Hoi An might be one of the most charming places I have ever been to in South East Asia. I actually didn’t expect it to be so beautiful. The Ancient Town is well preserved and well looked after. It is easy to navigate around the small alleyways, which are full of hidden cafes, good restaurants and cheap eateries. However, coming here after living in Chiang Mai for over 2 years left me in a slight culture shock. There were a couple of things I didn’t expect.

Staying in Hoi An for a week was full of surprises, so I came up with a few Helpful Things to Know Before Traveling to Hoi An that will make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

Money

We couldn’t change our Baht to Vietnamese Dong in Thailand, so we brought dollars with us. If you arrive late at night in Hoi An, change some of your money at the airport to ensure you have enough Dong to pay for a taxi and dinner. Vietnamese are reluctant to accept dollars for everyday purchases and, if they do, they might calculate the rate to their advantage – you could end up losing money on the transaction.
You can pay with dollars in Hoi An for accommodation and food in expensive restaurants.

Accommodation

There are plenty of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Hoi An. The prices are reasonable and offer good value for your money. We stayed at the Nature Homestay for six nights; it was a bit further from the center, but the area was quiet and the rooms were large and spacious. The owners were very accommodating and always ready to help.
Most hostels in Hoi An can also book tours, cooking classes, taxis, or anything else you might need during your stay. These are among the Helpful Things to Know Before Traveling to Hoi An if you want to plan efficiently.

Food and Drinks

Hoi An is replete with restaurants and street stalls. If you’re looking for good quality Vietnamese food, check out the places in the center where a dish costs around 50,000 VND. Portions might be small, so you may need 2 or 3 dishes to feel full. While Western food is available, it tends to be more expensive (typically around 100,000–120,000 VND for items like pizza or burgers).
Some street stalls, particularly around the Central Market and near the Japanese Bridge at night, offer even cheaper options starting from 20,000 VND. Don’t miss out on signature dishes such as Bahn Mi at Banh Mi Phuong and Madam Khan, or trying the best Cau Lau at The Chef where you can also enjoy a view from the rooftop.
Vietnamese beer is widely available; local brands can cost as little as 5,000–8,000 VND, while popular brands like Saigon Beer and 333 are priced around 20,000 VND per bottle.

Nightlife

Most bars in Hoi An close at midnight—a surprise to some visitors who expected a more vibrant late-night scene similar to Thailand. Still, you can enjoy a drink and meet fellow travelers at places like Tiger Tiger Bar or Funky Monkey, which are located by the river.
For live music, our favorite was Dive Bar. If you’re looking for a late-night drink after everything shuts down, Why Not Bar, is known for its lively, albeit messy, evenings. Transportation is easily available at these times since many scooter drivers are ready to take you back to your hostel at a reasonable price.

Transportation

Hotels and hostels typically offer free bicycles, which are popular with visitors due to the town’s flat terrain. If you’re feeling more adventurous, renting a scooter is an option. Although our hostel offered a scooter for $7 a day, we found a better deal in town – around $4 per day for a new automatic Honda. Remember that bargaining is common, especially if you plan to stay multiple days.

Shopping

Hoi An is a shopper’s haven. You can have shoes, dresses, and suits tailor-made at affordable prices without compromising on quality. For souvenirs, silk scarves, or Vietnamese delicacies, head over to the Central Market where bargaining is welcomed if prices aren’t clearly marked.

Sightseeing

The Ancient Town boasts several attractions, each requiring a ticket priced at 120,000 VND. This ticket grants access to five main attractions, with a coupon cut off at each entry. Even if you use all the coupons, holding onto the ticket is handy as you may need it to enter the town center.
Exploring these highlights is among the Helpful Things to Know Before Traveling to Hoi An as it helps you plan your sightseeing route efficiently.

Safety

Hoi An is generally very safe. Although not as bustling as Thailand, you should still keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded areas of the Ancient Town. Even at night when the shops are closed, walking around feels secure.

Language and Attitude

English is not widely spoken outside tourist hotspots. Hotel and restaurant staff usually manage to communicate in English, but in local areas, language barriers may result in simple questions like “how much?” being met with confusion.
While Vietnamese might seem less expressive than Thais, a friendly “hello” and a wave are common gestures, especially in more relaxed neighborhoods.

Internet

Wi-fi is widely available in guesthouses, hotels, and hostels. The Nature Homestay, for instance, provided excellent connectivity. Many cafes, bars, and restaurants also offer free wi-fi, though these venues often aren’t ideal for working due to the noisy atmosphere. Sim cards for local connectivity can be purchased for around 150,000 VND, though they typically provide only 3G service without call or text credit—you’ll need to top up separately.

Tourist Industry and Local Customs

Tourism is still a developing industry in Hoi An. Tourist offices and local vendors are eager to serve visitors, even though many locals are only just getting used to the influx of international travelers. It’s common to be greeted with a warm “hello” on the streets. However, local dress codes are more conservative, so consider refraining from overly revealing clothing.

Crowds

The Ancient Town can get quite crowded, making it challenging to take photos without someone in the frame. Nonetheless, the pedestrian-only evenings—when cars and scooters are temporarily banned—offer a pleasant atmosphere for a leisurely walk.

Vietnam is definitely different from other countries in South East Asia, and you need to be prepared for some surprises. Incorporating these Helpful Things to Know Before Traveling to Hoi An into your plans will ensure you have a smoother, more enjoyable experience. If you’re planning on visiting in the near future, I hope you make the most of your trip and enjoy everything this unique town has to offer.

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