Homestay packing list: mountains, beach and villas

What to pack for a homestay is a common question, because every homestay provides different things: some are equipped like a hotel, others offer just a bed and blankets. Pack too little and you are inconvenienced; pack too much and your case is heavy, especially when you have to drag it uphill in Sa Pa or Da Lat. This homestay packing list covers essentials for every trip, plus extras for the mountains, the beach and villas with a pool.

Ask the homestay before you pack

• Are towels, shampoo, shower gel and toothbrushes provided?
• Is there a hair dryer, an iron or a kettle?
• Is there a washing machine or somewhere to dry clothes?
• Do rooms have heating and thick blankets (mountains) or air conditioning (coast)?

One short call can remove a dozen items from your case, and tells you in advance whether the place really suits your group, from bed sizes to how far it is from the nearest shop. Find homestay phone numbers by province and ward in the homestay and villa finder.

Essentials for every homestay trip

Keep toiletries in travel bottles and a hanging toiletry bag, which saves space and helps in small bathrooms.

Mountain homestays: Sa Pa, Ha Giang, Da Lat

• A warm jacket, thermal layer and thick socks; nights can be much colder than days.
• Shoes with good grip for steep and slippery paths.
• A light raincoat and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
• A backpack instead of a suitcase if the homestay is up a slope or reached by motorbike.

Beach homestays and pool villas

• Swimwear, a beach towel (many places do not allow room towels on the beach) and goggles.
• Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• A waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet.
• For big groups: a Bluetooth speaker, group games and bin bags for the party.

See swimwear for villa trips if your stay has a pool.

What not to bring

• Too many just-in-case outfits; choose clothes that mix and match.
• A hair dryer or iron if the homestay already has one.
• Expensive jewellery.
• Full-size bottles of cosmetics; small travel bottles are enough.

Travelling with young children or older relatives

Young children need extra water bottles, familiar snacks, fever medicine as advised by their doctor, a thermometer, wet wipes and a favourite toy to help them sleep somewhere new. Older relatives should bring enough daily medication for the whole trip plus a few spare days, non-slip shoes and a light jacket for indoors. Ask the homestay in advance whether it has ground-floor rooms, en-suite bathrooms and paths with few steps, since many mountain homestays are built into hillsides. A small torch is also useful for night-time trips to the bathroom in an unfamiliar house, and a printed list of emergency contacts helps if phones run flat. If anyone in the group has allergies, mention it when you book, because some homestays serve home-cooked meals and can adjust the menu with a little notice.

Packing tips

Roll clothes instead of folding them, put heavy items near the wheels and keep a separate bag for laundry. Pack what you need on arrival (chargers, medicine, a jacket) on top or in your day bag. If flying, power banks must go in carry-on luggage. Pick light luggage with sturdy wheels if the homestay has lots of steps. Save this homestay packing list on your phone once, and on future trips you only need to tick items off.