How to Travel around Hoi An – Exploring everything in Hoi An in style

Regarded as one of Vietnam's most popular holiday hotspots, Hoi An welcomes travellers from across the globe. Revered for its historic points of interest, the city is equally well-known for its exquisite architecture. Occupying pride of place in the heart of the country, there's much to see and do in this dynamic region of Vietnam. From using public transport to making the most of one's stay with a bike ride around scenic quarters, here are some guidelines on how to get around Hoi An with ease.

Image Credit: Anantara Hoi An Resort 

Hoi An at a Glance

Although first-time visitors may become intimidated, getting around Hoi An is relatively easy when compared to other Vietnamese cities and tourist hotspots. As a compact municipality, the city is well-connected with pedestrian lanes and public transport networks. Hoi An Ancient Town, one of the area's prime attractions, for example, can be explored entirely on foot due to the close proximity of the highlights within the enclosure and its scale as a whole. The traffic in Hoi An Ancient Town is also controlled by limiting entry to several hours each day and prohibiting motor vehicles from entering the enclave. The other points of interest located within a 10km radius of the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site will require the use of other transportation modes as beaches; villages and mountain ranges are difficult to navigate on foot.

Biking Around

Regarded as one of the most scenic ways to get around Hoi An, the ready availability of rental bikes makes cycling around a pleasure for holidaymakers. Hoi An is not only a safe area for biking enthusiasts but cycling is perhaps the most convenient way to explore Hoi An Ancient Town which is closed to motor vehicles from 8.30 am to 11 am and then once again from 3 pm to 9.30 pm. Hotels, resorts and specialized bike rentals are found around the city and the rates are around VND 30,000 for a day. Those who wish to sign up for a cycling tour around Hoi An can also explore the nearby Bamboo Bridge, dishing villages and the countryside on a guided biking tour.

Cab Services

While it may not be the most affordable option, getting around Hoi An on a cab can be both an efficient and convenient experience for those travelling as a group. Taxis are the most commonly used form of transport for airport transfers as the 45-minute journey from Da Nang International Airport to downtown Hoi An can be tiresome in public transport as one must haul the luggage in and out as well. The airport taxi services are typically cheaper than hotel taxis as the latter charges premium rates but those who are arriving in Hoi An for the first time may find the ease of having one's hotel perform the airport pick up a convenience worth the price.

Motorbikes

Motorcycle fanatics are known to head to Hoi An specifically for the purpose of exploring its extensive coastal roads and rugged rural villages. The stunning Marble Mountains in the Da Nang area, for example, are tailor-made for motorbike rides in the wilderness. While rental shops are available across Hoi An, tourists must be weary of dubious establishments that have no qualms about renting out bikes in bad condition. Checking the bike one is renting is, therefore, crucial as a faulty brake system or other flaws in a bike can cause serious injuries and even fatalities if the circumstances are unfavourable. Headlights are another cause for concern for those who wish to ride around at night.

Cyclo

Those based at Anantara Hoi An Resort or any other hotels in Hoi An may also find that cyclos are the perfect way to explore popular attractions in the area. Two passengers can ride together in a single cyclo while local cyclo drivers are accessible near every major landmark in town. The cost of a cyclo ride will vary depending on the distance but since the vehicles are unmetered, it is necessary to negotiate an hourly rate or a fixed price for the ride.