If you ever visit Vietnam, you have to come to Hoi An—it’s a must-see for first-timers and solo travelers, and I’m obsessed! This UNESCO World Heritage town is dripping with lantern-lit charm, ancient streets, and a vibe that’s perfect for exploring on your own. I’m spilling the secrets to live that bougie life on a budget, so grab your camera and let’s dive into Hoi An’s magic at 8:30 PM EDT!
Must-See Lantern-Lit Streets & Solo Vibes
Start at Hoi An Ancient Town—$6 entry (5-ticket pass for historic sites), but the lantern-lit streets at night are free to wander and absolutely magical! Stroll the Thu Bon River waterfront—lanterns reflect on the water, and solo travelers can join the buzz of street performers (tip $1 if you love it!). Don’t miss the Japanese Covered Bridge—included in your pass, it’s a 400-year-old gem perfect for solo reflection. For a thrill, take a $1 lantern boat ride on the river—small boats let you meet other travelers while floating under the glowing lights!
Cultural Gems & Solo Adventures
Visit Hoi An Night Market on Nguyen Hoang St—free to browse, with $1-$3 souvenirs like silk fans and $2 coconut ice cream to snack on while you soak in the vibe! Head to Tra Que Vegetable Village—$5 bike rental for a 15-minute ride from town, where you can join a $10 cooking class with locals (solo-friendly!). For a peaceful escape, An Bang Beach is a $1 cyclo ride away—free to lounge, with soft sands and a laid-back atmosphere for solo chilling.
Tasty Eats & Drinks on a Dime
Fuel up at Banh Mi Phuong in Ancient Town—$2 for a banh mi with pork, veggies, and that crispy bread Anthony Bourdain raved about! Sip a $1 Vietnamese iced coffee at The Espresso Station on Tran Cao Van St—cozy and perfect for people-watching. For dinner, try Morning Glory on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St—$5 for their cao lau noodles, a Hoi An specialty with pork and herbs, in a solo-friendly setting with communal tables.
Getting Around: Cheap & Charming
Rent a bicycle for $2/day to cruise Ancient Town and Tra Que—Hoi An’s flat and easy to navigate! Use a Grab motorbike for $1-$2 to zip to An Bang Beach (solo travelers can chat with drivers!). Walk the lantern-lit streets—free, and every corner is a photo op with those glowing lights!
Bougie on a Budget Hacks
Stay at Tribee Kinh Homestay ($20/night)—solo-friendly with dorms or private rooms, a communal kitchen, and free bikes near Ancient Town. Pack a $2 picnic from a local market for An Bang Beach—think mango and rice cakes! Catch free lantern festivals on full moon nights (14th lunar day each month)—the town glows even brighter. Snag a $5 silk scarf at Hoi An Night Market for that Vietnamese flair.
Splurge Options for Extra Magic
Splurge at Anantara Hoi An Resort—rooms from $200/night with riverside charm and a pool. Sip at The DeckHouse on the river—$10 cocktails with lantern views. Dine at Hoi An Riverside Restaurant—$20 for a seafood feast with a romantic vibe!
What to Pack for Hoi An Fun
Pack lightweight clothes, flip-flops, and a hat for sunny days, a light jacket for breezy nights, and a cute outfit for lantern-lit strolls (no flip-flops at upscale spots!). Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a camera for Ancient Town shots. A small backpack for market finds seals the deal!
Why Hoi An’s a Solo Steal
Hoi An’s lantern-lit magic—Ancient Town’s glow, Tra Que’s flavors, and An Bang’s calm—makes it a dream for first-timers and solo travelers. Munch at Banh Mi Phuong, float on the Thu Bon River, and live that bougie life affordably. Splurge at Anantara for extra sparkle. Ready for your Hoi An adventure?