Hoi An is a small historic city in central Vietnam known for its well-preserved Ancient Town and lantern-lit streets. It has a relaxed vibe, low living costs, and a growing nomad community. The city blends Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences, with riverside views and easy access to the beach.
Lifestyle🍽️
Hoi An has excellent local dishes like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings. There is a solid mix of international food, with many vegan and vegetarian options. Late-night street food is common in tourist areas.
Nightlife is relaxed with riverside bars and pubs in the Ancient Town.
Strong coffee scene with local and specialty cafes, known for Vietnamese iced and coconut coffee.
Tipping is optional but appreciated in tourist areas, usually small amounts. Rounding up taxi fares is common.
SIMs are sold at the airport or local shops. Main providers are Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone with good coverage. eSIMs are available and convenient for short stays. Passport registration is required.
Services & Infrastructure
Clean in tourist spots, variable in local areas. Waste pickup is regular but recycling is limited.
Few 24/7 services; some late-night pharmacies and minimarts; food stalls open late.
Local markets offer fresh produce; supermarkets like Co.opmart and VinMart stock packaged goods. Markets open early and close by evening. Bargaining is normal in markets.
Cards are accepted in many tourist spots, but cash is still needed for markets and street vendors.
ATMs from major banks like Vietcombank and BIDV are common. International cards usually work but expect fees around 50,000 VND per transaction.
Hoi An International School offers Cambridge curriculum; other international schools include Palm River Academy and Odyssey International School. Instruction is in English and Vietnamese.
Work & Digital💻
Growing nomad community with meetups, coworking, and online groups.
Nature & Activities🌿
Nice riverside paths and extensive rice paddy areas for walking and running.
Safe routes along riverside, rice paddies, and beach areas.
Several gyms including those with yoga and juice bars.
Limited court availability; check resorts.
No known padel facilities.
Multiple studios with English-speaking instructors, offering various styles and drop-ins.
Some local Vietnamese martial arts and basic boxing/kickboxing classes available; limited English instructors.
No skiing available; Vietnam is tropical.
Kayaking and paddleboarding around Thu Bon River and An Bang Beach.
Surfing spots at An Bang Beach suit beginners with rentals and schools available.
Diving around Cham Islands with various experience levels and seasonal visibility.
Health & Safety🏥
Local clinics have limited English; for serious care, go to Da Nang's hospitals 20 minutes away. Private clinics are better quality than public ones. Pharmacies are common and meds available without prescriptions.
Tap water isn't safe to drink; stick to bottled water.
Community & Family
Good facilities like playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes. Activities include lantern making and boat rides.
Relatively accepting in tourist areas; limited legal protections. Discretion advised outside these zones.
Pet policies vary; veterinary services exist but no dedicated parks. Limited pet-friendly places.
Quick Facts
Power is mostly stable but short outages can happen occasionally.
An Bang Beach is 4 km from town, with white sand, clear water, and beachside cafes and bars.
Marble Mountains near Da Nang offer hiking and caves, accessible within an hour.
⚠️Natural Disasters Risk
🌦️Seasonal Issues
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