Vietnam here I come! I have never been this prepared in my life, and it is all thanks to writing this post!
I have been traveling as much as my wallet and time allows me to for the last few years. And because I am always on a tight budget it either involved me packing a hand luggage suitcase for a two week trip. Or stuffing a big backpack with all of my favorite dresses, for the backpacking travels. A few of my trips where to: Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, India and eastern Europe.
You would think that packing would be easy right now, but that couldn’t be more further from the truth. Because looking at the weather forecast for a country as Vietnam is extremely confusing. Everyone says something else and my conclusion is to be prepared for: rain, sun, typhoons, wind, cold and warm weather…
Yes, how convenient:)
So, it took me all of my effort, experience and a dive into my closet, but I finally have the ultimate packing list ready for you! Want to know what to pack to a warm country with limited luggage space?
Ready? Here it comes!
(** this is the fashion version of my packing list, for the accessories & gears list check out the blog next week!)
E S S E N T I A L S
Long Skirt | Kimono | Pants | Dress | Playsuit
I have been reading a lot of blogs and websites on what the most essential things to bring for the prefect outfit are according to them. I must say, I disagree with most of them. Kaki shorts and grey long sleeved blouses are practical, but in my opinion not necessary at all. Colors are not banned in other countries and unless you go on long hiking trips, you can also be very satisfied with a long flowy skirt instead of zip-off pants.
Besides the usual tees, socks and underwear, there are these 5 things that will always be in my backpack.
K I M O N O
Kimono by Lana Red Studio | Dress by H&M | Bathingsuit is Vintage | Shoes by Pieces
This is my all time favorite! And the best news? I made a tutorial about it, and it will be on the LRS blog very soon!
You can wear it as a vest for warmth, to cover yourself up when visiting temples, etc, as a beach kimono for style and in warmer climates to cover yourself up when riding on a sleeper train when you have to use the restroom, but don’t want to get dressed.
D R E S S
Dress by Chicwish | Sweater by Lana red Studio
In a warmer climate, I often prefer dresses over shorts, because it’s more breezy and you look less touristy. Sometimes I feel a little bit overdressed, because I tend to bring my fancy dresses, but on the other hand: how often do you look fabulous in Vietnam? (as a side note, maybe bring some shorts, if your dress is a bit short or if you are visiting a windy area;))
P A N T S
Long trousers are definite must. Wether it’s colder or you are going on a hike, it’s better to wear long pants, to keep those mosquitos away from your newly tanned legs.
S K I R T
Skirt by Forever21 | Top is Vintage | Kimono by Lana Red Studio
Long skirts are the best! They are girly, yet practical and always look good! You can wear leggings underneath when it gets cold at night and you never have to worry about breaking dress codes when traveling in another country.
P L A Y S U I T
Kimono by Lana Red Studio | Playsuit by Primark | Blouse by H&M
And then there is the playsuit. Practical in every way, except one: going to the restroom is a bit of a challenge… But I find them very comfortable and perfect for every occasion.
B A C K P A C K *F A S H I O N *C H O I C E S
Obviously those 5 things are not the only things to bring. Everything you see above can be mixed and matched with your basics. To make it easy for you, here’s a list of my packing items:
- Bathing suit
- bikini
- Sweater
- Shorts
- Playsuit
- Skirt
- Dress x2
- Kimono
- Short sleeved blouse
- Top x3
- Long beach dress
- Slippers
- Shoes
- Pants
- Scarf
Not included in the list is underwear (because some things are maybe best to stay private;) and towels.
Hopefully this list will make your packing days a little bit easier. Writing this post certainly helped me to make packing more fun! Be on the lookout for my accesories and gears list this week, to complete your backpack packing!
2 comments
Lieve Lana. I enjoyed reading this post. Thanks. Have fun in Vietnam! And take good care! Groetjes aan Rodrik en tot snel. Lisa
Hé Lisa! Bedankt! (en groetjes terug;)