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Hoi An Travel Checklist

Hoi An Travel Checklist

Essential Preparations

A chronological guide to tasks before your departure.

Your Planning Timeline

Steps to take at different intervals for thorough readiness.

1

+ Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6+ months); apply for Vietnam e-visa.

Flights & Stays

Book international flights; reserve accommodations for peak season.

Health & Insurance

See a doctor for shots; Purchase travel insurance.

2

Month Before

Domestic Travel

Purchase domestic airfare, trains, or buses within Vietnam.

Tours & Classes

Book popular tours (My Son, Cham Islands) and cooking classes.

Document Copies

Compile electronic and hard copies of all important documents.

3

Week Before

Financial & Safety

Inform bank of travel plans; confirm emergency contacts.

Digital Readiness

Get necessary apps (Grab, Google Maps, Translate).

Home Affairs

Notify family of itinerary; handle your post, pet, and plant care.

Required Advance Bookings

Certain arrangements are best made well ahead of time.

Essential Reservations

  • International flights to secure optimal fares.
  • Your Vietnam visa (e-visa or approval letter).
  • Initial accommodation, particularly during busy travel periods.
  • Popular tours and special encounters (e.g., cooking classes).

Pre-Trip Research Suggestions

Get to know the culture of the area and practical aspects.

Areas of Inquiry

  • Learn about Vietnamese culture and etiquette.
  • Familiarize yourself with common local scams and safety tips.
  • Look up The City of lanterns's specific cuisine to savor.
  • Review local transportation options.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Small the steps of home contribute to a worry-free trip.

Security Measures

  • Make sure all are secure windows and doors.
  • Use timers for lights to indicate presence.
  • Unplug non-essential electronics.
  • Notify trusted neighbors of your absence.

Household Care

  • Arrange for mail collection or forwarding.
  • Organize pet care if you have animals.
  • Plan for plant watering.
  • Empty perishable items from the fridge.

Financial & Contacts

  • Inform your bank of travel dates.
  • Share your itinerary with family and friends.
  • Write down emergency contacts.
  • Arrange transport to the airport.

Smart Tip

A paper copy of your passport, visa, and insurance details, separate from your main documents, can prove invaluable.

Arrival Checklist

Steps for a smooth transition upon reaching The City of lanterns.

Initial Actions at Da Nang Airport DAD

  • 1
    The Process of immigration

    Pass through border control and visa stamping (if Visa on Arrival).

  • 2
    Luggage Retrieval

    Collect your stowed baggage from the carousel.

  • 3
    Connectivity

    Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport.

Settling into Hoi An

  • Currency Exchange

    Exchange some VND or use an ATM for immediate cash.

  • Transport to Accommodation

    Use pre-booked transfer, Grab, or reputable taxi to your hotel.

  • Local Orientation

    Locate your hotel and take a walk around your neighborhood.

Pre-Departure Timing

Travel Time to Airport

Allow 45-60 minutes for travel from Hoi An to The City of bridges Airport (DAD).

Put in a buffer for unexpected traffic.

International Flights

Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your international flight.

This allows time for check-in, security, and customs.

Domestic Flights

Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.

Domestic procedures are generally quicker.

Final Check

Confirm your onward flights or transport arrangements the day before departure.

Departure Preparation

Plan your exit from The City of lanterns with care for a stress-free departure.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Factor in time for last-minute souvenir shopping.
  • If shipping large items, confirm arrangements and tracking details.
  • Be mindful of airline baggage weight limits for new purchases.
  • Inquire about VAT refund procedures for certain goods (not widely advertised).

Packing & Documents

  • Pack carefully, keep valuables in your carry-on bag.
  • Passport and boarding pass should remain readily accessible.
  • Print essential documents; store digital copies on devices and cloud.
  • Carry any needed prescriptions in your carry-on with prescriptions.

Visa Exemption Limits

Citizens from specific countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for short stays.

Maximum Stay Periods

  • ASEAN Nations:30 days
  • South Korea, Japan, Nordic countries:15 days
  • UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain:15 days
  • Check official Vietnamese government sources for the most current rules.

Visa Options & Fees

  • E-visa: Online application via official portal; up to 90 days, single entry.
  • Visa upon Arrival (VOA): Approval letter obtained online, stamp at airport.
  • Traditional Visa: From Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate for longer/multiple entries.
  • E-visa fee: typically US$25. VOA stamping fee: US$25 (single) or US$50 (multiple).

Important Note

Always verify visa and entry information directly with the Vietnamese government or your local embassy.

Rules can change, so always seek the most current guidance.

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