What should you pack for Hoi An and central Vietnam?

Two seasons, two bags

Dry season (roughly February to August): hot and sunny, with the beaches at An Bang, Cua Dai and Da Nang's My Khe at their best from spring into summer, and highs well into the 30s in June to August. Pack light clothes, beach kit and serious sun protection.

Wet season (September to December): most of the year's rain falls in these months, peaking in October and November, and the Thu Bon river regularly floods the lower streets of Hoi An's ancient town, sometimes deep enough that boats replace bicycles. Typhoons that reach Vietnam's coast most often hit the centre in these months. Expect some days when sightseeing and the Hai Van Pass are off. Pack for rain and keep a buffer day in your plan.

January is a transition month: cooler, often grey, with the rain easing. How many days in Hoi An helps plan around it.

Beach and sun kit for Hoi An and Da Nang

• Swimwear and a quick-dry towel; beach clubs rent loungers, but a towel is handy on public stretches of An Bang and My Khe.

• Reef-safe or water-resistant sunscreen and a hat. Cycling between the old town and the beach at midday is the classic way to get burned.

• A cover-up or shirt for walking from the beach into town and for cafés.

• Repellent for the evenings by the river and in the rice fields around Tra Que and Cam Thanh.

• A small torch or phone light for the lantern-lit lanes after dark; pavements are uneven.

• Cash in small notes for the old town ticket, river boats and lantern stalls. Ticket prices are in our Hoi An ancient town ticket guide.

Flood and typhoon season kit (September to December)

• A proper waterproof jacket, not just an umbrella; rain on the central coast comes in on the wind.

• Sandals or water shoes you can wade in. Flood water in the old town is dirty, so cover cuts and wash your feet afterwards.

• Dry bags for electronics and documents, and a cover for your backpack.

• A power bank, fully charged. Storms can cut power for hours.

• Downloaded offline maps and your accommodation's phone number, in case roads are closed and you need to reroute.

• Travel insurance that covers weather disruption, since flights out of Da Nang and trains through the Hai Van Pass are delayed or cancelled when a storm hits.

Follow the forecasts of Vietnam's national hydro-meteorological service and your hotel's advice when a storm is named; the Vietnam safety guide has more on storms.

Riding the Hai Van Pass: helmet and licence

The Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang is the most famous ride in Vietnam, and many people do it on a rented motorbike. Before you do, check the law: helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers, and you need a licence valid for Vietnam. For a foreign visitor that means a home motorbike licence plus an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, which Vietnam recognises. Countries that only issue the 1949 Geneva format, including the United States, Canada and Australia, do not give you a valid permit for Vietnam; the UK's Post Office issues the 1968 format. Many travel insurance policies refuse claims if you ride without a valid licence.

If you are not licensed, the easy and legal alternative is to ride pillion with a hired driver (an "easy rider") or go by car; both stop at the same viewpoints. Options and timings are in Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass.

For a ride, whether driving or pillion, pack:

• A helmet that fits. Rentals and easy riders supply them, but many are thin shells; check the strap and buckle, or bring your own lightweight helmet if you will ride a lot.

• A windproof layer for the top of the pass, which is noticeably cooler and often in cloud.

• Long trousers and closed shoes, sunglasses or a visor, and gloves if you have them.

• A rain poncho and a dry bag strapped under a bungee.

Hue and My Son: day-trip extras

Hue's Imperial City and the royal tombs are spread out and very hot in spring and summer: bring water, a hat and the covered-knee clothing their dress code expects. Our Hue guide covers the sites.

For My Son Sanctuary, about an hour inland from Hoi An, go early for the light and the heat, and bring repellent, water and shoes for gravel paths between the temple groups. Our Hoi An guide has it with the other side trips.

If you are having clothes made, leave room in your bag; our Hoi An tailor guide covers how long it takes. And for data on the road: Travel eSIM apps such as Airalo sell Vietnam data plans you can install before you fly; local SIMs from Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone are the alternative once you land. See eSIM or local SIM for how to choose.

Frequently asked questions