What to Pack for Lan Ha Bay
Packing smart for a boat trip makes all the difference. Space on board cruise cabins and tender boats is compact, and salt water is unforgiving to electronics. Here is our tested packing list for Lan Ha Bay.
Fact sheet
Essential gearWaterproof dry bag (5L–10L)
Cruising dress codeSmart casual resort wear for evening dinner
Kayaking clothingUV rashguard or quick-dry t-shirt and board shorts
Winter layerLight windbreaker / fleece (Dec–Feb highs 18–20°C)
Short answer
Must-haves: 10L dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, slip-on water shoes, quick-dry swimwear, and sturdy closed-toe shoes if climbing Monkey Island.
Packing checklist by category
- Water & Kayaking Gear: 2x swimsuits, UV rashguard shirt, water shoes or strapped sports sandals (Teva/Chaco style), and a 10L dry bag.
- Cruising & Dining: Lightweight linen shirts/dresses, breathable cotton shorts, light sweater or shawl for breezy sundeck evenings.
- Sun & Health Protection: Reef-safe biodegradable sunscreen (SPF 50+), polarized sunglasses with retaining strap, wide-brim sun hat, mosquito repellent, and seasickness tablets.
- Electronics & Power: Phone waterproof pouch, portable power bank, universal travel adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and hybrid sockets), and camera.
Questions people ask
Can I bring a large rolling suitcase on a cruise?
Yes, overnight cruise ships have ample cabin storage. For day boat tours, bring only a small daypack and leave bulky suitcases with your hotel reception in Cat Ba Town.