Hoi An A Digital Nomad's Playbook www.mrwifiguy.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 Preface 02 HOI AN AT A GLANCE 1 Your Own Digital Nomad Blueprint i A Quick History and Background 2 Who Is This Guide For ii Climate and Average Temperature 4 03 The Wifi Playbook: hoi an edition 8 Best Time to Visit 5 Language 7 Cost of Living 10 Visa Situation 12 04 final thoughts 78 Money and Exchange 14 Safety 16 Conclusion 79 Accommodation 17 Transportation 24 Best Workspaces 30 Essential Services 37 Food and Restaurants 47 Health and Fitness 62 Events and Nightlife 66 Things to Do 71 Packing List 76 City Map 77 wwww.mwrw.imfirgwuyif.ciwgouwmyw.c.oymourwebsite.com tablTeaobflceoonftCeonnttsents
Your own digital nomad blueprint It's really time-consuming to scroll through articles about where to live and what the best things are when you're moving to a new city. That's why I wrote this e-book for you, fellow nomad. You're always on the move, and having a trustworthy guide makes it so much easier to settle in and get the most out of wherever you are. You can be sure every blueprint in this series is a practical, BS-free guide designed for you, the busy nomad. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com i
Who is this guide for? This free guide's for the digital nomads who want the most up-to- date information to gear themselves up about their visit to Hoi An! The second section’s packed with all the background info and fun facts about this beautiful city. Hoi An’s a place with a lot of character, and you’ll be impressed by everything it has to offer. Section 3’s packed with all the essentials a nomad needs during their stay. This part has it all, from the best workspaces to where you can pick up some survival Vietnamese. Whether you read the whole thing or just your favorite section, this guide’s here for whatever you need it for. Safe travels and happy nomading! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com ii
Section 1 02 HOI AN AT A GLANCE www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com
A SHORT HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Hoi An’s nothing short of a breathtaking little city. Located right on the central coast of Vietnam, it’s long been a vibrant place that’ll draw you in from day one. Before its tourism days, Hoi An, also known historically as Faifo, was an important trading port during the 15th through 19th centuries. Due to its commercial importance and booming ceramics industry, the city was a cultural melting pot that drew influences from places like China, India, Japan, and Europe. Fast-forward hundreds of years into the present, and you’ll see a place that honors its history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. You’ll see people flocking to its well-kept traditional architecture in Old Town and buying handmade ceramics from family-owned pottery shops. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 2
Hoi An's beauty doesn't stop at its ancient architecture. Nah, far from it. When you drive your motorcycle toward the ocean, the sweet aroma of rice harvested from the lush green rice fields will hit you instantly. Just five more minutes, and you’ll be met with small beachside shops and restaurants along the emerald coastline. This natural beauty and history make Hoi An one of the best places to settle in Vietnam as a digital nomad. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 3
CLIMATE AND AVERAGE TEMPERATURE Hoi An has a tropical climate similar to what you’ll experience in other parts of Southeast Asia. It clocks in at about 29°C (~84°F) for average temperature throughout the year. As my local friend puts it, Hoi An is a place that’s a heat lover’s wet dream for 9 months followed by nonstop downpours for 3. Source: www.weather-guide.com 4 www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com
best time to visit If you’re planning on nomading here, know that Hoi An has 3 distinct tourist seasons, each with its own pros and cons: Dry Season: From January to early June. Hoi An's dry season has ideal weather. Expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s with nonstop sunny days. But it’s also high season, so get ready to share the city with large crowds. The city's especially popular in February during Tet (Vietnamese New Year), when local families come to relax. Shoulder Season: From mid-June to August. On the bright side, you see slightly fewer tourists on the streets, especially during the afternoon. It also really starts to heat up, so be prepared! I remember it being up to 45°C (~113°F) and having to blast the A/C 24/7. Expect to sweat after 5 minutes of walking and your electricity bill to double during these months. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 5
Rainy Season: From September to December. You'll love the rainy season if you hate sweltering heat and crowds. It won't be nearly as crowded, and the temperature will drop to a comfortable 22°C (70°F). Be sure to always carry a trusty raincoat or poncho…it can downpour at literally anytime! Depending on the year, the rainy season can range from weeks of overcast skies and drizzles to one typhoon after another. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 6
LANGUAGE The official language in Hoi An is Vietnamese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though, especially by younger locals. But if you want to live outside the tourist area or go to the outdoor markets, I recommend learning some basic Vietnamese. A few key phrases can go a long way here. Make sure to check out my friend Thuy’s channel, where she teaches you some useful phrases you can use during your visit here! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 7
Section 8 03 THE WIFI PLAYBOOK: HOI AN EDITION www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com
EVERYTHING YOU NEED AS A NOMAD IN HOI AN Now to the nitty-gritty part of the book. Consider this section a one-stop shop where you'll find everything you need to start your journey here as a digital nomad. Every place and tip in this section's based on what's most convenient for a nomad passing through. Despite its size, Hoi An offers a lot, and it'd be impossible to cover every cool place in this book without making you overwhelmed. I recommend using this as a starting point. Once you get settled in, feel free to add your own hidden gems as you explore the city. Let's get started. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 9
Digital nomad budget breakdown Like most of Vietnam, Hoi An is considered affordable by most standards. Nomads come here because it's a great place to bootstrap while they start their businesses. Others enjoy how much money they can save while affording a comfortable lifestyle. To give you an idea, here's the average monthly budget of a nomad living in Hoi An: www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 10
Hoi An is one of those places where you can afford all your essentials without much effort and still enjoy yourself. If you’re a nomad looking for a place to get by on less, this city’s a no-brainer. But like building any budget, it really comes down to your lifestyle. Are you someone who needs a coworking space, or do you mainly work from home? Do you need luxury amenities, or are you okay with the basics? Do you cook or eat at five-star restaurants all the time? The non-negotiables in your monthly budget will ultimately determine what it will look like. Suppose you need more help planning your perfect budget. In that case, Numbeo is a good resource that gives you a feel for the average price range for any city you visit, including Hoi An. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 11
VISA SITUATION Except for certain countries in Asia, Europe, and Chile (90 days visa-free), everyone else needs a visa (electronic and/or physical) before they visit Hoi An. If you live in an eligible country and won't stay long, you should apply for the country's e-visa. The passport costs $25 USD and is valid for up to 30 days. Another option is to apply online for a prearranged 1-month or 3-month tourist visa from a Vietnamese tourism agency like Vietnam Visa. I used their services when I first came here and had no problems. If you're an American nomad looking to settle here for a while, you're in luck. Vietnam also offers a 1-year visa with the requirement that you leave the country every 90 days. Most people make a quick weekend trip to neighboring Laos or Thailand and then come back to get their passports stamped for another 90 days. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 12
can you extend your visa? Yes, you can. You have two options. The first one would be to extend your tourist visa for a fee through a tourism company. The overall price will vary depending on the company and city. The second (and slightly riskier!) option for you is a visa run. Before the pandemic, visa runs were the norm with nomads wanting to extend their time here. The first route is to go on holiday to another country, then do the same process you did the first time you came to Vietnam. But if you opt for a same-day visa run from Hoi An, here’s the gist of what you do: 1. Pay for your Vietnamese sponsorship letter or e-visa authorization like you did the first time (or have a trusted company help you) 2. Drive to the Laos border, get your exit stamp, and pay for the country’s visa on- arrival. 3. Walk back to the Vietnamese border, pay your visa fee, and show the immigration officer your sponsorship letter. 4. Congrats! You just completed your same-day visa run. Any news on a visa specifically for digital nomads? Unlike neighboring Thailand, Vietnam doesn’t have any specific visas for digital nomads. Even if they don't, their visa policy allows us to spend some time here without running into problems. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 13
MONEY AND EXCHANGE Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese Dong. One thing you’ll notice as a nomad is that everyone can be a millionaire here! Seriously, the number of zeros in their denominations definitely threw me off when I first visited the country back in 2018. Here’s the rate for major currencies at the time of writing: www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 14
In Hoi An or Vietnam as a whole, cash is king. Barring larger hotels, chain stores, and restaurants, most places are cash only. Always make sure to carry some on you. Larger bills are the norm when you use ATMs here. But whenever you can, break those bills at banks or larger stores for something smaller. If you don’t, it can be a hassle when you buy from smaller food stalls and markets since vendors there mainly deal with small bills. You’ll find most central banks, ATMs, and money exchanges scattered throughout the city, so it won’t be a problem getting and exchanging cash for your stay. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 15
SAFETY Hoi An’s a very safe city by all standards. It’s a peaceful place where you never have to look over your shoulder or worry about being harassed on the streets. I worked in coffee shops where I left my stuff there for a while, came back, and everything was untouched. While it is not a safety concern per se, be aware that some vendors may overcharge foreigners for specific items. Bartering’s encouraged here, so go ahead and negotiate a fair price! This applies especially to larger purchases. But more minor things like street food are a different story. If a food vendor overcharges you, either buy the item or say \"no, thanks\" and walk away. Knowing you're being charged 50c more than it's actually worth is frustrating, even if it's only a couple of bucks. But stressing yourself out over something like that only worsens the situation. Just make a mental note of it and take your business elsewhere. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 16
ACCOMMODATION In Hoi An, nomads can choose from a variety of accommodation options. Choose a place that fits your lifestyle, from family-run homestays to high-end villas. As a whole, Vietnam offers really affordable monthly rentals for digital nomads. But Hoi An takes that to a new level. To give you some perspective, around $300 USD can get you a lovely 2-bedroom bungalow near the ocean or rice paddies. And that’s on the expensive side. Talk about value for your money, right? Hoi An’s a small city, so you’ll find digital nomads scattered around town. But like anywhere else, some areas are more convenient than others. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 17
Best Areas for Digital Nomads in Hoi An City Center (Old Town, Sơn Phong, Cẩm Phô) No “best area” list would be complete without mentioning Old Town and the two areas ơ ẩnext to it, S n Phong and C m Phô. If you’re looking for convenience and to be in the heart of it all, look no further. Compact and super walkable, this area’s perfect if you don’t plan on driving a motorbike. You'll be within walking distance of essential shopping, the most prominent tourist attractions, and nomad-friendly bars and cafes. Many of the restaurants and street stalls in this area are open late because it's a tourist area. It's the perfect place for a late-night snack! Expect to find a lot of short-term options like homestays, hotels, and serviced apartments. Bungalows or detached houses are rarer in this part of town. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 18
CẨM CHÂU ử Đạ ẩA few minutes away from C a i beach, nomads love C m Châu because of its laid- back environment and its location between nature and the city center. The main road’s lined with tons of tailor shops, local and international restaurants, and other services catered towards tourists. Feel free to explore the ideally kept rice paddies and waterways that dot this neighborhood. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 19
CẨM AN ẩC m An’s a beach lover’s paradise. Home to the famous An Bang beach, local cafes, restaurants, and family homestays line the seashore for miles. The relaxed beach vibes feel entirely different from the bustling energy of Old Town. This neighborhood’s also really popular with long-term nomads due to its liveliness during the busy months. One thing to note, though, is the rainy season. If you still choose to live here during this time, just know that many places close depending on how bad the storms are that given year. ẩWhile it’s not impossible to get around C m An without a motorbike, I highly recommend you have one because most essential services are cityside. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 20
Cẩm Hà ẩC m Hà’s a peaceful area lined with local riverside farms like the Tra Que Vegetable Village. If you want to rent a lovely house and watch a peaceful sunset over the rice ẩpaddies, this is the place for you. C m Hà brings a mixed crowd of retirees and older nomads who love a quiet place where they can enjoy nature 24/7. You’ll find fewer amenities here, and you’re definitely going to need a bike to get around. But with the old town being only a 7-minute drive away, you’re never too far from anything you need. Tân An If you’re looking for an area a bit outside the city center, Tân An’s the place to be. It’s around a 10-minute drive to Old Town and has a much more local feel than other parts ẩof the city. The vibe’s similar to suburban C m Hà with single-story houses and bungalows. Since it’s outside the usual tourist spots, local shops and markets are much cheaper. You’re also right off the main road to Da Nang, perfect if you spend a lot of time between the two cities! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 21
where to find accomodation Short Term If you’re only planning a short stint of a month or less in Hoi An, Airbnb and Booking are your best places to look for accommodation. Airbnb You can get a general sense of Hoi An's offerings by checking out Airbnb. Nomads love this platform for month-long stays because many properties offer discounts the longer you book. If you’re only staying for a month and don’t want to deal with the hassle of scouring Facebook groups, this option’s perfect for you. If you decide to stay here for a while, you're in luck! Many property owners are willing to make long-term deals with you if you're willing to stay for a longer time. Pro tip: If you know you’re staying in the city for a while, rent an Airbnb for a couple days. If you like the place, tell your landlord right away and start negotiating. You’ll save a good chunk of change by not paying those pesky monthly service fees. Booking Booking is fantastic for short stays, especially if you're part of their Genius program. Thanks to this site, I’ve stayed in 5-star hotels with complimentary breakfast for less than my monthly coffee budget! The Booking website is a great way to book short-term accommodation. Depending on the location, you can go the Airbnb route and negotiate a long-term price. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 22
where to find accomodation long Term If you’re sold on staying in Hoi An for a while, Facebook’s your best bet for finding a long-term rental. You can find anything from tiny $150 USD studios all the way to $700+ villas with a stunning beach view. A typical landlord will require a month's rent plus a refundable security deposit for any damage to the property. Remember, however, that some will ask for an upfront payment of a few months' rent. Depending on the place, the landlord, and how long you plan to stay, you can negotiate something more favorable with them. Facebook Groups for Long-Term Rentals in Hoi An 1. Hoi An Monthly Rental Properties This is the most popular place to find long-term rentals in Hoi An, with landlords and tenants posting listings daily. In a quick post, share your move-in date, budget, and any special requirements. You’ll have at least a dozen responses in less than an hour. 2. Hoi An rental property - for community Another great alternative to finding solid long-term accommodation. Landlords post here fairly regularly, so it’s an excellent place to help with your search. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 23
TRANSPORTATION Motorbike To say that motorcycles are a lifeline here’s an understatement. With a whopping 86% of people owning at least one bike, Vietnam has the second-highest motorcycle ownership rate globally! It's no different in Hoi An. Renting or buying a motorbike or scooter to get around is the best option for nomads here. A full tank of petrol can cost you anywhere from $1.50-4 USD. You’ll have complete freedom of where to go, and it’ll be much cheaper in the long run, depending on the model. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 24
what if i can't ride a motorbike? You have two options. The first one’s to take a short training class and get a motorcycle endorsement in your home country. That way, you nail the basics, get your international driver’s permit, and drive here freely. If you go this route, your insurance will cover any motorbike accidents. The second (easier!) option is to wing it like most nomads do here. Most motorcycle rental places only ask for a screenshot of your passport and a deposit. If you decide to buy one, all you need is the money, and you’re good. If you don’t know how to ride one, it’s similar to riding a bike. All you need to do is lightly move the throttle on your right handlebar instead of pedaling, and boom! You’re on the road. Most Vietnamese road rules are more like guidelines that change depending on the situation. Seeing drivers casually run lights, cruise on the sidewalk, or stop to talk in the middle of a busy street is a typical day on the road here. It takes some getting used to, but you'll get there. When compared to the big cities, Hoi An's roads are calm, and it's a great place to learn how to drive. Just take a deep breath, go slow, and stick to the right as you understand everything. Need help finding the perfect motorbike? Check out Lost Passport’s detailed rundown on the different types of motorcycles you can find on the road here. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 25
motorbike rentals 1. Mr. Thanh Honda An English-speaking owner who works almost exclusively with expats. I’ve been to Mr.Thanh for any motorbike troubles in the past, and he’s professional, knows his way around a bike, and charges fair prices. Location: 476 Cửa Đại, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam Phone: 0774 424 939 Price Range: $$ 2. Mr. Hai Hoi An Located in the heart of Old Town, Mr. Hai has a pretty good variety of rental bikes for your stay in Hoi An. He speaks decent English and will help you out with all of your bike needs. Location: Alley 170, Lý Thái Tổ, Cẩm Sơn, Hội An, Quảng Nam 563820 Phone: 0784 840 489 Price Range: $$$ www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 26
RIDESHARING If motorcycles aren’t your thing, no need to worry. Grab's got you covered. In fact, downloading this app should be one of the first things you do before you leave the airport. Think of it as Southeast Asia’s more efficient version of Uber. From ordering food to getting a quick lift in major tourist hubs, Grab will be your lifeline. The best part is that it’s really cheap compared to other public transport. A moto-taxi ride from the heart of Old Town to An Bang beach only costs you 20-40k (~$1-2 USD), depending on the time of day. A Grab car’s slightly more expensive, ranging from 60-90k (~$2.50-4 USD). Still, this app’s a super cheap and reliable option to get around town with zero stress. Keep in mind that Hoi An’s a smaller city, though. You might run into trouble finding a driver in Hoi An after 10pm, especially during weekdays. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 27
Public & Private Transportation Besides Grab, you can find other public transportation like taxis, hired drivers, and shuttle buses. Car & Driver Rental Car and driver rentals are a great option if you want to leave the city for a bit. Compared to taxis, they're relatively cheap and convenient. Many companies in Hoi An offer their services for the day. Taxis Taxis are another decent option when getting around town. In the city, there are two official companies that offer metered taxis. Even if they’re more expensive than Grab, most taxi drivers here are honest about their prices. If you’re out late and don’t have your own transportation, having their phone numbers and info can be a huge life-saver. 1. Mai Linh Taxi Phone: +84 0 235 3929 292 2. Faifoo Taxi Phone: +84 0 235 3919 191 www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 28
Source: Hoi An Shuttle Bus Instagram tourist shuttle While the open-air shuttle’s a fantastic way to explore the city, it’s primarily designed for tourists on short stays. You’ll see it riding around the most popular areas. Like most tourist comforts, expect to pay a lot more. A ride from Old Town to An Bang can cost you upwards of 100,000 VND (~$4 USD) per person. Cycling and Walking If you want a more affordable, active, and eco-friendly option, this one’s for you. Hoi An’s a relatively compact city, and you’ll find many nomads who walk or cycle around during their stay. Many homestays will offer free or low-cost bicycle rentals. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 29
3 BEST WORKSPACES TO WORK FROM Aside from its history and natural beauty, you'll love Hoi An's cafe culture. You can't go more than five minutes without passing by a local spot. With so many digital nomads based here, you'll find enough places to work from to keep you occupied for a while. Here’s a shortlist of the three best places to work from in Hoi An! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 30
the hub hoi an Source: Hub Instagram Source: Hub Website The #1 spot belongs to Hoi An’s first official coworking space. You won't find a better place if you are looking for a place dedicated to working nomads with loads of events. It’s a quiet place in the heart of the rice paddies, has ultra-high-speed and stable wifi, and contains a few different areas where you can work without any distractions. Their outdoor courtyard is a massive plus if you love nature. Add in their daily community lunches, and you’re on your way to being a part of a supportive community while staying focused on your work goals. Each day at The Hub will leave you feeling inspired, productive, and trust me, you’ll really look forward to going to work every day once you’re there. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 31
the hub hoi an Quick Facts ảLocation: 105 Le Thanh Tong, Hoi An, Qu ng Nam Province, Vietnam Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM Contact Facebook Website Instagram Nomad-Friendly Features + Conference rooms for private meetings or zoom calls + Dedicated weekly events and daily weekday community lunches for nomads to meet like-minded people + Free Vietnamese coffee, cold water, and tea + Surrounded by nature everywhere you look + Accommodating and compassionate owners who’ll genuinely make you feel welcomed + Hoi An discount card you can use in some places around town Membership Pricing + 1 month: 4,000,000 VND (~$175 USD) + 1 week: 1,300,000 VND (~$57 USD) + 1 day: 210,000 VND (~$9.25 USD) + Flexi-Pass (buy 6 half-days + get 1 FREE): 660,000 VND (~$29 USD) www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 32
snapstay coffee Source: Snapstay Instagram Source: Snapstay Facebook One of my favorite places on this list, Snapstay Coffee’s usually packed during the day, and for a good reason. Unlike many local coffee shops in town that’ll only offer a fan and open windows even during the hottest months, Snapstay’s air-conditioned all year long. And after you’ve lived here during months of oppressive 45°C (~115°F) weather, you’ll be thankful to have a place like this to get away from the heat. This cafe is a win-win for fellow digital nomads with a sleek interior, tasty food and drinks, great WiFi, and a quiet area with comfy bean bag chairs. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 33
snapstay coffee Quick Facts ườ ộ ảAddress: 16 Thái Phiên, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8AM-9:30PM Contact Facebook Instagram Nomad-Friendly Features + Separate air-conditioned room if you want a little more silence + Semi-regular events to make some friends + Generous amounts of wall plugs for all your charging needs + Really friendly owner and staff + Loyalty rewards card Recommended Items + Prices đếCa phê n (Vietnamese Black Coffee): 25,000 VND (~$0.90 USD) Burnt Cheesecake: 55,000 VND (~2.42 USD) Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl: 75,000 VND (~$4.40 USD) www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 34
bonte café Source: Bonte Café Instagram Source: Kien Viet If you’re looking for a place to work from that’s a bit farther out of town but has everything you need as a nomad, Bonté’s your best option. From the outside, it looks like a regular trendy coffee shop. But once you step in, you realize the entire setup’s made specifically for those looking for a cozy place to get some work done. The first two floors are open-air and have comfortable tables, free water, and of course, excellent WiFi and lots of wall plugs if you have a lot of work for the day. But if you’re really looking to deep focus and get away from the heat, they even have a free air-conditioned co-working area on the third floor! I’m telling you, this place has it all. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 35
bonte café Quick Facts ồ ộ ảAddress: 99 Lê H ng Phong, Tân An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Hours: Mon-Sun 6:30AM-9:30PM Contact Facebook Instagram Nomad-Friendly Features + dedicated third floor for remote workers and nomads + minimalist interior surrounded by greenery everywhere you look + Most affordable drinks and desserts on this list + Perfect for those who want to get out of the main tourist area + a 2-minute walk from restaurants, a supermarket, and other conveniences Recommended Items + Prices Ca phê Den (Vietnamese Black Coffee): 15,000 VND (~$0.66 USD) Matcha Latte : 40,000 VND (~$1.76 USD) ứCa phê tr ng (Vietnamese Egg Coffee): 45,000 VND (~$1.80 USD) www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 36
ESSENTIAL SHOPPING AND SERVICES Groceries If you want to cook a nice meal, you have two main options for getting groceries. Outdoor Markets Locals usually buy their staple foods like meat, eggs, and produce at outdoor markets. All transactions are done in cash, and most sellers only speak Vietnamese. Each area ợhas its own outdoor market. If you need help finding one, just google ch (Vietnamese for market) + the name of your neighborhood, and you’re set. You can practice your Vietnamese numbers and sharpen your bartering skills at these places! Pro tip: Based on experience, having some vendor loyalty pays off here. By sticking to one for each food group, you’ll have better luck landing a reasonable price. And you’re lucky…they may even throw in a little something for free! www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 37
1. Hội An Market This chaotic behemoth of a central market’s also Hoi An’s most popular one. It has 3 significant structures selling everything from the usual fresh produce to Vietnamese specialties and souvenirs. Given the location, prices are slightly higher than what you’d find at markets outside the tourist area. If you can, take a chill evening stroll when the streets around it line up with local food stalls and vendors selling trinkets to wandering tourists. Address: 19 ầTr n Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, ảQu ng Nam Hours: Mon-Sun 6AM-10PM 2. Chợ Tân An This market’s conveniently located just outside the tourist hotspots. Unlike Hoi An Market, this one’s catered more towards locals and focused on selling produce and household essentials at an affordable price. Address: 225 Cửa Đại, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, ảQu ng Nam Hours: Mon-Sun 5AM-7PM www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 38
SUPERMARKETS If you’re looking for a specific product you couldn’t find at the local market, Hoi An has a handful of supermarkets to choose from. From national chains to boutique stores selling international delicacies, you’ll find everything you need. 1. VinMart Like everywhere else in the country, VinMart has a handful of small supermarkets here that carry basic food staples and produce. Unlike local markets, though, VinMart has fixed prices, accepts cards, and has a generous loyalty reward program you can use at any of their stores. ồ ộ ảAddress: 127 Lê H ng Phong, Tân An, H i An, Qu ng Nam, Vietnam Hours: Mon-Sun 7AM-10PM www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 39
2. MoonMilk Moonmilk’s the place you go for all your specialty food items. This place carries many high-end local and international products, fresh bread, meats, and cheese you can’t really find in regular supermarkets. They accept cards and also have a rewards program you can sign up for. Đ ư ườ ộ ảAddress: 712 . Hai Bà Tr ng, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam, Vietnam Hours: Mon-Sun 8AM-10PM 3. 9 Mart Similar to Moonmilk but with a much smaller inventory. They carry a decent frozen food selection, international snacks, and a small array of hard-to-get dairy products. This place is okay for minor grocery shopping needs. ườ ệ ườ ộ ảAddress: 193 Lý Th ng Ki t, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam, Vietnam Hours: Mon-Sun 6AM-10PM www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 40
MOTORBIKE REPAIRS 1. Mr. Thanh Honda An English-speaking owner who works almost exclusively with expats. I’ve been to Mr.Thanh for any motorbike troubles in the past, and he’s professional, knows his way around a bike, and charges fair prices. Location: 476 Cửa Đại, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, ảQu ng Nam Phone: 0774 424 939 Hours: Mon-Sun 7AM-6PM 2. Mr. Hai Hoi An Located in the heart of Old Town, Mr. Hai’s another reliable mechanic who’ll help you with any bike troubles you have while in Hoi An. Location: Alley 170, Lý Thái Tổ, Cẩm ơS n, Hội An, ảQu ng Nam Phone: 0784 840 489 Hours: Mon-Sun 8AM-6PM www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 41
ELECTRONIC REPAIRS 1. Technology Number (Digitech) This place is your go-to for any laptop and phone repair needs. Digitech’s run by a local Vietnamese family who speaks English flawlessly and gives fast and professional service. Đ ư ườ ộ ảLocation: 706 . Hai Bà Tr ng, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 90 350 58 17 Hours: Mon-Sun 9AM-9PM 2. Repair Phone A small shop specializing in smartphone repairs. Based on the few reviews and what I’ve heard from locals, the owner’s professional and most customers are satisfied with the service. ử Đạ ẩ ộ ảLocation: 526 C a i, C m Châu, H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 94 400 00 03 Hours: Mon-Sun 8AM-8PM www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 42
CELL PHONE SERVICES You’ll find many places around the city selling tourist SIM cards from major Vietnamese mobile networks. If you’re looking for fast, reliable service during your time here, Viettel’s your best bet. They have dirt cheap monthly plans. Since they’re the most extensive network in the country, expect reliable coverage wherever you go. 1. Viettel Store Viettel’s flagship store in Hoi An. Service is quick, they have English-speaking staff, and they have an excellent phone selection if you’re looking to replace your old one. đườ ườ ệ ườ ẩ ổ ộ ảLocation: 211 ng Lý Th ng Ki t, Ph ng C m Ph , H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 235 626 91 79 Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30AM-9:30PM www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 43
ecommerce The commerce industry blew up in recent years here. While you can buy most electronics and household items at local shops and markets, e-commerce can definitely make up for anything else you might need. 1. Lazada Vietnam The Southeast Asia e-commerce giant Lazada is popular among locals and expats alike. This is the one I’ve used throughout my stay in the country. Lazada offers the option to track your packages. The packages usually arrive with no problems at your doorstep. In case of credit card fraud, Lazada keeps your information safe thanks to its strong payment protection. 2. Shopee Shopee offers you a similar online shopping experience to Lazada. The app is widely used in Hoi An, so you won't have a problem using it. While Lazada excels in payment protection, Shopee shines with their Buyer’s guarantee program. You can trust that the product you're getting is genuine, and the shop owners are credible under the platform's system. www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 44
BARBERSHOPS AND HAIRDRESSERS Whether it’s once a week or once a year, you’ll probably need a haircut at some point. Hoi An has some seriously talented barbers and hairdressers for a quarter of the price ớyou’ll find back home. Expect to pay less than $2 USD for a simple haircut at a local h t tóc to $7+USD for a full-service barbershop. 1. The Hangout Tattoo & Barbershop Hoi An One of Hoi An’s most popular barbershops, you’ll leave this place looking and feeling fresh. Their full-service haircut comes with a refreshing drink, hot towel service, and, to top it off, a relaxing face massage. The owner and staff speak English, a huge plus. ệ ườ ộ ảLocation: 91 Bà Tri u, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 0 235 352 93 68 Hours: Tues-Sat 11AM-6PM www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 45
2. Huy Bui For $6 USD, you can get some of the best full haircut services in the area. The place is clean and inviting. Huy’s meticulous and takes his time with his customers to make sure they’re fully satisfied with their cut. ườ ệ ơ ộ ảLocation: 126/6 Lý Th ng Ki t, S n Phong, H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 093 586 09 06 Hours: Mon-Sun 8:30AM-6:30PM 3. Ba-Le Well Salon This unisex beauty salon's a great choice if you want a high-end professional service that's familiar with Western-style hair. Besides the usual haircuts, they do styling, straightening, coloring and highlighting, manicures & pedicures, waxing, facials, massage, and make-up. Leave this place feeling like a supermodel. ầ ư Đạ ườ ộ ảLocation: 11 Tr n H ng o, Ph ng Minh An, H i An, Qu ng Nam Phone: +84 090 522 69 74 Hours: Mon-Sun 9AM-7PM www.mrwifiguy.cwowmw.yourwebsite.com 46
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