Overview
Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations, and for good reason. This UNESCO World Heritage town on the central coast draws travellers with its lantern-lit Ancient Town, tailor shops, riverside cafes, and some of the country's best street food. While Hoi An is generally considered one of the safer places to visit in Vietnam, a little preparation goes a long way toward making your trip smooth, stress-free, and genuinely memorable.
The town sits in Quang Nam Province, about 30 kilometres south of Da Nang. It has a small-town feel despite welcoming millions of visitors each year, and locals are known for being warm and hospitable. That said, petty crime, traffic hazards, and seasonal flooding are real concerns worth knowing about before you arrive.
Essential Information
Before you pack your bags, here are the key facts every traveller should know:
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Most transactions are cash-based. USD 1 is roughly 25,000 VND. ATMs are widely available in the Ancient Town area.
- Language: Vietnamese is the official language. English is spoken in most tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
- Visa: Many nationalities can access Vietnam's e-visa online before travelling. Always check current requirements with your country's embassy well in advance.
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water only. Carry basic medications for stomach upsets, as street food — while delicious — can occasionally cause issues for sensitive travellers.
- Flooding: Hoi An floods seasonally, typically between October and December. Check weather forecasts if you're visiting during these months and keep an eye on local alerts.
- Emergency numbers: Police: 113 | Ambulance: 115 | Fire: 114
Practical Tips
Hoi An is safe by most measures, but staying aware of your surroundings makes all the difference. Here is what experienced travellers recommend:
- Watch out for bag snatching: Keep bags on your inside shoulder when walking near the river and busy markets. Motorbike bag snatching does occur occasionally on quieter streets, so avoid draping bags loosely over your body.
- Cycle carefully: The Ancient Town is best explored by bicycle, which you can rent for around USD 1.50 to USD 3 per day. Traffic can be chaotic, especially near the central market and Tran Phu Street. Ride slowly and stay alert.
- Negotiate fares upfront: If taking a xe om (motorbike taxi) or cyclo, always agree on the price before you get on. A short trip within town should cost no more than USD 1 to USD 2.
- Stick to reputable food stalls: The Morning Glory restaurant area and the central market on Tran Quy Cap Street are popular for a reason. Look for busy stalls with high turnover — a good sign the food is fresh.
- Sun protection is non-negotiable: Hoi An's heat and humidity can be intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and carry water whenever you are exploring An Bang Beach or the surrounding rice paddies on two wheels.
- Respect local customs: When visiting temples or the Japanese Covered Bridge, dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered. It shows respect and avoids any awkward encounters.
- Use reputable tour operators: For day trips to My Son Sanctuary or cooking classes, book through your hotel or well-reviewed agencies on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street rather than accepting offers from touts on the street.
Getting There
The closest international airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), approximately 30 kilometres north of the Ancient Town. Da Nang is well connected with direct flights from major Asian hubs including Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, and Hong Kong. If you are flying from further afield — Europe, Australia, or North America — you will typically connect through Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN), both of which have frequent onward flights to Da Nang operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways.
From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An, the easiest option is a pre-booked private transfer, which costs around USD 10 to USD 15 and takes about 40 minutes. Grab (Southeast Asia's answer to Uber) is also reliable and usually slightly cheaper. Public buses are available but can be complicated with luggage, so most travellers opt for the convenience of a private ride on arrival.
Accommodation Options
Hoi An has something for every budget, and where you stay shapes the entire experience.
- Budget (USD 15–35/night): Guesthouses and hostels cluster around Cam Nam Island and the streets just south of the Ancient Town. Places like Hoi An Backpacker Hostel offer clean dorms and a social atmosphere without breaking the bank.
- Mid-range (USD 40–100/night): Boutique hotels along Nguyen Phuc Chu Street and near An Bang Beach offer great value. Look for properties with pools — the heat makes them a genuine necessity, not a luxury.
- Luxury (USD 150+/night): The Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai and Anantara Hoi An Resort sit at the top end, offering stunning riverside or beachfront settings, exceptional service, and spa facilities that make for a truly indulgent stay.
Plan your trip to Hoi An
Hoi An is a town that rewards travellers who come prepared and stay curious. Whether you are cycling through the lantern-lit streets at dusk,