Plan your first visit to Hoi An Ancient Town in Da Nang City with our guide! Discover essential travel tips, costs, sustainable practices, and eco-tours for a UNESCO adventure. Book with Legend Travel Group today!
Capture the magical essence of Hoi An’s cultural gemHoi An Ancient Town, now Minh An Ward in Da Nang City following the merger of Quang Nam Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, drawing over 4.5 million of Da Nang’s 8 million annual visitors. Renowned for its 15th–19th-century trading port legacy, Hoi An captivates with lantern-lit streets, historic landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, and culinary delights such as cao lầu. Its well-preserved wooden architecture and vibrant cultural scene, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences, make it a must-visit for first-time travelers. With sustainable tourism initiatives like eco-friendly transport and local sourcing, Hoi An offers an immersive, responsible experience. Legend Travel Group, a leading sustainable tour operator, curates eco-conscious tours to ensure a seamless first visit, bookable via links throughout this guide. Start your Hoi An adventure—reserve your tour now
Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our Hoi An tours feature low-impact transport like bicycles and electric shuttles, guided by local experts who share insights into the town’s heritage. We support Minh An’s artisans and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve Hoi An’s UNESCO sites. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a stress-free first visit. Explore Hoi An sustainably with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!
Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, transforming Hoi An into Minh An Ward under Da Nang’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status remains intact. Da Nang City enhances sustainable tourism with cycling paths, electric buses, and a VND500 billion flood mitigation project (2023), ensuring reliable access to Hoi An, even during November rains.
Start your Hoi An Travel with serene vistas (Source: Internet)Hoi An Ancient Town is welcoming and easy to explore, but these updated tips will ensure a smooth, culturally sensitive, and sustainable first visit.
Hoi An’s tropical monsoon climate features a dry season (February–August) and a rainy season (September–January), with average temperatures of 25.6°C (78.1°F).
Dry Season (February–August): Warm (24–35°C or 75.2–95°F), minimal rainfall (25–120 mm/month). Ideal for walking Old Town, cycling to Tra Que Village, or beach trips to An Bang. March–May offers mild weather (25–32°C or 77–89.6°F) and fewer crowds.
Rainy Season (September–January): Cooler (18–30°C or 64.4–86°F), heavy rain (150–500 mm, peaking October–November). November floods may affect Old Town; indoor activities like cooking classes thrive. December–January is drier, perfect for Tet (January–February).
Festivals: Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th lunar day monthly) lights up the river; Tet Nguyen Dan (January–February) features markets and dances. Book 3–4 weeks ahead for festivals.
Tip: February–April balances weather and crowds; check lunar calendars for festival dates via Vietnam Tourism Board. Avoid September–October typhoons.
Hoi An’s climate and cultural sites require thoughtful packing:
Dry Season (February–August): Light, breathable clothing (t-shirts, shorts), comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, and reef-safe sunscreen ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND). Pack a swimsuit for An Bang Beach.
Rainy Season (September–January): Waterproof shoes, umbrella or raincoat ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), and quick-dry clothing. November floods may require boots.
Cultural Sites: Modest attire (covered shoulders, knees) for temples (e.g., Quan Cong) and pagodas; bring a shawl or scarf for flexibility.
Health: Mosquito repellent ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND), allergy medication (especially for seafood), and hand sanitizer for markets. Check for food allergies (e.g., fish sauce in cao lầu).
Sustainable Tip: Pack reusable water bottles and bags to reduce plastic waste, aligning with Vietnam’s 2022 anti-plastic campaign.
Tip: Limit luggage to a carry-on for easy navigation in Old Town’s narrow streets; laundry services are widely available ($1–$2/kg or 25,000–50,000 VND).
Hoi An uses Vietnamese dong (VND); USD is rarely accepted except at high-end hotels.
Currency Exchange: Exchange USD/EUR at Da Nang International Airport, Vietcombank, or BIDV in Minh An Ward (rates ~25,000 VND/USD). ATMs are plentiful; withdrawals cost $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) in fees.
Daily Budget:
Budget: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) for hostels ($10–$25/night), street food ($1–$6/day), and public buses ($0.25–$0.50/ride).
Mid-Range: $50–$80 (1,250,000–2,000,000 VND) for homestays ($15–$50/night), restaurants ($3–$15/meal), and taxis ($10–$15/day).
Luxury: $80–$120+ (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND+) for hotels ($70–$200/night), fine dining ($15–$30/meal), and private tours ($80–$120).
Costs:
Hoi An Old Town Ticket: $6 (120,000 VND, 5 attractions, valid entire stay).
Cao Lầu: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Bike Rental: $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
Cooking Class: $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).
Taxi (Da Nang–Hoi An, 28 km): $12–$25 (300,000–625,000 VND).
Sustainable Tip: Pay with VND at small vendors to support local economies; use mobile apps like Grab for transparent fares.
Tip: Carry 50,000–500,000 VND notes for markets; exchange only what you need to avoid reconversion fees.
Hoi An’s warm hospitality makes it welcoming, but cultural awareness prevents misunderstandings:
Greetings: Say “xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) to build rapport with locals. A smile goes a long way.
Dress Respectfully: Avoid shorts or revealing clothing in temples (e.g., Phuc Kien Assembly Hall); cover shoulders and knees to show respect.
Shopping Etiquette: Bargain politely at Hoi An Central Market (e.g., offer 70% of the asking price); agree on prices upfront to avoid disputes. If you’re the first customer, buy something small for luck.
Photography: Ask permission before photographing locals or vendors; avoid flash in sacred sites.
Language: Basic Vietnamese phrases or translation apps (e.g., Google Translate) help bridge language gaps. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Taboos: Don’t point at altars or touch sacred objects in temples; maintain silence during rituals. Avoid public displays of affection.
Sustainable Tip: Respect local customs by supporting eco-conscious vendors (e.g., biodegradable packaging at markets) and joining community-based tours.
Tip: Book a guided tour with Legend Travel Group for local insights; carry a pocket phrasebook for small interactions.
Hoi An is 28 km from Da Nang International Airport (DAD), a 45–60-minute ride.
From Hanoi (764 km):
Flight: $35–$140 one-way (875,000–3,500,000 VND) to DAD, 1.5 hours; taxi to Hoi An $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND). Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air.
Train: $20–$85 (500,000–2,125,000 VND) to Da Nang Station, 15–17 hours; taxi $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND). Vietnam Railways (SE1, SE3).
Bus: $16–$45 (400,000–1,125,000 VND) to Da Nang, 12–16 hours; taxi $12–$18. Operators: Futa Bus, Hanh Cafe.
From Ho Chi Minh City (610 km):
Flight: $40–$160 one-way (1,000,000–4,000,000 VND) to DAD, 1.5 hours; taxi $12–$15.
Train: $20–$85 (500,000–2,125,000 VND) to Da Nang, 17–19 hours; taxi $12–$18.
Bus: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND) to Da Nang, 18–20 hours; taxi $12–$18.
From Da Nang to Hoi An (28 km):
Bus #1: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND), every 15–20 minutes (5:00 AM–9:00 PM); 10-minute walk to Old Town.
Taxi/Grab: $12–$15 (300,000–375,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxis $13–$16 (325,000–400,000 VND).
Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND), hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).
Bicycle/Motorbike: Bike $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND); motorbike $5–$10/day + $2 fuel (restricted in Old Town).
Getting Around Hoi An:
Walking: Old Town is pedestrian-friendly; cars banned 8:30 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–9:30 PM.
Bicycle: $1–$2/day; ideal for Tra Que Village or An Bang Beach.
Cyclo: $2–$5/trip (50,000–125,000 VND) for short rides.
Hoi An GO Shuttle: Golf cart-style taxis, $1–$3/trip (25,000–75,000 VND) or $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) for private tours.
Sustainable Tip: Use bikes or electric shuttles to reduce emissions; book eco-tours for sustainable transfers.
Tip: Base yourself in Minh An Ward; use DanaBus app for bus schedules.
Hoi An prioritizes eco-conscious tourism to preserve its UNESCO heritage:
Reduce Plastic: Use reusable water bottles and bags; 70% of vendors offer biodegradable packaging.
Support Local: Dine at eateries like Thanh Cao Lầu using Tra Que produce; buy crafts from Hoi An Central Market to support artisans.
Eco-Tours: Join community-based tours (e.g., Tra Que Village cycling, $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND) to boost local economies.
Respect Nature: Avoid littering at An Bang Beach; use reef-safe sunscreen for Cu Lao Cham snorkeling ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND).
Tip: Choose Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours for low-impact exploration; support homestays ($15–$50/night) for authentic stays.
Seize the vibrant spirit of Hoi An Travel (Source: Internet)Our sustainable tours ensure a memorable first visit to Hoi An, tailored for eco-conscious travelers:
Hoi An Heritage Walking Tour ($55–$75/person): Japanese Covered Bridge, Quan Cong Temple, Tan Ky House, Full Moon Lantern Festival. Includes Old Town ticket ($6), eco-transfers, and cao lầu tasting.
Hoi An Foodie Tour ($60–$80/person): Cao lầu at Thanh Cao Lầu, Bánh Mì Phượng, Hoi An Market, mi quang dining. Includes eco-transfers and tastings.
Hoi An Craft & Culture Tour ($75–$95/person): Old Town, Kim Bong carpentry, Thanh Ha pottery, cooking class. Includes bike rentals, boat transfers, and meals.
Hoi An Night Glow Tour ($55–$75/person): Lantern festival, Thu Bon River boat ride ($6–$8 or 150,000–200,000 VND), night market. Includes eco-transfers and snacks.
Central Vietnam Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): Hoi An, 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 ($6), and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!
Begin your Hoi An Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Internet)Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Nam Region, Da Nang City, 30 km from Da Nang City, enchants first-time visitors with its historic architecture, vibrant festivals, and welcoming vibe, drawing millions yearly with a $6 (150,000 VND) Old Town ticket. From navigating the town’s lantern-lit streets to respecting local customs, tips ensure a culturally rich experience. Savor cao lầu for $1 (25,000 VND) or cycle to Tra Que Village, supported by eco-initiatives like electric buses and flood mitigation. Legend Travel Group’s Hoi An Tours offer a sustainable Hoi An Travel experience, supporting local communities with low-impact tours and visits to Japanese Covered Bridge and An Bang Beach. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Hoi An Ancient Town for the first time? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s cultural heart!
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 Ancient Town Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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