Your 7-Day Hanoi & Hoi An, Vietnam Itinerary

Most foreign nationals, including travelers from the US, EU, UK, Australia, and India, require a visa to enter Vietnam. An e-Visa, valid for up to 90 days with multiple entries, is the most common option and can be applied for online through the official Vietnamese immigration website (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your arrival date.

The most common options are a Grab taxi (around 250,000-350,000 VND, 45-60 min), a traditional taxi from an official queue (similar price), or a public bus (Bus 86, around 45,000 VND, 60-90 min to Hanoi Old Quarter). Avoid unofficial taxi touts inside the terminal and use only reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white).

Vietnam is generally safe for solo female travelers, with major cities like Hanoi and tourist areas like Hoi An being accustomed to foreign visitors. However, remain aware of your belongings due to petty theft (motorbike snatching) and exercise caution when walking alone at night. Always use reputable transport like Grab or official taxis for your safety.

The most efficient way is a domestic flight from Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN) to Da Nang International Airport (DAD), which takes about 1.5 hours. From Da Nang, it's a 30-45 minute taxi or Grab ride to Hoi An (approx. 300,000-400,000 VND). Overnight sleeper trains are also available from Hanoi to Da Nang (16-18 hours), followed by the same transfer to Hoi An.

While credit/debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, many street food stalls, local markets, and smaller shops, especially in Hoi An Ancient Town, operate on a cash-only basis. It's advisable to carry 500,000-1,000,000 VND (around $20-40 USD) in small denominations for daily expenses. ATMs are widely available in cities and major tourist areas.

The Old Quarter is the most popular choice for first-time visitors, offering bustling markets, street food, and proximity to major attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake. The French Quarter provides a more colonial, upscale experience with quieter streets and luxury hotels. Tay Ho (West Lake) is favored by expats for its lakeside cafes, relaxed atmosphere, and boutique accommodations.

When dining in a group, wait for the eldest person at the table to begin eating before you do. Chopsticks should not be stuck upright in your rice bowl, as this resembles incense in an offering bowl for the dead. It's also considered impolite to pass food directly from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks.

Common scams include inflated taxi meter fares (use Grab or fixed-price taxis!), fake tour agencies selling non-existent or substandard trips, pushy street vendors overcharging for goods (always haggle!), and offers for 'free' services that lead to pressured sales. Be particularly cautious of anyone trying to place a conical hat (nón lá) or fruit basket on you for a 'photo opportunity'—they will immediately demand payment.