Wondering how to get around Hoi An? Good news — Hoi An is one of the easiest towns in Vietnam to explore. The Ancient Town is tiny and walkable, but the beaches, craft villages and day-trip spots like My Son and Da Nang are spread out, so the right mix of transport matters. Here is a local’s guide to every option, with honest pros, cons and rough costs.
Walking the Ancient Town
The historic heart of Hoi An is pedestrian-only for much of the day, and that is how it is best experienced. It is free, but everything outside the old town is too far to walk, and the heat or a rainy-season downpour can make long walks tiring.
Bicycles
Many hotels lend bicycles for free — lovely for the flat 4 km ride to An Bang Beach or through the rice fields. Best for short, scenic trips.
Motorbikes and scooters — the most popular way
Ask any returning visitor how to get around Hoi An and they will say: rent a scooter. It gives total freedom to reach the coast road to Da Nang, the temples of My Son and hidden beaches at your own pace. Three choices:
- Automatic scooters — easy for beginners, great for two, ideal for day trips.
- Electric scooters — quiet, clean and cheap to run. See our guides on riding Hoi An to Da Nang and whether one can climb the Hai Van Pass.
- Electric bicycles — motorised help with no licence needed.
Expect roughly 120,000–200,000 VND per day. The simplest option is a local shop that delivers to your hotel — Anh Khoa Hoi An offers automatic, electric and semi-automatic bikes with free hotel delivery, helmets and 24/7 support.
Taxis and Grab
For door-to-door trips without driving, taxis and the Grab app are everywhere. Grab gives an upfront price — a short ride is 20,000–40,000 VND. Da Nang Airport to Hoi An is about 350,000–450,000 VND by car.
Private cars and day-trip drivers
Travelling with family or prefer air-con? A private car with driver is the easiest way to reach My Son, the Marble Mountains or Hue — from around 900,000 VND for a half-day.
Which option is best?
| Option | Best for | Rough daily cost |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Ancient Town | Free |
| Bicycle | Beach, countryside | 0–50k VND |
| Scooter / e-scooter | Day trips, beaches, Da Nang | 120–200k VND |
| Grab / taxi | Airport, nights, rain | Per trip |
| Private car | Families, long trips | From ~900k VND |
Staying safe on two wheels
- Always wear a helmet — it is the law and good shops provide them free.
- Carry the right licence (a valid motorbike licence plus an International Driving Permit for petrol bikes).
- Start on quiet streets if you are new to scooters.
- Take it slow in the wet season, roughly September to December.
Where to rent a scooter in Hoi An
The easiest, most reliable way to get around Hoi An is to rent from a local shop that handles everything for you. Anh Khoa Hoi An delivers well-maintained automatic, electric and semi-automatic bikes to your hotel with free helmets, raincoats and round-the-clock support. See the fleet and book at hoianit.com.
FAQ
Is Hoi An walkable?
Yes — the Ancient Town is small and pedestrian-friendly, but beaches and day-trip sights need a bicycle, scooter or taxi.
How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Hoi An?
Around 120,000–200,000 VND per day, often with discounts for longer rentals and free hotel delivery when you book online at hoianit.com.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Hoi An?
Yes — traffic is far calmer than in Vietnam’s big cities. Wear a helmet, carry the correct licence and take it slow in the rain.
