Trip Planning Archives – Page 2 of 6

Money in Vietnam: ATMs, Cash, Costs & Traveler Tips

A TPBank Branch and ATM in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The currency in Vietnam is called the Vietnamese dong (VND). In this guide, I’ll go over the different VND denominations, using ATMs in Vietnam, currency exchangers and rates, ...

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12 Things to Do in Hoi An: A Local’s Guide for First-Timers

Hoi An Old Town, with a street vendor selling bánh bèo, lanterns overhead, and small restaurants lining the road.

I love visiting Hoi An. I’m writing this article from Da Nang now and will be riding my scooter down to Hoi An this evening. I plan to ...

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An Bang Beach in Hoi An: Where to Swim, Stay, and Eat

Tourists on An Bang Beach, looking north along the coast toward Da Nang.

An Bang Beach is one of the reasons I like visiting Hoi An. It is by far Hoi An’s best and most convenient beach. And even though parts ...

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Renting a Scooter in Vietnam (& Tips for Riding)

My black Honda PCX 150 scooter parked along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An.

I’ve been riding a scooter daily since my first week in Vietnam in 2018. Like in the USA, Vietnam drives on the right side of the road. Scooters ...

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Is Da Nang Worth Visiting? A Local’s Review After 7 Years

Sunset over the Han River in Da Nang, with mountains in the distance and buildings with neon lights.

Da Nang has changed a lot since I first moved here in 2018. But in many ways, it’s stayed exactly the same. It was a bit of a ...

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Ho Chi Minh City in February: Weather, Crowds & Travel Tips

Outside the Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City in February.

If you’re researching visiting Ho Chi Minh City in February, you’re in the right place. I just published articles on visiting HCMC in December and January, two of ...

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Ho Chi Minh City in January: Weather, Crowds & Travel Tips

The District 1 skyline, including the Bitexco Financial Tower, in Ho Chi Minh City in January.

Following up on my guide to visiting Ho Chi Minh City in December, this one covers January. If you’re planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City in January, ...

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Visiting Da Nang in September: Weather, Crowds & Travel Tips

Tourists climbing the stairs to the entrance of the Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha statue in Da Nang in September.

September is a tricky month to visit Da Nang. The rainy season will usually have started, but there are still random days of clear skies. On the plus ...

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Visiting Hoi An in September: Weather, Crowds & Travel Tips

Palm trees and boats on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An in September.

If you’re thinking about visiting Hoi An in September, this brief guide covers the weather, crowds, and other little tidbits. Having lived in Da Nang for years, I’ve ...

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