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Hoi An is a compact, historic riverside town in central Vietnam known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets, tailoring, nearby beaches, and vibrant food scene. Plan for warm, humid weather, flexible travel times around the rainy season, simple visa/entry requirements for Vietnam, and plenty of walking.
Visa / entry requirements
- Check Vietnam visa rules for your nationality: many travelers need an e‑visa (single-entry, 30 days) or visa on arrival (preapproval letter required). Apply online at the official e-visa portal (or through your embassy/consulate) well in advance.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry and typically have at least one blank page.
- Carry a printed copy of your e-visa/approval letter, travel insurance is recommended.
Best time to visit
- Peak: February to April — pleasant temperatures (20–30°C / 68–86°F), low rain, great for walking and cycling.
- Shoulder: September to November — cooler, fewer crowds, but can be rainy late Oct–Nov due to typhoons in central Vietnam.
- Avoid the wettest months: October–December can bring heavy rains and flooding; August is hot and humid.
Safety tips
- Hoi An is generally safe: petty theft is the main issue. Keep valuables secure and use hotel safes.
- Scam awareness: agree prices beforehand for taxis, cyclos, tours, and tailors; use reputable shops/tour operators.
- Road safety: watch for scooters and bikes; use pedestrian crossings carefully as traffic rules differ.
- Food hygiene: street food is excellent but choose busy stalls where food turnover is high.
Local customs and etiquette
- Respectful dress: when entering temples or pagodas, cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes where required.
- Photography: be polite and ask before photographing people, particularly monks and locals in private settings.
- Bargaining: expected in markets and with street vendors—start ~30–50% below the asking price and be friendly.
- Tipping: not compulsory but appreciated. Small tips for guides, drivers, and good restaurant service are common.
Currency and money
- Vietnamese dong (VND) is the local currency. Carry cash, especially small notes for markets and street food.
- ATMs available in Hoi An: banks and standalone ATMs dispense local currency; inform your bank of travel to avoid blocks.
- Credit cards accepted at mid-to-upscale hotels, restaurants, and tailors; smaller vendors are cash-only.
- Bring some USD or euros as backup; you can exchange at banks or reputable exchanges for better rates.
Transportation and getting around
- Nearest major airport: Da Nang International Airport (DAD), ~30 minutes by taxi to Hoi An.
- From Da Nang: airport taxi, private transfer, or shuttle bus. Negotiate fixed fares or use official counters/drivers.
- Within Hoi An: the Ancient Town is pedestrianized after certain hours—walk or rent a bicycle. Motorbikes/scooters can be rented but only if comfortable riding local traffic.
- Taxis and ride-hailing apps (e.g., Grab) operate in the area—use apps for transparent pricing.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Ancient Town entrance tickets: a combined ticket (valid for several attractions) is often required to enter the core Ancient Town sites; buy at official booths.
- Lanterns and nightlife: evenings along the Thu Bon River light up with lanterns; purchases make great souvenirs—expect to haggle.
- Tailors: Hoi An is famous for made-to-measure clothing. Allow 24–72 hours for basic garments; check materials and ask for a fitting before finalizing.
- Day trips: My Son Sanctuary (Cham ruins), Marble Mountains, Cham Islands, and An Bang/Cua Dai beaches are popular excursions.
- Eat like a local: try Cao Lau, white rose dumplings, banh mi, fresh seafood, and local coffee. Join a cooking class if interested.
- Flooding: during heavy rains the Old Town can flood; bring waterproof footwear and a lightweight rain jacket. Keep important documents dry.
- Respect quiet hours: Hoi An can be peaceful; avoid loud late-night behavior in residential areas.
Practical advice
- Pack: light, breathable clothing, good walking shoes, sun protection, mosquito repellent, a universal adapter, and a small daypack.
- Connectivity: buy a local SIM card at the airport or shops for affordable data; Wi‑Fi is widely available in hotels and cafés.
- Health: drink bottled or filtered water; carry basic medications and any prescriptions with original labels.
Enjoying Hoi An
- Allow at least 2–3 days to enjoy the Ancient Town, a tailoring experience, a beach visit, and a day trip. Move slowly: much of Hoi An’s charm is exploring streets, food stalls, and riverside evenings.