How to Be a Budget Nomad in Hoi An, Vietnam
- Budget Nomad
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 20
Hoi An, Vietnam, is a charming and touristy town that offers a mix of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. While it’s easy to spend a lot of money here, it’s also possible to explore Hoi An on a budget without compromising on comfort or experiences. Here’s a guide to help you navigate Hoi An as a budget nomad.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Hoi An has a wide range of options to suit every budget.
Mad Monkey Hostel: A modern hostel with a lively atmosphere, featuring a bar, pool, and all the necessary facilities. Private rooms start at around $30 per night,while dorm beds can be as low as $8 a night.
Homestays: For a more local experience, consider staying at a homestay. You can find air-conditioned rooms for as little as 10 per night (70 per week), offering great value for money.
Old Town Stays: If you want to stay closer to the Old Town, expect to pay around 20–20–30 per night. Avoid overpriced options (50–50–60) and shop around for better deals on platforms like Agoda or Booking.com. Airbnb tends to be more expensive in Hoi An.
Food
Hoi An is a food lover’s paradise, and you can eat well without breaking the bank.
Touristy Restaurants: Meals at mid-range restaurants cost around 5–5–10 (100,000–200,000 VND).
Local Eateries: Head to the Old Town’s smaller eateries or venture to the outskirts for meals as low as $2 (50,000 VND).
Street Food: Don’t miss local specialties like pho (beef noodle soup), rice pancakes, and banh mi, all available for around 1–1–2.
Groceries: For Western or specialty foods, visit Moon Mart, a supermarket chain with a good selection of produce.
Things to Do
Hoi An offers plenty of activities for budget-conscious travelers.
Explore the Old Town: Wander through the historic streets, visit temples, and shop for souvenirs. Entry to the Old Town is free, but some attractions may charge a small fee.
Beach Day: Hoi An’s beach is clean, quiet, and perfect for swimming. Sun loungers are often free, making it a great spot to relax.
Day Trips: Visit My Son Sanctuary (ancient temples), take a boat ride in the Coconut Village, or explore Cham Island (around $20 for a trip).
Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, a fun and affordable activity.
Night Market: Experience the vibrant night market and enjoy the illuminated lanterns along the river.
Transportation
Getting around Hoi An is easy and affordable.
Motorbike Rentals: Rent a motorbike for 2.50–2.50–3 per day (60,000–80,000 VND).
Bicycle Rentals: Many hotels offer free bike rentals, or you can rent one for around $2 per day.
Grab Taxi: Use ride-hailing apps like Grab for affordable and convenient transport.
Internet and SIM Cards
Most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi, but if you need mobile data, consider getting a SIM card.
Vinaphone: A 30-day SIM with 6GB of data per day costs around $12. Vinaphone has better coverage in cities like Hoi An.
Money and ATMs
ATMs: Withdraw up to 5 million VND (200)pertransaction,withfeesaround200)pertransaction,withfeesaround3–$4.
Money Exchange: Jewelry and gift shops often offer competitive exchange rates (around 25,000 VND per USD).
Healthcare
Pharmacies: Pop-up pharmacies are common, but for specific medications, visit larger stores.
Hospitals: For serious medical needs, head to Da Nang, just 21 km away, which has better facilities.
Tips for Saving Money
Avoid Tourist Traps: Eat and shop in local areas rather than the main tourist spots.
Bargain: Negotiate prices for souvenirs, tours, and transport.
Travel Off-Peak: Visit during the low season for better deals on accommodation and activities.
Hoi An is a beautiful destination that can be enjoyed on a budget. With affordable accommodation, delicious food, and plenty of free or low-cost activities, you can experience the best of this historic town without overspending. Happy travels!
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