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What to Pack for Hoi An

What to Pack for Hoi An

Hoi An Quang Nam, Vietnam Travel Guide

Air Travel: Da Nang Airport DAD

The City of bridges International Airport (DAD) is the closest major hub, about 30 kilometers north of Hoi An. It handles both domestic and international flights.

Airlines & Routes

  • Domestic: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines (from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City).
  • International: Direct flights from Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei.
  • From US/Europe/Australia: One layover in a major Asian hub (e.g., Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong).

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Flight prices vary by season. Book 2-4 months in advance for peak season (Feb-Apr, Jul-Aug).

DAD Services

  • ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops.
  • Restaurants and cafes.
  • Airline lounges, free Wi-Fi, car rental desks, SIM card kiosks.

Transfers from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An

Taxi

Readily available. Confirm meter use or fixed price before starting. Expect 300,000-450,000 VND (US$12-18).

Convenient but negotiate.

Grab

Ride-hailing app (car/motorbike). Often cheaper and more transparent pricing. Pre-book and meet driver at designated points.

Fixed price upfront.

Private Car Transfer

Many hotels arrange these. Comfortable and convenient. Costs 350,000-500,000 VND (US$14-20).

Pre-arranged comfort.

Land Transportation & Departure

Train, Bus & Self-Driving

The closest train station is The City of bridges Railway Station. No direct train assistance to The City of lanterns. From The City of bridges, take a taxi, Grab, or local bus.

  • Train: Vietnam Railways connects The City of bridges to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang.
  • Local Bus: Route 1 (Green Bus) between The City of bridges and The City of lanterns Bus Stations (25,000-50,000 VND).
  • Long-distance Buses: Sleeper buses departing from Hue, Nha Trang, HCMC (FUTA, Hanh Cafe, Sinh Tourist).
  • Tourist Open Tour Buses: Flexible multi-city travel.
  • Self-Driving Car: Not generally recommended. Traffic is chaotic, IDP required.
  • Motorbike/Scooter Rental: Common. IDP with motorcycle license required. Helmet mandatory.
  • Road Conditions: Vary. Major highways good, smaller roads bumpy. Traffic is often heavy.
  • Departure: No separate exit fees for international air travel (included in airfare).

Sea/River Arrivals & Departure

Sea & River Travel

Sea and river options mainly cater to domestic and sailing visitors.

Water Transport

  • The City of bridges Port: Closest port for larger cruise ships. Passengers disembark for excursions to The City of bridges/Hoi An.
  • Cham Islands: Ferries/speedboats from Cua Dai Port (near Hoi An) for day trips/overnight stays.
  • Thu Bon River: Scenic tours, sunset cruises, transport to fishing villages. Tourist-oriented.

Departure Procedures

Arrive at Da Nang International Airport (DAD) 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.

Check-in & Facilities

  • Check-in at airline counter or self-check-in kiosks.
  • Pass through security screening.
  • International flights: Complete exit immigration.

Airport Facilities Da Nang

Shopping

Duty-free shops available for last-minute purchases.

Dining

Restaurants and cafes for meals or snacks before your flight.

Comfort

Lounges, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi for departing travelers.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Hoi An does not have a metro or tram system. The local bus system connects Hoi An with Da Nang.

Local Bus Details

  • Route 1 (Green Bus) runs between The City of bridges Bus Station and The City of lanterns Bus Station.
  • Pay fares in cash to the conductor (approx. 25,000-50,000 VND one-way).
  • Operates from early morning (5:30 AM) to late evening (6:00 PM), every 20-30 minutes.

Tips for Public Buses

Have small denominations of VND ready for bus fares. Confirm your destination with the conductor or driver. Be aware of your belongings, especially on crowded buses.

Accessibility

  • Public buses in Vietnam generally do not offer wheelchair accessibility.
  • Consider private car services for accessible transport.
  • Hoi An's Ancient Town, with its cramped streets and uneven paving, has mobility challenges.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

  • Look for Mai Linh (green cars) or Vinasun (white cars).
  • Ensure the taxi uses a meter. Fares start around 12,000-15,000 VND.
  • Cash (VND) is the common payment method.

Ride-Sharing Grab

  • Grab (cars and motorbikes) is the dominant app.
  • Fixed prices, payment without cash, driver tracking. English interface.
  • Confirm driver photo and license plate for safety.

Rental Options & Self-Propelled Travel

Car Rental

Self-driving a car is not generally recommended due to complex driving laws and chaotic traffic. Renting hiring a car and driver is a convenient alternative.

  • Many hotels and tour agencies offer cars with vehicle pilots.
  • This option removes navigation stress.
  • Ideal for day trips outside the town.
  • Provides comfortable long-distance travel.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rental

Scooters are common for visitors. Rent from hotels, guesthouses, or shops (100,000-150,000 VND/day).

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle license is legally required.
  • Helmets are mandatory.
  • Only rent if you are a knowledgeable and confident rider due to traffic.
  • Insurance may not cover without correct IDP.

Bicycle & Walking

The City of lanterns Ancient Town is largely pedestrianized and bicycle-friendly, especially during peak hours.

  • Many hotels offer free bicycle rentals.
  • Rental shops charge 20,000-50,1/day for bicycles.
  • Numerous guided and self-guided walking tours.
  • Be aware of motorbikes on busier roads outside the Ancient Town.

Specialized Transportation

Unique Local Transport

  • Cyclos (Pedicabs): Traditional bicycle rickshaws for short tours in Ancient Town. Negotiate price first.
  • Electric Carts: Some hotels and tour operators use these for short distances, especially for groups.
  • Thu Bon River Boats: Traditional timber watercraft for scenic tours and evening boat trips.
  • Cham Islands Ferries/Speedboats: Trips to the islands from Cua Dai Port.

Other Transport Services

  • Tour Buses: Many operators offer day tours to My Son Sanctuary or Da Nang.
  • Hop-on-hop-off: No formal services within The City of lanterns.
  • Cable Cars: Not in Hoi An. Closest is Ba Na Hills near Da Nang.
  • Accessibility: Uneven streets in Old Town may challenge mobility needs. Private car services are more accessible.

Transportation Hubs & Navigation

Stations & Ports

Key hubs for arrival and departure are in The City of bridges and Hoi An itself.

Main Hubs

  • Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for air travel.
  • Da Nang Railway Station for long-distance trains.
  • Hoi An Bus Station for local and some long-distance buses.
  • Da Nang Port for cruise ships, Cua Dai Port for Cham Islands trips.

Hailing & Safety Tips

Taxis are available on the street. Use ride-hailing apps like Pick up for transparent pricing. Motorbike taxis (Xe Om) should have negotiated prices beforehand, or use GrabBike for safety.

Safety Measures

  • For taxis, use reputable companies and confirm meter use.
  • With Grab, confirm driver's photo and license plate.
  • Always wear a helmet if you ride a motorbike.
  • Stay aware of traffic conditions, especially on busy roads.

Walking & Cycling in Hoi An

Pedestrian-Friendly

Ancient Town is largely pedestrianized during peak hours.

Walking Tours

Guided and self-guided options for history, food, culture.

Bicycle Friendly

Flat roads and paths make cycling a pleasant way to explore.

No-Go Areas

Main bridge to An Hoi can be crowded; walk your bicycle.

Airport Transfer Tips

From Da Nang Airport DAD

  • Taxis readily available outside terminal.
  • Grab pick-up points clearly marked.
  • Pre-arranged hotel transfers offer convenience.

From Da Nang Railway/Bus Station

  • Taxis and Grab are easy to find.
  • Local buses (Route 1) are a budget-friendly alternative.
  • Search for designated pick-up areas.

Traffic Safety

Traffic in Vietnam can be unpredictable. Always look both ways when crossing the street, even on one-way roads. Motorbikes may weave through traffic, and horns are employed frequently as a signal of presence, not necessarily aggression.

For motorcyclists, wearing a helmet is mandatory and strictly enforced. Use great caution, especially when unfamiliar with local driving customs.

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