LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Getting Started
Vietnam is one of the in places in Asia thanks to its vibrant yet traditional cities, unashamedly idyllic coastline, incredible scenery, pulsating history and culture, and potpourri of people. Vietnam has everything, but it's also raw in places, so pack some flexibility, humour and patience. Come expecting the unexpected, be ready for an adventure as much as a holiday, and Vietnam will deliver.
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...
Bring as little as possible; Vietnam has pretty much anything you can find back home. All the soaps and smellies are cheap and plentiful, and clothing, shoes and backpacks are all manufactured in Vietnam and available at a fraction of the price in the West. Tampons are available in all major towns and cities, but not in more remote areas.
A Swiss army knife or equivalent comes in handy, but you don't need 27 separate functions, just one blade and an opener. A torch (flashlight) and compass are also useful.
Other handy things to bring are name cards, as Vietnamese deal them out like a deck of cards; ear plugs to block the ever-present noise; a universal plug adaptor; a rain cover for the backpack; a sweater for the highlands and air-con bus trips; and mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
Finally, the secret of successful packing: plastic bags - not only do they keep things separate and clean, but also dry. That means a lot at the end of a long, wet day.
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