Preparing for Da Nang – What you should know

Da Nang is a modern, up-and-coming city on the coast of central Vietnam. The climate is tropical, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit is between February and May, when it is warm but not too hot and there is little rain. Hell Week Da Nang takes place during this ideal period.
Pack light, but smart. You will need training clothes for gi and no-gi, protective gear, swimwear, and light everyday clothing. Vietnam is a conservative country, especially outside of tourist areas—respectful clothing is important when visiting temples or local markets. Flip-flops, shorts, and T-shirts are perfectly adequate for everyday wear. Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first-aid kit with the most important medications.
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong. One euro is equivalent to about 25,000 dong, which can be confusing at first. ATMs are everywhere in Da Nang, and most accept international cards. Credit cards are accepted in larger restaurants and hotels, but you will need cash for local markets and small shops. Don't exchange too much money at once – the cost of living in Vietnam is low, and you can get by with relatively little cash.
The language is Vietnamese, but English is often spoken in tourist areas and gyms. Basic polite phrases in Vietnamese are appreciated—a simple „Xin chào“ (hello) or „Cảm ơn“ (thank you) opens doors. The people in Da Nang are friendly and helpful, especially if you show respect and interest.
Transportation in Da Nang is easy and inexpensive. grave, the Southeast Asian version of Uber, works perfectly and is significantly cheaper than taxis in Europe. Scooters are the main mode of transportation, and many participants rent a scooter for the duration of their stay—this costs around five to ten euros per day. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, Grab rides are so cheap that you can easily get anywhere.
Food in Vietnam is fantastic and extremely cheap. A meal in a local restaurant costs between two and five euros. Pho, banh mi, cao lau—Vietnamese cuisine is diverse, fresh, and delicious. Only drink bottled water and be careful with ice cubes in local street stalls, especially in the first few days until your stomach has acclimatized.
In terms of health, you should have valid international health and accident insurance—this is a prerequisite for participating in Hell Week anyway. Check whether your insurance also covers martial arts injuries. Standard vaccinations should be up to date, and depending on the time of year and length of stay, additional vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B or typhoid may be advisable. Talk to your doctor or a tropical medicine specialist.