Hoi An’s ancient town is compact, beautifully preserved, and best explored on foot or by bicycle — much of the historic centre is pedestrianised, especially in the evenings. The town is flat, making cycling effortless, and bicycles are the local way of life. For reaching the nearby beaches (An Bang, Cua Dai), the Marble Mountains, and day trips to Hue and My Son, you will need motorbike taxis, Grab rides, or organised tours. Hoi An does not have an airport — the nearest is Da Nang (30 minutes away), which serves as the transport gateway to the region.
1. Cycling
The ideal way to get around Hoi An. The town is flat, distances are short, and bikes are everywhere. Most hotels and guesthouses provide free bicycles. Rental from shops costs 20,000-30,000 VND/day. Cycle through the ancient town’s lantern-lit streets, out to the rice paddies, to An Bang Beach (4 km), or along the Thu Bon River. Traffic in the old town is light. E-bikes are increasingly available (80,000-100,000 VND/day). Lock your bike when stopping. The ride to An Bang Beach through the countryside is one of Hoi An’s best experiences.
2. Walking
The ancient town is tiny — from the Japanese Bridge to the Central Market is a 10-minute walk. The pedestrian-only zone (enforced from 8 AM, with traffic banned entirely after 3 PM in parts) makes walking a pleasure. The lantern-lit streets at night are magical on foot. The Nguyen Phuc Chu street area and the riverside are the most atmospheric walks. Wear comfortable shoes on the uneven surfaces. Walking is the only way to properly appreciate the architecture and street food. The central area is safe at all hours.
3. Grab (Ride-Hailing)
Grab operates in Hoi An with both car and motorbike options. A GrabBike from the ancient town to An Bang Beach costs about 20,000-30,000 VND. GrabCar to Da Nang airport costs 250,000-350,000 VND. The app is essential for airport transfers and trips beyond cycling distance. Surge pricing during peak hours and rain. More transparent pricing than negotiating with local taxi drivers. Download the app and load credit before arrival.
4. Motorbike Rental
Automatic scooters rent for 100,000-150,000 VND/day from shops throughout town. Useful for reaching My Son Sanctuary (40 km), the Marble Mountains (20 km), and exploring the countryside. An international driving permit is technically required. Traffic outside the ancient town can be hectic for inexperienced riders. Helmets are mandatory. The coastal road to Da Nang via the Marble Mountains is a beautiful ride. Not needed for the ancient town itself where cycling is easier.
5. Day Trip Transport
Organised tours are the easiest way to visit My Son Sanctuary (half day, 200,000-400,000 VND), Hue (full day, 600,000-1,000,000 VND), and Ba Na Hills/Golden Bridge (full day, 800,000-1,500,000 VND). Hotels and tour offices on every street arrange trips. Private car and driver to Hue costs about 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND one-way — useful if you are moving to Hue rather than returning. The Da Nang to Hue drive over the Hai Van Pass is one of Vietnam’s most scenic roads.
6. Boat Trips
Traditional basket boats (thúng chai) on the Thu Bon River are a Hoi An experience — fishermen row tourists through the coconut palm waterways near Cam Thanh village. About 100,000-200,000 VND per person for 30-45 minutes. River cruises from the ancient town to the Cua Dai estuary run at sunset. The Cham Island boat trip (snorkelling, beaches) departs from Cua Dai pier — full day for 500,000-800,000 VND. Boat trips are experiences rather than practical transport.
Transport Tips for Hoi An
Get a bicycle from your hotel (usually free) and use it for everything within Hoi An. The ancient town charges a 120,000 VND entrance fee — buy the ticket at kiosks near the main entrances. Da Nang airport is the gateway — a Grab car takes 30 minutes and costs 250,000-350,000 VND. The ancient town is pedestrianised from 3 PM onwards (no motorbikes). Rainy season (October-December) brings flooding — the old town streets flood regularly. Hoi An tailors deliver within 24-48 hours — factor in time for fittings. The full moon lantern festival (14th of each lunar month) closes streets completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get around Hoi An?
The most practical options are Cycling and Walking. The ideal way to get around Hoi An. The town is flat, distances are short, and bikes are everywhere….
Do I need a car in Hoi An?
It depends on your itinerary. For the main areas, public transport and ride-hailing are sufficient. A car is useful for exploring rural or remote areas.
Is public transport safe in Hoi An?
Yes, public transport is generally safe and widely used by locals and tourists alike. Take normal precautions with your belongings, especially in crowded areas.