Introduction to Hoi An
Hoi An, once a busy port on the maritime Silk Road, is now one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traders from China, Japan, and Europe left their mark here, and you can still see it today in the ochre-painted shophouses, wooden merchant halls, and quiet ancestral temples.
By day, the Old Town bustles with cafés, tailor shops, and markets; by night, thousands of lanterns light up the streets, turning the riverside into a magical scene. Just outside town, you’ll find cycling paths through rice paddies, the herb gardens of Tra Que Village, and sandy stretches of An Bang and Cua Dai beaches. What makes Hoi An unforgettable is its balance: living history, vibrant food culture, and a laid-back charm. In this Hoi An travel guide, you’ll discover when to visit, how long to stay, the best things to do, what to eat, and how to get around — all with practical tips from our local expertise.
Hoi An is a beloved stop on many longer Vietnam journeys. Travelers often continue from this ancient town to Da Nang, Hue, and further north to Hanoi to explore Central Vietnam Heritage, weaving together coastal scenery, imperial landmarks, and rich cultural experiences along the way.
Quick Facts about Hoi An
Before diving into details, here’s a quick snapshot to help you understand what makes Hoi An such a worth experiencing destination.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Vietnam; coastal town about 30 km south of Da Nang (45–60 minutes by road) |
| Airport | Da Nang International Airport (DAD), ~30 km from Hoi An (45–60 minutes by car) |
| Best known | Lantern-lit Ancient Town, well-preserved heritage streets, tailor-made clothing |
| Popular areas | Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach, Bay Mau Coconut Forest |
| Travel style | Cultural heritage, slow travel, food exploration, romantic getaways |
| Climate | Tropical monsoon; hot and humid. Rainy season: Sep–Dec |
| Ideal stay | 2–4 days |
| UNESCO | Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) |
| Best time to visit | February to April for mild weather and lantern evenings |
What’s in Hoi An?
- Ancient Town & Lantern Streets: The Old Town is Hoi An’s soul — cobbled streets lined with heritage houses, colorful lanterns strung above, and centuries-old architecture. Best explored at dusk when the lanterns glow.
- Riverside Cafés & Shophouses: The Thu Bon River runs through the town, inviting you to relax at riverside cafés. Sip Vietnamese coffee, try a salted lemonade, and watch fishing boats glide by. Many cafés and boutiques occupy beautifully restored shophouses with balconies overlooking the water.
- Tailor Shops & Craft Culture: Hoi An is famous for bespoke clothing. Dozens of tailors can create suits, dresses, leather shoes, or bags within 24–48 hours. Bring photos or choose from catalogues; prices are affordable, and haggling is expected. You’ll also find workshops making silk lanterns, leather goods, and ceramics.
- Japanese Covered Bridge & Old Temples: Built in the 17th century, the Japanese Covered Bridge is Hoi An’s iconic landmark. Nearby are Chinese assembly halls, communal houses, and temples that tell the town’s multicultural history.
- Cycling Through Villages: Hop on a bicycle to see another side of Hoi An. Most hotels and homestays offer free bicycles for guests, making it easy to ride past rice paddies, explore quiet hamlets, and stop at Tra Que Vegetable Village to taste organic herbs fresh from the garden.
- Beaches Nearby: Just 4 km away, An Bang Beach offers white sands and gentle surf. Further north, Cua Dai Beach is quieter with beachfront resorts. Take a boat to nearby Cham Islands for snorkeling and diving in clear waters.
Wander lantern-lit streets and timeless charm of Hoi An with us
How to plan a trip to Hoi An
How long to stay
- 2 – 3 days: Just enough for you to experience the Old Town, tailors, countryside, and beaches.
- 4 – 5 days: If you want to explore nearby villages or take cooking and crafting classes.
Best time to visit Hoi An
| 🌦️ Season | 🌤️ Weather | ⛱️ Best for | 📌 Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| February – April | Mild, Dry | Ancient Town, festivals | Crowds midday |
| May – August | Hot, Sunny | Beaches, sunrise activities | Crowds midday |
| September – January | Showers/possible floods | Fewer tourists, great photos | Monitor river levels |
Money & Connectivity
Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. Always keep some cash for local food stalls, markets, and small tailor shops.
SIM cards (Viettel, Vinaphone) are easy to buy at Da Nang Airport before heading to Hoi An.
Local Etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples.
- Bargain politely at markets and tailor shops—always with a smile.
- Use both hands when giving or receiving items.
Getting to Hoi An
- By Air: Fly into Da Nang International Airport, served by daily flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and regional hubs. From the airport, Hoi An is a 40‑minute taxi or shuttle ride.
- By Train: There’s no train station in Hoi An. Travel to Da Nang Railway Station and continue by taxi, private car, or shuttle bus.
- By Bus: Frequent buses and private shuttles connect from Da Nang and nearby provinces.
- Getting Around Hoi An: The Old Town is mostly car-free—best explored on foot or by bicycle. For countryside trips or the beach, use taxis, ride-hailing apps, or rent a scooter.
Local festivals & events
- Full Moon Lantern Festival (monthly): On the 14th day of each lunar month, the Old Town goes car-free and thousands of lanterns float on the Thu Bon River. It’s the most iconic experience in Hoi An.
- Tet (Jan–Feb): The Lunar New Year brings temple rituals, flower markets, and streets decorated with kumquat trees. A lively time to see traditions in action.
- Nguyen Tieu Festival (first full moon after Tet): Families honor ancestors with offerings, prayers, and lanterns. Assembly halls glow with incense and ceremonies.
- Ba Thu Bon Festival (Feb 12 Lunar Calendar): The occasion for Quang Nam people to express their respect to the gods, pray for favorable weather, bountiful crops and prosperity.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep–Oct): A family holiday with lion dances, mooncakes, and children carrying lanterns through the Old Town.
- Whale Festival (Ca Ong Festival, spring): In nearby fishing villages, fishermen honor the whale deity believed to protect them at sea. A colorful coastal tradition.
Best Things to Do in Hoi An
From lantern-lit nights to ancient temples and riverside markets, Hoi An is where history and romance meet.
1. Stroll through the Ancient Town
Hoi An’s old town is best explored on foot, especially at dusk when lanterns light up narrow streets and traffic fades. The slow pace allows architectural details and everyday life to stand out.
2. Have clothes tailored
Tailor shops line the old town, offering custom-made suits, dresses, and ao dai. Measurements are usually taken in the morning, with fittings and pickup the following day.
3. Join a cooking class
Hands-on classes begin with a local market visit, followed by simple, seasonal dishes such as cao lầu or fresh spring rolls. It’s an approachable way to understand central Vietnamese flavors through daily cooking practices.
4. Visit Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Across the river from the old town, Kim Bong is known for traditional woodworking. Visitors can watch local artisans at work, try basic carving techniques, and create small handmade souvenirs to take home.
5. Float a lantern on the Thu Bon River
In the evening, small lanterns are released onto the river as wishes for luck and peace. The ritual is especially atmospheric during the Full Moon Festival.
6. Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village
A short ride from town leads to Tra Que, where farmers grow herbs using traditional methods. The route passes rice fields and waterways that contrast with the old town’s bustle.
7. Relax at An Bang Beach
About 15 minutes by bicycle, An Bang offers a quieter seaside escape. Beach cafés, gentle waves, and open views make it ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
8. Visit My Son Sanctuary
Hidden in a forested valley, the ruins of My Son reveal the spiritual heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular half-day trip from Hoi An.
9. Browse Hoi An Central Market
The market is a hub of daily activity, filled with spices, tropical fruits, and street food stalls. It’s also one of the best places to sample local specialties.
10. Photograph the Japanese Covered Bridge
One of Hoi An’s most recognizable landmarks, the bridge connects two sides of the old town. It’s especially striking in the evening when lanterns reflect off the water.
What to Eat in Hoi An
Hoi An’s charm is tasted best in its street food and timeless local dishes.
- Cao Lau: Signature noodle dish with pork and herbs.
- White Rose Dumplings: Delicate shrimp-filled dumplings unique to Hoi An.
- Banh Mi Phuong: Perhaps Vietnam’s most famous sandwich, filled with pâté, pork, and fresh herbs.
- Mi Quang: Turmeric‑yellow noodles topped with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs.
- Com Ga (Chicken Rice): Fragrant rice topped with shredded chicken and herbs.
- Hoanh Thanh (Wonton): Crispy or soup-style wontons.
- Nem Nuong: Grilled pork skewers, perfect with dipping sauce.
- Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls filled with pork, shrimp, and herbs.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
We want your trip to be as incredible as possible, so here are a few insider tips:
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothing; bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
- During the rainy season, carry an umbrella or raincoat to stay comfortable.
- Bring a reusable water bottle; refill stations are common.
- Rent a bicycle or scooter early in the morning to avoid mid‑day heat.
- Before booking, check reviews for tailors and tours, and book ahead during peak season.
- When interacting with locals, be mindful of local customs—avoid touching heads and use both hands when giving or receiving items
- Support ethical travel: choose eco‑friendly tours and avoid single‑use plastic.
Where to Go Next?
- Da Nang City: Beaches, bridges, and modern attractions just 40 minutes away.
- My Son Sanctuary: Ancient Cham ruins in a jungle setting.
- Hue Imperial City: Three hours north—royal palaces, tombs, and pagodas.
Not sure where to go next? Let us help you customize your Vietnam Journey
Tours in Hoi An
Central Vietnam Highlight
7-day journey connects Da Nang’s coastal beauty, Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm, and Hue’s imperial legacy.
Central Vietnam Heritage
7-day Explore Vietnam Heritage – Hoi An’s Lantern-lit streets – Hue’s Royal tombs and Phong Nha’s spectacular caves.
Central Vietnam Wonders
7-day Journey through Central Vietnam’s Wonder — Ba Na Hills, imperial Hue & majestic caves of Phong Nha.