Hoi An
Hoi An on a Shoestring: Ancient Town, Beaches & Street Food
Medieval charm, coastal beauty, and budget-friendly adventures await
Experience Hoi An's UNESCO-listed Old Town, pristine beaches, and authentic countryside without breaking the bank. This budget-friendly weekend combines free walking tours, coastal relaxation, and incredible street food for under $15 per meal.
Where to Stay
Hoi An Backpacker Hostel or Budget Guesthouses (Old Town Area)
Choose hostels or family-run guesthouses in or near the Ancient Town (try Google Maps for 'Budget Hostel Hoi An'). Look for places offering free bike rentals, communal kitchens, and social spaces. Many are simple but charming.
Airbnb Private Room (Hoi An Town Center)
Search Airbnb for private rooms or studio apartments in central Hoi An at budget rates ($12-20/night). Host-provided bikes and local tips often included. Read reviews specifically for budget traveler recommendations.
Good to Know
Get a Free Bike
Most budget hotels and guesthouses offer free or extremely cheap bike rentals (often included). Ask at check-in. This is your primary transportation for exploring villages, countryside, and beaches at zero additional cost.
Skip the Heritage Site Ticket
The Old Town entrance ticket (VND 120,000/$5) covers 5 attractions. You can explore 90% of the atmosphere by simply walking the free, pedestrian-only streets. Enter museums only if deeply interested; the true charm is in wandering.
Time Your Meals Around Market Hours
Most local restaurants and street food vendors operate 6-11am for breakfast/lunch, break during 2-5pm heat, then reopen 5-10pm for dinner. Plan meals accordingly to find open food stalls and avoid disappointment.
Visit Fish Markets at Dawn
The 5-7am window is absolutely magical—fishing boats return, vendors set up, and the energy is electric. Arrive early with a camera. By 8am, much of the activity has concluded.
Plan Around the Full Moon Festival
On the 14th day of each lunar month, the Old Town shuts off electric lights and illuminates solely with colorful lanterns. This transforms the entire experience. Check lunar calendar dates and consider timing your visit accordingly.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Hoi An Night Market
Browse dozens of street food stalls offering bánh mì, bánh hoai, fresh spring rolls, and local specialties. Sample multiple dishes and eat communally under string lights.
Banh Mi Street Stand
Grab a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich with pickled vegetables, pâté, and fresh herbs from a street vendor near the Old Town entrance.
Hoi An Ancient Town Old Streets
Stroll the grid-like, pedestrian-only streets lined with yellow French colonial buildings, traditional shops, and atmospheric alleyways. Explore without entering paid attractions.
An Bang Beach
Located 5km north of town, this sandy beach offers swimming, relaxation, and sunset views. Walk along the shore or wade in the water.
Old Town Evening Lantern Experience
Return to the Ancient Town at dusk to witness the lantern-lit atmosphere as the sun sets. The effect is especially magical on the 14th lunar day when electric lights turn off and only colorful lanterns illuminate the streets.
Local Pho Stand (Near Ben An Market)
Early morning pho at a humble street stall serving fragrant beef or chicken broth with fresh herbs and rice noodles.
Thanh Ha Fish Market Area Street Food
After exploring the pottery village and fish market, grab grilled fish cakes, fresh shrimp paste on toast, or seafood noodle soup from nearby vendors.
Hoi An Free Walking & Cycling Tour to Cam Kim Island
Join university student-led tours cycling the 9km Cam Kim Bridge route to Kim Bong carpentry village. Watch artisans hand-carving wooden statues and creating furniture. Ferry included; small community donation requested.
Duy Hai or Thanh Ha Fish Markets
Visit at 5-7am to watch fishing boats return, offload fresh catch, and observe the rapid sorting and selling process. Experience authentic local market energy and photography opportunities in natural morning light.
Reaching Out Artisan Workshop
Visit the small workshop behind Reaching Out cafe where artisans (many with disabilities) create silver jewelry, embroidery, and handicrafts. Book a free tour online or simply wander the studio.
14 activities across 3 days
Map
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