Your complete guide to arriving, exploring, and falling in love with Vietnam — with Da Nang Chill Trip by your side.
Vietnam is one of the world's most rewarding destinations — rich in history, dazzling in scenery, and deeply welcoming to international visitors. With Da Nang Chill Trip as your local partner, you get more than a tour. You get genuine connection.
From Ha Long Bay's emerald waters in the north to the Mekong Delta's river life in the south, Vietnam packs extraordinary diversity into a single country.
Banh mi, pho, bun bo Hue, cao lau — Vietnam's cuisine is a UNESCO-recognised cultural treasure. Every meal is an adventure in itself.
We are a Da Nang-based team. Every guide, driver, and partner is vetted by us personally. You benefit from insider knowledge no guidebook can offer.
Our international guests consistently rate us 4.9 out of 5 for quality, value, and the personal touch that makes all the difference on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Da Nang Chill Trip is licensed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. All tours carry comprehensive travel and liability insurance.
From your first WhatsApp message to the farewell wave at the airport, every part of your journey is handled in clear, friendly English.
Vietnam's e-visa system makes entry straightforward for most nationalities. Here is what you need to know.
Most nationalities can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn. The fee is approximately $25 USD. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days and can be single or multiple entry. Processing typically takes 3 business days, so apply at least one week before departure.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Vietnam. Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Check your passport well in advance — consulates can take weeks to process renewals.
Citizens of many ASEAN nations and select European countries (including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others) enjoy visa-free entry for periods ranging from 15 to 45 days. Visa-on-arrival is available when arranged in advance through a licensed agent. Contact us for the latest information for your nationality.
Vietnam has 33 international land, sea, and air border crossings. Da Nang International Airport (DAD) accepts direct international flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and more. Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) also have major international terminals for connecting flights.
Important: Visa rules change. Always verify entry requirements with your country's embassy or the official Vietnam e-visa portal before booking flights. Da Nang Chill Trip is happy to provide guidance, but we are not a licensed visa agent.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is perfectly positioned in Central Vietnam — a convenient gateway to both north and south, and the ideal base for your entire journey.
Multiple airlines including Vietnam Airlines, Scoot, and VietJet operate direct flights from Changi Airport (SIN) to Da Nang (DAD). Flight time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Fares start from around SGD 120 return depending on season.
Direct flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) to Da Nang are operated by VietJet, Thai AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways. Flight time is approximately 2 hours. Connections also available via Hanoi (HAN).
Korean Air, Asiana, Jeju Air, and VietJet fly direct from Incheon (ICN) and Gimpo (GMP) to Da Nang. Flight time is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. Da Nang is extremely popular with Korean visitors — expect great deals especially off-peak.
AirAsia and VietJet operate frequent direct services from KLIA2 (KUL) to Da Nang. Flight time is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. Malaysia is one of Da Nang's top visitor source markets, with daily flights available year-round.
Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport is Vietnam's largest hub with direct connections from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Sydney, and more. From Hanoi, domestic flights to Da Nang take just 1 hour 15 minutes and depart every hour with Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City connects to major hubs across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. Domestic flights from HCMC to Da Nang run every 30–60 minutes throughout the day and take just 1 hour 10 minutes.
Vietnam's climate varies significantly by region. Da Nang and Central Vietnam have their own seasonal rhythm — here is what to expect throughout the year.
| Season | Months | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | February – May | Warm, sunny, low humidity. Temperatures 24–32°C. Ideal beach and sightseeing conditions. | ✓ Best Time |
| Hot Season | June – August | Hot and humid with afternoon rain. Temperatures 30–38°C. Occasional heavy downpours but mornings usually clear. | ✓ Good Value |
| Typhoon Season | September – November | Highest rainfall. Central Vietnam is prone to typhoons, especially October–November. Some tours may be disrupted. | ⚠ Check Forecast |
| Cool & Dry | December – January | Cooler temperatures 18–24°C, low rainfall. Perfect for sightseeing and cultural tours. Busy over Christmas and New Year. | ✓ Great Choice |
Note: The north of Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa) has cooler winters and a distinct dry season from October to April. The south (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc) has a clearer wet and dry season. Contact us for region-specific advice.
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Being prepared means you will always get the best value for your travel budget.
As a general guide, 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND, 1 EUR ≈ 27,000 VND, 1 GBP ≈ 31,000 VND, 1 AUD ≈ 16,000 VND. Rates fluctuate — always check live rates before exchanging. Many travellers find it easiest to think in tens of thousands when shopping locally.
ATMs are widely available in Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Recommended networks include Vietcombank, Techcombank, and BIDV. Withdrawal limits are typically 2–5 million VND per transaction. Your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee — check before you go.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and tour operators in tourist areas. American Express is less widely accepted. For markets, street food, local transport, and smaller businesses, cash (VND) is essential. Always carry some VND with you.
Airport currency exchange desks typically offer rates 5–10% worse than city banks or ATMs. If you must exchange at the airport, only do so for a small amount to cover immediate needs (taxi, sim card). Exchange the rest in the city at a bank or reputable jewellery shop, which traditionally offer the best rates in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a safe destination. A little preparation goes a long way to ensuring your trip is worry-free from start to finish.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Da Nang has modern international hospitals but serious emergencies may require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore. Insurance is not expensive — skipping it is a significant risk.
Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations for Vietnam include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas), and Rabies (for adventurous travellers). Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for remote regions.
Do not drink tap water in Vietnam. Bottled water is cheap and widely available — typically 5,000–10,000 VND for 500 ml. Be cautious with ice at street stalls; reputable restaurants use purified ice. Use bottled or filtered water when brushing teeth. Da Nang Chill Trip provides complimentary drinking water on all day tours.
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's safest countries for tourists. Use common sense: keep phones in your pocket on busy streets, use Grab rather than hailing random taxis, and keep copies of your passport in a hotel safe. Da Nang Chill Trip provides 24-hour WhatsApp support throughout your tour. All our vehicles are licensed and our drivers are background-checked.
Vietnamese culture is warm and welcoming. A few simple gestures of respect will earn you smiles and open doors that remain closed to less considerate travellers.
Dress modestly when visiting temples, pagodas, and the Marble Mountains — shoulders and knees should be covered. Remove your shoes before entering. Speak quietly, do not point at Buddha statues, and always ask permission before photographing ceremonies or monks. Modest clothing for hire is often available at major sites.
The traditional Vietnamese greeting is a slight bow with hands clasped. A handshake is common in business settings. Use both hands when offering or receiving business cards, gifts, or money. Elderly Vietnamese are highly respected — address older people with respectful titles (Ông for older men, Bà for older women).
Bargaining is expected and socially acceptable at local markets, street stalls, and independent souvenir shops. Start at about 50–60% of the asking price and negotiate with a smile. Fixed prices apply at supermarkets and most restaurants. Never bargain aggressively — keep it light and friendly. Walking away is often the best bargaining technique.
Tipping is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated. Recommended tips: restaurant servers 10–15% of the bill, tour guides 50,000–100,000 VND per person per day, drivers 20,000–50,000 VND per day, spa and massage therapists 20,000–50,000 VND. At budget street-food stalls, rounding up the bill is perfectly appropriate and thoughtful.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in rural villages and ethnic minority communities. A smile and a gesture toward your camera goes a long way. Some sacred sites prohibit photography entirely — respect posted signs. Photographing military installations is strictly prohibited in Vietnam.
Vietnam's traffic — especially motorbikes — can be overwhelming at first. The key to crossing streets safely is to walk slowly and steadily, making eye contact with drivers, and allowing traffic to flow around you. Do not dart or run. Pedestrian crossings exist but are advisory. Our guides will help you navigate confidently.
Hand-picked tours designed specifically for travellers coming from outside Vietnam — comfortable pacing, English-speaking guides, and unforgettable experiences.
Sail through UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay on a premium junk boat. Kayak into hidden caves, feast on fresh seafood, watch the sunrise from your cabin deck. This is Vietnam at its most cinematic.
Immerse yourself in the living history of Central Vietnam — the Imperial City of Hue, the ancient trading port of Hoi An, and the sacred Hindu towers of My Son. A journey through dynasties, cultures, and cuisines.
The ultimate Vietnam experience — from Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ha Long Bay to Da Nang's beaches, Hoi An's ancient streets, and the buzzing energy of Ho Chi Minh City. This is Vietnam in full colour.
Answers to the most common questions from our international guests. Don't see your question? WhatsApp us — we reply within a few hours.
Yes — Vietnam consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for solo travel. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Common sense precautions apply: keep valuables secure, use Grab rather than unmetered taxis, and let someone know your plans. Da Nang Chill Trip provides 24/7 WhatsApp support on all tours, so you are never truly alone.
Most visitors can obtain a Vietnam e-visa at evisa.gov.vn for $25 USD. It covers up to 90 days and can be single or multiple entry. Citizens of many European countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) enjoy visa-free stays of 45 days. Always check the current requirements for your specific nationality before booking.
Vietnamese is the official language. In Da Nang, Hoi An, and other major tourist areas, English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tour operations. All Da Nang Chill Trip guides are fluent English speakers. French is spoken by some older Vietnamese due to the country's colonial history. We can also arrange guides who speak French, Korean, or Chinese on request.
USD is informally accepted at some tourist-facing businesses, but the official currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). You will almost always get better value paying in VND. The approximate rate is 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND. ATMs dispense VND and are widely available. Avoid exchanging currency at the airport — rates are significantly worse than in the city.
Tipping is not mandatory but deeply appreciated. At restaurants, 10–15% is generous. For tour guides, 50,000–100,000 VND per person per day is standard. For drivers, 20,000–50,000 VND per day is appropriate. At massage parlours and spas, 20,000–50,000 VND is common. Never feel pressured — give what feels right based on the quality of service.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is just 3 km from the city centre. Options: (1) Grab — download the app before you arrive, costs 50,000–80,000 VND to most city hotels; (2) Airport taxi — use Mai Linh or Vinasun metered taxis only; (3) Hotel transfer — most hotels offer this for 100,000–200,000 VND; (4) Tour pick-up — Da Nang Chill Trip includes airport transfers on all multi-day packages.