The Vietnamese city of Hoi An, which was formerly known as Faifoo, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country. Located along the Thu Bon River, many of the hotels, bars, and restaurants offer stunning views of gently flowing waters that are clean enough to swim in. Hoi An is also famous for its Old Town district, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has barely been changed since it served as a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries. This part of town has over 800 historic buildings, is the center of the Hoi An Lantern Full Moon Festival that takes place every full moon cycle, and is one of the best places in Vietnam to find bahn mi, a type of Vietnamese sandwich that’s to die for.
Hoi An is also one of the few cities in the country that didn’t get bombed during the Vietnam War. Thus, you can see temples and homes that date back centuries. The city is also home to some of the best museums in Vietnam and has one of the best street food scenes in the country as well. If you fancy some relaxation at the beach, Hoi An is only a short drive away from the coast. So, if you want to make the most of everything that Hoi An has to offer, hire a scooter and start driving!
Here is everything you need to know about scooter hire in Hoi An. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motorcycle as well. This guide includes:
- The best places to find scooter hire in Hoi An
- The average cost of scooter hire in Hoi An
- Whether you need an international driving permit to rent a scooter in Vietnam
- Whether it's safe to rent a scooter in Hoi An
- The best things to do in Hoi An by scooter
Where Are the Best Places to Find Scooter Rental in Hoi An?
If you plan on traveling directly to Hoi An, you’ll probably be flying into Da Nang International Airport, which is about 35 kilometers outside the city of Hoi An. Once you arrive, you shouldn’t have any trouble locating a motor scooter rental service right outside the airport. However, if you’d rather wait until you arrive at your accommodation in Hoi An to rent a motorbike, there are plenty of rental services within the city as well.
The majority of scooter rental services can be found in the neighborhood of Cam Pho, located right along the Thu Bon River. However, you should also be able to find some rental companies around the areas of Cam Chau and An My. Of course, you can always ask the employees at your accommodation about scooter rental too.
What Is the Normal Price of Scooter Hire in Hoi An?
One of the main reasons that people choose Vietnam as a vacation destination is a fact that pretty much everything is very cheap, including motor scooter rental. If you want to hire a basic scooter, such as a Honda Wave, you can expect to pay around €6 per day. If you want to rent a motorcycle, such as a Yamaha FZ 150, you can find one for as little as €16 per day.
No matter what kind of vehicle you choose to rent, you should always make sure that you have insurance and a helmet. You should never drive a motor scooter or motorcycle without wearing a helmet. And having an insurance policy could end up saving you a ton of money if your vehicle gets damaged or stolen. It’s also worth inquiring with your rental shop about whether they have reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals if you plan on staying in Hoi An for a while.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Scooter in Vietnam?
If you are a foreigner driving in Vietnam, Vietnamese law requires that you have an international driving permit, a translation of your license that proves that you’re legally allowed to drive in your home country. Many people choose to rent a motorbike without getting an IDP; however, you’re putting yourself at risk of getting in trouble with Vietnamese authorities by doing so.
You can apply for your international driving permit online here. There is an application fee of $20 and the permit usually takes about two weeks to come in the mail, so you should make sure to send in your application at least two weeks before departing for Vietnam. Once you have your permit, it is valid for one full year.
Is It Dangerous to Rent a Motor Scooter in Hoi An?
In general, driving in Vietnam can be very chaotic and Hoi An is no exception. Many drivers don’t follow the rules of the road and it’s not uncommon to see people driving the wrong way, driving on the sidewalks, or making illegal and unsafe passes. If you do choose to drive in Hoi An, or anywhere in Vietnam, you should practice extreme caution. Vietnamese drivers also like to honk their horns a lot to let you know that they’re there, so don’t let that freak you out.
With that being said, driving in Hoi An isn’t as bad as in some other parts of the country due to the fact that the road conditions are fairly good. The major roads in and around the city are also fairly well-lit at night. Traffic in Hoi An also isn’t too bad.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Hoi an by Scooter?
Now that you know all of the necessary information for renting a scooter in Hoi An, here are the best things to do around the city:
My Son Sanctuary
Since you’re in Hoi An and you have your own set of wheels, you should take an hour-long drive to the west and visit My Son Sanctuary, one of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam. This amazing series of temples was once the center of the Hindu Champa Kingdom that ruled most of Vietnam.
During the Vietnam War, President Nixon ordered the bombing of My Son Sanctuary because it was a haven for the Viet Cong. However, many of the temples are still in good shape and you can still view the crates where the bombs were dropped.
An Bang Beach
If you want to chill out on a beautiful beach, the best place in Hoi An to do so is at An Bang Beach. This beach is full of clean sand, clear waters, and a whole lot of bars and restaurants offering cheap food and drinks. You can relax with a book, take a dip, and then hop over to one of the restaurants for some amazing grub.
If you’re wondering which of the many restaurants to go to, make your way over to Ms. Tuyet, one of the most esteemed seafood spots in all of Hoi An. They’re known for having some of the best spring rolls you can get anywhere in the world.
Cham Islands
If you’re looking for a bit of peace outside of the city of Hoi An, take a day trip to the Cham Islands. These islands are largely undeveloped and often don’t have any tourists, which means you can enjoy an oasis of pristine nature.
Popular activities on the Cham Islands included kayaking and swimming. And, if you find a local with a boat, you can have them take you out to the amazing coral reefs in the area for some diving or snorkeling.
Enjoy Hoi An on a Rental Scooter
Hoi An is a city rich with culture and life-changing experiences to be had. So, if you're going to visit Vietnam’s most beautiful city, do as the locals do and cruise around on a scooter. It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.
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