Bridge the Travel Gap

Getting to Hoi An

There are three main ways of getting to Hoi An. If you are coming from Hue then you can hire a car which we did and have several stops on the way to admire the scenery. It cost us US$69 for the trip and it took around 5 hours with lots of stops including lunch in Danang. The other way to get to Hoi An is by train to Danang and then a bus or car. A car cost around US$20. It takes around 45 minutes and if you get a car you also can organise a stop at Marble Mountain which is on the way. If you arrive in the evening on Saturday or Sunday before 9pm then get the driver to stop by the dragon bridge to watch it breathe fire and spout water. It’s a great spectacle. The third way to Hoi An is by bus, we did not do this so I have no idea where they drop you off. An open ticket between Hanoi and Saigon or vice versa will cost around US$60.

Where to stay in Hoi An?

We spent a week in Hoi An exploring the old town and the beaches. We stayed at the Ancient House Resort. If your like us and like comfort then this hotel is an absolutely gem and our room was brilliant. Room 102. The gardens are beautiful and the pool is great to come back to and cool off. Unlike many other hotels we have stayed at this pool is deep enough that it goes over your head in places.

The staff are brilliant from the gardener up to the friendly receptionists always on hand to give you a cool towel when ever you return from somewhere or information. Room 102 was lovely, spacious, good bathroom, air conditioning worked well, in room safe, mini bar and a good choice of channels to watch when the heat of the day gets too much or we just sat on the balcony and read a book. Breakfast was good, I especially liked the passionfruit. We also had a lovely dinner overlooking the garden watching bats swoop in to eat insects while we had our meal. The hotel runs a daily shuttle both to the old town and the beach at scheduled times.

Overall for US$35 a night including a good breakfast this place is a bargain. One other tip next door on your right when you come out of the hotel is a place you can get your laundry done. The woman did a brilliant job and even ironed everything. She charged for five kilos 140000 dong a bit more pricey than some other places in Hoi An, however, our clothes for once came back undamaged and in one piece.

So if you’re looking for a place to stay in Hoi An then you cannot go far wrong staying at the Ancient House Resort.

Hoi An is a great place to visit.