Da Nang Travel Checklist: 25 Travel Essentials You Actually Need
So, I have been in Vietnam and Thailand for 4 months now and people you don’t realize just what you need till you’re really here. LOL! Trust me… I didn’t know I needed any of this stuff! And, listen, maybe you don’t need ALLLLLLL this stuff but browse around and see what your lifestyle is and see what your itinerary is and grab what you need for your trip.
And, btw, while I have your attention, make sure you check out the Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide that has dozens of pages of all my research that I’ve learned while being here and more! Trust me… you’ll have a more memorable trip when you can breathe easier with more preparedness, and if you still don’t have a hotel, here are my favorites here in Da Nang.
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1.Packing Cubes (8-Set)
Da Nang humidity will wreck a suitcase with no system. These keep your stuff from turning into a hot, wrinkled mess by day two.
2.Universal Travel Adapter
Vietnam runs on round two-pin plugs. If you're coming from the US, UK, or basically anywhere else, you NEED this before you land, not after.
3.Portable Power Bank (10,000mAh)
You'll be out shooting content, hunting banh mi, or wandering Marble Mountains longer than planned. A dead phone in a foreign country is not the vibe.
4.Quick-Dry Microfiber Towel
Some guesthouses skimp on towels, and regular towels take FOREVER to dry in this humidity. This one dries in an hour, not a day.
5.Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
My Ba Na Hills sunburn taught me this so you don't have to learn it the hard way. Reef-safe matters if you're hitting the Cham Islands too.
6.Picaridin Mosquito Repellent
Da Nang mosquitoes do NOT play, especially near the river. Picaridin works as well as DEET without melting your sunscreen.
7.Electrolyte Powder Packets
Between the heat and the ca phe sua da, you WILL get dehydrated faster than you think. Toss a few of these in your bag.
8.Water Filter Bottle
Tap water isn't drinkable here, and buying plastic bottles for a whole trip is wasteful and adds up fast. This filters it on the spot.
9.Waterproof Dry Bag
Renting a scooter to Hai Van Pass or hitting My Khe Beach? Keep your phone, wallet, and camera dry when that surprise rain rolls in.
10.Anti-Theft Crossbody Sling Bag
Bag-snatching off scooters is a real thing in parts of Vietnam. A slash-resistant, zip-locking sling worn across your body is just smart.
11.Packable Rain Jacket
September through December IS rainy season in Da Nang, I'm not exaggerating. This packs down to nothing and saves your whole day.
12.Compression Packing Bags
If you're doing the Vietnam-hop (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi) in one bag, these are non-negotiable for keeping your load light.
13.Inflatable Neck Pillow
That flight into Da Nang International, plus every sleeper bus after, hits different with actual neck support.
14.Flexible Mini Tripod
Trying to get that Dragon Bridge or Golden Bridge shot WITHOUT flagging down a stranger to hold your phone? This is how.
15.Waterproof Phone Pouch
Ba Na Hills waterpark, the beach, a boat ride on the Han River — your phone needs to survive all of it.
16.Packable Sun Hat, UPF 50+
The Da Nang sun does not care about your skincare routine. Shade your face and neck or regret it by day three.
17.Quick-Dry Water Sandals
Between the beach, the waterfalls at Ba Na, and random flooding in rainy season, flip-flops just don't cut it.
18.Compact First Aid Kit
Street food is one of the best parts of Da Nang, but your stomach might disagree at some point. Come prepared, not panicked.
19.Silicone Travel Bottles (TSA-Approved)
Skip the mini-toiletry runs at the local mart and just refill these before you fly out.
20.Sleep Mask + Earplugs Set
Vietnam's cities do not go quiet at night — scooters, karaoke, roosters at 5am. Protect your sleep.
21.GaN Fast Charger (100W, Multi-Port)
One charger, four ports, charges your phone, laptop, and camera batteries all at once. Cuts your cable clutter in half.
22.Portable External SSD (1TB)
If you're filming ANY of this trip, you need backup storage. I've seen too many creators lose a whole Vietnam trip to a full SD card.
23.Anti-Chafe Balm
Nobody talks about this but everybody needs it. Humidity plus walking all day plus shorts equals chafing. This fixes it before it starts.
24.Motion Sickness Acupressure Bands
Sleeper buses and the Hai Van Pass switchbacks get people. These actually work, no pills needed.
25.Packable Daypack (20L)
For day trips to Hoi An or Marble Mountains when you don't want to lug your whole backpack. Folds into your pocket when you're not using it.
Now, I hope you’re feeling a lot better and more prepared for your trip!
If you are interested in what daily life is like here, please do check out the videos below and I hope you have the best time. Please feel free to email me at nick AT nickguillory DOT com if you have any other questions, happy to help!