A girl’s guide to packing for Vietnam

Whenever I book a trip overseas, I immediately start packing in my head - I’ll need this cute co-ord set, those swimmers, that pair of sandals - because let’s be real, my Instagram feed needs to look #onpoint.

I recently returned from an awesome two-week trip to Vietnam, but I packed all wrong. Vietnam in July is hot, can be wet, and is very humid. I have never perspired so much in my entire life - I’m talking S.U.L.A (Sweaty Upper Lip Alert) 24/7!

Here’s what to pack (and what to leave behind) to be comfy and cute in super sweaty but endlessly charming Vietnam.

Do pack:

• Loose playsuits/dresses. With humidity close to 100% on some days, you need something that will breathe.
• Bralettes. Conventional bras are really uncomfortable in the heat. Better still, aim to pack clothes that don’t require a bra at all!
• Two outfits per day. It sounds excessive, but you will sweat through every single outfit you wear, day or night. It’s worth investing in a few cheap items you’re willing to part with.
• Raincoat. The wet season downpours are relentless, and the $1 ponchos sold on the street just don’t cut it.
• A small handbag. It only has to fit the essentials for dinner, drinks and dancing. Then you can squish it in your backpack during the day.

Don’t pack:

• Nice shoes. Sandals are a good idea in theory but roaming busy city streets and dancing in dive bars will ruin them. Thongs or Birkenstocks are your best options.
• Makeup. If you want to add a bit of glam, keep it simple - tinted moisturiser, blush and highlighter. Everything else will melt off your face.
• Anything white. The mixture of sweat and sunscreen is the perfect recipe for irreversible yellow stains.
• Tight Shorts. Once you sweat through them, you have to peel them off, which is at least a 5-minute ordeal every time you head to the bathroom.
• Hairdryers, straighteners or curling tongs. Any hairstyle you try will drop and frizz. Embrace your natural beauty - towel dry, spray some sea salt in your hair, and off you go!

Emma Chow is the co-host of the Mike E & Emma breakfast show on The Edge 96.ONE. She loves sharing her latest food, travel and fitness finds with anyone who will listen. Instagram: @emmaechow Twitter: @emmaechow

The views, opinions and positions expressed by the author and those providing comments are theirs alone, and are meant as travel inspiration only. They do not reflect the opinions of Cover-More Insurance. You should always read the PDS available from your travel insurance provider to understand the limits, exclusions and conditions of your policy and to ensure any activities you undertake are covered by your policy.