Beach essentials
Heading to the coast? These are the travel essentials in Vietnam that most people realize they need only after checking into their beach hotel.
- Sunscreen and aftersun lotion: Pharmacy and convenience store shelves in beach destinations are usually well stocked, though the exact SPF level or reef safe formula you want can vary by store size.
- Soft drinks and refreshments in Vietnam: Staying hydrated and energized matters even more at the beach, and a wide variety of soft drinks in Vietnam, from famous local iced teas to popular sodas and fruit juices, are sold in almost every corner store as single cans or multipacks.
- Flip flops and beach sandals: Cheaper and more available locally than most visitors expect.
- Rash guards or swim cover-ups: Useful for long days in the sun, and often found in a small selection at larger stores near beach areas.
- Insect repellent: Essential for evenings on the sand or at beachfront restaurants.
- Dry bags and waterproof phone pouches: Worth grabbing before a boat trip or snorkeling excursion.
Day trip essentials
Planning a day out such as a motorbike loop, a hike, a boat tour, or a long day of sightseeing? These travel essentials in Vietnam are worth stocking up on first.
- Snacks and regional specialties: Local and familiar packaged snacks are widely available and make a long day easier, especially somewhere with fewer food options. Notably, 3 WinMart+ stores and 18 WinMart stores feature a dedicated "Hello Vietnam" counter, created specifically to showcase authentic snacks and regional specialties unique to the province where the store is located.
- Extra bottled water in Vietnam: Always worth carrying more than you think you need, particularly outside major towns.
- A light rain poncho: Genuinely useful given how quickly the weather can shift, and cheap enough that buying one locally beats packing one from home.
- Small convenience items: Such as a phone SIM top up card or a reusable bag for whatever you pick up along the way.
Hotel room basics
Even good hotels sometimes skip the small things, or you will simply run out mid trip. Common toiletries in Vietnam and other room basics you can pick up nearby include the following.
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and shower gel
- Razors and shaving cream
- Laundry detergent sheets or travel size detergent
- Tissues and wet wipes
- Instant coffee, tea, or snacks for the room
Instead of stuffing a wash bag before you fly, treat your first evening at the hotel as a quick shopping stop for toiletries in Vietnam and anything else you are missing.
Where to buy them nearby
Instead of wandering unfamiliar streets looking for where to buy travel essentials in Vietnam, you can simply swing by a nearby store.
With over 5,000 WinMart, WinMart+ locations across all 34 provinces, you are never far from one whether you are along a major travel route, in a lively city center, or right by the beach. Every store offers everyday basics like bottled water in Vietnam, sunscreen, toiletries in Vietnam, and snacks at fixed, transparent prices.
As an added bonus, 3 WinMart+ and 18 WinMart stores in key tourist spots feature a dedicated "Hello Vietnam" counter. Here, you will find authentic regional specialties unique to the province you are visiting, from local snacks and teas to signature sauces and souvenirs you would not easily find anywhere else.
Before you go, check our destination guide and store locator to confirm opening hours, directions, and product availability for your exact location.
Ready to gear up for your journey? View nearby stores!