Guidelines for Getting Around Hoi An ancient town in Vietnam
Hoi An is one of most popular destinations in Vietnam for its legendary Full Moon Festivals or unique Lunar New Years Eve celebrations. Let’s take a city-tour to quickly explore its culture and lifestyles. Obviously, there are many choices for you to get around Hoi An ancient town.
Bicycle
Probably the easiest, cheapest and safest way to get around. If your hotel doesn’t provide a bicycle you can easily hire one. Ask your hotel for advice or at the many rental stalls dotted around town. Use the suggested bicycle routes on Map or book a tour with a local guide to make sure you see the best spots.
Cyclo
All cyclos have number plates and are managed by the local police. Do negotiate your hourly rate or a fixed fee for what you would like to see and do upfront. You can just potter around the old town or they will take you to the beaches! When you wander into the old town you cannot miss them; resplendent in their blue shirts laying back in their cyclos.
Motorbike
If you are feeling brave enough to take on the local traffic and venture further around Hoi An, hire a motorbike for a day or two from your hotel or a local rental company. Remember, most motorbikes are automatic. However there are some semi-automatics available. Check your bike before you ride away and make sure you feel safe. Be sensible, obey local traffic rules (there are some!), drive cautiously and try to avoid the busy times especially the early evening.
It is the law to wear a helmet and please make sure you have adequate insurance. Use the Petrolimex stations (find on Hoi An Map or asking the locals) where possible and be sure to check the pump meter is reset to zero before filling up. And do make use of maps to plan your trip or book a tour with a local company who will provide the motorbikes.
Car Taxi
Two main companies exist and use meters:
- Mai Linh Taxi (green) 02353 3914 914
- Faifoo Taxi (yellow) 02353 3919 191
In the old town, the most accessible points are the intersection at Phan Chu Trinh Street and Le Loi Street, Hoang Dieu Street and Phan Chu Trinh Street or across the river on Nguyen Phuc Chu Street on the An Hoi islet. (See Hoi An Old Quarter Map for details).
Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om)
Hear a local shout the word “Xe om”, and that could be your cue to jump on a Motorbike Taxi. These guys offer a very quick and convenient to way to get around Hoi An. The ride can be a little hairy depending on the driver an your experience riding pillion, so hang tight and ask him to slow down. They can also carry multiple luggage items. Then, negotiate a fixed fare upfront to your destination.
Update: Grab Bike is now almost replaced traditional motorbike taxi.
