Packing checklist for a trip to Da Nang — 50 items to bring for the dry/rainy season

Da Nang has 2 distinct seasons: the dry season (March–September) brings intense sunshine at 30-37°C, so you'll need sun protection + swimwear; the rainy season (October–February) brings showers + a slight chill at 20-25°C, so you'll need a raincoat + a light jacket. A 5–7 day trip to Da Nang combining the beach, mountain hiking, and Hoi An Ancient Town calls for around 50 items. The checklist below has been tested on 100+ real trips.

Documents (mandatory — absolutely required): Passport valid for more than 6 months (original + 2 photocopies to keep at the hotel). Printed e-visa + a copy of the file on your phone. Printed round-trip flight tickets (some customs checkpoints ask for them). Printed hotel booking confirmation. Travel insurance — we recommend a plan from 15 USD/week (covers hospital bills if anything happens). International driving permit (if you want to rent a motorbike). Credit card + 1 backup debit card. Cash USD/EUR 100-200 to exchange at a gold shop.

Clothing (12-15 items, depending on the season): Dry season (March–September): 5 breathable, cool T-shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of long pants (for visiting pagodas/chilly nights), 2 swimsuits, 1 light jacket (for the plane/air-conditioning), 2 pairs of sandals (1 for the beach, 1 for walking around town), 1 pair of sneakers (for climbing the Marble Mountains), 7-8 sets of underwear + socks. Rainy season (October–February): also pack 1 poncho-style raincoat, 1 sweater/hoodie, waterproof shoes, and a folding umbrella.

Tech items (8-10 items): Phone + charger + spare cable. A 10,000mAh+ power bank (for using Grab + taking photos all day). Vietnamese power outlets use the A/C standard — most phones/laptops can plug straight in, but UK/US devices with Type G plugs need an adapter, which you can buy for 50-80k at the airport/hotel. Wireless earbuds + charging case. Camera + memory card. Laptop (if working). Flycam/Drone — requires a customs declaration + flight registration (restricted in many areas, including My Khe Beach).

Medicine + personal care (10-12 items): Personal medications (cardiovascular, allergy, diabetes) — bring them in their original boxes with English labels to get through customs. Panadol/Advil (headache/fever). Berberine (diarrhea — essential, unfamiliar food). Oresol (electrolyte replacement). Allergy medicine (Loratadine). Seasickness medicine (for the trip to Cu Lao Cham). Sunscreen SPF50+. Mosquito repellent. Adhesive bandages, gauze. Shampoo/toothpaste in containers under 100ml if carrying on. Toothbrush, comb. Wet wipes + dry tissues.

Handy items (8-10 items): Sunglasses (the Da Nang sun is glaring). Wide-brimmed hat (for the beach/hiking). 500ml water bottle (refillable, since airport water is pricey at 25k). Lightweight 15-20L backpack for sightseeing days. Wet bag for damp items (after going to the beach). Compact folding microfiber towel (mini hotels don't provide them). Small crossbody wallet to keep your passport + money (to prevent pickpocketing). Multi-purpose charging cable (USB-C + Lightning + Micro). Spare nylon bags (for rainy days and sorting your things). Elastic medical bandage (in case of injuries).

Restricted items (easily confiscated/prohibited): Cigarettes: max 200 cigarettes/person. Alcohol: max 1.5L/person. Fresh meat and fresh fruit (may be confiscated if not declared). Loose lithium batteries over 100Wh must be declared to customs. Drones must be registered with the Vietnam FAA in advance. Prescription narcotic drugs (Oxycodone, Ritalin): carry your prescription translated into English. Knives, scissors, and weapons in carry-on baggage. Liquid chemicals over 100ml in carry-on baggage.

👉 All prepared — now just book your tour: Hotel combo + Ba Na/Hoi An tickets, all-inclusive tour packages for your Da Nang trip. Compare prices from multiple operators at vietspots.com before you pack your suitcase.

Getting ready for Da Nang — pack light, bring a full medical kit, and sort everything into zip bags so you can find things without the mess.