Southeast Asia·Vietnam·Updated May 3, 2026

Hoi An Scams to Avoid in 2026 (Vietnam)

A beautifully preserved Ancient Town and UNESCO World Heritage Site on Vietnam's central coast. The busy lantern-lit markets and river tours are wonderful but also fertile ground for photograph-for-money demands, fake leather goods, and price-switching.

Risk Index

5.6

out of 10

Scams

13

documented

High Severity

0

0% of total

5.6

Risk Index

13

Scams

0

High Risk

Hoi An has 13 documented tourist scams across 8 categories in our database. Scam activity is rated high. The most commonly reported risks are Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch, Basket Boat and Lantern Cruise Overcharging, Cooking Class Hidden Extras and Ingredient Upcharges.

Editorially reviewed — sources cross-referenced before publishing. How we verify →

Traveler Context

What Travellers Should Know About Scams in Hoi An

Hoi An carries 13 documented tourist scams in our database — none classified high severity, but the volume of medium-severity reports (9 of 13) reflects an active tourist-fraud environment that travellers should know in advance. Street-level scams accounts for the largest share (4 reports), led by Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch: Hoi An tailor shops display high-quality silk and linen samples in the storefront but substitute cheaper synthetic fabric once the order is placed. Travellers familiar with Kuala Lumpur or Palawan will recognise the broad shape of the risk environment in Southeast Asia, though the specific local variations in Hoi An are what catch first-time visitors out.

Specific documented risk areas include Along Tran Phu Street and Le Loi Street in the Old Town, particularly in shops between the Japanese Covered Bridge and the market end of the tourist strip; Thu Bon River waterfront and boat launch points near the Ancient Town; Around the Central Market (Cho Hoi An) on Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Hoang Street; touts also approach near the Japanese Covered Bridge and along the lantern-lit stretches of Bach Dang riverside.. A separate but related pattern is Basket Boat and Lantern Cruise Overcharging: Basket boat rides and evening lantern river cruises are popular Hoi An experiences but are a consistent source of mid-trip price hikes, demands for larger tips, or unexpected 'entry fees' to certain river sections. The single most effective protection across these patterns: Handle fabric swatches in bright daylight and photograph the specific bolt of cloth you chose. Request a partial fitting with your chosen fabric before full production begins. Pay no more than a 30% deposit and settle the remainder only when the finished garment matches your sample.

How It Plays OutMedium Risk

Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch

Hoi An tailor shops display high-quality silk and linen samples in the storefront but substitute cheaper synthetic fabric once the order is placed. The finished garment is often delivered just before the customer departs, leaving no time to dispute the substitution. Alterations are offered as a stalling tactic if you complain, but the base fabric never changes. This practice is widespread across the Old Town's concentration of 400-plus tailor shops.

Along Tran Phu Street and Le Loi Street in the Old Town, particularly in shops between the Japanese Covered Bridge and the market end of the tourist strip

How to avoid: Handle fabric swatches in bright daylight and photograph the specific bolt of cloth you chose. Request a partial fitting with your chosen fabric before full production begins. Pay no more than a 30% deposit and settle the remainder only when the finished garment matches your sample.

This scam type is also documented in Kuala Lumpur and Palawan.

Key Risk Areas

Where These Scams Are Most Active

Specific areas and landmarks with the highest concentration of documented incidents in Hoi An.

Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch

Street Scams

Along Tran Phu Street and Le Loi Street in the Old Town, particularly in shops between the Japanese Covered Bridge and the market end of the tourist strip

Basket Boat and Lantern Cruise Overcharging

Tour & Activities

Thu Bon River waterfront and boat launch points near the Ancient Town

Cooking Class Hidden Extras and Ingredient Upcharges

Tour & Activities

Around the Central Market (Cho Hoi An) on Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Hoang Street; touts also approach near the Japanese Covered Bridge and along the lantern-lit stretches of Bach Dang riverside.

Restaurant Bill Padding and Forced Drinks

Restaurant Scams

Restaurants near the Japanese Bridge, riverside dining establishments on Tran Phu Street, back alley restaurants near central market

Fake Leather Goods

Street Scams

Souvenir and leather goods shops throughout the Ancient Town and Night Market

Money Switching at Motorbike Rentals

Money & ATM Scams

Motorbike rental shops near the Ancient Town entrance and along Tran Phu Street

These areas are safe to visit — knowing the setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.

Street-level scams are most common in Hoi An

4 documented street scams target tourists near major attractions. Unsolicited approaches, "free" gifts, and distraction techniques are the main patterns.

Safety Checklist

Quick Safety Tips for Hoi An

Key precautions based on the most frequently reported scams here.

  • Handle fabric swatches in bright daylight and photograph the specific bolt of cloth you chose. Request a partial fitting with your chosen fabric before full production begins. Pay no more than a 30% deposit and settle the remainder only when the finished garment matches your sample.
  • Agree on the exact total price including all tips and fees before boarding. Pay in small bills and only on completion. Booking through your hotel or a licensed tour operator reduces the risk substantially.
  • Confirm the all-inclusive price in writing before committing — including transport, ingredients, and any "market visit" component. Book through reputable operators with TripAdvisor listings and a physical shopfront. Ask specifically: "Is this the total price with no additions?"
  • Ask for a printed menu with prices upfront. Specify exactly what you want to order and confirm prices before consuming. Avoid restaurants with aggressive staff soliciting at entrances. Dine at venues with other tourists present and clear pricing policies.
  • Buy leather goods only from shops with verifiable reviews on Google or TripAdvisor. Ask to see the inside lining. Rub a small hidden area with a damp finger — real leather absorbs moisture, fake leather beads it.

FAQ

Hoi An Safety — Frequently Asked Questions

What scams target tourists in Hoi An?
The most frequently reported tourist scams in Hoi An are Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch, Basket Boat and Lantern Cruise Overcharging, Cooking Class Hidden Extras and Ingredient Upcharges. Most scams operate near transit hubs, tourist attractions, and busy markets. Reviewing each type before you arrive significantly reduces your risk of being targeted. Similar patterns are also documented in Kuala Lumpur and Palawan.
Are taxis safe in Hoi An?
Taxis in Hoi An carry documented risk for tourists — 2 transport-related scams are on record. Agree on a fixed total fare in writing or clearly on a phone calculator before boarding, specify it covers the complete round trip, and confirm there are no additional charges. Use a ride-hailing app or hotel-arranged transport for longer journeys. Where available, verified ride-hailing apps (Uber, Grab, or local equivalents) are generally safer than street taxis.
Is Hoi An safe at night for tourists?
A beautifully preserved Ancient Town and UNESCO World Heritage Site on Vietnam's central coast. The busy lantern-lit markets and river tours are wonderful but also fertile ground for photograph-for-money demands, fake leather goods, and price-switching. After dark, extra caution is advised near Along Tran Phu Street and Le Loi Street in the Old Town, particularly in shops between the Japanese Covered Bridge and the market end of the tourist strip. Use app-based transport at night and avoid unsolicited approaches from strangers.
Which areas of Hoi An should tourists be most careful in?
Documented scam activity in Hoi An is concentrated in high-traffic tourist zones. Based on reported incidents: Along Tran Phu Street and Le Loi Street in the Old Town, particularly in shops between the Japanese Covered Bridge and the market end of the tourist strip (Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch); Thu Bon River waterfront and boat launch points near the Ancient Town (Basket Boat and Lantern Cruise Overcharging); Around the Central Market (Cho Hoi An) on Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Hoang Street; touts also approach near the Japanese Covered Bridge and along the lantern-lit stretches of Bach Dang riverside. (Cooking Class Hidden Extras and Ingredient Upcharges). These areas are safe to visit — knowing the common setups in advance makes them far easier to recognize and avoid.
How can I avoid being scammed in Hoi An?
The best protection against scams in Hoi An is preparation — knowing the specific tactics used here before you arrive. Key precautions: Agree on a fixed total fare in writing or clearly on a phone calculator before boarding, specify it covers the complete round trip, and confirm there are no additional charges. Use a ride-hailing app or hotel-arranged transport for longer journeys. Always confirm prices before agreeing to any service, use official or app-based transport, and slow down if anyone creates urgency or distraction — that is almost always the setup.

Hoi An · Vietnam · Southeast Asia

Open in Maps →

Region

More destinations in Southeast Asia

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

18 scams

Palawan

Philippines

18 scams

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

18 scams

Vang Vieng

Laos

18 scams

Bali

Indonesia

17 scams

Southeast Asia safety guide →All scams in Vietnam →

Experienced a scam here?

Help fellow travelers by reporting it.

Report a Scam

Editorial note: Scam warnings for Hoi An are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, travel community reports, and traveler-submitted incidents. All entries are reviewed for accuracy and local specificity before publication. Read our full methodology →