Packing tips for Vietnam

We just returned from a 2 1/2 week vacation in Vietnam in Feb. Before we left, I did a lot of research into what we should bring on the trip. First, I read a few posts here and on other sites recommending that we pack our bags and then take half the clothes out. It is very easy and cheap to have laundry done. We paid $1 (US) per kilo to have our clothes washed. Buying clothes is cheap too if you find yourself short.

Other items I brought:

Travel tissue packs (Kleenex). There were plenty of toilets where toilet paper was either out or nonexistent. Also they don%26#39;t tend to have towels to dry your hands.

Purell -- see above in case you can%26#39;t properly wash.

Sneakers: you will be walking a ton if you want to really see the sites. In Vietnam, the sidewalks aren%26#39;t meant for walking. They park their motorbikes and have their dining and every other social gathering on the sidewalk. So be prepared to walk a lot on the street.

ATM card: We brought US dollars with us but found it was easier to bargain with Dong. The ATMs tend to have a 2 million dong limit, but we managed to get higher amounts when we selected ';other'; on the screen. Most establishments charge you 3 percent of the transaction for a credit card purchase.

A Smile: don%26#39;t forget to bring along a good attitude and be ready for a fun adventure. We loved the people we met, especially the children. They saw our Western faces and wanted to wave and say ';hello.';

Packing tips for Vietnam

Hi readhead,

All excellent advice!----Can I add a few more things that pack in a single reinforced plastic bag for a long trip into VN?------All of this weighs 1+ kilogram and is carried in Cargo baggage.

Cigarette lighters,matches, nail clippers, Swiss army knife, rubber bands, small/ medium/ A4 pads, pencils, pens, sharpener, combs, shoe laces, sleeping mask, earplugs, panadol,immodium, scissors, dog clips, glide-on clips, Vietnam chargers for mobile and digital camera, calculator,duplicates of passport, visa, tickets( separated from the original ones),house keys, VN hotel cards, small pad with every important phone number in it, maps of VN, spectacle cases,6 wire coat hangers( tied together with a rubber band), envelopes, elasticized bandage, band aids , tiny 8Gig flash drive.---all that weighs 1+ kilogram!! ----this is my critical bag so I do not have to buy anything in VN --- it wastes time!

plover