The good news? Hoi An remains one of Southeast Asia's better-value destinations if you know where to look and what to skip. This guide breaks down what a realistic day in Hoi An actually costs in 2026, with real prices from the streets, markets, and homestays that locals use.
The real cost of accommodation in Hoi An
Hoi An's accommodation market splits into three clear tiers. The city has more homestays per square kilometer than anywhere else in Vietnam, and that competition keeps prices honest.
Budget tier: 250,000 to 500,000 VND ($10 to $20) per night
Guesthouses and homestays in Cam Pho and the rice fields east of town deliver the best value. A clean double room with air conditioning, hot water, and breakfast runs 300,000 to 400,000 VND ($12 to $16). These are family-run operations with two or three floors and a handful of rooms. Expect basic furniture, thin walls, and genuine hospitality.
The backpacker hostels near Hai Ba Trung and Phan Chu Trinh streets charge 120,000 to 200,000 VND ($5 to $8) for a dorm bed. Many include breakfast and a pool, which explains the popularity.
Mid-range tier: 700,000 to 1,500,000 VND ($28 to $59) per night
This is where Hoi An shines. Boutique hotels with pools, garden settings, and thoughtful design sit in the 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND ($31 to $47) range. The concentration of these properties along Nguyen Phuc Tan and the alleys near Cam Nam bridge is remarkable. For the price of a budget room in Hanoi's Old Quarter, travelers get a private pool villa with breakfast and bicycles.
Luxury tier: 2,500,000 VND ($98) and up
The beach resorts at An Bang and Cua Dai start around 2,500,000 VND ($98) and climb steeply. The Anantara, Four Seasons, and Victoria properties push well past 6,000,000 VND ($235) per night. These deliver exceptional service, but the location means a 15-minute drive to the Ancient Town.
Pro tip: book directly through the property's website. Hoi An's homestays and boutique hotels consistently offer better rates than booking platforms, often including airport pickup and breakfast in the base price.
What food actually costs in Hoi An
Hoi An's food scene splits into two parallel universes. The tourist restaurants along the river and inside the Ancient Town charge 80,000 to 150,000 VND ($3 to $6) for dishes that are often mediocre. Walk three streets away, and the same dish costs half as much and tastes twice as good.
Street food and local eateries: 20,000 to 50,000 VND ($0.80 to $2)
- Cao lau: 35,000 to 45,000 VND ($1.40 to $1.80) at the stalls on Tran Phu's back alleys
- Banh mi: 20,000 to 35,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.40). Banh Mi Phuong charges 35,000 VND ($1.40) for the famous pork version
- Mi Quang: 30,000 to 40,000 VND ($1.20 to $1.60) at the morning markets
- Com ga (chicken rice): 40,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.60 to $2) at Ba Buoi on Phan Chu Trinh
- Banh xeo: 25,000 to 35,000 VND ($1 to $1.40) per portion
Sit-down restaurants: 60,000 to 120,000 VND ($2.40 to $4.70)
The mid-range restaurants on Nguyen Hoang and the streets parallel to the river serve solid versions of local classics. A full meal with a drink and fresh spring rolls runs 120,000 to 180,000 VND ($4.70 to $7). The white rose dumplings at any of the established spots cost 60,000 to 80,000 VND ($2.40 to $3.20) for a plate of six.
Cooking classes: 500,000 to 1,200,000 VND ($20 to $47)
Cooking classes in Hoi An range from market tours with professional chefs to casual home kitchens. The Red Bridge and Gioan Cooking School classes cost 800,000 to 1,200,000 VND ($31 to $47) and include a market visit, boat trip, and four to five dishes. Smaller home-based classes run 500,000 to 700,000 VND ($20 to $28) and offer a more intimate experience.
Pro tip: skip breakfast at your hotel and eat at the Central Market instead. A bowl of mi quang with a fresh sugarcane juice costs 45,000 VND ($1.80), and you'll be eating alongside locals, not tourists.
Getting around Hoi An
Hoi An is small. The Ancient Town, the markets, and most attractions sit within a 2-kilometer radius. Walking covers most needs, but bicycles are the preferred mode for exploring the surrounding villages and beaches.
Bicycle rental: 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.20 to $2) per day
Most homestays and hotels include bicycles in the room rate. If not, rental shops near the Ancient Town charge 30,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.20 to $2) per day. The ride to An Bang Beach takes 15 to 20 minutes on flat roads.
Motorbike rental: 120,000 to 150,000 VND ($4.70 to $5.90) per day
A semi-automatic scooter costs 120,000 to 150,000 VND ($4.70 to $5.90) per day, with automatic models slightly more. Fuel runs about 30,000 VND ($1.20) for a day of exploring. Riders need an international driving permit with a motorcycle endorsement, and rental shops have become stricter about checking since the 2025 crackdown.
Grab and taxis: 20,000 to 100,000 VND ($0.80 to $3.90)
Grab operates throughout Hoi An. A ride from the Ancient Town to An Bang Beach costs 50,000 to 70,000 VND ($2 to $2.80). The airport transfer from Da Nang International Airport runs 250,000 to 350,000 VND ($9.80 to $13.70) via Grab, or 400,000 VND ($15.70) through a hotel-arranged driver.
Tickets, attractions, and activities
The biggest budgeting trap in Hoi An is the old town ticket system. Visitors must purchase a 120,000 VND ($4.70) combo ticket to enter the Ancient Town's heritage sites. This ticket covers five attractions from a list of about 20, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls, and old houses.
The ticket is required. Enforcement happens at the main entrances, and staff do check. Purchase the ticket, visit the five attractions that interest you most, and treat the rest of the Ancient Town as a free walking area.
What the ticket covers:
| Attraction | Entry with ticket | Standalone price |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Covered Bridge | Included | 120,000 VND ($4.70) |
| Phuc Kien Assembly Hall | Included | 120,000 VND ($4.70) |
| Tan Ky Old House | Included | 120,000 VND ($4.70) |
| Cantonese Assembly Hall | Included | 120,000 VND ($4.70) |
| Handicraft Workshop | Included | 120,000 VND ($4.70) |
Boat rides and lanterns: 100,000 to 200,000 VND ($3.90 to $7.80)
The evening boat rides along the Thu Bon River cost 150,000 VND ($5.90) for a 20-minute trip. The boat operators near the An Hoi footbridge are the most persistent sellers in Hoi An. Set your price before boarding, and be prepared to walk away if the negotiation stalls.
Tailoring: 800,000 to 3,000,000 VND ($31 to $118)
Hoi An's tailoring industry remains its most famous export. A basic shirt costs 400,000 to 600,000 VND ($15.70 to $23.50). A full suit runs 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND ($59 to $118) depending on fabric and the shop's reputation. The quality varies wildly. Read recent reviews, ask for fabric samples, and insist on two fittings before committing.
Day trips and tours:
- My Son Sanctuary: 400,000 to 600,000 VND ($15.70 to $23.50) for a half-day tour with transport
- Cham Islands snorkeling: 500,000 to 800,000 VND ($19.60 to $31.40)
- Marble Mountains and Da Nang: 500,000 to 700,000 VND ($19.60 to $27.50)
- Tra Que Vegetable Village: free to wander, cooking experiences cost 300,000 to 500,000 VND ($11.80 to $19.60)
Sample daily budgets compared
| Expense | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 180,000 VND ($7) | 900,000 VND ($35) | 2,800,000 VND ($110) |
| Food | 180,000 VND ($7) | 350,000 VND ($13.70) | 700,000 VND ($27.50) |
| Transport | 30,000 VND ($1.20) | 50,000 VND ($2) | 150,000 VND ($5.90) |
| Activities | 120,000 VND ($4.70) | 250,000 VND ($9.80) | 500,000 VND ($19.60) |
| Drinks and misc | 50,000 VND ($2) | 150,000 VND ($5.90) | 300,000 VND ($11.80) |
| Daily total | 560,000 VND ($22) | 1,700,000 VND ($67) | 4,450,000 VND ($175) |
The backpacker budget works but requires discipline. Skip the old town ticket, eat exclusively at street stalls, and stay in a hostel dorm. The mid-range budget covers a boutique hotel, one nice restaurant meal per day, and a cooking class or day trip every other day.
When to visit and how it affects prices
Hoi An's pricing follows the seasons. The dry months from February to May bring perfect weather and the highest prices. Hotel rates in March and April run 20 to 30 percent above the annual average. The rainy season from October to December sees prices drop significantly, but flooding remains a real risk, especially in November.
The shoulder months of June and September offer the best value. The weather is still workable, the crowds are thinner, and hotel rates sit 15 to 25 percent below peak season. For more detail on timing, read the guide to the best time to visit Hoi An.
Pro tip: the full moon lantern festival happens every lunar month, not just during Tet. Hotels fill up fast for these dates, and rates can double. Check the lunar calendar before booking if you want to attend without paying peak prices.
Money matters in Hoi An
Hoi An remains overwhelmingly a cash economy. The Ancient Town's restaurants and shops accept cards, but the markets, street stalls, and most homestays operate on cash only. ATMs cluster around the Central Market and the main streets, with most dispensing a maximum of 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND ($78 to $118) per transaction.
The exchange rates at Hoi An's gold shops and jewelry stores consistently beat the banks. The shops on Tran Phu and Le Loi offer competitive rates for US dollars, euros, and Australian dollars. For a detailed comparison of exchange options, see the guide to exchanging money in Vietnam.
Nearby destinations that stretch your budget
Hoi An's location makes it a practical base for exploring central Vietnam. Da Nang sits 30 kilometers north, with its beaches, the Marble Mountains, and the Ba Na Hills complex. The best time to visit Da Nang guide covers the seasonal patterns.
For travelers watching their budget, the comparison between Hoi An and Da Nang matters. Da Nang's food scene costs 20 to 30 percent less than Hoi An's, and accommodation prices run similar for higher quality. Many travelers now split their time between the two cities, using Da Nang as a base and visiting Hoi An on day trips.
Hue sits two hours north by train or bus. The imperial city offers a different historical experience at significantly lower prices. The Hoi An vs. Hue comparison breaks down which city makes sense for different travel styles.
The hidden costs nobody mentions
Several expenses catch travelers off guard in Hoi An. The laundry services charge 20,000 to 30,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.20) per kilogram, which adds up over a week. The drinking water situation requires attention, especially during the hot season. A 1.5-liter bottle costs 10,000 to 15,000 VND ($0.40 to $0.60) at convenience stores, but the heat and humidity mean most travelers go through three to four bottles daily.
The humidity in Hoi An is relentless. The heat, sun, and hydration guide explains what to expect and how to prepare. Air conditioning in accommodation is not optional, it is essential for sleep quality, especially between April and September.
Sunscreen and insect repellent cost 50 to 100 percent more in Hoi An than in larger cities. Bring your own supply. The mosquitoes around the rice fields and the Thu Bon River are active year-round, and the mosquito and dengue risk map provides the current picture.
The bottom line
A realistic daily budget for Hoi An in 2026 lands between 1,200,000 and 2,500,000 VND ($47 to $98) per person for a comfortable mid-range experience. That covers a boutique hotel, three meals including one at a proper restaurant, a few attractions, and some buffer for drinks and small purchases.
The city rewards slow travel. A three-night stay costs less per day than a rushed two-night visit because the bicycle rental, the market breakfasts, and the free wandering through the back alleys become the default rather than the exception. The visiting Hoi An guide offers a broader overview of what to see and do.
Skip the riverfront restaurants, negotiate the boat rides, eat where the motorbikes are parked, and Hoi An delivers exceptional value. Pay tourist prices for everything, and the budget balloons quickly. The choice is yours.
FAQ
Q: How much does a banh mi cost in Hoi An? A: Banh Mi Phuong charges 35,000 VND ($1.40) for their signature pork version. Street stalls throughout the Ancient Town sell banh mi for 20,000 to 30,000 VND ($0.80 to $1.20).
Q: Is the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket worth buying? A: The 120,000 VND ($4.70) combo ticket is required for entry into the heritage sites. It covers five attractions, and the Japanese Covered Bridge and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall are worth the price on their own.
Q: How much should a tailored suit cost in Hoi An? A: A basic two-piece suit runs 1,500,000 to 2,500,000 VND ($59 to $98) at established tailors. Premium fabrics push the price higher. Insist on two fittings and check the stitching carefully.
Q: What is the cheapest way to get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An? A: The yellow public bus number 1 runs from the airport to Hoi An's central bus station for 20,000 VND ($0.80). Grab rides cost 250,000 to 350,000 VND ($9.80 to $13.70) and take about 45 minutes.
Q: How many days should I spend in Hoi An? A: Three nights works well for most travelers. It allows time for the Ancient Town, a cooking class, a day at An Bang Beach, and one day trip to My Son or the Cham Islands.
Q: When is the cheapest time to visit Hoi An? A: The rainy season from October to December offers the lowest hotel rates. September and June provide a balance of decent weather and moderate prices. November carries the highest flood risk.
Q: Do I need to book accommodation in advance? A: During the dry season, the lantern festival dates, and Tet, yes. Outside those periods, walk-in rates at Hoi An's homestays often beat online prices by 15 to 20 percent.