Hoi An, Vietnam

Get Your Free Report Today!


Learn more about VIETNAM and other countries in our free, daily Overseas Opportunity Letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT - The 10 Best Places To Retire In 2023

Hoi An: A Gem In Central Vietnam

Reviewed by Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

Cantonese Assembly Hall in Hoi An Vietnam
AdobeStock/and.one

Located less than an hour from Danang, the town of Hoi An is a gem on the central coast of Vietnam.

For travelers, it is one of a handful of must-see destinations on the Southeast Asian grand tour.

The old downtown is a unique mix of perfectly preserved ancient Chinese and Japanese architecture harkening back to a time long ago when it was a major trading port.

Vietnam is one of the most energetic countries in the world, and finding a tranquil spot can be a challenge. This is one of the reasons why visitors find Hoi An so charming.

It isn’t on a major highway, and it’s almost an hour’s drive to the closest airport or train station.

The Cham Islands, a UNESCO Global Biosphere Reserve, lie 13 miles northeast of Hoi An and are a chain of mostly undeveloped islands with lush forests, coral reefs, a couple of small fishing villages, and numerous remote, unspoiled beaches.

There are mountains to the north and west of Hoi An, the most beautiful of which are the ones just north of Danang.

The mountains to the west are only a short distance away and offer many opportunities for exploration, as this part of Vietnam has seen only minimal development.

Peaks in this area reach almost 2,000 meters, offering views to the ocean on the east and the Laotian wilderness to the west.

An Agricultural Side To Hoi An

South of Hoi An, the land is generally flat and agricultural.

A drive through the countryside here will treat travelers to the sight of verdant green rice paddies and patches of diverse tropical flora.

Ladies wearing the iconic cone hats work year-round, alongside their husbands and children, preening the fields.

Small villages and communes dot the land, and a few ancient Cham towers can still be found near the coast.

Boats and old town in Hoi An, Vietnam.
iStock/gargoyles

Cost Of Living In Hoi An, Vietnam

Most people, when they first arrive in Hoi An, will stay in a hotel or guesthouse while they look for a place to stay long term.

An almost unlimited number of short-term rooms are available ranging from less than US$15 per night to US$100 or more.

Many guesthouses are happy to negotiate a discounted rate for weekly or monthly stays. It is unlikely that you would have a kitchen, but with so many options for eating out, this is hardly an inconvenience.

Currently there are no apartments and very few condominiums in Hoi An, so if you decide to stay here long-term, you’ll need to find a house to rent.

Hoi An, Vietnam, enjoys a very low cost of living, and you can expect to find comfortable homes here for an affordable price.

Houses in Hoi An range in price from around US$250 to US$1,000 per month, though the average house rental is about US$400 per month.

Most homes are rented fully furnished. Unfurnished homes cost less, but are a little harder to find. Utilities and housekeeping are paid separately from rent.

There are several Internet service providers in Hoi An, offering both 3G and ADSL connections. Generally they offer several Internet plans, start at around US$9.50 per month.

The largest provider of cable television in Hoi An is the Vietnam Multimedia Corporation, or VTC. A one-year subscription to their plan, which features 70 channels, including several premium English-language channels costs about US$34.

Monthly Budget For A Couple Living In Hoi An, Vietnam

ExpenseMonthly CostNotes
RentVND 11,494,500
GasVND 104,496Used for cooking.
ElectricityVND 1,044,950Moderate air conditioning use.
WaterVND 417,982
TelephoneVND 104,496
InternetVND 313,487Unlimited access.
Cable TVVND 626,973
GroceriesVND 3,134,870
EntertainmentVND 5,224,780
TotalVND 22,466,534

Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Start Your New Life Today, Overseas

A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we'll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas In

Moving To Hoi An, Vietnam

Residency and Visa Requirements

Foreign nationals who wish to visit the country can apply directly at theVietnam Embassy or Consulates located in their countries of residence.

The entire application process will take about 4 to 10 days. Also, visitors may obtain the visa upon arrival at the airport with certain special requirements.

Go here for more details.

Hoi An, Vietnam - FAQs

Does Vietnam Offer Special Benefits For Retirees?

Yes, Vietnam offers some special benefits for retirees. For instances, foreigners who are residents in Vietnam can own dwelling houses but cannot sub-lease these dwellings.

Is Vietnam An Affordable Place To Live?

Cost of living in Vietnam is very likely much cheaper than you are used to back home. In the major cities prices will inevitably be a little higher but still very affordable.

Popular Articles

Vietnam Articles

Worried About Soaring Utility Costs?

Worried about soaring utility costs? You're not alone. Over the past year, energy costs across the United States have increased 23.8%. The cost of electricity, specifically, is up 15.8%. That's the greatest 12-month increase in 41 years. Russia's war... continuing post-pandemic economic struggles worldwide, and generally hotter summers and colder winters are to blame. But you don't have to suffer. I'm not talking about lowering your thermostat or investing in more blankets. I'm talking about leaving cold winters... and steaming...

Read more

Get Your Free Report Today!


Learn more about VIETNAM and other countries in our free, daily Overseas Opportunity Letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you our FREE REPORT - The 10 Best Places To Retire In 2023

Sign up to receive the FREE daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter and we’ll immediately email you our editors’ latest research report…

RETIRE OVERSEAS AND LIVE LIKE ROYALTY

;