After watching breathtaking reels and vlogs about Da Nang and Hoi-an on social media, we found ourselves booking plane tickets to these destinations!

Still on the plane from Da Nang, with a six-hour layover in Manila before heading to Iloilo, I find myself reflecting on our five-day family vacation.

Traveling abroad during school breaks has become an annual tradition for us. Earlier this summer, I spent five days in Palawan with my teachers at Juku Academy for a wellness retreat, followed by a three-day getaway in Boracay with my restaurant staff. The first half of 2026 has certainly been filled with travels—.

I first visited Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) about eight years ago, but this was my first time in Da Nang. We spent a night at the Mercure Hotel, the only accommodation within Ba Na Hills, inside the French Village, before heading to Hoi An for the coconut boating, lantern river tour, and an evening of drinks by the river. The riverside district is vibrant and lively, making it one of the best places to enjoy local performances and nightlife.

Our family has always preferred independent travels. We enjoy creating our own itineraries and setting a pace that balances exploration with rest, especially when it comes to meals. Although we have visited many countries, we have never joined an organized group tour

Every trip, whether local or international, leaves a unique impression for us. However, if you are planning to visit Da Nang or Hoi-an, I have one important recommendation: learn ahead about the activities you intend to do and compare prices before making any booking

Why Because, in our experience, some tourist-oriented businesses take advantage of visitors through inflated rates

For example, the staff at Ba Na Hills arranged transportation for us and suggested that we try coconut boating and have lunch before proceeding to our hotel. Upon arrival, an English-speaking agent offered us the basket boat ride for 250,000 VND per person, roughly equivalent to ₱675. Later, I discovered that the same activity was available on Klook for around ₱260. My husband had already paid before I had the chance to compare prices. I was surprised that a 20-minute basket boat ride could cost more than twice the online rate.

Transportation was another eye-opener. While many drivers offered private transport services, we found that booking through Grab was always more affordable.

One evening, a driver approached us before we could book a Grab and offered to match the app’s rate. We agreed. However, when it was time to return our change of 40,000 VND, he handed my husband only 4,000 VND. Whether intentional or not, it felt as though he was taking advantage of the confusion caused by the large denominations in Vietnamese currency.

I immediately pointed it out. “It’s only 4,000,” I said.

On another occasion, I bought a bánh mì worth 50,000 VND and paid with a 500,000 VND bill. The attendant failed to return my change. Since I had just withdrawn the money from an ATM, I was certain of the denomination I had handed over. When I reminded her, she apologized for the “confusion.” Had I not spoken up, I would have paid approximately ₱1,350 for a sandwich worth only about ₱135.

Experience like these were disappointing.

I understand that mistakes happen. However, when similar incidents occur repeatedly, it becomes difficult not to question whether tourists are sometimes being taken advantage of. My advice is simple: pay close attention to the zeros. Remember, in Vietnam, you are a “millionaire” after the currency exchange, so it is equally easy to lose track of your money if you are not careful.

To be fair, these encounters did not define our entire trip. We also met some honest and genuinely kind people. In fact, one Grab driver even gave us a discount and jokingly said, “I’m not mafia. Just give me five stars, okay?

”Moments like those reminded us that integrity and hospitality still outweigh the negative experiences.

Now for the bigger question: Would I recommend Da Nang and Hoi An, or are they simply overhyped?

Da Nang? Absolutely.

The city is worth every peso. Its pristine coastline, various international restaurants around the area, relaxing surroundings, and thoughtfully developed attractions make it a rewarding destination. Although many of its tourist sites are man-made designed to boost tourism, they remain inspiring, enjoyable, and well worth visiting.

Hoi An is a more nuanced answer. The town is undeniably beautiful, rich in culture, and full of character. However, our experiences with overpricing and questionable business practices somewhat diminished its appeal.

Would I visit Vietnam again?

Certainly.

My earlier visit to Saigon felt more authentic and less commercialized, and I would still love to explore Sapa and Hanoi in the future. After that, we will see where the journey leads.

One thing is certain: when we return, we will do so as wiser and more informed travelers.IMT