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:

1. Scrubs or lightweight pants for clinic days

2. 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

3. Hot/humid weather outfits (light cotton/rayon material) *

4. Pajamas

5. Undergarments

6. Socks

7. Dressy outfit(s) for galas

8. Hat

9. Cooling towels (available at sporting goods store-brands like Frog Toggs, Mission or just use a wet hand towel)

10. 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:

1. Comfortable closed toe shoes for clinic days (you’ll be doing a lot of standing and walking)

2. Walking/tennis shoes (#1 and #2 can be the same)

3. Flip flops

4. Dressy shoes for gala

Personal medications:

1. Any over the counter or prescription medications you usually take

2. Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)

3. Insect repellent (20% – 30% DEET)

4. Lip balm

5. Neosporin

6. Hydrocortisone cream 1%

7. Claritin or Zyrtec

8. Pepto-Bismol

9. Imodium

10. Ibuprofen/Tylenol

Personal care:

1. Sunglasses

2. Band-aids

3. Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, cleanser etc…)

4. Feminine hygiene products

5. Baby powder

6. Hand sanitizer

7. Toilet paper (they have toilet paper in VN, but if you’re a Charmin fan, bring your own)

8. Travel Kleenex (some bathrooms in VN don’t provide toilet paper)

9. Baby Wipes

10. Ear plugs

11. Shampoo/body wash (the hotel will provide or you can purchase in VN too)

Items for clinics:

1. Pens and notebooks

2. Stethoscopes (we have some to provide, but if you prefer your own, bring it)

3. Disinfecting wipes for furniture

Collections for donations:

1. New and gently used stuffed animals

2. Small stickers

3. Chewable children vitamins: SOLARAY brand children vitamin is preferred (no gummies as they melt)

4. Sunglasses  with UV protection from Dollar Store or 99cent stores

5. Eucalyptus Oil, please provide these: they are available at stores in Little Saigon, or on amazon– Eagle Brand 24ml

Technology /Devices:

1. Laptop (not required, but most students bring theirs—just keep them safe and secure with you)

2. Phone. Unlock your phone and you can purchase SIM cards ( click for more details  under “staying connected”)

3. Camera

4. Surge protector

5. Ear buds or head phones

Other:

1. $40-$50/day (this depends on how much you shop)

2. Protein bars or other snacks (chocolate and gummies melt)

3. Backpack

4. Neck roll pillow

To print out the list, click on this link and print: Packing List