Plan Your Trip
What to Pack for Hanoi
What you need in your bag changes more by season in Hanoi than almost anywhere else in Vietnam — here's a practical, season-aware starting point.
Bring on any visit, any season
- A compact umbrella — useful for sudden downpours in summer and drizzle in spring, and small enough to keep in a day bag year-round.
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes — the Old Quarter's uneven pavements and long walking days are hard on new shoes.
- A cover-up for temple visits — a light scarf or shawl for shoulders, useful at the Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and any pagoda.
- A portable charger — handy for long sightseeing days when you're relying on your phone for maps and Grab.
- Hand sanitiser and tissues — not every street food stall or public toilet has these readily available.
Hot season (roughly May–September)
- Light, breathable, quick-dry clothing — cotton and linen both work well.
- A reusable water bottle — you'll go through more water than you expect in the humidity.
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- A light rain jacket in addition to the umbrella, for the heavier afternoon downpours.
- A change of shirt for the afternoon if you're out all day — the humidity is genuinely intense.
Cool season (roughly December–February)
- Layers rather than one heavy coat — days can start cold and damp, then warm up.
- A warm layer for evenings, since many buildings aren't heated and indoor spaces can feel colder than the outdoor temperature suggests.
- Closed shoes rather than sandals — mornings can be genuinely chilly and damp.
Shoulder seasons (March–April, October–November)
A lighter version of the cool-season list works well — a packable light jacket, the umbrella, and layers you can add or remove through the day as temperatures shift.
Good to know: Pack less than you think you need — laundry is cheap and widely available in Hanoi, and most visitors end up doing at least one load partway through a longer trip rather than carrying two weeks of clothing.