Hoi An Travel Tips

Hoi An's Ancient Town requires a ticket (120,000 VND) to enter the heritage sites — this covers 5 out of 22 sites including assembly halls, old houses, museums, and the Japanese Covered Bridge interior. The ticket is valid for 24 hours. You can walk the streets for free without a ticket, but you need one to enter the heritage buildings. Choose wisely: the Japanese Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, and the Museum of Folklore are the most popular. Buy tickets at booths at the Ancient Town entrances.

Hoi An is famous for custom tailoring — over 400 tailors can make clothing in 24-48 hours. The key: get measured on Day 1, have your fitting on Day 2, and collect (with final adjustments) on Day 3. Bring photos of what you want. Compare prices at 3-4 tailors before committing. A custom dress from 600,000 VND, suit from 2,000,000 VND, shirt from 300,000 VND. Yaly Couture, BeBe, and A Dong Silk are well-established. Negotiate — initial prices are often 20-30% above final price.

The Ancient Town sits along the Thu Bon River at low elevation and floods during heavy rains, especially in October-November. Water can rise knee-deep or higher, sometimes lasting several days. Locals are accustomed to it — restaurants raise furniture and life continues — but it can seriously affect your visit. If traveling in this period, check weather forecasts, stay on higher ground if possible, and consider flexible bookings. The flooding is real and should not be underestimated.

Bargaining is expected at the An Hoi Night Market, Central Market souvenir stalls, and with some tailors. Start at 40-50% of the asking price and negotiate up. Be friendly and smile — bargaining in Vietnam is a social interaction, not a confrontation. Walk away if the price is not right — vendors often call you back with a lower offer. Do NOT bargain for food at street stalls or in restaurants — these prices are generally fixed and fair.

On the 14th day of each lunar month, the Ancient Town holds its famous Full Moon Festival (Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival). Electric lights are switched off and the town is illuminated by silk lanterns and candles only. Traditional music, dragon dances, and floating lanterns on the river create a magical atmosphere. It is the most special night to be in Hoi An. Check the lunar calendar to time your visit — the festival dates change each month because they follow the moon cycle.

Cash (VND) is essential for street food, markets, bicycle parking, small restaurants, and many shops. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) work at hotels, larger restaurants, and established tailors. Carry 500,000-1,500,000 VND daily. ATMs are available — use Vietcombank or BIDV for lowest fees. Always decline "dynamic currency conversion" at ATMs and card machines — it adds a hidden markup. Large 500,000 VND notes can be hard to break at small food stalls — carry smaller notes too.

When visiting assembly halls, pagodas, and temples, cover your shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering prayer halls (look for shoes at the entrance). Keep noise to a minimum inside worship spaces. Ask before photographing worshippers. Do not point your feet toward Buddha statues or altars. Small donations (10,000-20,000 VND) in the offering box are appreciated. These are active places of worship — visit respectfully.

Hoi An is exceptionally safe. The Ancient Town is car-free and well-lit. Violent crime is virtually unheard of. The main risks: bicycle theft (always lock your bike), overcharging at tourist shops (compare prices), and the occasional motorbike outside the old town. Bag snatching is rare but keep valuables secure. The local community is genuine, helpful, and welcoming. Solo female travelers consistently rate Hoi An as one of the safest places they have visited.

Get a local SIM card for data — you need it for Grab, Google Maps, and Google Translate. Buy at Da Nang Airport (150,000-300,000 VND) or in Hoi An (70,000-100,000 VND at Viettel/Mobifone shops on the main roads). Free Wi-Fi is available at most cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Bring your passport for SIM registration. Download Vietnamese on Google Translate for offline use — invaluable for restaurant menus and market communication.

Hoi An has a tropical climate. The dry season (February-August) brings strong sun and heat (28-35 degrees). Always carry sunscreen, a hat, and water. The rainy season (September-January) brings afternoon downpours — carry a compact umbrella or light rain jacket. The humidity can be intense year-round. Wear light, breathable clothing. Air conditioning in hotels provides relief. Morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times for outdoor activities.

Key phrases: "Xin chao" (hello — "sin chow"), "Cam on" (thank you — "gam un"), "Bao nhieu?" (how much? — "bow nyew"), "Khong" (no — "kohm"), "Vang" (yes — "vahng"), "Xin loi" (sorry — "sin loy"), "Ngon qua!" (delicious! — "nyom qwa"), "Mot, hai, ba, yo!" (1, 2, 3, cheers! — the Vietnamese drinking cheer). Any attempt to speak Vietnamese is met with delighted smiles and genuine warmth.

Most hotels provide free bicycles. Use them for everything — the flat terrain makes cycling effortless. Ride to An Bang Beach (10 min), through rice paddies (endless routes), to Cam Thanh (15 min), and along the river. Lock your bicycle when parking. The Ancient Town restricts motorbikes during peak hours but bicycles are allowed everywhere. Cycling through the countryside at golden hour is one of Hoi An's most magical experiences.

Do NOT drink tap water in Hoi An. Always use bottled water (5,000-10,000 VND from convenience stores and shops). Ice in tourist restaurants and cafes is generally safe (purified water), but avoid ice from street carts if concerned. Carry water on cycling trips and beach days. The tropical heat causes dehydration faster than you expect — drink more than you think you need.

Hoi An has fewer scams than larger Vietnamese cities, but be aware: some taxi/Grab drivers from Da Nang may take longer routes to Hoi An. Tour booking shops may overcharge — compare with your hotel rates. Market vendors start at inflated prices — always bargain. Some tailor shops produce lower-quality work at high prices — read reviews and check workmanship at fittings. Boat tour operators may add hidden charges — agree on the total price before departure.

Hotels often charge markups on tours. Compare My Son Sanctuary, Cham Islands, and cooking class prices between your hotel, local tour offices, and platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide. Group tours are cheaper than private tours. The Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, and countryside cycling are all self-guided — no tour needed. Many cooking schools (Red Bridge, Morning Glory) take direct bookings at better rates than through hotels.