DMZ, Vietnam: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to DMZ, Vietnam? If you're planning to go to DMZ, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to DMZ
- Important essentials for DMZ
- Activities for DMZ
- DMZ in January: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in February: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in March: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in April: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in May: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in June: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in July: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in August: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in September: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in October: weather and what to pack
- DMZ in November: weather and what to pack
- DMZ 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 DMZ, Vietnam
Based on the climate and weather in DMZ, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for DMZ, Vietnam
Here are some general tips on what to wear in DMZ, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
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).
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly product.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection possible.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
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.
Airplane or car necessities
For families with young children
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in DMZ. 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
Activities for DMZ, Vietnam
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for DMZ.
Perfume River (Song Huong River)
Minh Mang Tomb
Dong Ba Market (Cho Dong Ba)
Tomb of Tu Duc (Lang Tu Duc)
Bach Ma National Park (Vuon Quoc gia Bach Ma)
What to wear/what to pack for DMZ, Vietnam by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to DMZ in January, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Extra socks
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
February
February here is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
March
March in DMZ is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Skirts
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
April
If you are traveling to DMZ in April, you will notice that it is sizzling and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light linen shorts
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Skirts
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
Waterproof sandals
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to bring additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
Sunglasses
Personal cooling fan
May
If you visit DMZ during May, you may find that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Bug repellent
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
June
If you visit DMZ during June, you will probably see that it is unbearably hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Waterproof sandals
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Skirts
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light linen shorts
Personal cooling fan
Sunglasses
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring extra, as these get wet or dirty.
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and offer UV protection.
Bug repellent
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created for cooling:
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
July
July in this region can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures average in the high 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to keep you cool:
Skirts
Sunglasses
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Personal cooling fan
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to cool you and include UV protection.
Light linen shorts
Bug repellent
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring additional, since these get wet or dirty.
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Insulated water bottle
Waterproof sandals
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
August
If you are traveling to DMZ in August, you will notice that it is scorchingly hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to cool you:
Personal cooling fan
Insulated water bottle
Skirts
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Bug repellent
Waterproof sandals
Light linen shorts
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to cool you and to provide UV protection.
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to bring extra, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
September
If you go to DMZ in September, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Sunglasses
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring extra, as these easily get wet or dirty.
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to help you stay cool:
Skirts
Lightweight 'harem' pants
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Bug repellent
Sun protecting pants
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Personal cooling fan
Insulated water bottle
Waterproof sandals
Light linen shorts
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
October
October in this region is consistently hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
Skirts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Bug repellent
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
November
November in DMZ is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
December
December in DMZ is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Extra socks
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
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