Top Theme Image
Top Theme Image

Julia & Tom

April 22–24, 2027
325 Days To Go!

Julia & Tom

April 22–24, 2027
325 Days To Go!

We are absolutely thrilled that you’re joining us in the beautiful country Vietnam to celebrate our special day! Traveling internationally can involve a bit of planning, so we've put together this comprehensive guide to help make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Flights & Getting there

A. Getting to Vietnam & Da Nang

Most of you will be flying into one of Vietnam’s major international hubs: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN).


Recommended airlines: For the best experience, look into Vietnam Airlines, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, or Qatar Airways. If you’re flying from the US West Coast, there are now direct flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Ho Chi Minh City.


When planning your flights, remember that you'll likely lose at least one full day (or more) due to flight time and the time difference. We really encourage you to research and book your flights well in advance to get the best options and ensure a relaxed start to your adventure.


Then, to reach Da Nang, you can take the domestic flights to Da Nang International Airport - DAD. There are dozens of daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but we still recommend booking at least 1 month in advance to secure the best times and prices.


1. Vietnam Airlines (VN)

- Pros: The national carrier offers a full-service experience. Tickets usually include checked baggage (23kg), and the most reliable scheduling. They offer the highest standard of comfort for the short 1-hour jump to Da Nang.

- Cons: Typically the most expensive option.


2. Bamboo Airways (QH)

- Pros: A great "hybrid" carrier with modern planes and good service. They are known for being quite punctual and depending on ticket class, there will be a 20kg baggage allowance in their fares.

- Cons: Fewer flight times available per day compared to the others.


3. Vietjet Air (VJ)

- Pros: The leading low-cost carrier. If you book early, you can find incredibly cheap fares.

- Cons: As a budget airline, everything (bags, seats, water) is an add-on. They are more prone to delays, so we recommend leaving a generous buffer in your schedule if you choose VJ.


4. Sun PhuQuoc Airways

- Pros: Vietnam’s first "resort airline" owned by the Sun Group. They focus on a premium, holiday-vibe experience. They’ve recently launched direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang with brand-new planes and stylish service.

- Cons: As a newer airline, they have fewer flight times per day.


B. Getting to Hoi An

If you plan to stay in Hoi An, once you touch down in Da Nang, you can get there by:


- Private car: Most hotels in Hoi An can arrange a private pickup service. Your driver will meet you right outside the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on it.


- Car-hailing apps: Similar to Uber or Lyft, you can book cars or motorbikes directly through the apps Grab or XanhSM (available across HCM, Hanoi, Da Nang and Hoi An). The fares are fixed and quite reasonable and you can also link your card to them so you won’t get confused when paying at the end.

Here is the download link for these apps:

+ Grab: https://www.grab.com/vn/en/download/

+ XanhSM: https://www.xanhsm.com/download/


- Local Taxis: Reputable taxi companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun are reliable and use meters. You can usually find them easily near hotels and attractions or call their hotline:

+ Mai Linh: 1055

+ Vinasun: (028) 38 27 27 27

Passport and Visa Requirements

1. Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam and remember to always bring it with you.


2. Vietnam Visa: Please check the visa requirements for your nationality and obtain one if needed. We highly recommend applying for an E-visa as this is the easiest and most common way to obtain a visa for Vietnam:

- You can apply online through the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal: https://evisa.gov.vn/

- Processing Time: Typically 3-5 business days, but we strongly advise applying at least 1 month before your departure to allow for any unforeseen delays.

Payment and Currency Exchange

In Vietnam, cash is widely used, especially for smaller purchases, street food, and local markets. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, reputable restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. It's always a good idea to have a mix of cash and card options!


Where to Exchange:

Please make sure that your currency is clean with no mark or ripped. We advise you to look up the exchange rate and exchange small amounts in advance for initial spending.

Other than that, you can exchange currency at:

- Airports: You can exchange a small amount at the airport upon arrival for immediate needs, but rates are often less favorable.

- Banks: Major banks offer good exchange rates.

- ATMs: Widely available. This is often the most convenient way to get cash. Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your home bank and local ATM withdrawal limits/fees.

Accommodation

For your general hotel booking during your stay in Vietnam, we strongly encourage you to compare prices between booking directly with the hotel and using travel agencies like Agoda.com or Booking.com for the best offer that suits your preferences and budget. Prices can vary, and sometimes you'll find special promotions or bundled deals on one platform that aren't available on another.


For our wedding celebration, we have suggested some accommodations on the dedicated Accommodation tab. Please check out!

Weather & Clothes

April is widely considered the sweet spot for visiting Da Nang and Hoi An! You can expect beautiful tropical weather with plenty of sunshine and average daytime highs around 30°C (86°F). It’s the heart of the dry season, so rain is rare, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sunset photos. The evenings stay pleasantly balmy at around 24°C (75°F). We recommend wearing light, breathable fabrics like linen or silk to stay cool and comfortable. And don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, sunglasses and hats as well as avoid wearing heavy jewelry or expensive accessories in crowded places.

Emergency Contacts

- Police: 113

- Fire: 114

- Ambulance: 115

- U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City: +84 28 3520 4200

Medicine & Healthcare

For international guests traveling to Vietnam: Bring all personal medication you may need, as certain prescriptions may not be available locally. If needed, consider visiting your doctor before the trip for check-ups or refills since medical procedures in Vietnam can be different, and it may be challenging to get the same medication without prior records.

General Travel Tips

- Bargaining: In local markets, bargaining is expected and can be fun! Do so respectfully. In fixed-price shops and larger restaurants, prices are generally set.

- Language: English is spoken in most tourist areas, hotels, and major restaurants but do have your Google Translate or similar app to help communicating with the locals. Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases ("Xin chào" - Hello, "Cảm ơn" - Thank you) will be much appreciated!

- Power Adapters: In Vietnam, the standard voltage is 220V and the most common plug types are Type A, Type C, and Type F. You may consider having a travel adapter in case your device’s plug type is not fitted.

- SIM Cards: It's very easy and inexpensive to purchase a local SIM card with a data plan upon arrival at the airport or at mobile phone shops. This is highly recommended for using car-hailing apps, maps, and staying connected.


We truly hope this guide helps you feel more prepared and excited for your trip! We can't wait to welcome you here and celebrate with you in Da Nang & Hoi An!