Vietnam Solo Travel Packing Ho Chi Minh City: The Ultimate Guide for Independent Explorers

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience guiding more than 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from real solo traveler feedback and Legend Travel Group’s expertise in Vietnam & Cambodia. Legend Travel Group since 2008.

=> Vietnam - 10 Days. Departure every Monday from Hanoi

=> Vietnam - 12 Days. Departure every Saturday from Hanoi

=> Vietnam and Cambodia - 12 Days. Departure every Monday from Hanoi

=> Vietnam - 10 Days. Departure every Monday from Saigon

=> Vietnam - 12 Days. Departure every Saturday from Saigon

=> Vietnam and Cambodia - 14 Days. Departure every Saturday from Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a whirlwind of motorbikes, street food, rooftop bars, history, and hidden cafés — everything a solo traveler dreams of. You’ll walk 15,000+ steps a day, hop on and off motorbike taxis, duck into temples, and maybe even join a group tour for a day.
This packing list is designed for:

• Light carry-on only (max 7–10 kg)

• Respectful temple visits

• 30–35 °C heat + sudden rain

• Easy transitions to Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, or Cambodia extensions

All recommendations are tested by thousands of Legend Travel Group solo travelers.

Documents & Money (keep in money belt or hidden pouch)

• Passport (valid 6+ months) + photocopy in cloud

• Printed e-visa or visa exemption proof

• Travel insurance card (Legend Travel Group recommends World Nomads or SafetyWing)

• Debit/credit cards (no foreign transaction fees) + $200 USD cash in small notes

• Local SIM card (Wise/Revolut recommended)

• Printed hotel booking for immigration (even if you change plans later)

Clothing (7-day mix-and-match capsule – all quick-dry & modest)

• 4 lightweight breathable T-shirts / tank tops (Uniqlo Airism or similar)

• 2 long-sleeve light shirts (for temples & sun protection)

• 1 modest knee-length dress / long pants (temple-ready)

• 1 pair lightweight travel pants (zip-off ideal)

• 1 pair shorts

• 7 pairs underwear & 4 pairs socks (merino wool or quick-dry)

• 1 lightweight rain jacket / poncho (packs to fist size)

• 1 microfiber travel towel (hostel/airbnb backup)

• 1 sarong / large scarf (temple cover-up, beach towel, blanket on night buses)

• Comfortable walking sandals (Teva/Keen) + flip-flops

• 1 pair lightweight sneakers (for Cu Chi Tunnels & walking tours)

Toiletries & Health (100 ml liquids rule)

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef-safe)

• DEET or Picaridin mosquito repellent

• Basic first-aid: plasters, antiseptic, diarrhea tablets, motion sickness pills

• Reusable menstrual products or tampons (hard to find trusted brands)

• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, small shampoo bar

• Prescription meds + copy of prescription

Tech & Photography

• Smartphone + waterproof case

• Power bank 10,000 mAh (Anker)

• Universal adapter (Type A/C/G)

• Lightweight tripod or Joby GorillaPod for sunrise shots

• eSIM (Airalo or Drimsim) – buy before arrival

Solo Traveler Essentials

• Money belt or hidden neck wallet

• Padlock (for hostel lockers)

• Reusable water bottle with filter (Grayl or LifeStraw)

• Collapsible daypack (20 L)

• Earplugs + eye mask (night buses & hostels)

• Deck of cards / small travel game (instant ice-breaker with other travelers)

• Offline Google Translate (Vietnamese pack downloaded)

Optional but Loved by Solo Travelers

• Portable clothesline + travel detergent (sink laundry every 2–3 days)

• Collapsible coffee cup (for Vietnam’s famous cà phê sữa đá)

• Small Vietnamese phrasebook or flashcards

• Lightweight hammock (for Mekong Delta homestays)

• Jeans or heavy cotton (too hot & slow to dry)

• Expensive jewelry or flashy items

• Hair dryer or straightener (most hotels have them)

• More than 1 pair of closed shoes

• Guidebooks (use Maps.me & Google Translate)

When you book any Vietnam Tours with us:

• Free airport pickup in Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat)

• Free SIM card with data on arrival

• 24/7 WhatsApp support from a real human

• Option to store extra luggage at our office if you continue to Cambodia

• Deposit only 10% – pay balance 30 days before departure (or later with flexible plans)

Book your solo-friendly group tour with Legend Travel Group today – deposit only 10% and keep complete peace of mind!
Explore all options → https://www.legendtravelgroup.com

Safe travels & see you in Saigon! ✈️

By Legend Travel Group – Creating unforgettable journeys for solo travelers since 2008
WhatsApp: +84825862222 | Email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com