Hoi An Quang Nam, Vietnam Travel Guide
Dry Season (Feb-Aug): Choose lightweight, fabrics that breathe like cotton or linen. Pack loose-fitting T-shirts, sleeveless shirts, shorts, skirts, light dresses. A light long-sleeved shirt or Scarf offers Sun protection and modesty for religious sites. Include Swimwear for beaches.
Rain Season (Sep-Jan): Lightweight, quick-drying clothing. Bring a compact, Waterproof rain jacket (e.g., Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket) or Poncho. An Umbrella is useful. Closed-toe shoes that handle moisture. A light sweater for cooler evenings.
Pack Comfortable walking sandals or breathable Sneakers for daily exploration (e.g., Teva Universal Sandals).
Flip-flops are useful for the beach and hotel grounds. Closed-toe shoes, like light sneakers, for evenings or rural area visits. Waterproof sandals or shoes are helpful in the wet season.
Vital for entry
Original passport (6+ months validity), printed e-visa/approval letter, 2 passport photos (for VOA), digital copies.
International Driving Permit (IDP) required for scooter/car rental. Verify IDP type (1968 Vienna Convention).
Stay safe and well
Copy of vaccination record (especially Yellow Fever certificate if from a risk area), medication list with prescriptions.
Personalized first aid kit, anti-diarrhea medication, pain relievers, antihistamines, hydrocortisone cream, oral rehydration salts.
Smooth logistics
Printed and digital copies of plane tickets, hotel bookings, tour confirmations.
List of family/friends, contact information for the embassy/consulate details. Student/senior/press IDs for possible discounts.
Voltage: Vietnam uses 220V, 50Hz. Plug Types: A, C, F are common. A Universal travel adapter (e.g., EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter) for types A, C, F is suitable. Mobile Phone: Ensure your smartphone is unlocked. Purchase a SIM card at Da Nang Airport (DAD) or local shops. Major providers: Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone. eSIM options via Airalo are also available.
A Compact digital camera or a Smartphone with a good camera for street photography and landscapes. Extra memory cards and batteries. A Small tripod for low-light lantern shots. Portable chargers and power banks (e.g., Anker PowerCore Portable Charger) make sure your devices are charged. Use cloud storage or a Portable hard drive for photo backups.
Google Maps for walking, cycling, directions.
Grab for taxis and motorbike taxis. Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rentals if needed.
Google Translate (offline Vietnamese download).
WhatsApp and Zalo (local messaging app).
For secure browsing, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Tailor your packing to the activities you plan. Some gear you will bring, while other items are easily rented.
For underwater exploration at Cham Islands, tour operators usually provide gear.
The City of lanterns is very bicycle-friendly. Rental bicycles are widely available. Padded shorts add comfort for long rides.
Bring specific brands of toiletries, feminine care products, and contact lens solution if you have specific needs.
These additional items contribute to comfort, security, and convenience throughout your Hoi An trip.
Comfort items like a neck pillow or eye mask are helpful for long bus rides or flights. Consider a small, versatile daypack for daily excursions.
Reusable items such as water bottles, shopping bags, and travel utensils support environmental responsibility and save money.
Make both physical and digital copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and flight/hotel reservations. Store them separately from originals.
Carry a printed copy of your Vietnam e-visa or VOA approval letter.
Relying solely on digital copies for critical documents is not advisable.
Bring all your prescriptions in their original containers labeled containers. A doctor's note for controlled substances is advisable.
Include a basic first aid kit with pain relievers, antiseptic, and anti-diarrhea medicine.
Assume all particular medications are available locally.
Carry a mix of cash (VND) and credit cards. A universal power adapter covers all outlets.
Have small denominations of VND for street vendors and local markets.
Assume Wi-Fi is everywhere and always reliable.
| Category | Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Lightweight, quick-dry clothes, swimwear, light jacket/poncho. | Cover shoulders/knees for temples. |
| Documents | Passport, visa, insurance, IDP, reservations, copies. | Keep digital and physical copies separate. |
| Health & Safety | First aid, meds, repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitizer. | Stick to bottled water. |
