If the answer is “yes,” then it’s time for you and your four-legged friend to begin your pet-friendly journey to Hoi An - a journey of connection and peaceful memories amid the rivers and countryside of Cam Thanh.
Hoi An is not only the ancient town of lanterns but also a gentle stop for those who love a slower rhythm of life. Amid the rush of modern days, the town still keeps its peaceful breath - with bougainvillea-lined streets, quiet rivers reflecting old wooden houses, and the vast green stretch of rice fields.
The central Vietnam climate, with its two distinct seasons, makes February–April and August–October the best times for a trip. During these months, the weather is mild, the sea calm, the Hoai River breeze gentle, and when night falls, lanterns light up the old town like a sky full of stars. It’s this open and tranquil atmosphere that makes Hoi An one of the most promising pet-friendly destinations, where both you and your furry companion can enjoy fresh air and leisurely walks along the poetic Do River.
Just as you need a suitcase, your pet also needs a little travel bag for a complete and comfortable journey. Here are the essentials to prepare so your small companion stays healthy, relaxed, and safe throughout the trip.
Before starting your pet-friendly trip to Hoi An, make sure you’ve prepared all necessary documents to ensure safety and follow transport regulations:
Your pet must receive a rabies vaccination at least one month before travel, and no more than 12 months prior. The vaccination record or card serves as proof of your pet’s health status, especially for the mandatory Rabies Vaccine required for air, train, or hotel travel (Source).
If you’re flying internationally, prepare an English version for smooth entry and exit.
Issued by: Licensed veterinary clinics or animal hospitals. Keep this booklet carefully, as it’s your pet’s identification card on every trip.
If you travel between provinces by train, airplane, or to an island, this document is mandatory in addition to the health record. The certificate confirms your pet is fit for travel and free from infectious diseases between regions, valid for 30 to 60 days (Source).
Make an appointment 2–3 days in advance to avoid weekends or holidays of the veterinary office.
Issued by:Provincial or district Veterinary Department where you live.
This certificate is signed and stamped by a licensed veterinarian after confirming your pet shows no abnormal symptoms.
A small chip, the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin. It holds a unique ID code that helps customs officers verify your pet’s identity accurately during travel.
Issued by: International veterinary hospitals or major animal clinics offering ISO-standard microchip services.
If you’re bringing a pet from abroad into Vietnam, an import certificate issued by the Vietnam Department of Animal Health is mandatory. It ensures your pet has undergone quarantine, vaccination, and health inspection in the country of origin.
Issued by: The national authority responsible for animal quarantine management.
Since Hoi An has neither an airport nor a train station, most journeys end in Da Nang, followed by a taxi or private car ride to Hoi An.
|
Transportation |
Pet Acceptance |
Regulations & Required Documents |
|
Airplane |
YES, depending on each airline’s policy |
- Advance registration required: Notify and register the pet transport service at least 24–48 hours before the flight. - Form of transport: Usually shipped as checked baggage or cargo in the hold, not allowed in the passenger cabin (except for service animals or small pets, as per airline policy). - Documents: Pet health record, vaccination book (especially Rabies vaccine), and Veterinary Health Certificate (issued by the veterinary authority within 10 days before departure). - Carrier: Must meet IATA standards – well-ventilated, sturdy, and large enough for the pet to stand, turn, and lie comfortably. (Source) |
|
Train |
YES, but very limited |
- Pets cannot be transported as regular luggage. Only accepted in cargo or baggage cars, and an accompanying person is required. - Requirements: Muzzle, leash, and a secure carrier; hygiene must be maintained throughout the journey. - Note: Usually applicable only for long-distance routes, with a complex process. Contact the station directly for detailed regulations. (Source) |
|
Interprovincial Bus |
NO or very limited |
- Most intercity or tourist bus companies do not allow dogs or cats due to safety, hygiene, or passenger allergies. - Exceptions: Some short-distance, contract, or private vehicles may accept pets if properly covered, clean, and pre-agreed with the operator. (Source) |
|
Private Car / Taxi |
YES, depending on the driver or company |
- This is the easiest option for the final leg from Da Nang or the airport to Hoi An. - Traditional taxi: Call ahead and inform the dispatcher that you are traveling with a pet (size and type). - Ride-hailing cars (Grab, Be, etc.): Some offer “GrabPet” or similar options; otherwise, contact the driver before booking. - Note: Pets must be kept in a carrier or securely held to avoid dirtying the car. (Source) |
Beyond the ancient town, Hoi An offers countless green, safe, and welcoming places where you and your four-legged friend can enjoy every unhurried moment together.
As dawn blushes across the horizon, cool sand slips between your toes while gentle waves lap at tiny paw prints. Each ripple feels like the sea’s tender greeting to you and your companion.
In that moment, everything slows - only the sound of waves, laughter, and the breath of freedom remain. Don’t hesitate to discover things to do in Hoi An with your pet - the town holds many small adventures waiting for you both.
In the late afternoon, bougainvillea petals rustle against soft fur, and golden sunlight paints the old walls. In this peaceful scene, both humans and pets slow their steps, as if listening to the ancient heartbeat of the town.
After wandering through Cam Thanh’s coconut village or strolling along the Hoai River, nothing is better than stopping by a familiar café corner where you and your furry friend can share a quiet moment over a fragrant cup of Hoi An coffee.
A leisurely morning, sunlight filtering through leaves, and the aroma of roasted coffee blending with garden air - that’s how Hoi An tells its story through scent and color. If you wish to listen to more of those tales, cafe in Hoi An journey will guide you through poetic corners full of charm and character.
Among the fields, the air smells of young rice, tiny paws patter on red dirt paths, brushing past nipa palms leaning over the water. Cam Thanh is where you and your pet can breathe deeply and live slowly.
For those who cherish a slower rhythm of life, Cam Thanh is a place to feel the harmony between people, nature, and their beloved companions. Spend a morning cycling through the fields of Cam Thanh and Hoi An rice paths- let each breath grow softer and lighter.
Tucked amid Cam Thanh’s greenery, moodhoian Riverside Resort & Spa feels like a peaceful hideaway by the river. Here, mornings begin with birdsong through bamboo canopies, afternoons with cycling paths lined with herbs, and evenings with you and your pet resting on a wooden porch, watching lanterns sway gently in the breeze.
moodhoian, a pet-friendly resort in Hoi An, welcomes dogs under 10kg (up to two per room) and offers spacious green gardens where pets can play freely. The Paw-fect Pets Rooms are specially designed, offering each pet a delightful welcome gift upon check-in - a cute collar and wholesome handmade treats.
At moodhoian, you don’t just find a resort - you find a second home for your four-legged companion. Here, tiny paw prints mark the red-brick paths, sunlight mingles with the scent of grass, and your pet’s gentle breath blends into the peaceful rhythm of the river.
Continue your story by the Hoai River with your furry friend at moodhoian. Perhaps, amid the distant chime of temple bells and the scent of bougainvillea drifting in the wind, you’ll realize - sometimes, peace finds you the moment you slow down, soft as a pawprint on Hoi An’s ancient streets.
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