Getting Around Hoi An: Complete Transport Guide (Bikes, Scooters & More)

🚲 Transport Options Overview

Hoi An is compact and easy to navigate. Here's a quick rundown of your options:

Walking (Free)

Best for: Ancient Town exploration, short distances
Range: 1-2 km comfortably
Pros: Free, intimate experience, no parking hassles
Cons: Limited range, can be hot during midday

Bicycle (30,000-50,000 VND/day = $1-2)

Best for: Countryside rides, beach trips, leisurely exploration
Range: 5-10 km comfortably
Pros: Cheap, eco-friendly, perfect for Hoi An's flat terrain
Cons: Can be tiring in heat, limited carrying capacity

Scooter/Motorbike (100,000-150,000 VND/day = $4-6)

Best for: Freedom to explore widely, day trips, beach hopping
Range: 30-50 km easily
Pros: Fast, flexible, can reach anywhere
Cons: Requires confidence, license technically required, fuel costs extra

Taxi/Grab (50,000-150,000 VND per trip = $2-6)

Best for: Airport transfers, short trips with luggage, late nights
Range: Anywhere
Pros: Comfortable, no driving stress, good for groups
Cons: Adds up quickly, less adventurous

🚶 Walking in Hoi An

Ancient Town Walking

The Ancient Town is wonderfully pedestrian-friendly. In fact, many streets prohibit motorbikes during peak hours (9 AM - 11 AM and 3 PM - 9:30 PM), making walking the best option.

How long to walk across Ancient Town: 15-20 minutes end to end

Best Walking Routes:

1. Classic Ancient Town Loop (2 km, 1 hour)

Start at Japanese Bridge → Tran Phu Street → Thu Bon riverside → An Hoi Bridge → back through side streets. Perfect for first-time visitors.

2. Riverside Walk (3 km, 1.5 hours)

Follow the Thu Bon River from Japanese Bridge south to Cam Nam Island and back. Beautiful at sunset with fewer crowds.

3. French Quarter Stroll (1.5 km, 45 min)

Explore the quieter French Quarter with colonial architecture and fewer tourists. Start from Tran Hung Dao Street.

Walking Tips:

• Walk early morning (6-8 AM) or evening (after 4 PM) to avoid midday heat
• Wear comfortable shoes - Ancient Town streets are uneven
• Stay hydrated - buy water at local shops (10,000 VND)
• Watch for motorbikes even on "pedestrian" streets
• Use Google Maps offline (download Hoi An map before you go)

🚲 Renting & Riding Bicycles

Where to Rent Bicycles

1. Your Accommodation (Easiest)
Most hotels, hostels, and guesthouses offer free or cheap bike rentals (0-30,000 VND/day). Quality varies - check brakes and tires before riding.

2. Dedicated Rental Shops
Better quality bikes with gears and better condition. Usually 50,000-80,000 VND/day. Found throughout the Ancient Town and An Hoi Island.

3. Street Vendors
Look for "Bike for Rent" signs. Negotiate prices - start at 30,000 VND/day. Basic bikes but functional.

What to Check Before Renting:

• ✅ Brakes work properly (test both front and rear)
• ✅ Tires properly inflated
• ✅ Seat adjusts to comfortable height
• ✅ Chain is oiled and functions smoothly
• ✅ Bell works (important in Vietnam!)
• ✅ Basket or rack if you need to carry things
• ✅ Lock included

Best Cycling Routes

1. Rice Paddy Loop (8 km, 1 hour)

The classic Hoi An countryside experience. Head north from Ancient Town through Cam Thanh village, weaving through emerald rice paddies and water buffalo. Flat and easy.

Route: Ancient Town → Nguyen Phuc Chu Street → Cam Thanh → loop back via Hai Ba Trung
Best time: Early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM)
Difficulty: Easy

2. An Bang Beach Ride (5 km one way, 40 min)

Flat, straight road to the beach. Perfect for a morning ride followed by beach time and lunch.

Route: Ancient Town → Cua Dai Road → An Bang Beach
Best time: Morning (7-9 AM) before it gets hot
Difficulty: Easy
Tip: Lock your bike at a beach restaurant (they'll watch it while you swim)

3. Tra Que Vegetable Village (3 km, 30 min)

Visit the famous organic vegetable gardens. Many farms offer tours and cooking classes.

Route: Ancient Town → Tra Que Road (follow signs)
Best time: Morning (7-10 AM) when farmers are working
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Some farms charge 20,000-50,000 VND entry

Cycling Safety Tips:

• Always use your bell - locals expect it
• Ride on the right side of the road
• Watch for sudden turns from motorbikes
• Avoid cycling after dark (poor street lighting)
• Lock your bike whenever you leave it
• Carry water - it gets hot!
• Use sunscreen - you'll burn even while moving

🛵 Scooter Rental Guide

The Legal Situation

Important: Technically, you need a Vietnamese driving license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally ride a scooter in Vietnam. In practice, many tourists ride without one, but:

• Police sometimes set up checkpoints and fine tourists 500,000-2,000,000 VND ($20-80)
• Your travel insurance likely won't cover you without proper license
• If you have an accident without a license, you're liable for all costs

Our advice: Get an IDP before traveling ($20-30 in your home country) or stick to bicycles. If you do ride without one, be extra cautious and consider the risks.

Where to Rent Scooters

Rental Shop Prices:

• Automatic scooter: 100,000-150,000 VND/day ($4-6)
• Semi-automatic: 80,000-120,000 VND/day ($3-5)
• Week rental: 600,000-800,000 VND ($24-32)
• Month rental: 1,500,000-2,000,000 VND ($60-80)

What's Usually Included:

• Helmet (legally required - use it!)
• Lock
• Basic insurance (check what's covered)

What You'll Need:

• Passport (some shops keep a photocopy, others require the original as deposit)
• Cash deposit: 1,000,000-3,000,000 VND ($40-120) OR passport
• Payment upfront or daily

Before You Ride - Inspection Checklist:

• ✅ Test brakes thoroughly (most important!)
• ✅ Check fuel level
• ✅ Test horn
• ✅ Check all lights work
• ✅ Inspect tires for wear and pressure
• ✅ Take photos of existing damage
• ✅ Ensure you know how to start/stop
• ✅ Adjust mirrors
• ✅ Test kickstand

Fuel Costs

Gas is cheap in Vietnam:

• Current price: ~24,000 VND/liter ($1)
• Average scooter: 2.5-3 liters per 100 km
• Daily riding cost: 20,000-50,000 VND ($1-2)

Where to fuel up: Look for green "Xăng" (gas) signs. Gas stations are everywhere. Full tank costs ~60,000-80,000 VND ($2.50-3.50).

Best Scooter Day Trips from Hoi An

1. Marble Mountains (15 km, 25 min)

Stunning cave pagodas with panoramic views. Entry 40,000 VND.

2. My Son Sanctuary (40 km, 1 hour)

Ancient Hindu temples - UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry 150,000 VND. Best to go early (7-8 AM) before tour buses arrive.

3. Ba Na Hills (80 km, 1.5 hours)

Famous for the Golden Bridge. Long ride but doable. Cable car ticket 750,000 VND.

4. Beach Hopping

Hit multiple beaches in one day: An Bang → Cua Dai → Hidden Beach → An Bang for sunset. Bring sunscreen and cash for beach chairs/food.

Scooter Safety (READ THIS!)

• Always wear helmet - not just for fines, for your safety
• Drive defensively - assume no one sees you
• Avoid night riding - poor lighting and drunk drivers
• Don't speed - roads have unexpected hazards
• Watch for gravel - especially on turns
• Horn liberally - it's expected, not rude
• Give way to bigger vehicles - might is right in Vietnam
• Don't ride in rain - roads become extremely slippery
• Keep documents on you - license, passport copy, insurance
• Park in designated areas - street parking fees 5,000-10,000 VND

🚕 Taxis & Grab (Ride-Hailing)

Grab (Best Option)

Grab is Southeast Asia's Uber. Download the app before you arrive.

Typical Grab Prices:

• Within Ancient Town: Not possible (pedestrian zone)
• Accommodation to Ancient Town: 30,000-50,000 VND ($1-2)
• To An Bang Beach: 70,000-100,000 VND ($3-4)
• To Da Nang Airport: 350,000-450,000 VND ($14-18)

Pros:

• Fixed prices - no haggling
• Track your ride in real-time
• Driver ratings ensure good service
• Cashless payment option

Traditional Taxis

Reputable companies: Mai Linh (green), Vinasun (white/green)

Typical Prices (metered):

• Base fare: 10,000-15,000 VND
• Per km: 12,000-15,000 VND
• Within town: 40,000-80,000 VND ($1.50-3)

Taxi Tips:

• Insist meter is turned on
• Have destination address in Vietnamese
• Carry small bills - some drivers claim no change
• Screenshot your route on Google Maps
• Avoid taxis at tourist hotspots (inflated prices)

🗺️ Best Routes to Explore

Morning Routine: Sunrise Rice Paddy Ride

Distance: 6 km loop
Duration: 1 hour
Start time: 6:00 AM

Rent a bicycle, ride north into Cam Thanh village at sunrise. The early morning light on rice paddies is magical. Stop at a local cafe for Vietnamese coffee (15,000 VND) before returning.

Beach Day: An Bang Beach Circuit

Distance: 10 km return
Duration: Full day
Transport: Bicycle or scooter

Ride to An Bang Beach (5 km), spend the day swimming and eating seafood, return via Hidden Beach for a quieter sunset spot.

Culture Day: My Son Temples

Distance: 80 km return
Duration: Full day
Transport: Scooter only

Leave early (6:30 AM), arrive at My Son by 7:30 AM before crowds and heat. Explore the ruins (2-3 hours), lunch on the way back, return to Hoi An by 2 PM. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Evening Route: Sunset Beach Loop

Distance: 12 km loop
Duration: 2 hours
Start time: 4:30 PM

Bike to An Bang Beach via back roads through villages. Watch sunset from the beach (around 5:30-6:00 PM), grab dinner at a beachfront restaurant, ride back under the stars (bring lights!).

⚠️ Safety Tips & Common Issues

Traffic Safety

Vietnamese traffic looks chaotic but follows its own logic:

• Flow like water - merge slowly, don't stop suddenly
• Honking isn't anger - it's communication ("I'm here")
• Right of way = size - bigger vehicles have priority
• Turn signals optional - watch vehicle positioning
• Red lights are suggestions - still check before crossing

Common Scams to Avoid

1. The "Broken Bike" Scam

What happens: Rental shop claims you damaged the bike and demands excessive payment.
Prevention: Take photos/video of bike condition before leaving, especially any existing scratches or damage.

2. Passport Deposit Scam

What happens: Shop holds your passport and refuses to return it without extra payment.
Prevention: Only leave a photocopy or cash deposit. Never leave original passport if possible.

3. Metered Taxi Scam

What happens: Rigged meter runs fast or driver takes long route.
Prevention: Use Grab or track route on Google Maps. Know approximate fare beforehand.

4. Parking Fee Extortion

What happens: "Parking attendant" demands high fees for public parking.
Prevention: Pay official attendants with vests. Normal parking is 5,000-10,000 VND.

What to Do If You Have an Accident

1. Stay calm - don't admit fault
2. Check for injuries - call emergency (115) if needed
3. Take photos - document everything
4. Get witness info - names and phone numbers
5. Call your rental shop - they'll advise next steps
6. Contact insurance - if you have coverage
7. Don't pay cash on the spot - go through proper channels

Emergency Contacts

• Police: 113
• Ambulance: 115
• Fire: 114
• Tourist Police: 0235 386 1204
• Your Embassy: Keep number saved in phone

💰 Complete Price Breakdown (2025)

Bicycle Rental

• Hotel/hostel bike (basic): 0-30,000 VND/day ($0-1.20)
• Street rental (basic): 30,000-50,000 VND/day ($1.20-2)
• Shop rental (better quality): 50,000-80,000 VND/day ($2-3.20)
• Mountain bike: 100,000-150,000 VND/day ($4-6)
• Electric bicycle: 150,000-200,000 VND/day ($6-8)

Scooter Rental

• Automatic scooter: 100,000-150,000 VND/day ($4-6)
• Semi-automatic: 80,000-120,000 VND/day ($3.20-4.80)
• Week rental: 600,000-800,000 VND ($24-32)
• Month rental: 1,500,000-2,000,000 VND ($60-80)
• Fuel per day: 20,000-50,000 VND ($0.80-2)
• Parking per day: 5,000-10,000 VND ($0.20-0.40)

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

• Grab to Ancient Town: 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.20-2)
• Grab to An Bang Beach: 70,000-100,000 VND ($2.80-4)
• Grab to Da Nang Airport: 350,000-450,000 VND ($14-18)
• Traditional taxi base fare: 10,000-15,000 VND ($0.40-0.60)
• Traditional taxi per km: 12,000-15,000 VND ($0.48-0.60)

Related Costs

• Ancient Town entry ticket: 120,000 VND ($4.80) - one-time purchase
• Helmet (if not included): 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-4)
• Phone mount for scooter: 50,000-80,000 VND ($2-3.20)
• Raincoat: 20,000-40,000 VND ($0.80-1.60)
• Bike lock: 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.20-2)

🎯 Final Pro Tips

Best Transport by Activity:

• Exploring Ancient Town: Walk
• Rice paddy countryside: Bicycle
• Beach day trips: Bicycle or scooter
• My Son temples: Scooter or organized tour
• Airport transfer: Grab
• Late night: Grab
• Shopping with bags: Taxi/Grab

Money-Saving Tips:

• Negotiate bike rentals for multiple days (get 20-30% off)
• Split taxi/Grab rides with other travelers
• Walk whenever possible - Ancient Town is small
• Rent from your accommodation (often cheaper/free)
• Fuel up scooter yourself instead of returning empty

The Bottom Line

Hoi An is incredibly easy to navigate. A bicycle gives you perfect freedom for 90% of what you'll want to do, costs almost nothing, and lets you experience the countryside at the perfect pace. Add occasional Grab rides for convenience, and you'll spend less than $5/day on transport while having complete freedom to explore.

For the adventurous, a scooter unlocks the entire region - from hidden beaches to ancient temples - but comes with more risk and responsibility. Choose based on your comfort level, not peer pressure.

Most importantly: slow down. The joy of Hoi An transportation isn't getting somewhere fast - it's the journey itself through rice paddies, past friendly locals, and into the heart of Vietnamese countryside life.