How do you get around in Hoi An?

How many days in Hoi An is enough?

Three days… felt too short. Couldn’t quite catch my breath. Four, maybe. I rushed. Should have stayed longer. An Bang, yeah, beautiful. But… didn’t find my beach. Maybe there’s another one. Further out. Wish I’d rented a motorbike. Explored.

Lost in the tailor shops… silk. Colors… so vibrant. Didn’t get everything I wanted. Regret that now. My Son…powerful. Heavy. Didn’t really understand. Needed more time. To just sit. Think.

Five days. Minimum. Seven… better. Lose yourself. Wander. Get lost in the alleys. Lantern light. Street food. Cao lầu… still taste it. Wish I was back there. Now. In the quiet.

• 3-4 days: Basic sightseeing, some tailoring, An Bang Beach. Too rushed.
• 5-7 days: More relaxed. Day trips. My Son. Hue. Cooking class, maybe. Still not enough.
• My ideal? 10 days. Two weeks, even. Rent a villa. Outside town. Quiet. Write. Think. Finally finish that novel.

How far is the beach from Hoi an old town?

An Bang Beach, a must-see in Vietnam, sits a breezy 3 km east of Hoi An’s ancient heart, specifically in Cam An Ward, Quang Nam. It is, you know, close enough to be convenient, far enough for a little escape, I guess.

Okay, but what is An Bang Beach? Think soft sand, gentle waves (usually), and a vibe that’s a little more relaxed than some of the more crowded tourist spots. It is, apparently, less chaotic.

It seems, for some reason, that it’s popular with expats and long-term visitors. They’re likely looking for a quieter corner of the Vietnamese coast to call their own. Who can blame them? It’s like, a personal coastal sanctuary, you see.

Other nearby attractions:

• Cua Dai Beach: This used to be the beach before erosion hit hard, now not so much.
• Hidden Beach: A small, lesser-known option. I’ve never been, but someone told me it exists.
• Hoi An Silk Village: A little inland, but fascinating for textile nerds.

Basically, Hoi An’s beaches are accessible, especially An Bang. Rent a bike, hop in a taxi, whatever floats your boat. Consider that the “best” beach is, ultimately, subjective, like, totally depends on what you want, ya know?

Do you have to pay to enter Hoi an old town?

Five dollars. It’s not much. But… sitting here, 3 AM… thinking about it. It weighs on me. That five dollars. Thinking of Hoi An… the lanterns… the river.

It’s for preservation, they say. Makes sense. Still. Five dollars. I remember that tailor… silk. Custom made. More than five dollars, that was. Much more. Worth it, though. Still have that shirt. Somewhere. Packed away.

• Entrance fee: 120,000 VND (5 USD)
• Required: Yes, technically. To see the monuments inside.
• Purpose: Upkeep of Hoi An.

Lanterns… so beautiful. The river at night. Remember the food. Cao lầu… Wish I were there. Not here. Not now. Five dollars… such a small amount. Yet, it feels… significant. Something. Lost. Can’t explain. Maybe it’s not the money. Maybe… just missing… something. Maybe it’s just the hour. 3 AM. Everything feels… heavy.

The tailor… tiny shop. Remember his smile. Old hands… working the silk. That shirt… deep blue. Wore it to a wedding. Years ago. Should wear it again. Bring back… something.

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Monuments: Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls, old houses.

Just five dollars… but it’s more than that, isn’t it? Always is.

What is Hoi An best known for?

Hoi An, ah, a place steeped in history! A UNESCO World Heritage Site since ’99. It’s famed for its exceptionally well-preserved Ancient Town.

• A tailor’s paradise, seriously! Seemingly endless rows of tailor shops await. My mom even got a custom ao dai made there last spring.
• Souvenir shops galore. Expect to find everything from lanterns to silk products. The quality varies, so haggle wisely.
• Art galleries showcasing local talent. Some pieces are genuinely impressive. Then you can enjoy the riverfront. It really is something else.
• Restaurants and coffee shops dotting every corner. Sample cao lầu or just sip Vietnamese coffee – you absolutely have to.

A walk along the Thu Bon River is essential. The lanterns reflecting on the water at night? It’s magical, no cap. I even saw a guy playing the guitar once, nice place.

What area of Hoi An is best to stay in?

Cam Chau… yeah. I think Cam Chau is the best place.

It’s like… between the Old Town and the beach. Not right in the noise, you know?

Big area, mostly rice fields, I think. It’s quiet there. Not a lot of buildings.

There are places to stay, though. Good ones too, yeah, nice rooms. I always liked that.

• Why Cam Chau?
  • Location: It really is the perfect middle ground, equidistant to both the ancient streets and the sands of An Bang Beach.
  • Quiet: You actually get some sleep. The Old Town is beautiful, but loud. The beach has its own party scene. Cam Chau? Peaceful.
  • Value: You get more for your money. Hotels in the Old Town or right on the beach are premium-priced.
• My experience:
  • I stayed in a small guesthouse, run by a family who had the cutest dog. The dad was a tailor, and he made me the most amazing shirt. Remember that one time I wore that shirt? It was that trip.
  • I rented a bicycle. It was the best way to get around. So much easier than a scooter, and faster than walking, yeah. Plus, you pass those rice fields. It’s pretty awesome.
  • One night, I just sat outside my room, had a beer, and listened to the crickets. Honestly, one of my favorite memories. It felt so… real.
• Things to Consider
  • You will need a bike, scooter, or taxi, if you want to go into the old town, or the beach.
  • If you prefer to be surrounded by shops and restaurant, it’s maybe not for you.