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Inside my backpack
Everything I packed for 15 days in Northern Vietnam, in a single 50-litre bag.
I travelled with a Simond 50 L backpack from Decathlon: light, comfortable and perfectly suited to this kind of trip — fifteen days between Hanoi, Sa Pa, Ninh Bình and Cát Bà, without ever checking a bag. Here is the exact list, category by category.
The bag I usedSee the Simond 50 L on Decathlon
Clothes
- · 3 breathable t-shirts / tank tops (technical fabric or light cotton)
- · 2 pairs of shorts
- · 1 loose / convertible pair of trousers (hiking style or light linen)
- · 1 light dress or playsuit
- · 1 light long-sleeve shirt (sun and mosquito protection)
- · 1 light sweatshirt / cardigan (wear it on the flight out)
- · 5 pairs of underwear (you can do laundry along the way)
- · 3 pairs of thin socks
- · 1 swimsuit
- · 1 pair of walking sandals / sturdy flip-flops
- · 1 pair of trainers (wear them on departure)
Toiletries & health · approx. 500 g
- · Compact toiletry bag
- · Toothbrush + travel toothpaste
- · Mini soap / solid shampoo
- · Sunscreen (≤ 100 ml)
- · Mosquito repellent
- · Solid deodorant
- · Basic medication (paracetamol, plasters, antiseptic)
- · Mini hand sanitiser
- · Biodegradable wipes
Tech
- · Multi-purpose charging cable
- · Power bank
- · Earphones
- · Universal adapter
Documents & extras · approx. 300 g
- · Passport + digital copies + 2 passport photos
- · Bank card + a small amount of local cash
- · Travel insurance + international driving permit
- · Notebook / pen
- · Waterproof bag (small dry bag for phone and papers)
- · Sunglasses
- · Cap or light hat
My packing tips
- · Wear your heaviest items on the plane: trainers, sweatshirt, trousers. The bag instantly feels lighter.
- · Plan a laundry stop along the way: most homestays wash clothes by the kilo for a couple of euros.
- · November in the north: days are mild, but Sapa and the Fansipan summit can be freezing. A windbreaker changes everything.
- · Keep a small packable daypack (15–20 L) for day trips, folded inside the big one.
Go further
The complete 15-day itinerary
Day by day, with tested addresses, booking links, the real budget and the interactive map of the trip.