# Hoi An, Vietnam

> A lantern-lit fairytale of ancient alleys, riverside cafés, and tailor shops, Hoi An is a budget-savvy dream with the next full moon Lantern Festival just around the corner. Wander the UNESCO Old Town by day, hit An Bang Beach by night, and eat like royalty for under $20 a day.

## Key stats

| Metric | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Region | Asia |
| Backpacker cost | $18/day |
| Digital nomad cost | $50/day |
| Luxury cost | $250/day |
| Internet download | 50 Mbps |
| Internet upload | 20 Mbps |
| Safety score | 9/10 |
| Backpacker score | 8.7/10 |
| Digital nomad score | 7.2/10 |
| Luxury score | 6/10 |

**Safety:** Hoi An is remarkably safe, with very low violent crime and a strong tourist police presence. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded night markets and be cautious when riding scooters, as traffic rules are loose.

## Neighborhoods

- **Ancient Town (Old Town)**: The UNESCO-listed heart of Hoi An with narrow alleys, yellow-walled buildings, lantern stalls, and historic temples. Everything is walkable, but prices for food and souvenirs are higher here. (medium price)
- **An Hoi Islet**: A quiet, leafy island just across the lake from the Old Town, known for its charming cafes, art galleries, and relaxed vibe. Accommodation is often cheaper while still being within a short walk. (low price)
- **An Bang Beach**: A beautiful beach town about 3km from the Old Town, beloved by expats and nomads for its fresh seafood, sunset bars, and lush green surroundings. Rooms and villas here are a bit more expensive but worth it. (high price)
- **Cam Pho**: A central residential area just outside the Old Town, packed with affordable homestays, local street food, and easy access to everything. Great for budget travelers who want a local feel. (low price)
- **Cam Chau**: A sprawling green district of rice paddies, artichoke farms, and boutique cafes. Popular with digital nomads for its quiet atmosphere, affordable villas, and reliable internet. (medium price)

## Pros

- Exceptionally low cost of living — street food for under $2
- Charming UNESCO World Heritage Old Town with unique architecture
- Monthly Lantern Festival offers a magical free experience
- Friendly locals and low crime make it very safe for solo travelers
- World-famous tailoring — get custom-made clothing at bargain prices
- Scooter rental cheap and easy for day trips to Da Nang and Marble Mountains
- Great weather from August to November with sunny days and cool breezes
- Surrounded by beautiful beaches, like An Bang and Cua Dai
- Growing digital nomad community with several coworking spaces
- Gentle, unhurried pace of life perfect for slowing down

## Cons

- Rainy season (October–December) can flood streets and disrupt travel
- Nightlife is limited compared to Bangkok or Da Nang
- Tourist crowds get intense during festivals and holidays
- Internet can be slower and less stable than in major Vietnamese cities
- Coworking spaces are limited and basic
- Construction and development are rising, affecting the rustic ambiance
- ATMs are scarce within the Old Town
- Tuk-tuk drivers may overcharge tourists
- No direct international airport — you must fly into Da Nang
- High season (Feb–May) brings price hikes on accommodation

## FAQs

**Is Hoi An safe for tourists?**

Yes, Hoi An is one of the safest cities in Vietnam, with a very low violent crime rate. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets and tourist spots, so keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. Traffic can be chaotic, especially when renting scooters, but with standard precautions you'll feel perfectly safe.

**What's the best time to visit Hoi An?**

The ideal time is from February to May when the weather is dry, mild, and sunny. August to November offers similar temperatures but more rainfall, peaking in October and November which can cause flooding. Avoid December and January if you want beach weather, though the Old Town remains charming year-round.

**Do I need a visa for Hoi An?**

Most visitors need a visa to enter Vietnam, but many nationalities can apply for an e-visa online, valid for 90 days and multiple entries. Citizens of some nearby Asian countries are exempt for stays up to 45 days. Always check the official Vietnam Immigration website for the latest requirements based on your passport.

**What's the internet speed like in Hoi An?**

Hoi An has decent internet in most guesthouses and cafés, averaging around 50 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Dedicated coworking spaces like Hoi An Work Space offer faster fiber connections. For critical work, get a local SIM with 5G hotspot to stay online during rare outages.

**Can I work remotely in Hoi An?**

Yes, many digital nomads choose Hoi An as a base due to its low cost and pleasant atmosphere. While the nomad scene is smaller than Da Nang, there are coworking spaces, regular meetups, and reliable wifi. Long-term stays are easy with e-visas and affordable monthly rentals, especially in areas like Cam Chau.

**What's the backpacker scene like in Hoi An?**

Hoi An is a major backpacker hub, with a dense cluster of social hostels, cheap eateries, and nightlife around the Old Town. Expect friendly dorm rooms, pub crawls, and plenty of chances to meet travelers on the famous hostel circuit. For a quieter vibe, head to An Hoi Islet or Cam Pho.

**How much does it cost to visit Hoi An?**

As a backpacker, you can live on $18–25 a day: $8 hostel bed, $8 street food, $2 for local transport and attractions. Digital nomads typically spend $50–70 a day, including a $400–500 monthly apartment, coworking space, meals, and social life. For luxury travelers, expect $250–300 a day for a five-star resort, fine dining, and exclusive experiences.

## Links

- [Web page](https://www.cheaptraveldestination.com/vietnam/hoi-an)
- [City JSON](https://www.cheaptraveldestination.com/data/cities/hoian.json)
- [Vietnam overview](https://www.cheaptraveldestination.com/vietnam)