A deserted tourist street corner in Hoi An early in the morning. Image: Khoi Studio
Here’s how you can make the most of your solo trip:
1. Safety and Logistics
Accommodation: Look for well-rated guesthouses or hostels, especially those with good reviews from other solo travelers. Staying in a social hostel can be a great way to meet people. Hostels often organize group activities and dinners, making it easy to connect.
Getting Around: The Ancient Town is largely pedestrian-friendly, so walking is the best way to explore. For longer distances, consider renting a bicycle—it’s a popular and fun way to see the countryside and the beaches. For quick trips, use the Grab app (similar to Uber) for both cars and motorbike taxis, as it offers fixed prices and a record of your ride.
Personal Safety: While Hoi An has a low crime rate, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, busy streets. Keep your valuables secure in a crossbody bag or a money belt, and be mindful of your phone when using it near the street to avoid "snatch-and-run" theft by people on motorbikes.
2. Meeting Other Travelers
Social Activities: Solo travel doesn't have to mean being alone. Hoi An is full of activities that are perfect for meeting new people:
Cooking Classes: This is a top-rated activity for solo travelers. You'll learn to make delicious Vietnamese food with a small group and often get to enjoy the meal together afterward.
Lantern-Making Workshops: A creative and relaxing way to spend a few hours, and you'll have a unique souvenir to take home.
Group Tours: Join a bicycle tour of the rice fields, a day trip to the My Son Sanctuary, or a basket boat tour in the coconut forest.
Café and Bar Culture: Hoi An has a lively cafe and bar scene. Head to a rooftop cafe for a coffee with a view, or sit at a bar in the evening and strike up a conversation with fellow travelers. The bars on An Hoi Islet are a popular spot after the Ancient Town winds down for the night.
Stay at a Hostel: Hostels are a natural hub for solo travelers. They often have communal spaces, organize social events, and a built-in community.
3. A Sample Solo Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the Ancient Town: Spend your first day getting lost in the yellow-walled streets. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and other historic houses. In the evening, the town comes alive with lanterns. Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River and release a lantern for good luck.
Day 2: Get Creative and Culinary: In the morning, join a cooking class that includes a market tour. In the afternoon, book a lantern-making class or a visit to a local tailor to get a custom-made outfit. Enjoy dinner at a street food stall or a well-reviewed local restaurant.
Day 3: Beach and Countryside: Rent a bicycle and cycle to An Bang Beach. The ride is flat and scenic, taking you through beautiful rice paddies and past local farms. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, swimming, or sipping a coconut at a beachside cafe.
By being aware, booking smart, and embracing the social opportunities, you'll find that Hoi An is a welcoming and memorable place for a solo adventure.
