Hoi An, Vietnam

• Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage town on Vietnam's central coast, known for its preserved old quarter. Every evening, thousands of silk lanterns light up the pedestrian streets - it's become a major tourist draw, though the crowds are manageable compared to other Vietnamese cities. Expect warm weather year-round, with serious flooding during the rainy season (especially October).
• Safety levels here are higher than most of Southeast Asia. The Old Town is pedestrian-only, which means no motorbikes to dodge. Street vendors and shop owners will approach you, but it's low-pressure compared to other tourist areas. You'll see solo travelers everywhere, sitting alone in cafes with books or laptops without anyone bothering them.
• Vietnamese is the main language. Most people in the Old Town speak decent English, though it drops off quickly in residential areas. The tourist assistance center at 47 Tran Phu Street runs 24/7, and there's a dedicated tourist police hotline (1800 1091) with English speakers. Use Grab for rides - it's reliable and avoids the whole taxi negotiation thing.
• The town is small enough to bike everywhere - rentals cost $1-2 per day. The beaches are about 15 minutes away by bike, and you can ride through rice paddies and coconut forests if you want to escape the tourist zone. Many people end up staying longer than planned because it's an easy place to slow down.

Vietnamese is the main language. English is common in the Ancient Town, hotels, and restaurants. Tourist assistance center at 47 Tran Phu Street has English-speaking staff 24/7. Tourist police hotline (1800-1091) has English operators. English drops off outside tourist areas - Google Translate or basic Vietnamese phrases help.

• Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and pagodas. In the Ancient Town, normal casual clothes are fine, but very short shorts or revealing tops will get stares. Save beach clothes for the actual beach.
• Take shoes off before entering temples, homes, and some shops or restaurants - look for a pile of shoes at the entrance. English drops off fast outside tourist areas, so learn a few phrases: 'xin chào' (hello), 'cảm ơn' (thank you), 'bao nhiêu?' (how much?).
• Bargaining is standard at markets and tailor shops. Shop owners will be persistent - a simple 'no thank you' while walking away works better than extended conversation. Tipping isn't traditional in Vietnam, but tourist restaurants expect 5-10%.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Police: 113. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Bicycles work well here - most accommodations rent them for $1-2 per day. The terrain is flat and distances are short. The Ancient Town is pedestrian-only from 8am to 11pm, so you'll walk or park at the edges.
• Grab (ride-hailing app) is the standard option for rides - $1-3 within town. Motorbike taxis are cheaper, cars cost a bit more. Don't flag down random taxis, just use the app.
• Motorbike rentals run about $5 per day if you want to explore further out. Traffic is chaotic though, and accidents happen regularly - only rent if you're already experienced with scooters in Asia. Walking works fine in the Ancient Town, which is compact and well-lit at night.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, book a private car with a driver rather than driving yourself.

Explore Hoi An with local guides and curated experiences.