travel-hoi-an-a-z-explore-every-corner-of-hoi-an-by-yourself

Nov 17, 2023 | Hoi An, Travel Tips

Travel Hoi An A-Z: Explore every corner of Hoi An by yourself

Hoi An, Travel Tips

When travel Hoi An by yourself, what to do in Hoi An, where should you go, where should you stay, and what should you eat? Let yourvietnam.org tell you a “treasure trove” of self-sufficient Hoi An travel experiences that are super fun, super useful, and economical.

travel-hoi-an-a-z-explore-every-corner-of-hoi-an-by-yourself

It is not an exaggeration to compare Hoi An to an ancient, attractive pearl when it comes to the tourist map of Central Vietnam. What makes this hundred-year-old port town unique? Join yourvietnam.org through the screen and collect cool tricks and experiences.

Which season is the best to travel to Hoi An?

Only 30km from Da Nang, Hoi An is located north of the lower Thu Bon River. This place used to be a busy port, a vital trade milestone between Vietnamese and international traders.

According to travel enthusiasts, Hoi An always has its beauty and can be visited in any season of the year. However, to fully enjoy the beauty of the old town, February – April is the ideal time for a self-sufficient trip.

The dry season (February to April) is considered the most beautiful time to visit Hoi An. During this period, the weather in Hoi An is quite fantastic and pleasant. The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 30°C, helping visitors feel comfortable and airy when visiting.

travel-hoi-an-a-z-by-yourself-at-dry-season

The rainy season (September to January) lasts from September to the end of January. The weather during this period is quite humid due to a lot of rain and can encounter sudden rains. During the period from October to December, Hoi An can be affected by the stormy season, with prolonged rain and flooding, especially in the old town. 

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Therefore, you need to monitor the weather forecast and consider when planning to travel this season.

How to Move to Hoi An?

There are many means of transportation to get to Hoi An from Da Nang, but the most common are motorbikes, private cars, buses, and taxis.

Travel Hoi An by motorbike

The road to Hoi An from Da Nang is relatively tiny. So motorbikes are the most reasonable and economical means of transportation. You can rent a motorbike right at the hotel you are staying at. Rental prices range from 100,000 VND/day to 180,000 VND/day, depending on the type of vehicle.

  • Route 1: Run south of National Highway 1 about 27km to Vinh Dien Street. Turn left to go another 10km, and then follow Huynh Thuc Khang Street to Hoi An.
  • Route 2: Cross the Han River bridge in the center of Da Nang City. Go onto the Da Nang – Hoi An provincial road, and then drive about 30km more.

Go to Hoi An by Private Car

If traveling in a group of 3-4 people or more, renting a private car to Hoi An from Da Nang is the most relaxing and economical means of transportation (cost per person can be even cheaper than renting a motorbike). The price to rent a modern and comfortable four-seat car is only around 300,000 VND/way.

go-to-hoi-an-from-da-nang

Go to Hoi An by Taxi

From Da Nang, visitors can travel to Hoi An by taxi with fares of 16,000 VND/km. Some reputable taxi companies in Da Nang that you should prioritize are Mai Linh, Song Han, and Huong Lua…

Go to Hoi An by Bus

Every 20 minutes, there will be a bus to Hoi An from Da Nang. Travel time is about 30 minutes. The bus only operates from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. So if you want to visit Hoi An at night, you should choose to ride a motorbike or private car.

This means of transportation is not only economical but also helps you “zoom in” on the lives of local people when travel Hoi An on your own.

Travel Hoi An by plane

Currently, Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air all offer flights to Da Nang with flexible schedules to suit your needs. You can buy a plane ticket from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Da Nang Airport, then continue your journey to Hoi An by bus or taxi. 

Flight time is only about 1 hour, and ticket prices usually range from 400,000 to 1,600,000 VND each way.

Travel Hoi An by Train

Starting from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you can board the train and choose to stop at Da Nang or Tra Kieu station (Quang Nam). Travel time takes about 16 – 18 hours, depending on the itinerary and type of seat you choose. 

With flexible ticket prices from 650,000 VND/trip, ticket prices can change depending on the type of seat, train type, and time. You can choose to suit your budget and wishes.

Means of Transportation when travel Hoi An Self-sufficiently

Bicycle

This is a great choice to explore Hoi An, with a sense of freedom and relaxation. You can freely slide through the old streets, relax, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city. Hoi An has many hotels that provide free bicycles for guests, or you can also rent one for about 40,000 VND/day.

travel-around-hoi-an-a-z-by-yourself-by-bicycle

Motorcycles

If you want flexibility and convenience in moving around Hoi An, renting a motorbike is the perfect choice. You can easily find a place to rent a motorbike for about 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day.

travel-around-hoi-an-a-z-by-yourself-by-motorcycles

Cyclo

You cannot miss the unique experience of a cyclo when traveling to Hoi An. At Phan Chau Trinh and Tran Phu streets, you can find beautiful cyclos ready to take you to explore the old town. With a rental price of about 150,000 VND/hour/car, you can sit on a cyclo, relax, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient city.

travel-around-hoi-an-a-z-by-yourself-by-cyclo

Boat

Small boats float on the calm waters of the Hoai River and Thu Bon River, bringing you beautiful experiences. For only 50,000 VND for two people (during weekdays), you can drift on the water, admiring the beautiful landscape of Hoi An.

travel-around-hoi-an-a-z-by-yourself-by-boat

Suggestions for Beautiful Hotels and Resorts Near Hoi An Ancient Town

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When traveling to Hoi An on their own, tourists often choose to visit Hoi An ancient town during the day and then return to neighboring big cities (Da Nang, Hue) to rest. You should stay in Hoi An for one night to enjoy the vibrant life when the streets light up.

  • Le Belhamy Beach Resort & Spa, Hoi An: located right on the coast of Ha My, so the view is highly poetic – price from 1,500,000 VND/night.
  • Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoian: in the middle of vast green fields, the hotel is built in luxurious Western European architecture. There is a completely free shuttle service to Hoi An Ancient Town.
  • Volar Hoi An: Comfortable homestay, friendly staff – price from 500,000 VND/night.
  • Daisy Garden Villa Hoi An: Extremely “lemongrass” villa with swimming pool, and only 1.3km from Chaozhou Assembly Hall – price from 300,000 VND/night
  • Tropical Home Villa: villa designed in a green botanica style, quite close to famous Hoi An tourist destinations – price from 900,000 VND/night.
  • The Linh: This homestay has welcomed Hoi An tourists since 2018, so it is still new and comfortable. The interior could be more memorable. In return, the breakfast here must be said to be “excellent” with a full range of delicious Central region specialties – priced from 300,000 VND/night.
  • CoCo Riverside: homestay located right next to the highly romantic riverbank, with an outdoor BBQ grill suitable for people traveling to Hoi An with a group of friends or family – price from 360,000 VND/night.

Travel Hoi An – What to do? Interesting Hoi An Tourist Destinations

Visit Traditional Craft Villages

traditional-craft-villages

With a history of hundreds of years of development, it is not surprising that Hoi An is the “capital” of many traditional craft villages imbued with Vietnamese identity. 

The most prominent are Kim Bong Carpentry Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Tra Que Vegetable Village, and Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village. These Hoi An tourist destinations are all very close to Hoi An Ancient Town. So that you can combine the tour in one day.

Travel Hoi An, you must attend a traditional lantern-making class – an extremely best-selling item here. Colorful fabric lanterns will create a unique highlight for your home.

Take a basketboat ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest 

take-a-basketboat-ride-in-the-bay-mau-coconut-forest 

Dubbed the “miniature west,” Hoi An Bay Mau Coconut Forest eco-tourism area (or Hoi An Coconut Forest, Cam Thanh Coconut Forest) impresses with its green coconut trees running along both sides of the river. Relaxing on a basket boat, admiring the rich nature while listening to a folk song, what could be more “chill”?

Of course, there is no shortage of local delicacies and delicious specialties that you can enjoy or buy as gifts. If you’re lucky, you will receive some handmade gifts made from coconut leaves “branded” as Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

Travel Hoi An – Watch the Hoi An Memory Show

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Revolving around the traditional ao dai, Hoi An Memories opens a comprehensive picture of a port town that has continuously transformed and developed over the past 400 years. 

With a 1km long stage and up to 500 actors, it is no exaggeration to say that Hoi An Memories Show is one of the most unique art performances in Vietnam. If you have fallen in love with Hoi An Ancient Town, you absolutely cannot miss this exciting activity.

Go to VinWonders Nam Hoi An

go-to-vinwonders-nam-hoi-an

This is a suggestion for #teamyourvietnam.org, who intends to travel to Hoi An independently for at least two days. VinWonders Nam Hoi An is the new name of Vinpearl Nam Hoi An – an entertainment paradise for all ages. 

As the second largest multi-purpose entertainment, entertainment, and resort complex in Vietnam, VinWonders Nam Hoi An can satisfy all types of visitors, whether you are looking for a resort experience to relieve stress or like to scream at the top of your lungs on a roller coaster.

Releasing Flower Lanterns In Hoai River

releasing-flower-lanterns-in-hoai-river

What’s interesting about Hoi An, an ancient town at night? That is the Hoai River lit up by many colorful lanterns. Visitors can buy lamps at stalls along the banks of the Hoai River, send their thoughts and wishes into them. And then drop them into the peaceful water. 

The activity of releasing flower lanterns in Hoi An Ancient Town takes place every day but is most beautiful and exciting on the first, fourteenth, and fifteenth days of the lunar calendar.

Besides the lanterns, Hoi An Ancient Town at night is also busier with shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and unique restaurants and bars… This is also the romantic activity that many #teamyourvietnam.org couples look forward to when traveling to Hoi An on their own.

Visit Phung Hung Ancient House

visit-phung-hung-ancient-house

Located at 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam, Phung Hung Ancient House attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its unique nostalgic appearance and impressive history. 

Phung Hung Ancient House was built in 1780 – when Hoi An port town was at its busiest – which was a place to trade many items such as porcelain, glassware, cinnamon, salt…

The architecture of Phung Hung Ancient House is a combination of three cultural schools: Japan, China, and Vietnam – clearly shown through the “four seas” roof style of the Edo period, the system of wooden ribs, horizontal beams, and vertical beams, traditional Vietnamese-style pillars or windows, and main doors with bold Chinese colors. 

With an age of around 240 years, Phung Hung Ancient House is a national monument recognized by the Vietnamese state. This is definitely a Hoi An tourist destination you should take advantage of when visiting the old town.

Travel to An Bang Beach

travel-to-an-bang-beach

Maybe you don’t know: An Bang Beach, Hoi An was once on the list of “50 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World” voted in 2011 by CNNGo. 

Beach or as diverse in sports and entertainment activities as famous beaches in Da Nang, An Bang Beach “captivates” tourists with its original, wild, and peaceful beauty. The body has never passed through human hands.

The water surface is as clear as a mirror, the smooth white sand, and the warm golden sunshine at An Bang beach are not enough. Visitors can fully admire the beauty of An Bang beach when coming here early in the morning. It is the time when the sun is just rising – the perfect time to float along the basket boats offshore, inhaling the air. “salty” freshness or admire the bright purple sea morning glory flower beds.

Check-in Chaozhou Assembly Hall – Bon Pagoda

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More than 150 years old, Chaozhou Assembly Hall, or Bon Pagoda, has long been a famous place of religious activities in Hoi An Ancient Town. This is a place to worship many coastal gods and pray for smooth travel and trade.

Chaozhou Assembly Hall is one of the Hoi An tourist destinations loved by #teamyourvietnam.org, thanks to its unique, sophisticated architecture, associated with many folk legends. This place is also the “common home” of beautiful embossed porcelain works with high historical, cultural, and artistic value. 

Travel Hoi An on the 16th day of the first lunar month, visitors can visit the Chaozhou Assembly Hall to participate in the Nguyen Tieu worshiping ceremony and the exceptional death anniversary of ancestors.

Travel Hoi An – Visit Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

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Along with the Duong Thuong Assembly Hall, the Chaozhou Assembly Hall, and the Cantonese Assembly Hall, the Fujian Assembly Hall is also one of the most beautiful Chinese assembly halls in Hoi An. Also called Phuoc Kien, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is a place to worship Tien Hien, the god, as well as a meeting place for Fujian compatriots on essential festivals.

When travel Hoi An on your own, we invite you to visit Phuc Kien Assembly Hall to admire the unique architecture, listen to fascinating anecdotes, and understand the cultural significance and long history of this place.

About the “Moon Sand Area” at Cua Dai Beach

about-the-moon-sand-area-at-cua-dai-beach

If you think that there are no beautiful beaches in Hoi An, you are greatly mistaken. Only about 5km from the center of Hoi An is Cua Dai beach – the intersection of three rivers: De Vong, Thu Bon, and Truong Giang, possessing a “shimmering” white sand coastline as if it had just stepped out of a painting newspaper.

Gathering many high-end hotels and resorts, sports activities, entertainment, cuisine, shopping… at Cua Dai beach take place very excitingly. Coming to Cua Dai Beach, you can admire another side – youthful, dynamic, and new – of Hoi An.

Check-in Locations When Traveling to Hoi An You Should Not Miss

Travel Hoi An – Old Brick Kiln

travel-hoi-an-old-brick-kiln

Located in the middle of a green field in Vinh Nam village, Duy Xuyen district, Old Brick Kiln radiates unique attraction and has become a famous check-in destination near Hoi An. Although it belongs to Quang Nam province, because it is only about 5km from Hoi An, visitors can still easily visit. 

Under the shimmering sunlight, you can unleash your creativity and create impressive photos at the Old Brick Kiln. Feel the antiquity and essence of this unique architecture while preserving memorable memories during your trip.

Faifo Coffee Cafe

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  • Address: No. 130 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, City. Hoi An

Located in a unique location, Faifo Coffee allows visitors to admire the old town scene from an entirely new perspective. From here, you can see small streets, ancient houses, and ancient bridges stretching along the river. 

View from above at Faifo Coffee creates an ideal space to take photos and enjoy the unique beauty of Hoi An old town.

Not only is it an exciting check-in location, but Faifo Coffee is also a place where you can enjoy delicious food and unique drinks. With a fantastic green space and beautiful decoration style, this cafe will definitely satisfy even the most demanding tourists.

Ba Mu Tam Quan pagoda gate

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  • Address: 675a Hai Ba Trung Street, Tam Quan, City. Hoi An

Let yourvietnam.org lead you to the gate of Tam Quan Ba Mu Pagoda – where you can freely show off your “super artistic” photography. Stepping through the Gate of Ba Mu Tam Quan Pagoda, you will feel the excellent combination of traditional architecture and contemporary art. 

The bright and vibrant pink color of the temple creates a lively and eye-catching scene. Come here and create “sparklingly beautiful” photos on this colorful travel Hoi An journey.

Tan Ky Ancient House

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  • Address: No. 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward, City. Hoi An

The historic old house of Tan Ky, a timeless architectural masterpiece, is standing firmly in Hoi An, a witness to its beautiful past, and rich culture. With over 200 years old, this house has gone through many historical periods and still shines brightly.

Tan Ky ancient house is not only a tourist destination but also a door leading you into the world of ancient noble families. Stop, enjoy the silence, and discover the secrets hidden behind these antique brick and stone walls.

Travel Hoi An – Covered Bridge

  • Address: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Minh An Ward, City. Hoi An

As a symbol of Hoi An, and also a testament to cultural interference, Covered Bridge not only attracts local people but is also an attractive destination for international tourists. Inside the pagoda worships Bac De Tran Vo, the god who protects the land and brings good things to the people. 

On the wooden bridge attached to the Hoai River, you will be drawn into a space of color and romantic poetry. The shimmering lights spread along the bridge make the Covered Bridge become sparkling, and attractive at night.

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Bougainvillea trellis along Hoai River

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  • Address: along the streets around the old town, next to the Hoai River

In the ancient town of Hoai River, the pristine yellow wall covered with bright pink bougainvillea flowers is an ideal stop for those who love to explore and show off virtual life moments. The gentle light from the sunlight filtering into the bougainvillea flowers, traditional wooden window frames. And rustic cyclos will be an ideal “background” for your virtual photos. 

Dressed gracefully in ao dai and traditional conical hats, strolling around sunny, bougainvillea-lined streets, and enjoying a poetic Hoi An, what are you waiting for?

What to Eat in Hoi An? Discover Delicious Hoi An Specialties

Travel Hoi An and discovering local cuisine is a favorite activity of culinary connoisseurs. Grab some delicious Hoi An dishes that you can freely fill your hungry stomach with.

Hoi An Chicken Rice

hoi-an-chicken-rice

Hoi An chicken rice can be prepared in many different versions. But the most popular are still shredded chicken rice and chicken intestine rice. Rice is cooked in golden chicken broth and served with tender chicken, aromatic onion, and carrot salad.

Many #teamyourvietnam.org jokingly say that when travel Hoi An, and forgetting to enjoy chicken rice, you must immediately plan… to travel again. The price of a delicious plate of Hoi An chicken rice is only about 35,000 VND – 40,000 VND/plate.

Hoi An chicken rice address for reference:

  • Ba Buoi Chicken Rice – Address: No. 22 Phan Chau Trinh Street, City. Hoi An.
  • Hoi An chicken rice – Ba Thuan – Address: 17/4 Hai Ba Trung Street, city center. Hoi An.
  • Long Com Ga Chicken Rice Restaurant – Address: 53/16 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An City.

Cao Lau

cao-lau

It can be said that Cao Lau is the pride of Hoi An cuisine. At first glance, it looks like noodles. Cao Lau noodles are actually shorter, thicker, and chewier than regular noodles. Cao Lau fibers are soaked in a rich sauce and eaten with char siu meat, steamed vegetables, and pork rinds,… It is truly a great dish. 

On cold days, the flavor of Cao Lau is much more delicious. Traveling to Hoi An without enjoying Cao Lau’s specialties is genuinely a big mistake.

Cao Lau restaurant address for reference:

  • Cao Lau Thanh – Address: 26 Thai Phien, Hoi An City.
  • Cao Lau Lien – Address: No. 16 Thai Phien Street, City. Hoi An.
  • Hoi An Green Space Cao Lau – Address: No. 687 Hai Ba Trung Street, right in the heart of the city. Hoi An

Travel Hoi An – Banh Vac

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Love frugal food? Hoi An cauldron cake is the choice for you. The crust is made from rice flour that is filtered over and over again so it is clear white, embracing the filling made from shrimp, meat, and mushrooms. The “soul” of banh vac is the rich sweet, and sour chili garlic fish sauce. Eat, eat more, eat forever without getting bored at all.

Hoi An cauldron cake shop address for reference:

  • White Rose – Dumplings & Cauldron Cakes – Address: 533 Hai Ba Trung, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam.
  • Trung Bac Restaurant – Cao Lau Banh Vac – Address: No. 92 Bach Dang Street, City. Hoi An.
  • White Rose cauldron dumpling shop – Address: No. 255 Hai Ba Trung, City. Hoi An.

Wet Cake Rolled with Hoi An Grilled Meat

wet-cake-rolled-with-hoi-an-grilled-meat

This seemingly simple dish turns out to be an extremely memorable “taste explosion.” A plate of wet cakes rolled with grilled meat in Hoi An includes wet cakes, charred grilled meat skewers served with raw vegetables, peanuts, and sweet and salty dipping sauce. 

The skewered meat is grilled on the spot. So it is always juicy, fragrant, and hot – the price is extremely “soft.” When travel Hoi An, you can find this famous delicacy at street stalls next to the banks of Hoai River.

Address of Hoi An grilled meat rolled wet cake shop for reference:

  • Moist cake rolled with grilled meat Hai Ba Trung: 45/51 Tran Hung Dao, Minh Anh Ward, Hoi An.
  • Ba Huong’s heirloom wet cake, and grilled meat restaurant: 31 Tieu La, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City.
  • Hai Dao restaurant – Hoi An grilled meat roll wet cake shop – Address: 160 Ly Thai To, Cam Son, City. Hoi An.

Travel Hoi An – Banh Beo Hoi An

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What should you eat when traveling to Hoi An on your own? The answer is banh beo – a specialty not only famous for its soft dough that melts in the mouth. But also for all kinds of hearty toppings, with dried shrimp, fish cakes, peanuts, crispy pork rinds…

If this dish is served with sweet, sour, and spicy fish sauce, it must be said to be “excellent.” A bowl of banh beo only costs 2,000 VND.

Hoi An Banh Beo restaurant address for reference:

  • Ba My Banh Beo – Address: end of Tran Phu Street, adjacent to Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An.
  • Ba Bay’s Banh Beo – Address: 2 Hoang Van Thu, City. Hoi An, Quang Nam.
  • Banh Beo 17 – Address: 17 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoi An.
  • Peanut cake shop – Address: opposite 429 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Hoi An City, Quang Nam.

Travel Hoi An is a familiar destination but still contains many hidden “gems” that need to be discovered. Don’t forget to bring a “genuine” camera to save memorable moments in a place favored by international tourists as “Venice Vietnam.” 

Follow yourvietnam.org fanpage to know more about the beauty of Vietnamese culture. And also find some perfect tips to make your travel plan more wonderful.

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