Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam? If you're planning to go to Dien Bien Phu, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Dien Bien Phu
- Important essentials for Dien Bien Phu
- Activities for Dien Bien Phu
- Dien Bien Phu in January: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in February: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in March: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in April: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in May: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in June: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in July: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in August: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in September: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in October: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in November: weather and what to pack
- Dien Bien Phu in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam
Based on the climate and weather in Dien Bien Phu, the best time to go is March. See below for details.
Important essentials for Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Dien Bien Phu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Dien Bien Phu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
Traveling to Dien Bien Phu in January, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain sometimes. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
February
February here dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
March
Traveling to Dien Bien Phu in March, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
April
If you are traveling to Dien Bien Phu in April, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
May
Traveling to Dien Bien Phu in May, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
June
June in Dien Bien Phu is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
July
July in Dien Bien Phu is hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
August
August in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
September
If you go to Dien Bien Phu in September, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
October
If you go to Dien Bien Phu in October, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
November
If you are traveling to Dien Bien Phu in November, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
December
December in Dien Bien Phu dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
Activities for Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Dien Bien Phu.
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