Must-Read Travel Tips Before Visiting Da Nang, Vietnam 🌟🌟

I. Preparation ——
1️⃣ Visa
– Utilized a popular online marketplace (Taobao) to obtain a paper visa, which was processed in advance without any expedited service. The visa was mailed out within just three days, requiring only a passport photo and a white background ID photo!
– Beware of SIM card packages on the same marketplace!

🚫 I made the mistake of purchasing one, and it turned out to be a complete letdown. The SIM card failed to work upon my arrival in Vietnam, causing a significant waste of time and frustration.

2️⃣ Flight
– Opted for a direct flight from Hong Kong to Da Nang with HK Express.
– ⚠️ Avoid buying tickets through third-party platforms! It’s much more advantageous to purchase directly from the HK Express official website, where you can select luggage options at a fair price.
– My experience with a certain platform (Ctrip) was less than ideal; the ticket did not include any free baggage allowance, not even for a carry-on, allowing only a single backpack with strict size limitations.

When I later added luggage via the official website, I discovered that it was both more economical and offered a wider range of choices.
– ✅ Online check-in is available 48 hours to 75 minutes before your flight. You cannot check in earlier, and after completing the online process, you still need to visit the airport to handle your luggage check-in.

3️⃣ Hong Kong Border Crossing
There are several routes to travel from Shenzhen to Hong Kong Airport, but the key is to ensure you have ample time for the journey.
[Materials]:
– For those traveling to Hong Kong solely for a connecting flight, no Hong Kong-Macau pass endorsement is required. Be prepared to go through the manual channel!

Make sure to have the following ready:
✅ Passport
✅ Round-trip flight itinerary and hotel reservation confirmation (printed)
✅ Visa
✅ Passenger arrival application form (filled out at the port)

II. In Vietnam ——
1️⃣ Transportation
【GRAB】: Whether you’re traveling from Hoi An to Ba Na Hills or heading to Da Nang, GRAB is your go-to for long-distance journeys. It’s incredibly convenient, and the cars are always clean and comfortable. Plus, the drivers are exceptionally friendly, making your trip a breeze.

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【Motorbike】: For exploring the charming cities of Hoi An and Da Nang, renting a motorbike is highly recommended. Parking 🅿️ is a cinch, and the prices are very reasonable. We rented ours directly from our hotel in Hoi An for 150,000 VND, plus 50,000 VND for a full tank of fuel. With a full tank, you can easily zip around Hoi An for 24 hours without needing to refuel.

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【TAXI】: ❌ Steer clear of taxis! They are a major pitfall with their non-transparent pricing. We tested this out on a trip from Da Nang to the airport, and the fare was nearly double that of GRAB. Save yourself the hassle and stick with more reliable options.
2️⃣ Attractions
【Hoi An Ancient Town】: A delightful place to wander and explore, all at a budget-friendly price!

The ancient town is brimming with unique coffee shops, perfect for a leisurely afternoon and some Instagram-worthy photos. At night, the iconic colorful lanterns light up the streets, creating a magical atmosphere. 🌟 If you decide to buy one from a street vendor, don’t forget to haggle!
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【Basket Boat】: This is a must-try experience, especially if you want to feel like an internet sensation!

It’s incredibly fun, and the boatman will provide hats and umbrellas to keep you comfortable. The entire experience lasts about half an hour, and it’s a blast 😁.
Vietnam does have its fair share of mosquitoes, so it’s wise to bring along some Six God mosquito repellent, which provides up to 7 hours of protection.

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There’s no need to book in advance. If someone approaches you with a quote, feel free to negotiate. A fair price for two people is around 150,000-200,000 VND, or you can book through KLOOK for added convenience.
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【Ba Na Hills】: This is a stunning attraction that should not be missed! The scenery is breathtaking, and I highly recommend staying overnight for the full experience.

✅ When visiting Ba Na Hills, book the cable car and a hotel at the foot of the mountain. Check-in at the front desk, and purchase the round-trip cable car ticket there (it’s cheaper than buying the cable car 🚠 ticket separately). The cable car to the Golden Bridge is included, and the first one leaves at 6 AM, providing a serene and less crowded setting for photos.

✅ We stayed at the French Village Mercure Ba Na Hills, which exudes a charming, retro French style. It’s truly unique and adds to the overall experience.
✅ The hotel breakfast is excellent, but the dinner options can be pricey and not as tasty 😂.