packing list
What do I pack?
Vietnam during June and July is simply hot, humid, and generally dusty. Keep this in mind when you think about what to pack.
Below is a list of suggestions from past volunteers, both from our adult and student teams.
Clothing:
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Scrubs or lightweight pants for clinic days
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Shorts—knee length for guys to wear during clinic days. Gals are not allowed to wear shorts on clinic days, but may wear them during free days
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Hot/humid weather outfits (light cotton/rayon material) *
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Pajamas
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Undergarments
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Socks
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Dressy outfit(s) for galas
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Hat
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Cooling towels (available at sporting goods store-brands like Frog Toggs, Mission or just use a wet hand towel)
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Swim wear
*please note: our hotel usually offers laundry services, or there’s always laundry services available around town. You pay a certain cost/weight (cheaper) and they do a fair enough job. You don’t have to over-pack.
Shoes:
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Comfortable closed toe shoes for clinic days (you’ll be doing a lot of standing and walking)
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Walking/tennis shoes (#1 and #2 can be the same)
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Flip flops
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Dressy shoes for gala
Personal medications:
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Any over the counter or prescription medications you usually take
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Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
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Insect repellent (20% – 30% DEET)
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Lip balm
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Neosporin
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Hydrocortisone cream 1%
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Claritin or Zyrtec
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Pepto-Bismol
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Imodium
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Ibuprofen/Tylenol
Personal care:
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Sunglasses
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Band-aids
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Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, cleanser etc…)
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Feminine hygiene products
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Baby powder
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Hand sanitizer
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Toilet paper (they have toilet paper in VN, but if you’re a Charmin fan, bring your own)
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Travel Kleenex (some bathrooms in VN don’t provide toilet paper)
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Baby Wipes
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Ear plugs
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Shampoo/body wash (the hotel will provide or you can purchase in VN too)
Items for clinics:
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Pens and notebooks
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Stethoscopes (we have some to provide, but if you prefer your own, bring it)
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Disinfecting wipes for furniture
Collections for donations:
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New and gently used stuffed animals
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Small stickers
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Chewable children vitamins: SOLARAY brand children vitamin is preferred (no gummies as they melt)
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Sunglasses with UV protection from Dollar Store or 99cent stores
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Eucalyptus Oil, please provide these: they are available at stores in Little Saigon, or on amazon– Eagle Brand 24ml
Technology /Devices:
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Laptop (not required, but most students bring theirs—just keep them safe and secure with you)
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Phone. Unlock your phone and you can purchase SIM cards ( click for more details under “staying connected”)
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Camera
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Surge protector
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Ear buds or head phones
Other:
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$40-$50/day (this depends on how much you shop)
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Protein bars or other snacks (chocolate and gummies melt)
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Backpack
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Neck roll pillow
To print out the list, click on this link and print: Packing List