+6 ways to getting around Hoi An, Vietnam!

Getting around in Hoi An is very convenient compared to other cities in Vietnam due to its compact size, numerous pedestrian lanes, and budget-friendly public transportation. Prominent attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops within Hoi An Ancient Town are easily accessible on foot, cyclo (motorbike taxi), and by bicycle. For the safety of visitors, motorised vehicles are prohibited from entering Hoi An Ancient Town for several hours every day.

#Tip : Hoi An Old Town Ticket, Entrance Fees & Sites

A wealth of natural attractions can be explored within 10 km from the UNESCO World Heritage site, such as pristine beaches, local villages, and verdant mountains. Naturally, these require a vehicle to get to. For a hassle-free vacation, we’ve compiled a helpful guide on Hoi An transportation.

From / To Da Nang Airport / Train staition & City

Da Nang to Hoi An by car takes around 30 minutes. The easiest and most economical way for you to travel to Hoi An (if you have more than two people in your group) is to ‘rent a car & driver’. If you have a lot of suitcases or have more than four people in your group, rent a minibus & driver.

Check out Private car services – Da Nang to Hoi An / Da Nang airport & City.

Cycling

Cycling is the easiest and cheapest way of getting around, especially in Hoi An Ancient Town. Traffic is rarely busy on most days, and the roads within Hoi An Ancient Town are closed off to cars, taxis, motorcycles, and xe om from 8.30 am to 11 am and 3 pm to 9.30 pm. 

You can easily rent a bicycle from your hotel or any bike rental shop, generally quite cheaply. There are also cycling tours where you can visit the surrounding countryside, rice paddies, fishing villages, fields of buffalo, and the Bamboo Bridge.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available outside Hoi An Ancient Town, though we recommend looking out for reliable taxi companies such as Faifoo and Mai Linh. The two main companies are Mai Linh (green): +84 (0) 235 3914 914 and Faifoo (yellow): +84 (0) 235 3919 191. Both companies use meters.

You can hail a taxi in the street, ring for one or go to places like the corner of Le Loi and Tran Hung Dao where they hang out.

The English Speaking Taxi number for Tourists is: +84 (0) 235 3 929 929

It’s at least a 45-minute taxi ride from Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An, though the cost is fairly reasonable. Rates can be higher if your hotel arranges a taxi service for you.

#Tip : Top 5 BEST Hoi An Taxis & Shuttles – You Need to Know !

Motorcycle

Motorcycles are great for exploring Hoi An’s rural villages, expansive coastline, and even the Marble Mountains in Da Nang. Most shops offer daily rentals for reasonable rates, which includes a standard bike and helmet. 

When renting a motorbike in Hoi An, check the condition of the vehicle carefully, photographing any major scratches and dents. Check the headlights and brakes before leaving the shop, and remember that they drive on the right-hand side of the road in Vietnam.

Here’s our list of recommended Hoi An motorbike rental companies:

Cyclo

Cyclos can be found within Hoi An Ancient Town, offering a leisurely cruise along the pedestrian-friendly streets. It can accommodate up to 2 passengers at a time and most cyclo operators are more than happy to provide information on the city’s history and landmarks. 

What better way to see the Old Town than in a cyclo? Early evening is the best as the heat of the sun cools and the town transforms into a pixie land of brightly coloured lanterns.

A 15 – 20 minute trip around the Old Town costs 150,000 – 200,000 VND, depending on your negotiation skills (and how busy they are). While cyclos are usually charged by the kilometre, you can also negotiate a fixed fee or hourly rate if you’re planning on exploring beyond the city. Negotiate and when you agree on the price, write it down and agree again!
All cyclos have number plates and are managed by the local police.

Electric Cars

The white and green electric buses that you’ll see on the streets around Hoi An operate in a similar fashion to Hoi An Shuttle Bus. To use it as a taxi, simply phone them, state how many passengers will be taking the trip and they will quote the price and pick you up.

Operating between the hours of 7am – 2pm they will take you anywhere in Hoi An. Between the hours of 2pm – 10pm there is a continual service back and forth from 487 Hai Ba Trung (corner of Hai Ba Trung & Ly Thuong Kiet) to 1 Cao Hong Lanh in the Old Town. You can buy tickets at two locations (487 Hai Ba Trung & 127 Phan Chu Trinh). The price is 10,000 VND one way.

Rent a Private Car & Driver

Taxis are the best form of transportation to get around Hoi An. However, if you find yourself wanting to go beyond the city’s limits, we recommend hiring a private car/driver. Be it a trip to or from Da Nang airport, Marble Mountain, My Son or even Hue, a private car/driver will always be cheaper than a tour or taxi. If your hotel arranges one expect to pay more. These drivers are reliable, cheap and very used to foreigners.

See our section on private car/driver hire for prices and contact details.