Hoi An, with its golden-hued ancient town and serene rice paddies, is one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations. Crucially for Indian travelers seeking value, it is also one of the most budget-friendly spots in Southeast Asia. Vietnam Story presents the ultimate guide to experiencing the rich culture of Hoi An without breaking the bank.
How much does Hoi An really cost?
How much does it cost to travel to Hoi An on a budget? You will be delighted to know that a daily budget of under $35 USD is more than enough to have a comfortable, fun, and culturally rich experience by leveraging our amazing local food and cheap, easy transportation. To help you plan, here is a simple and realistic breakdown of what you can expect to spend each day.
| Category | Budget traveler cost (Per day) | Estimate in VND (Approx.) |
| Accommodation (Hostel/Guesthouse) | $5 – $15 USD | 130,000 – 350,000 VND |
| Food & Drink (Street Food/Local Eateries) | $7 – $15 USD | 185,000 – 400,000 VND |
| Activities & Transport (Bike rental/Fees) | $3 – $10 USD | 80,000 – 260,000 VND |
| TOTAL Daily Budget | $15 – $35 USD | 400,000 – 960,000 VND |
Vietnamstory Insight: Vietnamstory.in always tells our guests that budgeting around $25 USD per day is the sweet spot. This gives you plenty of money for all your essentials and allows for a little bit of flexibility for a few key paid attractions or for trying some extra delicious specialty dishes.
Affordable accommodation: Where to stay for cheap?
What are the cheapest places to stay in Hoi An? You will find an incredible range of clean, comfortable, and very affordable accommodation here, especially in the form of friendly, family-run guesthouses and homestays. Here are the best options for saving money on your stay.
| Accommodation type | Price range (Per night) | Tips |
| Hostels/Dorm beds | $5 – $10 USD | This is the ideal choice for solo travelers. Many of the highly-rated hostels in Hoi An, like the Cheerful Hoi An Hostel, will even include a free breakfast, which is a huge daily saving! |
| Guesthouses and homestays | $10 – $25 USD | This is the perfect option for couples or friends traveling together. For the best value and a more peaceful experience, look for a homestay in the Cam Chau area or on Cam Nam Island, just a short walk or bicycle ride from the main Ancient Town. |
A wonderful free perk: One of the best things about staying in a homestay is that many of them will offer FREE BICYCLES for their guests to use. This is not only a wonderful perk but also your main mode of transport for your entire stay! Many also offer very affordable laundry services (around 1−2 USD per kg).
Eating like a local for less: Hoi An’s cheap and delicious food gems
Where can I find affordable food in Hoi An? The answer is everywhere! Hoi An’s incredible street food scene is its best and most delicious budget asset. You can enjoy all of our world-famous local specialties for under $3 USD per dish. Here are the essential, must-try dishes that are as cheap as they are delicious.
- Banh Mi ($1 – $2 USD): You must try Hoi An’s famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich. The two most legendary spots are Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen and Banh Mi Phuong.
- Cao Lau ($1.50 – $2.50 USD): This is Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, a delicious and hearty meal that you can only find here.
- Mi Quang ($1.50 – $2.50 USD): Another fantastic and very affordable Central Vietnamese noodle dish.
- The cheapest and most authentic spots: For the absolute best prices and the most authentic local experience, head to the incredible food stall area inside the Hoi An Central Market. You can also find countless street vendors near the night markets selling delicious cheap snacks like Banh Beo (delicate steamed rice cakes).
Low-cost fun and the best free things to do
What are some free things to do in Hoi An? One of the most wonderful things about this town is that many of its most beautiful experiences cost absolutely nothing at all. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have an incredible time. Here are our favorite free and budget-friendly activities.
The best free activities
- Wander the Ancient Town: The number one activity in Hoi An is completely free! Simply walking through the beautiful, golden-hued streets, admiring the ancient architecture, and taking photos is the best way to soak in the magical atmosphere. You can also admire the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge from the outside without a ticket.
- The Hoi An Lantern Festival: You can attend this magical event for free! On the 14th day of every lunar month (the full moon), the entire Old Town is beautifully lit only by traditional lanterns.
- Cycling and the beaches: Take your (often free) bicycle for a scenic ride through the stunning green rice paddies that surround the town. You can then continue all the way to the beautiful An Bang Beach and spend a wonderful afternoon by the sea.
- Visit local pagodas: Many of the beautiful and serene local pagodas, like the Chuc Thanh Pagoda, are often free to enter (though small donations are always welcome).
The best budget-friendly tours and entrance fees
- The Ancient Town entrance ticket: While walking through the town is free, if you want to enter the specific historical houses, temples, or museums, you will need to buy the Ancient Town Entrance Ticket. It costs about $5 USD and is valid for 24 hours, granting you entry to 5 different historical sites of your choice.
- Budget-friendly tours: You can find some fantastic and very affordable group tours. A fun Basket Boat Ride in the coconut forest will only cost around 6-7 USD. You can also find entry-level Cooking Classes for around 20-25 USD.
- Thu Bon River boat trips: In the late afternoon, you can negotiate a short and beautiful boat trip on the river for a very small fee, usually around 3-5 USD.
Seasonality, transport and top saving hacks
When is the best time to visit Hoi An for budget travelers? How can you get around Hoi An cheaply? A few smart choices can save you a lot of money. Let’s look at the best ways to save on transport and the smartest time to travel.
The cheapest ways to get around
- Walking and cycling: These are the essential modes of transport for the tightest budgets. The Ancient Town is a pedestrian’s paradise, and a bicycle is all you need to explore the countryside and get to the beach. As mentioned, bike rentals are often free from your homestay or will cost only $1 – $2 USD per day.
- Motorbike rental: For more freedom, you can rent a motorbike for just $3 – $7 USD per day.
- The local bus: For the cheapest possible connection to the nearby city of Da Nang, you can use the local public bus for just a dollar or two.
Top budget saving hacks
- Travel during the off-peak season: The absolute lowest prices for accommodation can be found during the low season, from May to September. The crowds are much smaller, though you should be prepared for hotter and sometimes rainier weather.
- Stay longer, pay less: If you are planning a longer stay, you can often negotiate a significant weekly or monthly discount directly with your homestay owner.
- Sustainability saves your money: Bring a refillable water bottle. Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels in Hoi An are happy to refill it for you for free or for a very small fee, which will save you from buying multiple plastic bottles of water every day.
- Book directly: For local tours and transport, try to book directly with the local providers rather than through large third-party online agencies. This can often save you money on commissions.
READ MORE: Top 20 Things to Do in Hoi An for Indian Travelers
Conclusion
What this guide shows is that budget travel in Hoi An is not about limitations; it is about empowerment. It is the empowering feeling of knowing you can have a full, delicious, and exciting day of exploration for less than the cost of a single dinner in many other cities. With its incredible street food, free natural beauty, and affordable, friendly homestays, Hoi An puts a fantastic and authentic travel experience within easy reach of everyone. It is a town that welcomes all travelers, regardless of their budget.
Let Vietnam Story help you feel even more empowered on your journey. We can handle all the planning and logistics, pointing you to the best-value options and ensuring your trip is as smooth as it is affordable. Get in touch with us to plan your trip, and discover just how easy and joyful a budget-friendly holiday in Hoi An can be.