Discover how to explore Hoi An Ancient Town by cyclo in Da Nang City! Learn about costs, scenic routes, top activities, and sustainable tours for a UNESCO adventure. Book with Legend Travel Group today!
Hoi An Ancient Town, now Minh An Ward in Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its 15th–19th-century trading port legacy, attracting over 4.5 million of Da Nang’s 8 million annual visitors. Navigating its lantern-lit streets and historic landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge by cyclo—a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi—offers a nostalgic, eco-friendly way to immerse in Hoi An’s charm. Introduced during French colonial times, cyclos provide a leisurely pace perfect for families, seniors, or those seeking a taste of “old Vietnam.” With a professionalized cyclo union ensuring safety and quality, and sustainable tourism practices supporting local drivers, Hoi An’s cyclo tours are a cultural highlight. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers curated eco-tours featuring cyclo rides, bookable via links throughout this guide. Pedal into Hoi An’s heart—reserve your tour now!
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An cyclo tours use eco-friendly transport, guided by local experts who share the town’s history and cyclo traditions. We support Minh An’s cyclo drivers and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve UNESCO sites. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless adventure. Explore Hoi An sustainably with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!
Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, integrating Hoi An as Minh An Ward. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status remains vibrant. Da Nang City enhances sustainable tourism with cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND500 billion flood mitigation project (2023), ensuring access to Hoi An’s pedestrian zones, though November floods may affect low-lying streets.
Cyclos, introduced to Vietnam in the early 20th century during French colonial rule, were once a primary transport mode in Hoi An. Since the 2003 formation of the Hoi An Cyclo Labour Union, drivers wear uniforms, maintain spotless vehicles with registration numbers, and offer standardized pricing, eliminating past haggling issues. Today, cyclos are a tourist-friendly, eco-conscious way to navigate Hoi An’s car-free Old Town, especially during pedestrian hours (8:30 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–9:30 PM). Supporting over 100 local drivers, cyclo tours contribute to community livelihoods while offering a low-carbon alternative to motorized transport. Ideal for short trips or scenic tours, they cater to solo travelers, families, and groups, providing a relaxed, authentic experience.
Standard Cyclo Ride (30–60 minutes):
Price: $2–$5 per cyclo (50,000–125,000 VND), seating 1–2 adults or 1 adult with 1–2 small children.
Route: Covers Old Town highlights (e.g., Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market, Hoai River waterfront), with photo stops.
Booking: Arrange directly with drivers at Tran Phu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, or Bach Dang streets, or via hotels/tour operators.
Extended Cyclo Tour (1–2 hours):
Price: $5–$10 per cyclo (125,000–250,000 VND).
Route: Includes Old Town, riverside, and nearby sites like Tan Ky House or Quan Cong Temple.
Booking: Pre-book via Klook or Legend Travel Group for English-speaking guides.
Group Tours (4+ People):
Price: $1.50–$3 per person (37,500–75,000 VND) for 1-hour group tours.
Route: Customizable, often covering Old Town and nearby craft villages.
Guided Cyclo Tours with Legend Travel Group:
Price: $10–$45 per person (250,000–1,125,000 VND) for 2–4-hour tours, including Old Town ticket ($6 or 120,000 VND).
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, cyclo ride, visits to 5 attractions, and snacks or meals.
Notes:
Prices are fixed by the Hoi An Cyclo League; tipping ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND) is appreciated for excellent service.
Bargaining is minimal; confirm rates upfront to avoid confusion (e.g., per cyclo vs. per person).
Cyclos are unavailable during heavy floods (October–November); check weather via AccuWeather.
Carry small VND notes; drivers may not accept cards.
Availability: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM daily, with peak activity during Old Town’s pedestrian hours (8:30 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–9:30 PM).
Best Times:
Morning (8:00–10:00 AM): Cooler (24–28°C or 75.2–82.4°F), quieter streets, ideal for photos.
Evening (5:00–8:00 PM): Lantern-lit ambiance, vibrant during Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th lunar day monthly).
Dry Season (February–August): Stable weather; avoid November rains.
Note: Cyclos may pause during Tet (January–February) or heavy rain; evening tours align with festival events.
Hoi An’s Minh An Ward is 28 km from Da Nang International Airport (DAD), a 45–60-minute ride. Cyclos are primarily used within Hoi An’s Old Town, so you’ll need to reach Hoi An first. Sustainable travel options include:
Bus #1:
Cost: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND) to Hoi An Bus Station; 10-minute walk to Old Town.
Duration: 60–75 minutes.
Sustainable: Low-emission buses; use DanaBus app.
Tip: Departs every 15–20 minutes (5:00 AM–9:00 PM).
Taxi/Grab:
Cost: $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxis $13–$16 (325,000–400,000 VND).
Duration: 45–60 minutes via Vo Nguyen Giap to Cua Dai.
Sustainable: Xanh SM reduces CO2 by 30%.
Tip: Book via Grab or Mai Linh (+84 236 352 5252).
Bicycle:
Cost: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Duration: 1.5–2 hours.
Sustainable: Zero-emission; scenic coastal route.
Tip: Rent from Da Nang Bike Shop; not ideal for rushed trips.
Guided Tours:
Cost: $20–$45 (500,000–1,125,000 VND) for half-day tours.
Duration: Includes Da Nang to Hoi An transfer.
Sustainable: Legend Travel Group uses electric shuttles.
Flight: $35–$140 one-way (875,000–3,500,000 VND) to DAD; 45-minute taxi ($12–$15). Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air. Duration: 1.5 hours.
Train: $20–$85 (500,000–2,125,000 VND) to Da Nang Station; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18). Vietnam Railways (SE1, SE3). Duration: 15–17 hours.
Bus: $16–$45 (400,000–1,125,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18). Operators: Futa Bus, Hanh Cafe. Duration: 12–16 hours.
Sustainable Tip: Trains emit 42.61 kg CO2 vs. 121.74 kg for flights; book eco-tours for transfers.
Guided Tour: Our tours ($120–$220) include eco-transfers.
Flight: $40–$160 one-way (1,000,000–4,000,000 VND) to DAD; 45-minute taxi ($12–$15). Duration: 1.5 hours.
Train: $20–$85 (500,000–2,125,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18). Duration: 17–19 hours.
Bus: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18). Duration: 18–20 hours.
Guided Tour: Our tours ($120–$220) include eco-transfers.
Within Hoi An: Cyclos are stationed at Old Town entrances (e.g., Tran Phu, Bach Dang); walking or biking ($1–$2/day) from hotels to cyclo pick-up points takes 5–10 minutes.
Overview: Pedal through Hoi An’s pedestrianized Old Town, visiting landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and Tan Ky House. The 1-hour tour includes photo stops along the Hoai River and Hoi An Market.
Cost: $2–$5 per cyclo (50,000–125,000 VND); guided tours $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND) with Old Town ticket ($6 or 120,000 VND).
Time Needed: 30–60 minutes.
Sustainable Tips: Support unionized drivers; avoid plastic waste with reusable bottles.
Highlights: “The bridge at sunset was magical!” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Start at Tran Phu Street; evening tours capture lantern glow. Included in our Hoi An Heritage Cyclo Tour ($55–$75).
Overview: Experience Hoi An’s monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th lunar day) by cyclo, gliding past lantern-lit streets and the Thu Bon River, with stops for riverboat rides or street food like cao lầu ($1–$2.50).
Cost: $5–$10 per cyclo (125,000–250,000 VND); guided tours $15–$30 (375,000–750,000 VND) with boat ride ($6–$8 or 150,000–200,000 VND).
Time Needed: 1–2 hours (6:00 PM–10:00 PM).
Sustainable Tips: Choose eco-friendly boat operators; support local vendors.
Highlights: “Lanterns and cyclos created a fairy-tale vibe!” (Tripadvisor, 4.8/5 stars).
Tip: Book 2–3 weeks ahead; check lunar calendar. Included in our Hoi An Night Glow Cyclo Tour ($55–$75).
Overview: Venture beyond Old Town to nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village (2 km) or Thanh Ha Pottery Village (3 km) for a 2-hour cyclo tour, exploring organic farms or pottery workshops.
Cost: $7–$15 per cyclo (175,000–375,000 VND); guided tours $20–$45 (500,000–1,125,000 VND) with village tickets ($1.50–$3 or 35,000–70,000 VND).
Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
Sustainable Tips: Support artisans; use reusable bags for souvenirs.
Highlights: “Tra Que’s farms were a serene escape!” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Morning tours avoid heat; included in our Hoi An Pottery & Cyclo Tour ($75–$95).
Overview: Ideal for families or groups, this 1–2-hour tour accommodates multiple cyclos, visiting kid-friendly spots like Hoi An Market or riverside cafes with flexible stops.
Cost: $1.50–$3 per person (37,500–75,000 VND) for groups; guided tours $10–$25 per person (250,000–625,000 VND).
Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
Sustainable Tips: Book group tours to reduce per-person emissions; support local cafes.
Highlights: “Kids loved the cyclo ride!” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Request child-friendly drivers; included in our Hoi An Family Cyclo Adventure ($60–$80).
Hoi An’s cyclo tours are a model of sustainable tourism in Da Nang City:
Eco-Friendly Transport: Cyclos produce zero emissions, offering a green alternative to motorbikes or taxis. The union ensures fair wages for 100+ drivers.
Community Support: Tourism revenue supports drivers’ families and funds vocational training via the Hoi An Cyclo League. Local cafes and vendors benefit from cyclo stops.
Conservation: Cyclo routes align with Hoi An’s pedestrian zones, reducing traffic and preserving UNESCO heritage. The 2023 QR-coded guides at Old Town sites minimize paper waste.
Recent Developments: A 2024 eco-tour project integrates cyclo tours with Tra Que and Thanh Ha villages, boosting sustainable travel. Plans for 2026–2028 include electric-assist cyclos and vegan dining options at tour stops.
Challenges: Cyclo bans in some Vietnamese cities (e.g., Hanoi) highlight traffic concerns, but Hoi An’s pedestrian zones ensure their viability. Flood risks in November require weather checks.
Legend Travel Group’s tours amplify these efforts, partnering with unionized drivers and promoting low-impact exploration, ensuring your cyclo ride supports Hoi An’s heritage.
Plan Ahead: Book guided cyclo tours 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 938 987 654), especially for Full Moon Lantern Festival or peak seasons (March–August). For direct hires, find drivers at Tran Phu or Bach Dang streets.
Dress Code: Casual attire; bring sunscreen ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), hat, and mosquito repellent for evening rides. Comfortable shoes for optional walking stops.
Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, small VND for tips or snacks, camera (ask driver permission for photos), umbrella for sudden rains (September–January).
Budget Wisely: Expect $15–$80/day in Hoi An (budget: $15–$30; mid-range: $30–$50; luxury: $50–$80). Cyclo rides $2–$15; Old Town ticket $6; dining $1–$5.
Stay Safe: Confirm prices upfront (per cyclo, not per person); secure valuables in crowded areas; avoid cyclos during heavy floods. Check driver’s registration number.
Sustainability: Choose unionized cyclos (blue uniforms, numbered vehicles); tip drivers to support families; avoid plastic waste with reusable bags.
Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); smile and engage with drivers; respect photo stops at sacred sites like Quan Cong Temple.
Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours for cyclo tours; combine with Hoi An Market (200 m) or Tra Que Village (2 km) for a half-day itinerary. Offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) essential.
Our sustainable cyclo tours offer immersive experiences in Hoi An’s Minh An Ward, tailored for eco-conscious travelers:
Hoi An Heritage Cyclo Tour ($55–$75/person): Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Hoi An Market, cao lầu tasting. Includes Old Town ticket ($6), cyclo ride, eco-transfers, and lunch.
Hoi An Night Glow Cyclo Tour ($55–$75/person): Full Moon Lantern Festival, Thu Bon River boat ride, night market, white rose dumplings. Includes cyclo ride, eco-transfers, and snacks.
Hoi An Pottery & Cyclo Tour ($75–$95/person): Thanh Ha Pottery Village, pottery workshop, Old Town cyclo ride, Tra Que Village. Includes village ticket ($1.50), cyclo ride, eco-transfers, and meals.
Hoi An Family Cyclo Adventure ($60–$80/person): Old Town, riverside cafes, kid-friendly market stops, banh mi tasting. Includes Old Town ticket ($6), cyclo ride, eco-transfers, and snacks.
Central Vietnam Cultural Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): Hoi An cyclo tour, Da Nang, My Son, homestays ($15–$50/night), Cham Islands. Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!
Hoi An Ancient Town in Hoi An Ward, Quang Nam Region, Da Nang City, located 30 km from Da Nang City, offers a nostalgic, eco-friendly journey by cyclo through its UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the Japanese Covered Bridgeto lantern-lit Thu Bon River riversides, with rides starting at $2 (50,000 VND). Professionalized cyclo services, offering 30-minute to hour-long tours, immerse you in vibrant festival experiences and cultural charm. Sustainable practices like zero-emission transport and community-focused tourism preserve Hoi An’s heritage while supporting local drivers. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours ensure an eco-conscious Hoi An Travel experience, supporting Minh An’s economy with visits to Hoi An Night Market and An Bang Beach. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to pedal through Hoi An’s timeless streets by cyclo? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cultural heart sustainably!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Hoi An Cyclo Tour Information: By Tony Bui at Legend Travel Group
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