Traveler Outcry: Hoi An Implements $6 Fee for Old Town Entry

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Update on Hoi An – one of the most sought-after destinations in Vietnam – imposing an entrance fee to the ancient town has garnered quite a negative reaction.

Numerous comments on TripAdvisor – a leading global hotel and travel review platform – suggest that 'this could disrupt tourism in Hoi An specifically and Vietnam in general.' Many travelers planning trips to Vietnam have also expressed concern after reading a series of negative comments on this issue.

It's worth noting that Hoi An adopted this fee model two years ago, but it wasn't until the end of March, early April 2014, that this law was reinstated. Specifically, foreign visitors entering the ancient town will be charged 120k VND (equivalent to $6), while Vietnamese visitors will be charged 80k VND (equivalent to $4). It's an unreasonable fee, especially for tourists who visit the ancient town not just to see landmarks, but simply to dine at restaurants, enjoy cafes, or shop here.

With this fee imposition, will Hoi An lose a significant portion of its tourist influx?

Below are some comments from TripAdvisor users:

A traveler named pzinken from Germany immediately responded:

And a slew of other negative responses followed suit. Most foreign tourists expressed clear disappointment and frustration over the absurd fee they have to pay to enter the old town. Some even stated they canceled their trips to Hoi An because of the fee and won't return until the situation improves.

From calling for a boycott of Hoi An...

... to questioning the entire Vietnamese tourism industry:

There were even some lengthy contributions:

... and no shortage of comments sharing disappointment:

It's believed that currently MONEY is the sole concern of Vietnam's tourism:

And it's thought that with this situation, perhaps the local traders, small businesses in Hoi An will bear the brunt:

With this scenario, maybe it's better to visit... the city of Da Nang instead:

Or Luang Prabang or Siem Reap could also be an option:

www.Mytour Compilation

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour

MytourJune 29, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the implications of Hoi An's entrance fee for tourists?

The entrance fee to Hoi An, set at 120k VND for foreigners and 80k VND for locals, has raised concerns that it may deter tourists. Many travelers express disappointment and frustration, with some even canceling their trips due to the additional cost.

How have travelers reacted to the new entrance fee in Hoi An?

Travelers have reacted negatively to Hoi An's entrance fee, with many expressing frustration on platforms like TripAdvisor. Comments indicate that tourists feel the fee is unreasonable and have threatened to boycott the city or consider alternative destinations.

Is the entrance fee to Hoi An affecting local businesses and tourism?

Yes, the entrance fee is believed to impact local businesses negatively. As fewer tourists visit due to the added cost, local traders and small businesses may suffer a decline in sales, potentially harming Hoi An's economy.

What alternatives are travelers considering due to Hoi An's entrance fee?

Many travelers are considering alternatives like Da Nang, Luang Prabang, or Siem Reap due to Hoi An's entrance fee. This shift could significantly affect tourism patterns in the region as visitors seek more affordable options.

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