Orientation information

Hoi An  » Orientation  » Accommodation  » Food & Drink  » Sights & attractions  » Getting there & away Maps   Hoi An

Hoi An sits on a peninsula among a cluster of islands on a wide river delta -- the main branch passing through town is called the Thu Bon, but in general seems to also go by the name Cua Dai Estuary. As you're facing south from the Japansese Bridge, you're looking at another parallel peninsula. Beyond that, visible to the east, is Cam Nam Island, and beyond that, to the west, is Cam Kim Island. Cam Nam is accessible by bridge or boat, and Cam Kim is accessible only by boat.

The Heritage Town is roughly within the area south of Phan Chu Trinh, west of Hoang Dieu (which connects to Cam Nam Bridge), and it extends east past the Japanese Bridge along Nguyen Thai Minh Khai St until it reaches the roundabout. The southern border is, of course, the river. The Heritage Town is closed off to motorised vehicles on various days throughout the week, though there seems to be no fixed schedule. Even if you rent a motorbike you may find yourself needing a bicycle to get around the area on such days -- these are widely available for 10,000 VND a day. You can also just get off your motorbike and push it through the closed off area.

ATMs are widely available (they really want you to cash up and spend here!). Most of your banking needs can be met by heading to the intersection of Tran Hung Dao and Hai Ba Trung Streets. To the north of the intersection on the left is the Vietcom Bank -- no ATM but they cash travellers cheques for dong at no commission and offer credit card advances at 3.3%. They also receive, but do not send, Moneygrams. The TechCom Bank is north of the intersection, kitty-corner to the Vinh Hung 2 Hotel. They have a 24-hour ATM, do not cash travellers cheques at all, and offer credit card advances at 3%. Western Union is available here. Sacombank is on Tran Hung Dao, to the east of the intersection, next to Treat's Same-Same But Different Cafe. They cash TCs for 2% commission or US$2 per transaction, whichever is more, and credit card advances are available at 3% commission. They also have a 24-hour ATM.

Internet is available everywhere, though rates vary widely and it may save you a couple of dong to find a place that doesn't cater to tourists. Many hotels make free internet terminals available in the lobby to their guests only. Power outages are frequent and connections can be spotty.

The main post office is on Tran Hung Dao St at the corner of Hoang Dieu. It's got a nice interior -- take a look up at the wood carvings in the ceilings -- and provides chilly air-con and nice desks to sit at and write postcards. The internet here is a good value at 3,000 VND per hour and there's usually a free terminal.

There are several ticket stalls run by the Hoi An Office of Tourist Services where you can buy tickets for the Culture Tour on the corner of Le Loi and Tran Phu, on the corner of Hai Ba Trung and Than Phu, and on Tran Phu between Hoang Van Thu and Tran Quy Cap.

The main hospital is across the street from the post office on Tran Hung Dao.

The pier most boats for Cham Island depart from is called the Coast Guard Pier, because there's a Coast Guard office there. Once you take Cua Dai Rd to the beach, it's about 5km south. But, in all likelihood, you'll be driven there.

Hoi An Office of Tourist Services: 10 Nguyen Truong To, Hoi An. T: (0510) 861 327, F: (0510) 863 761. www.hoianworldheritage.org www.hoianoldtown.vn
Hospital: 4 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An. T: (0510) 914 660, F: (0510) 864 566.
Post Office: 6 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An. T: (0510) 861 480, F: (0510) 862 444.
Sacombank: 91 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An. T: (0510) 911 031, 520, F: (0510) 911 032. Open week days, 07:30 to 11:15 and 13:00 to 16:30, Saturdays 07:30 to 11:15 only.
TechCom Bank: 927 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An. T: (0510) 917 888; F: (0510) 917 886. www.techcombank.com.vn. Open week days, 07:40 to 11:30 and 13:30 to 16:45, Saturdays 07:40 to 11:30 only.
Vietcom Bank: 642 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An. T: (0510) 916 374. Open week days, 07:30 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 16:00.

 

 

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