(Ha Long Bay Seeing from Sung Sot Cave)
Most people would agree the worst part of any holiday is packing. It is an arduous task which requires the necessary organization and forethought. You not only have to consider things such as where you are going and how the weather will be but just about travel is hindered by security and baggage allowances. Ha Long Bay is a Unesco World Heritage site and top tourist attractions in Vietnam. It greets thousands of travelers throughout the year. As it is a four-hour drive from Hanoi and surrounded by emerald seas, the efficient packing is a prerequisite. To help prepare for the magnificent Ha Long Bay adventure, here’s a list of necessary things to pack for your trip to Ha Long Bay.
- Suitcase And Baggage Allowance
Before deciding on what you are going to put in the pack, it’s best to do some research into what size suitcase you can fill. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll usually be allowed more luggage than if you’re moving locally.
However, if you’re planning to tour Vietnam or other portions of Asia in addition to the Ha Long Bay, you should consider a smaller case which is easier to tote around. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is the primary hub for trips to Ha Long Bay. While there’re many options for transportation, some of the most popular are shuttle bus, car, or seaplane. Be sure that your baggage will fit within maximum guidelines. Once you’ve chosen the optimal travel bag, it is time to start packing.
- Travel Document
(Visa)
The most critical thing to get in order right from the start is your travel document. Depending on where you’re traveling from, this paperwork can vary. Most visitors will need an updated passport at the least. Make sure that it doesn’t expire within 3-6 months or you may not be able to fly. It’s also never a bad idea to make copies of the passport in case there’s ever a problem.
Other visitors may require an extra travel visa to enter Vietnam, besides medical documents such as proof of vaccination. It can likewise be a great idea to print out all the transport tickets and receipts so that you can use in case of emergency. Although many airlines now accept e-tickets, discount lines in particular often demand printed copies. And should your phone die or be stolen, it’s a great idea to have a backup.
- Cash And Cards
Traveling with too much cash is a risk, yet you need to cover the bases. Thankfully, debit and credit cards are now accepted all over the world, and any tourist attractions like Ha Long Bay have provisions for international consumers. Nevertheless, the further off the beaten track you go, the less likely it is you can use cards or foreign money. Ha Long Bay’s currency is the Vietnam Dong.
If you can exchange the foreign bills at the bank or exchange center, it’s usually helpful to possess a bit of cash on hand as you arrive. Because you may have to pay exorbitant fees at the airport or have a hard time getting the first snack or taxi. Do specific research into exchange rates and work out how much you need to exchange before you go, ensuring to strike a balance between cash and card.
- First Aid And Medicine
(Necessary drugs)
If you have your own medical needs, make sure to prepare for those in advance. Certain people have prescription medications which are vital to their daily lives. Especially with prescription medicine, you cannot make sure that you’ll find what is essential for another country so prepare more than enough in stock for your trip duration. It’s a great idea to have a minor first aid kit with necessary products which may come up during mishaps abroad. Items like disinfectant, band-aids, pain relievers, and antihistamine are always useful.
To pack for a trip to Ha Long Bay, you should include things such as pills for seasickness and insect repellant. You will most probably be spending at least part of the time wandering the beaches, hence best to be prepared for all possibilities.
- Sunglasses And Sunscreen
Ha Long Bay is tropical weather, full of sunshine and sea air. Therefore, some of the most important things to pack in the luggage are provisions for the potentially hot weather. UV protection sunglasses will help you see the gorgeous sights without damaging your eyes. Suntan or sunblock lotion is critical for days swimming in the sea, lazing around on the beach, or wandering a boat deck. If you’re sensitive to the sun, you may add some moisturizing lotion or aloe vera to the pack in case you soak up too many rays. Even some pieces of clothing such as a sun hat or cover-up for the swimsuit will protect you during the time you’re enjoying Ha Long Bay.
- Smaller Bag And Souvenir
In addition to the main luggage, packing smaller bags and containers is going to help you manage any new items you might collect. For a hike through the limestone caves or a day at the beach of Ha Long Bay, a small rucksack can be incredibly convenient.
Ideally, you can have sunscreen, towel, water, and an extra set of clothes for the beach and everything else you may need at hand. You can take what you need and leave the hands-free to take photos and explore. Specific plastic will allow you to keep the dry and wet clothes separated from everything else. Plus, you are likely to purchase some souvenirs, having an extra bag is going to make it easier to pack as you’re heading back home.
- Electronic Device
Nowadays, just about travelers require various electronic devices. You’ll probably travel with a camera and smartphone at the very least, possibly a Laptop, Ipad, or Kindle to boot. All these devices require a power cord to charge, and a lot of countries have different sockets and voltage. Vietnam and Ha Long Bay now use mostly 220V, although old outlets might still use 127V.
Standard plugs are 2-prongs, yet certain higher end hotels might have British Standard 3-prong plugs. Be sure you check with the accommodation to see what they have available. If necessary, you should invest in an adapter and converter so that you can use the electronic devices most vital to you. If you plan on using a hair dryer, curler, straightener, or electric razor, you should check if the hotel has any to borrow in advance so that you can avoid packing too many things.
(Boat trip in Ha Long Bay)
- Clothes And Footwear
Clothes often occupy most of the available space in a suitcase. While you wish to consider packing lightly so that you are not hindered with too many bags, you want to pack for all contingencies. The climate in Ha Long Bay can vary depending on the time of year. The months of summer are the hottest but likewise the wettest. The months of winter are cooler but likewise dryer. Depending on as you choose to book a trip, you’ll want to ensure you have a variety of options. Towels, swim gear, and light layers are a great place to start.
As the sun goes down and the climate gets cooler, you will need a sweater to cover up. Climbing or hiking will require sneakers or sturdy shoes while a day at the beach requires sandals or flip flops. Considering what you’ll need, think about how long you’ll stay, what activities you’ll do, and what time of year it’ll be.
- Water Bottle
Water is the most vital thing which you should consider as packing. It’s generally not advisable to consume tap water in Vietnam. Whereas airplanes make it tough to travel with liquids, you can find a lot of good water bottles to pack. Some are easily attached to a belt or bag, and others can collapse. This will make it easier to fill up since you come on potable water sources. Otherwise, it’s best to buy water bottles. In a lot of touristic areas, water bottles are quite expensive. Try to stock up as you find a more affordable alternative. In such sunny tropical weather, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and consume clean safe water whenever you can.
- Miscellanea And Sundry
There’re always a few final items which are personal to every traveler. Some people still have got a book on hand wherever they go. Others like to document the journey in a scrapbook or diary. Carry-on baggage is often filled with the little things we wish to have from home to make the trip more comfortable. Whether it is a small box of snacks, a neck pillow, or good luck talisman, always make room for those final little trinkets. Ha Long Bay is a combination of traditional and touristic; hence you will find most of what you need. Nevertheless, you will feel comfortable when you have the preparation from home.
Author bio:
I am Emily Pham. I was born in Vietnam – a country with many unknown beaches, historic sites, and tourist attractions. Understanding that Vietnam nowadays is a famous destination, I establish the blog site vina.com with the purpose of introducing the elegant beauty of Vietnam to friends around the world. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, our blog will provide you with essential information on where to go and what to do in our country.