9 Things to Know Before Exploring Hoi An by Bicycle

26/08/2025 Paul Lee

If you're heading to Hoi An, then riding a bike will allow you to soak in that unique old-town ambiance. Visiting the pace of life in Hoi An, through the lantern-filled residential streets and free car zones, makes it ideal for riders.

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Cyclists exploring peaceful countryside roads near Hoi An.

9 things to know before hopping on your bike in Hoi An

1. Where can I rent a bike in Hoi An?
Bicycles are everywhere! You can rent a bike from:

Your homestay or hotel (Often free and, at most, only a few dollars),
Bike rental shops (in the Old Town and Largo) or,
A reputable tour agency (like Viet Dove Travel) that can assist you on a guided adventure.

Tip: If you're staying overnight, check with your host first! Many popular places offer bikes for free.
2. Do rentals have delivery options?
Yes! Most bike rental shops and even hotels now provide delivery (typically free) to the accommodation you are staying at.
I found it super convenient to do this, just message or contact the shop on WhatsApp or ask a staff member at your hotel.
On one occasion, I literally had a bike drop-off arrive within 15 minutes at my homestay in Cẩm Châu!

High-quality Trek bikes ready for rent in Hoi An.

3. Do I have to leave a deposit or my ID?
It all depends on where you rent your bike from.
Generally, most hotels: no deposit.
At shops: sometimes they ask for a small cash deposit (~50,000đ) or a photocopy of your ID.
Tip: I always have a photocopy of my passport so I don't hand over the real thing.
4. How much does it cost to rent a bike in Hoi An?
Bike rentals in Hoi An are incredibly cheap:
Basic bikes: 20,000-40,000 VND per day (~$1–2 USD)
Mountain bikes or gear bikes: around 80,000–100,000 VND

A group of travelers enjoying a cycling tour in Hoi An.

5. Is it safe to cycle in Hoi An?
Certainly - Hoi An is one of the safest places to cycle a bike in Vietnam.
In the Old Town, lots of the streets are pedestrian-only, and outside the center, it was quiet, especially in the mornings.
Just stay right, wear a hat or helmet, and be mindful of e-bikes or motorbikes. I found cycling in Hoi An much more relaxing than in Hanoi or Saigon.
6. What's the best time of day to ride?
Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) are ideal:

Cooler temperatures
Softer light for photos (it gets pretty bright)
Local people are busy during these times.

Avoid cycling between 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM unless you're a fan of the tropical heat.

Happy family enjoying a cycling tour by the beach.

7. Are there some beautiful cycling routes?
Yes, and they are beautiful! A few of my favorite rides are:

Old Town and Tra Que Vegetable Village
Cam Thanh's rice paddies
along the Thu Bon River at sunset
down to An Bang Beach for a morning ride + coffee
Bring your camera! You'll want to stop a lot!

8. Are there guided bike trips?
There are, and if you want to have a more authentic experience, I highly recommend booking a Hoi An Bicycle Half Day Private Tour from Hoi An. This option gives you flexibility, a local guide, and a personalized route through villages and coconut forests.
Their cycling tour is more than just the basic route. You will:

Visit quiet countryside pathways
Visit a local coconut forest (rừng dừa Bảy Mẫu)
Experience Vietnamese cooking with locals
Understand Hoi An's real daily life away from the tourists

I did this tour last year, and it felt like a retreat: slow, meaningful, and smiles everywhere.
👉 You can easily find Viet Dove Travel online. And if you want to have a more real experience, it is worth it.
9. Is Hoi An's weather good for biking year-round?
Ideally yes!
Hoi An is divided into two seasons:

Dry season (Feb - Aug): Good for biking!
Rainy season (Sept - Jan): Still manageable, just take a raincoat!

For me, cycling in March was the best: warm, blue skies, and the rice fields were so emerald green they were nearly painful to look at.