Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam? If you're planning to go to Ho Chi Minh City, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Based on the climate and weather in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the best time to go is January. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam by month

January

If you vacation in Ho Chi Minh City during January, you might notice that it can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you vacation in Ho Chi Minh City during February, you will probably find that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally around 50 during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you get the necessary type. Many adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March here is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in this region is blindingly hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

If you go to Ho Chi Minh City in May, you will notice that it can be very hot and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Take care to pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you vacation in Ho Chi Minh City during June, you are likely to notice that it is really hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. It's important that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

In July, Ho Chi Minh City is really hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Ho Chi Minh City, with most of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Take care to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you vacation in Ho Chi Minh City during August, you may notice that it is extremely hot and somewhat stormy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Check that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City in September, you will notice that it is extremely hot and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Ho Chi Minh City can be sweltering and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Be careful to find the right kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City in November, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Ensure that you find the correct type. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

December in Ho Chi Minh City is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Luggage protection

    Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Ho Chi Minh City. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. Make sure to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are going to check out the majestic Central Mosque, take the following:

Note that there may be restrictions on who can enter this mosque; you should check with the Ho Chi Minh City tourism authority.

If you go to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

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.

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