Hoi An Transport Guide

Hoi An Transport Guide

Bicycles (the main transport!), walking the car-free Ancient Town, motorbike day trips, Grab rides, and the best cycling routes through rice paddies

Getting around Hoi An is refreshingly simple. This is a cycling town — bicycles are the primary transport, and most hotels provide them free of charge. The Ancient Town is car-free, making walking the most natural way to explore the heritage streets. The flat terrain means cycling is effortless, and the compact distances (4 km to the beach, 3 km to Cam Thanh) make everything accessible on two wheels. For day trips to Da Nang or the Marble Mountains, rent a motorbike (100,000-150,000₫/day) or use Grab.

The key rule: your bicycle is your best friend in Hoi An. Grab one from your hotel, and the entire town — rice paddies, river, beach, and Ancient Town — opens up to you at zero cost.

Transport Options

Bicycle

RecommendedFree from hotel or 30,000-50,000 VND/day

Bicycles are THE way to get around Hoi An — this is a cycling town. The flat terrain, quiet roads, and compact distances make cycling effortless and genuinely enjoyable. Most hotels, homestays, and hostels provide free bicycles for guests. Cycling through the rice paddies, along the river, and out to An Bang Beach are some of Hoi An's most memorable experiences. The Ancient Town itself restricts motorized vehicles, making bicycles the most practical transport even within the old town.

Pros

  • + Usually free from your accommodation
  • + The most enjoyable way to explore — scenic rice paddies and riverside routes
  • + Flat terrain makes cycling effortless
  • + No fuel costs, parking fees, or app needed
  • + Eco-friendly and healthy
  • + Faster than walking for beach and countryside trips

Cons

  • - Not suitable for longer day trips (Da Nang, Marble Mountains)
  • - Can be hot during midday — cycle morning or late afternoon
  • - Some bicycle theft occurs — always lock when parked
  • - Rain can make cycling unpleasant in rainy season

Tip: Always lock your bicycle when parking — simple cable locks are usually provided. Check tyres and brakes before setting off. Carry water and sunscreen. The best cycling time is late afternoon (4-6 PM) when the light is golden and temperatures drop. For the rice paddy route, head north from the Ancient Town toward Tra Que Vegetable Village.

Walking

RecommendedFree

The Ancient Town is entirely walkable and car-free — this is the best way to experience the old town. The compact heritage area can be crossed on foot in 15-20 minutes. Walking through the narrow, lantern-hung streets is the quintessential Hoi An experience, especially in the evening when the silk lanterns glow. Early morning walks (6-7 AM) offer the quietest, most atmospheric experience with golden light and few tourists.

Pros

  • + Ancient Town is car-free — safe and pleasant walking
  • + The most atmospheric way to experience the old town
  • + No cost or equipment needed
  • + Best for photography — stop whenever you want
  • + Morning walks are peaceful and cool

Cons

  • - Not practical for An Bang Beach (4 km) or Cam Thanh (3 km)
  • - Midday heat (11 AM-3 PM) can be intense — 30-35 degrees
  • - Limited to the old town and immediate surroundings
  • - Rain can disrupt walks in wet season

Tip: Walk early morning (6-8 AM) or evening (5-8 PM) for the best atmosphere and coolest temperatures. Carry water and wear sunscreen. The Japanese Covered Bridge at sunrise is magical and nearly empty. The evening lantern walk starting at dusk is Hoi An's signature experience — do it every night you are here.

Motorbike

Good Option100,000-150,000 VND/day

Motorbike rental is useful for day trips beyond cycling distance — to Da Nang, the Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass, or deeper countryside exploration. Within Hoi An itself, a bicycle is sufficient. Hoi An traffic is much calmer than Saigon or Hanoi, making it accessible for moderately experienced riders. Automatic scooters (Honda Wave, Honda Lead) are available from rental shops throughout town.

Pros

  • + Essential for day trips to Da Nang, Marble Mountains, Hai Van Pass
  • + Affordable at 100,000-150,000 VND per day
  • + Hoi An traffic is calmer than major cities
  • + Freedom to explore the wider area at your own pace
  • + Good for reaching more remote countryside

Cons

  • - Not needed within Hoi An itself — bicycle is better
  • - Parking restrictions in the Ancient Town (motorbikes not permitted)
  • - International Driving Permit technically required
  • - Rain makes riding less pleasant and more dangerous
  • - Insurance rarely covers motorbike injuries

Tip: Only rent for day trips outside Hoi An. Always wear a helmet (required by law). Park at designated areas near the Ancient Town entrance — motorbikes are not allowed inside the old town. Carry your passport and IDP. For the Hai Van Pass (one of Vietnam's most scenic rides), consider going with an experienced guide if you are not a confident rider.

Grab

Good Option20,000-50,000 VND locally, 250,000-350,000 VND to Da Nang

Grab is available in Hoi An but used less than in cities because cycling covers most needs. It is most useful for airport transfers to/from Da Nang (250,000-350,000 VND), late-night rides, and rainy-day transport. Grab Car provides air-conditioned comfort. Local rides within Hoi An cost 20,000-50,000 VND. The app works the same as anywhere in Vietnam.

Pros

  • + Best option for Da Nang airport transfers
  • + Air-conditioned comfort for longer trips
  • + Transparent pricing with GPS tracking
  • + Useful for rainy days and late nights
  • + No negotiation needed — price fixed in app

Cons

  • - Unnecessary for most Hoi An exploration — bicycle is better
  • - Wait times can be longer than in cities — fewer drivers
  • - More expensive than cycling (which is free)
  • - Not needed within the car-free Ancient Town

Tip: Download Grab before arriving. Use it mainly for Da Nang airport transfers and rainy-day rides. For the airport, book Grab Car (250,000-350,000 VND) — much cheaper than arranged hotel transfers. In peak season, book Grab 30 minutes before you need to leave as wait times can be longer than in cities.

Taxi

Available250,000-350,000 VND to Da Nang Airport

Taxis are mainly used for airport transfers between Hoi An and Da Nang International Airport. Mai Linh (green) is the most reliable taxi company in the area. For local trips, Grab is cheaper and more convenient. Some hotels arrange private car transfers for 350,000-500,000 VND to the airport — comfortable but more expensive than Grab.

Pros

  • + No app or data needed
  • + Available for airport transfers without pre-booking
  • + Good for groups with heavy luggage
  • + Mai Linh taxis are reliable and metered

Cons

  • - More expensive than Grab for the same journey
  • - Fewer taxis available in Hoi An compared to cities
  • - Some drivers may suggest inflated fixed prices — insist on meter
  • - Not practical for local trips where bicycles suffice

Tip: Only use Mai Linh taxis (green livery) for metered rides. For airport transfers, Grab is almost always cheaper. If you must take a taxi, agree on a price or insist on the meter before getting in. Your hotel can call a taxi for you if Grab is unavailable.

Best Cycling Routes

Ancient Town to An Bang Beach

4 km, 10-15 minutes

A flat, easy ride along quiet roads through a mix of local residential areas and rice paddies. The most popular cycling route in Hoi An. Follow the signs from the eastern edge of the old town. The return ride at sunset is beautiful.

Rice Paddies to Tra Que Village

3 km, 15-20 minutes

Head north from the Ancient Town through emerald rice paddies to the traditional herb-farming village of Tra Que. The scenery is stunning, especially in late afternoon golden light. The route passes through peaceful countryside with minimal traffic.

Riverside to Cam Thanh

3 km, 15-20 minutes

Follow the Thu Bon River southeast to the water coconut palm village of Cam Thanh. The route passes fishing boats, small farms, and eventually reaches the coconut forest. Combine with a basket boat ride for a perfect half-day adventure.

Ancient Town River Loop

5 km, 20-30 minutes

A loop following both banks of the Thu Bon River. Cross to Cam Nam island, cycle along the waterfront, cross back at the next bridge, and return along the Ancient Town side. Views of boats, fishing nets, and the old town skyline.

Ancient Town Vehicle Restrictions

Car-Free Zone Rules

The Hoi An Ancient Town operates as a car-free zone to protect the UNESCO heritage site and enhance the visitor experience. Understanding the rules helps you plan your transport.

  • Cars: No cars are permitted in the Ancient Town at any time. Grab and taxis drop off at designated areas on the perimeter
  • Motorbikes: Restricted during peak hours (typically 8 AM-11 AM and 3 PM-9 PM). Outside these hours, some motorbike access is permitted on certain streets
  • Bicycles: Permitted at all times throughout the Ancient Town. The primary transport within the old town
  • Walking: Pedestrians have priority throughout the car-free zone at all times
  • Parking: Motorbike and bicycle parking areas are available at the edges of the Ancient Town. Many restaurants and shops also offer parking
  • Deliveries: Delivery vehicles are permitted during early morning hours only (typically before 8 AM)

Hoi An Transport FAQs

Bicycles are the best and most popular way to get around Hoi An. The town is flat, compact, and most hotels provide free bicycles. You can cycle from the Ancient Town to An Bang Beach in 10 minutes, to Cam Thanh in 15 minutes, and through the rice paddies in any direction. Within the Ancient Town itself, everything is walkable as the area is car-free. For trips to Da Nang or longer distances, use Grab or rent a motorbike.
Most hotels, homestays, and hostels in Hoi An provide free bicycles for guests — it is a standard amenity. If your accommodation does not offer free bikes, rental is very cheap at 30,000-50,000 VND per day (about $1.20-2 USD). Many restaurants and cafes also have bicycle parking. The cycling infrastructure is excellent for a small Vietnamese town, with relatively quiet roads and flat terrain.
Within the Ancient Town, yes — everything is walkable and the area is car-free (pedestrians and bicycles only). The old town is compact enough to cross on foot in 15-20 minutes. However, for An Bang Beach (4 km), Cam Thanh (3 km), and attractions outside the old town, you will need a bicycle, motorbike, or Grab. Walking in the midday heat can be exhausting — carry water.
A motorbike is only necessary for day trips to places like the Marble Mountains, Da Nang, or rural countryside beyond cycling distance. Within Hoi An and to the beach, a bicycle is sufficient and more enjoyable. Motorbike rental costs 100,000-150,000 VND per day. Hoi An traffic is much calmer than Saigon or Hanoi, making it suitable for less experienced riders. Always wear a helmet.
Da Nang to Hoi An is 30 km (30-45 minutes). Options: Grab Car (250,000-350,000 VND, most convenient), hotel shuttle (often free or 100,000-200,000 VND, arrange in advance), taxi (300,000-400,000 VND), or the yellow bus #1 (30,000 VND, slow but cheap). Most travelers use Grab or arrange a hotel pickup. The drive along the coast is scenic.

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