Pros & Cons of Living in Hoi An

Thinking about moving to Hoi An? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Hoi An.

Located on Vietnam's central coast, Hoi An is a city that is steeped in history and culture. Known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, Hoi An is a city that offers a unique blend of old and new, with traditional Vietnamese culture and modern amenities coexisting side by side. But what is it really like to live in Hoi An? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living in this vibrant city.

Pros of Living in Hoi An

One of the biggest advantages of living in Hoi An is the city's rich cultural heritage. The Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a living museum of traditional Vietnamese architecture and culture. Walking through its narrow streets, you can see centuries-old houses, temples, and shops, all beautifully preserved and still in use today. This gives Hoi An a unique charm and atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere.

Another major pro of living in Hoi An is the cost of living. Compared to other cities in Vietnam, and indeed the world, Hoi An is relatively affordable. Rent, food, and other daily expenses are all reasonably priced, making it possible to live comfortably on a modest budget. For example, a meal at a local restaurant can cost as little as $2, while a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for around $300 per month.

Hoi An also offers a wide range of recreational activities. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with rice fields, rivers, and mountains all within easy reach. This makes it a great place for outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and kayaking. The city is also close to some of Vietnam's best beaches, such as An Bang and Cua Dai, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

For those interested in volunteering, there are plenty of opportunities in Hoi An. Organizations like Lifestart Foundation and Hoi An Orphanage offer a chance to give back to the community and make a real difference in people's lives. Whether it's teaching English, helping with community projects, or providing support for disadvantaged children, there's a wide range of ways to get involved.

Finally, Hoi An is a city that is easy to get around. Its compact size and well-planned layout make it a breeze to navigate, whether on foot, by bicycle, or by motorbike. The city also has a reliable and affordable public transportation system, with regular bus services to nearby cities like Da Nang and Hue.

Cons of Living in Hoi An, Vietnam

Despite its many advantages, living in Hoi An also has its downsides. One of the biggest cons is the city's popularity with tourists. While this brings a certain vibrancy and economic prosperity to the city, it can also make it crowded and noisy, particularly during peak tourist season. This can make everyday tasks like shopping and commuting more challenging and stressful.

Another downside of living in Hoi An is the weather. The city has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it can get very hot and humid in the summer, and rainy and windy in the winter. This can make outdoor activities less enjoyable and can also lead to problems like mold and mildew in homes.

While Hoi An has a relatively low cost of living, wages in the city are also low, particularly for local jobs. This can make it difficult to save money or afford certain luxuries. For example, while a meal at a local restaurant might be cheap, a meal at a Western-style restaurant can be quite expensive in comparison.

Another con of living in Hoi An is the language barrier. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, it is less commonly spoken in other parts of the city. This can make things like shopping, dealing with bureaucracy, and making local friends more challenging. However, this can also be seen as an opportunity to learn a new language and immerse oneself in a different culture.

Finally, while Hoi An is generally a safe city, like any place it has its share of crime. Petty theft, particularly of bicycles and motorbikes, can be a problem, and scams targeting tourists are not uncommon. However, with a bit of common sense and vigilance, these risks can be minimized.

Cigna Global Health
Get Quote

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.

Cigna Global Health

Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Get Quote