9 Packing Tips for Your Trip to Halong Bay

The hardest part of traveling to Halong Bay must be packing your suitcase. Most people have to reconsider what to stuff and how to pack smartly for their trip. Here’re 9 packing tips that everyone must know to pack lighter, faster, and smarter.

1. Check the weather before packing

The Halong Bay weather is a decisive factor for your trip. Since the Halong Bay weather can fluctuate greatly, you should check the weather forecast a few days ahead in order to avoid unfavorable situations and to pack the essentials for the weather conditions, especially when you're on the Halong Bay 2 nights cruise, as the 3d2n itinerary involves various activities from outdoor to indoor.

In summer, it’s sunny and occasionally stormy in Halong Bay. Hence, an umbrella and sun cream are the two most necessary items. Warm days in Halong Bay are often accompanied by cool nights, so make sure you pack light and rainproof jacket just in case. In colder months, it’s best to pack light layers to Halong Bay.

2. Know the suitcase allowance

A smart traveler will do some research on suitcase and baggage allowance before deciding what to pack. Take a look at your airline’s website or ask your travel consultant to learn about the baggage fee and policy. Most airlines flying to Vietnam allow free 7-kg carry-on baggage which is similar to 20-inch luggage. If you want to carry a larger size, buy a check-in baggage allowance. 

This is one of the tips for saving money on Halong Bay trip, while making sure you only pack the essentials.

Luggage size chart for packing to Halong Bay

Noted: During your stay in Halong Bay, you should consider a small case to tote around easily. Since Hanoi and Sapa are the main hubs for a Halong Bay trip, you may have many options for transport like a car, shuttle bus, or limousine. As a result, the essential packing tip in Halong Bay is choosing your bag within maximum guidelines; and your optimal travel bag should range from 20-inch to 26-inch size.

3. Make a packing list

You should start your packing process by making a list of things to stuff. This gives you time to draft a complete list and purchase any additional items you might need for your vacation to Halong Bay.

First of all, write down the essentials including travel documents (passport, visa, transport tickets, receipts, etc.), copies of your travel documents, maps, sunglasses, and water bottle. Secondly, keep the running list close at hand and add to it as things pop into your head. You’d better keep the packing list saved on your phone for the next trip to Halong Bay and Vietnam.

Read more: What to Pack to Vietnam

4. Remember your basics

• Electronic needs: Stuff your phone chargers, camera chargers, charger adapter, and power bank. If you plan to take a lot of photographs in Halong Bay, you should bring multiple batteries as well as multiple SD cards or a USB chord.
• Toiletries kit: Despite available soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. in Halong Bay hotels and cruises, you’d better bring your own toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorants, shaving razors, skincare, and cosmetic products.

Essential toiletries to pack in Halong Bay

• Special medication: In addition to your special treatments, bring some simple medications for nausea, pain, and cold symptoms. If you take a Halong Bay Cruise, ginger tea will be good for sea sickness.
• Bug spray/insect repellent: If you’re going to join outdoor day excursions, especially trekking and hiking, bug spray and insect repellent are really essential.
• Snack: In case you are a picky eater, bringing snacks from home will help you avoid being hungry or allergic to some types of food.

For every first-timer, learning about Halong Bay tourist information could help arrange the best trip ever.

5. Leave the inessentials

Overpacking is a top violation of every traveler. Before shoving everything into your suitcase, ask yourself “Do I really need three pairs of shoes?”, “Should I bring a hair curler or hairdryer?”, etc. If you have to reconsider three times, please leave it at home. Remember minimalist packing is the most important tip to pack to Halong Bay.

Noted: Here are what not to bring while traveling to Halong Bay, especially some are prohibited by the Halong Bay Cruise

• Firearms, inflammable and sharp objects
• Illegal drugs and substances
• Irons, hot plates, and kitchenware
• Alcoholic beverages
• Pillows and blankets
• Towels, hairdryers

6. Pack multi-purpose garments

It’s advisable to pack clothing appropriate for all types of weather, which significantly cuts down on your packing weight. Packing a little of all multi-purpose items, such as tank tops, t-shirts, long sleeves, jackets, and jeans, will give you the freedom to mix layers smartly.

While bringing a pair of sneakers and sandals is suitable for day excursions, a pair of nice shoes/high heels are perfect for a night party in Halong Bay.

Noted: The must-know packing tip to Halong Bay is choosing clothes made from merino wool/polygene instead of cotton. This type of material can be wearable multiple days in a row.

7. Take into account your itinerary

Apparently, your packing list depends on your activities in Halong Bay. If your trip is active with cave visiting, kayaking, swimming, or climbing, make sure you pack your swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, slip-resistant shoes, sandals, hiking boots, insect repellent, and light clothing. When it comes to the Halong Bay cruise, you should pack comfortable cotton and linen clothing. For those who experience an overnight Halong Bay cruise, you definitely need to prepare formal attire for the dinner party on the cruise.

Another useful tips for those who loves photography is packing according to your itinerary. For the best photos-taking guide, refer to our 8 Photography Tips to Take the Best Photos in Halong Bay.

8. Compartmentalize your suitcase

The best packing tip to save space in your suitcase is compartmentalizing. The odor from dirty clothes and shoes can seep into your clean clothes. If you don’t have time for laundry, use a plastic bag or a shoe sac to keep them clean and separate from the dirty. In addition, sorting into categories like clothing, beauty products, etc. not only saves space but also saves time finding your stuff.

Use packing cubes to compartmentalize your suitcase

9. Leave room for souvenirs

The last packing tip in Halong Bay is leaving an empty space for souvenirs. According to BestPrice Travel's Useful Local Tips in Halong Bay, this place is such a paradise of souvenirs that you will want to bring them all home. So, don't forget to leave room for souvenirs. If you can’t minimalize your stuff, bring a lightweight bag or extra pack within your luggage.

All in all, hope these 9 packing tips will guide you on smarter packing for your Halong Bay trip. Let's pack your suitcase and join a Halong Bay tour with BestPrice Travel!

Hong Nhung

(Image source: Internet)