E-Visa will be valid for 90 days after every single entry for all countries and territories from August 15, 2023. It means you can only enter and exit Vietnam once while your visa is valid. If you leave the country, your visa will automatically expire, and you must apply for a new one to re-enter.
If you are from a nation that does not require a visa to enter Vietnam, you cannot extend your stay; instead, you must leave the country within 90 days before returning with a new visa exemption.
2. Suitcase checklist for family vacation in Vietnam
Vietnam's weather varies from location to region, so it's essential to check the local weather before you travel so you can pick the most suitable items from the list below to pack.
Warm clothing, such as sweaters, pullovers, and socks, should be brought if you visit Sapa, Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, or other mountainous regions during winter time.
Hiking shoes are ideal for exploring hilly areas.
Don’t forget to pack long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from the sun and mosquitoes since Vietnam is a monsoon-influenced climate country.
If you plan to visit the Southern or Central regions, you can pack your favourite pair of shorts, some lightweight pyjamas, and tee shirts. These are simple to clean and dry.
Flip flops and sandals are perfect for chilling on the beach, eating, or shopping with your kids. If you're visiting during the rainy season, ensure your shoes are waterproof.
Pack suitable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders if you plan to visit any religious sites while on a family holiday in Vietnam.
Last but not least, it can unexpectedly start to rain, even during the dry season, so always have a rain jacket with you.
Chôm Chôm Travel recommends not to overpack because doing laundry in Vietnam is simple and affordable, and most hotels can assist you.
3. Not to be forgotten on the checklist for family vacation in Vietnam - your backpack
Welcome to the list of items for your backpack!
For sunscreen, Chôm Chôm Travel recommends SPF 45 to 50, which is enough for the intensity of heat and UV rays in Vietnam. Sunglasses are also essential for your eyes.
Mosquito repellent is a must-have item, especially for a family trip to the Mekong Delta or the mountainous regions where mosquitos abound.
Vietnamese SIM cards can be easily purchased at airports or many mobile stores, but buying them at the airport is easier. There are four biggest mobile service providers: Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone, and Vietnamobile. You can choose one of them.
Personal tumbler: We strongly advise you to bring a personal water bottle to fill it up and bring it with you on day tours or purchase drinks to put in, making it more sustainable.
Wearing masks: Vietnam no longer enforces wearing a mask on the street, in shopping centres, or on public transportation. In general, just feel free to enjoy your journey without the mask! However, some national parks, still ask visitors to wear masks to protect the wild animals.
4. First aid kit on the checklist for family vacation in Vietnam
Toiletries and medicines will be on your first aid kit packing list. There are numerous pharmacies in Vietnam where you can easily purchase those items, but the language barrier may prevent you from doing so. Some places do not speak English well, so bring everything with you.
Although many hotels offer toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hairbrushes, Chôm Chôm Travel strongly recommends bringing your own. Hotel items are single-use; they are wasted and contribute to the environment's waste problem.
It is not guaranteed that all restrooms in Vietnam will have toilet paper, so bring some with you at all times.
5. Tips for a family trip to Vietnam
Bringing items for your children to keep entertained while on vacation helps create a more relaxing vacation for you as parents.
Our Chôm Chôm team always prepares the activity books for your kids, and you should also bring some snacks and pencils. Card games can help your family spend more quality time together.
If your children have a cuddly toy at home that they hug every night, you bring it along; it will help them sleep well in a different environment.
Our team hopes that the checklist for family vacation in Vietnam we have created and the travel tips shared above can help your family pack correctly and have a wonderful Vietnam vacation.
Do not worry, as you will be travelling with our supported local guide, and our Chôm Chôm team will assist your family in any way we can.
Contact us to create the only-for-you journey with your kids and families in Vietnam:
Email: dorothee@chomchomtravel.com
Address: No. 11, Street 44, Thảo Điền Ward, District 2, HCMC, Vietnam.