How to Travel around Hoi An

As one of Vietnam's most visited hotspots, Hoi An welcomes travellers from around the world. Home to some of the country's most coveted cultural points of interest; the central coastal city is also a leisure hub for the masses. Regardless of the duration of one's stay, getting around with ease is a must for all first-time visitors exploring the city. Here are some of the most convenient ways to get around during a holiday in Hoi An.

Image Credit: Anantara Hoi An Resort

1. Find a Strategic Hotel

Those who wish to make the most of their stay or enjoy a hassle-free vacation in Hoi An should ideally stay in a centrally located hotel or resort. Whether one selects the Anantara Hoi An Resort or any other hotels in Hoi An, it is necessary to find a venue which affords visitors easy access to some of the city's most popular tourist highlights. Hoi An is a perfect location for exploration on foot, so the closer one is to key landmarks and attractions, the easier and less costly it is to travel to various corners of the city. Those who cannot secure a strategically located hotel should instead attempt to reserve a hotel close to the bus stations and taxi stops around Hoi An as this will be the next best alternative.

2. Airport Transfers

Travellers touching down at Da Nang International Airport should know that travelling to downtown Hoi An takes no more than 30 minutes tops.  The most efficient way to travel into the city from the airport is to grab a taxi or minibus and travel to the city. But this is not the cheapest way to get from Point A to Point B as there are also public buses that offer transfers from Da Nang Airport for less than the cab fare. The only disadvantage of travelling by bus is that one cannot carry a large number of suitcases not travel comfortably as a group but solo travellers and couples may want to catch a bus and pay less.

3. Buses

While there are bus services for commuters and tourists in Hoi An, those who are exploring the town for the first time should keep their eyes out for the green and white electric buses that operate much in the same manner as the Hoi An Shuttle Bus. It is possible to book these buses for large groups with a phone call so the driver can estimate the cost of the trip and pick the group up. Operational between 7 am and 2 pm, these buses are at your disposal to travel to any part of the city while the service concentrates around Hai Ba Trund and Cao Hong Lanh during the 2 pm to 10 pm shift.

4. Cab Services

Unlike most other Asian cities and tourist hubs, the cab services in Hoi An are actually quite affordable and reliable. The drivers in the area are also dependable as there are two main taxi operators in Hoi An and both of the fleets use meters to determine fares. The green coloured Mai Linh cabs and yellow coloured Faifoo cabs can be seen travelling all around the city and can be booked by calling or by hailing one from the sidewalk. Grab taxis are also available in Hoi An while the infamous motorbike taxis are also accessible those who do not mind the breakneck speeds.

 5. Rent a Bike

Visitors will also find that travelling around on motorbike is one of the best ways to get around Hoi An and one of the cheapest as well.  Numerous bike rentals are accessible in all parts of the city but tourists must possess an international driving license and have travel insurance to cover them in the case of any mishaps on the road. Checking the condition of the bike is also a must as some rentals are known to offer machines in poor conditions.