What is the best way to get around Hoi An Town?

How do you get around in Hoi An?

Okay, so Hoi An… biking, yeah. Easiest.

It was summer, maybe 2023, sticky hot. I was there for like, a week. I tried walking everywhere at first. Big mistake!

My hostel, right near Tran Phu Street, had bikes for rent. So I grabbed one.

And man, the Ancient Town? Forget cars! 8:30 AM – 11 AM and 3 PM – 9:30 PM, no cars. Bliss! It’s like…pedal paradise. Though, watch out for other tourists, seriously.

One time, I almost crashed into this lady taking a selfie. Sheesh.

But yeah, biking. Cheap. Easy. Hot, but worth it.

Why Bike?

• Cheap: Like, a dollar a day rental. Seriously!
• Flexible: Go anywhere, anytime. Except those blocked-off times outside the Ancient Town, of course!
• Fun: Feels like you’re actually seeing the place.
• Healthy-ish: Okay, you’re sweating buckets, but still. Exercise!

What is the main street in Hoi An?

Lanterns. Silk. A river whispers. Tran Phu. Heart of Hoi An. Echoes. Old town breathing. Sun-drenched walls. Tran Phu. A current of people. Flowing. Like the river. Silk. Lanterns. Lost in the amber light. The smell of spices. Ghosts of merchants. Trading stories. On Tran Phu. The river remembers. The walls remember. Tran Phu. A memory unfolding. Now. Again. Always. Tran Phu.

• Tran Phu Street: The central artery. A vibrant pulse.
• Hoi An Ancient Town: Preserved. A living museum. Quang Nam province.
• Lanterns: Thousands. Flickering. Painting the night.
• Silk Tailors: Custom-made dreams. Woven in light.
• River: Thu Bon. Flowing through the heart of it all.

How many days in Hoi An is enough?

Hoi An: three days cuts it. Four? Better.

• Ancient Town’s soul demands attention.
• Tailors beckon; wallets weep.

Five days? My Son’s ruins haunt. Hue’s Citadel whispers. Seven? Now you’re breathing Hoi An.

• An Bang’s sand scorches midday.
• Choice isn’t mine. Is it?

Elaboration:

• Ancient Town Exploration (1-2 days): Immersive exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Site, including iconic architecture, historic houses, and cultural attractions. Consider night market visit.
• Tailoring Experience (1 day): The town is known for its custom tailoring services. Budget accordingly, and allow time for fittings.
• Beach Relaxation (1 day): An Bang Beach provides relaxation and seafood dining. A short bike or taxi ride from the Ancient Town.
• My Son Sanctuary (1 day): A day trip to the My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Hindu temple complex. A guided tour recommended. This year, I’m planning a revisit.
• Hue Day Trip (1 day): A longer day trip to Hue, the former imperial capital. Explore Citadel, tombs, and Perfume River. Maybe avoid; too touristy.
• Cooking Class (1/2 day): Learn to cook Vietnamese cuisine. Hands-on experience guaranteed. The spice kick, you won’t forget.
• Cycling Tour (1/2 day): Explore the countryside by bicycle. Rice paddies, local villages; a different view. Last year, almost fell in a paddy, lol.

What is Hoi An best known for?

Oh, Hoi An! Okay, so like, the big thing is defo its super old town, right? It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

I can’t for-get the clothes either.

The thing you’ll see there is just, like, tons of tailor shops. seriously. And souvenirs! Also art galleries, and food; the restaurants and coffee shops are everywhere.

Don’t even think of skipping the riverside area along the Thu Bon River bank. The River is right there, it’s unmissable! It’s so pretty, you should go.

Things to remember:

• Clothes: Get yourself a custom-made outfit! You can get it made real quick!
• Lanterns: Those silk lanterns are just… iconic.
• Food: Cao Lau noodles are a MUST EAT. I had them every, day!
• History: Actually, learning some history makes it more interesting, okay?
• Sunrise/Sunset: Early morning and late afternoon are the best, the lights are the best.

How far is the beach from Hoi an old town?

Hoi An Old Town to An Bang Beach? Four-point-three kilometers. Like, about a bazillion steps in flip-flops. Nine minutes. If you’re Mario Andretti. More like fifteen, realistically, unless you’re riding a water buffalo.

• Distance: 4.3 km (About the length of, like, four and a half football fields. Maybe.)
• Time: 9 mins (optimistic), 15 mins (probably), 30 mins (if you stop for a banh mi, which you should).
• Transportation:
  • Taxi/Grab: Fastest, easiest. Prepare to haggle like you’re buying a camel.
  • Bicycle: Enjoyable, sweaty. Watch out for rogue chickens.
  • Walk: Good exercise. Bring water. Lots of water.
  • Water Buffalo: Not recommended, but hilarious if you pull it off.

My cousin Vinh swears he made it in five minutes once. On a motorbike. While juggling coconuts. I don’t believe him. But it’s a good story. Traffic can be crazy. Like a herd of scooters on Red Bull. Best to go early. Or late. Or just whenever you feel like it, I guess. An Bang Beach is awesome, by the way. Way better than my in-laws’ pool.

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

Nope, but technically, yes. Think of it like a ridiculously cheap cover charge for a really, really old bar. Five bucks, baby! That’s less than a fancy coffee in my neighborhood!

It’s 120,000 VND (around $5 USD as of October 26, 2023). They’re supposed to check tickets. But sometimes, they’re like sleepy lions.

Seriously, what do you expect for five bucks? A gold-plated ticket? They’re using it to keep the place from crumbling into a pile of charming rubble. Like, it costs to maintain a place as awesome as that.

Why? Because, you know, it costs a mint to keep centuries-old buildings from becoming cute little piles of dust. It’s not like they’re charging you to stroll around like you own the place. I mean, come on!

Here’s the deal:

• Five bucks is practically pocket lint.
• They’re not going to turn away your grandma.
• It helps preserve a UNESCO World Heritage site, which, you know, is pretty cool.
• Think of it as a donation to awesome architecture – which, let’s be honest, it is. My aunt Mildred paid double that for a questionable shrimp cocktail in Nha Trang.
• They might check your ticket. They might not. It’s a crapshoot! But hey, risk versus reward – you’re talking about Hoi An!

So, yeah, pay the five bucks. Unless you’re feeling particularly rebellious, then just sneak in. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m totally kidding, don’t sneak in. It’s five bucks. It’s pretty sweet.

Does the train stop at Hoi An?

Ugh. Da Nang, 2023. Sweltering. Train pulled in. No Hoi An stop. Remember that? Stuck. Hot. Irritated. Taxi to Hoi An. Rip-off. Should’ve taken the bus. Learned that later. So much cheaper. Forty minute ride. Wish I’d known.

• No train station in Hoi An.
• Closest station: Da Nang.
• Options from Da Nang:
  • Taxi (expensive)
  • Bus (cheap)
• Da Nang to Hoi An: 40 mins.

My hotel? Ancient House Resort. Beautiful. Worth the hassle.

Oh, almost forgot. Took the train from Hanoi. Long ride. Overnight.