- Hosted by Danang Car

Hoi An Travel Guide with Danang Car

0 reviews

Hoi An Travel Guide: My Personal Experience

Hoi An Travel Guide: Nestled in the heart of Vietnam, Hoi An is an ancient town that has captured the hearts of travelers worldwide. Famous for its beautifully preserved architecture, pristine beaches, diverse and delicious food scene, and unique cultural heritage, Hoi An offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Having recently returned from this captivating town, I’m thrilled to share my comprehensive travel guide, filled with insider tips and essential information to help you plan your own adventure.

Hoi An Travel Guide: My Personal Experience

Hoi An Travel Guide: My Personal Experience

Getting to Hoi An from Hanoi or Saigon

Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport, so if you plan to travel by plane, you’ll need to book a flight to Da Nang. Da Nang is only about 30km from Hoi An, and it takes less than an hour to travel between the two locations. This is also why most tourists choose to visit both places in one trip.

It takes about an hour to fly from Hanoi or Saigon to Da Nang, and the average round-trip airfare is around 1,500,000 VND (approximately $63 USD). You can book tickets on the official website of Vietnam Airlines here.

Alternatively, you can take a train to Da Nang from Hanoi or Saigon. The journey is quite long, taking up to 20 hours, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Vietnam’s most scenic train routes. If you have plenty of time and want to experience the natural beauty of Vietnam, you might consider this option. You can book tickets on the website of Vietnam Railways, with prices ranging from 500,000 VND ($21 USD) for a soft seat to 1,000,000 VND ($42 USD) for a bed in a 4-person cabin.

Getting to Hoi An from Hanoi or Saigon

Getting to Hoi An from Hanoi or Saigon

Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An with DanangCar

Hoi An Travel Guide From Da Nang, there are many ways to get to Hoi An, but I had a fantastic experience with the DanangCar transfer service.

DanangCar offers motorbike and car transfers with a variety of vehicles. You can choose a motorbike if you want to experience the scenic coastal road from Da Nang to Hoi An yourself. If you’re traveling in a large group or have a lot of luggage, you can choose a car from 4 to 16 seats.

DanangCar’s motorbike rental prices range from $5-10 USD per day. I rented a scooter and explored the coastal roads on my own. It was amazing to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and admire the picturesque scenery.

If you’re traveling in a group, DanangCar has car options ranging from 4 seats at $15 USD, 7 seats at $20 USD, to 16 seats at $25 USD. I recommend contacting DanangCar at least one day in advance to ensure availability. They can pick you up directly at the airport or any location in Da Nang.

You can also check out these other services:

  • Thuê Xe Máy Đà Nẵng Sơn Trà
    • Address: 74/29 Thi Sách, Hải Châu District, Da Nang
    • Phone: 0977000744
  • Thuê Xe Máy Văn Khoa
    • Address: 210 Núi Thành, Hải Châu District, Da Nang
    • Phone: 0772580588
  • Thuê Xe Máy Bình Minh
    • Address: 36 Tạ Mỹ Duật, Sơn Trà District, Da Nang
    • Phone: 0986862986
  • Nhà xe du lịch Đà Nẵng Top Driver
    • Phone: 0903.42.62.52
    • Website: //top-driver.net
  • Danang Car
    • Phone: 0899885579
    • Website: //danangcar.com
Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An with DanangCar

Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An with DanangCar

Hoi An Travel Guide: Exploring Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town: Located on the Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town is the heart of the city’s tourist activity. Here, you can admire ancient houses, pagodas, and unique souvenir shops. Daily, all vehicles are prohibited from entering the ancient town area from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, allowing visitors to stroll freely and admire the architecture.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town

Japanese Covered Bridge: One of the must-see destinations in Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge. Built in the 17th century, the bridge spans a small branch of the Thu Bon River, located at the intersection of Tran Phu and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets. The bridge boasts a unique architecture with strong Japanese cultural influences. The small temple located on the bridge is a place where visitors can burn incense and pray for good luck.

Cantonese Assembly Hall: Hoi An was once an important trading port in Southeast Asia, attracting many Chinese merchants to trade and live. Over the years, they built assembly halls as gathering places and for cultural exchange. Today, these assembly halls are cultural attractions in Hoi An. You can visit them to learn more about the history of Hoi An and enjoy the solemn and peaceful atmosphere.

Ancient Houses: Hoi An still preserves many ancient houses with unique architecture influenced by Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. These houses are mainly made of wood and are often divided into different compartments separated by a small courtyard. Inside, you can admire the furniture and daily necessities of the ancient Hoi An people.

Hoi An Ancient house

Hoi An Ancient house

Hoi An Night Market: After exploring the ancient streets during the day, you should return in the evening to experience a completely different Hoi An. The ancient town of Hoi An at night is shimmering with colorful lanterns, bustling restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops filled with unique gifts.

Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An Night Market

Traditional Craft Villages: A few kilometers from the center of Hoi An are villages where you can learn more about the life and traditional crafts of the local people.

  • Tra Que Vegetable Village: About 4km from the center of Hoi An, Tra Que Vegetable Village is a peaceful countryside with lush green gardens. This is a great place to escape the city life and immerse yourself in nature.

  • Thanh Ha Pottery Village: From Hoi An Ancient Town, you can go straight west to reach Thanh Ha Pottery Village. With a history of hundreds of years, this village is home to dozens of pottery shops where you can buy unique ceramic products and even make them yourself.

  • Kim Bong Carpentry Village: True to its name, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is home to carpentry shops and workshops. You can come here to see artisans turn pieces of wood into exquisite carvings. Afterwards, you can visit the nearby market to buy souvenirs made of wood.

Traditional Craft Villages

Traditional Craft Villages

An Bang Beach: About 5km from the center of Hoi An, An Bang Beach still retains its pristine beauty despite the emergence of many resorts, restaurants, and cafes. Here, you can relax and swim or sit on the sun loungers under the umbrellas and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

Hoi An An Bang Beach

Hoi An An Bang Beach

Hoi An Memories Show: If you have the opportunity to visit Hoi An on the weekend, you should definitely watch the Hoi An Memories art performance. This impressive outdoor show features hundreds of performers and tells the story of Hoi An’s history and culture through music, dance, and light.

Hoi An Memories Show

Hoi An Memories Show

Hoi An Travel Guide: My Personal Tips for an Unforgettable Hoi An Experience

  • Embrace the slow pace: Hoi An is a town best explored at a leisurely pace. Rent a bicycle and wander through the charming streets, stopping to admire the architecture, sample local delicacies, and soak up the atmosphere.

  • Get tailor-made clothes: Hoi An is famous for its tailoring shops. Take advantage of the opportunity to have custom-made clothes at affordable prices.

  • Take a cooking class: Learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine by participating in a cooking class. Many options are available, from half-day courses to multi-day programs.

  • Enjoy a sunset boat ride: Take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River at sunset for a magical experience. You’ll witness the town bathed in golden light and see local life unfold along the riverbanks.

  • Bargain respectfully: Bargaining is expected in Hoi An, especially at the market. Be polite and respectful while negotiating prices.

  • Learn basic Vietnamese phrases: While many people in Hoi An speak English, knowing a few basic Vietnamese phrases will enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your cultural experience.

With its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Hoi An offers something for everyone. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip and create lasting memories in this enchanting town.

Reviews

Book a car

Review stats

Hoi An Travel Guide with Danang Car has received 0 reviews with an average rating of out of 5