Southeast Asia·Vietnam

Is Hoi An Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Hoi An is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 13 scams, with only 0 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

13

Scams documented

0

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

13

High severity

0

Medium severity

9

Top risk type

Street Scams

By traveler type

Is Hoi An safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Hoi An.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Hoi An before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Hoi An

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Hoi An. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch

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

medium

Basket Boat and Lantern Cruise Overcharging

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

medium

Cooking Class Hidden Extras and Ingredient Upcharges

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.

medium

Fake Leather Goods

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

medium

Money Switching at Motorbike Rentals

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

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Hoi An?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

4

31% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

2

15% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

2

15% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

8% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

8% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

8% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

8% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

8% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Hoi An

9 Medium — 69%
4 Low — 31%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Hoi An

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Hoi An, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Hoi An — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Hoi An's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Hoi An safe — answered

Is Hoi An safe for tourists in 2026?
Hoi An is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 13 documented scams. 0 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, taxi & transport, tour & activities. Millions of tourists visit Hoi An safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Hoi An safe for solo travelers?
Hoi An has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Hoi An before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Hoi An for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Hoi An 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.. These areas are associated with street scams, tour & activities, money & atm scams incidents.
Is Hoi An safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Hoi An is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Hoi An safe for female travelers?
Hoi An has documented scams that disproportionately target women. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Hoi An?
The top documented scams in Hoi An are: Tailor Fabric Bait-and-Switch, Basket Boat and Lantern Cruise Overcharging, Cooking Class Hidden Extras and Ingredient Upcharges, Fake Leather Goods, Money Switching at Motorbike Rentals. The full database covers 13 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Hoi An?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Hoi An. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Vietnam safe to visit in 2026?
Vietnam as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Hoi An specifically has 13 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full Vietnam country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Hoi An is based on 13 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →