While violent crimes against tourists are virtually unheard of in Hoi An, petty theft and pick-pocketing remains an issue. This can be almost entirely avoided by keeping your valuables concealed and your bags on hand at all times. Women rarely encounter problems when travelling alone, but all visitors should exercise caution when walking around the city at night.

Vietnam is a politically stable nation, but corruption remains a major problem. Double-pricing for tourists for everything from a train ticket to a bowl of noodles is standard.

220V AC, 50Hz; two-pin flat plugs are used.

Stifling heat and bugs are two main dangers to watch out for around Hoi An. This town has all the biting insects you’d expect in any tropical destination, but by covering up at dusk and using insect repellent you can protect yourself. It’s advised that all travellers to Vietnam have updated shots for tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis. Heat is another factor to consider when wandering around Hoi An. Take a break during midday and stay hydrated.

The food and water is another concern in Hoi An. It is not recommended to drink water from the tap; stick to bottled water, which is readily available. Street side food stalls are generally fine as long as the snack you’re eating has been properly cooked. The standard of hygiene in restaurants varies widely, so it may be best to pass a place that looks grungy and has no customers.

For a minor illness like an upset stomach, local pharmacies can assist. They are cheap, easy and can be found all over Hoi An. The only advanced medical facilities in Vietnam are located in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The selection of hospitals in and around Hoi An is very limited, so if you have a medical emergency it’s best to head straight for Ho Chi Minh City. Travel insurance is always a good idea to cover the costs of any unexpected trip to the hospital.

Vietnamese is the language most commonly spoken in Hoi An. Some of the older residents may speak French, while English and Chinese are often used in the tourist industry.

Vietnam uses the dông (VND; symbol ₫) as its official currency, but US dollars are also widely accepted throughout the country. The Vietnamese currency has a bewildering number of dông notes, so check carefully when using them. The novelty of carrying tens of millions of dông will soon wear off, so bring a supply of small denomination US dollar notes. Dông notes come in denominations of ₫500,000, 200,000, 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins come in denominations of ₫5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.

All visitors to Vietnam may bring: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1.5 litres of spirits over 22 per cent alcohol content; 3 litres of beer or wine; and a reasonable amount of personal belongings and perfume without incurring a customs duty. Pornography, anti-government propaganda, non-prescribed drugs and firearms are prohibited.

Vietnamese typically greet each other with a handshake or a vocal greeting. In general, Hoi An is a conservative city so try and dress modestly when touring around. Lightweight, casual clothes work best, but try and avoid wearing shorts as only children wear them in Vietnam.

Before you enter a Buddhist temple you should remove your shoes. This is also true of people’s homes, so if you see shoes sitting by the door you should follow suit. The head is considered sacred, so never touch a Vietnamese person on their head. Likewise, the feet are considered dirty, so don’t use them to touch something or someone.

Photography is a sensitive issue in Vietnam. There are official restrictions for photo taking at airports, harbours, ports and military sites. It is also a good idea to ask someone first before taking a photograph of them. Vietnamese are naturally friendly people and have a different sense of personal space to most Westerners.

Nearly everyone who wants to visit Vietnam needs a visa before arriving. This is true for citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. A tourist visa is valid for 30 days and can be arranged at any Vietnam consulate, typically taking five to seven working days to process. You will need a passport photo, a valid passport and a completed application form to apply.

Most tourists can extend their travel visa inside Vietnam for an additional 30 days, but this can only be done by a travel agent. Also, keep in mind that your visa begins on the day you specify on your visa application, not the day that you actually enter the country. This is an unusual sticking point that can cause a headache when beginning your trip.

The Hoi An Tourist Office sells tickets to the old town attractions and provides a few maps of the town and its environs.

Hoi An Tourist Guiding Office 
01 Nguyen Truong To 
Phone: +84 510 861 327 
Website: www.hoianworldheritage.org