Practical tips: Hoi An & Da Nang

What I wish I'd known before my first trip.

Visas and entry

Many nationalities can enter Vietnam visa-free for a limited number of days, and almost everyone else can apply online for an e-visa, which since 2023 can be valid for up to 90 days. Apply only through the official government portal, not look-alike sites that charge extra. Rules change, so check the current list of exempt countries and maximum stays before you travel.

Money

The currency is the dong. Notes have many zeros, and the 20,000 and 500,000 notes are both blue, so check before paying. ATMs are common in Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue, though some charge fees. Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants, but markets, street stalls and boats are cash-only. Carry small notes.

Getting around

Da Nang has the region’s international airport. Hoi An is about 30 km south, 40–50 minutes by taxi or ride-hailing car. Ride-hailing apps work well in Da Nang and Hoi An. The train between Da Nang and Hue is scenic. In Hoi An, bicycles are the best way around. Rent scooters only if you are licensed and experienced.

Seasons and weather

The dry season runs from roughly February to August, with hot, humid days from May. The wet season, September to December, brings heavy rain, typhoons and floods, especially in October and November, when Hoi An’s old town can flood. January and February can be cool and grey. The sea is calmest from March to August.

Health

Drink bottled or filtered water. Use repellent against mosquitoes, which can carry dengue. Heat is the most common problem: carry water, rest at midday and wear a hat. Pharmacies are common and helpful for basic needs; Da Nang has the best hospitals in the region. Travel insurance that covers motorbikes is worth checking.

Etiquette

Cover shoulders and knees in temples, pagodas and the Imperial City. Take off shoes where others do. Ask before photographing people, especially older people and monks. Don’t touch people’s heads. Public displays of anger cause embarrassment; a smile and patience go much further.

Safety

Central Vietnam is generally safe. Traffic is the biggest risk: cross roads slowly and predictably. Watch for pickpockets and bag snatchers on motorbikes in crowded areas. Follow local warnings during the storm season, and never swim in rough sea or during red flags.

Scams and prices

Agree prices for boats, cyclos, seafood and tailoring before you start. Seafood is often priced per kilogram, so check. Some taxis use rigged meters; ride-hailing apps avoid this. Tailors may promise impossible deadlines. Most people are honest, and a polite, clear question usually solves things.

SIM cards and connectivity

Local SIM cards from Viettel, Vinaphone or Mobifone are cheap and give good data coverage; buy one at the airport or an official shop with your passport for registration. eSIMs also work. Wi-Fi is available in most cafés and guesthouses.

Tailoring and shopping

Hoi An’s tailors can make clothes in a day or two, but quality varies. Bring a sample of a garment you like, allow at least two fittings and check the stitching. Lanterns fold flat for travel. Coffee, tea, ceramics and silk are good souvenirs; buy from workshops where possible.