Hoi An is the kind of place that makes you slow down. Lanterns glow softly over yellow-walled houses, the Thu Bon River drifts quietly through the heart of the old town, and every corner feels like a scene from a movie.
Recognized by UNESCO for its well-preserved trading port heritage, Hoi An blends history, culture, and craftsmanship in a way few destinations can. This Hoi An travel guide covers everything you need to plan your trip – from when to visit and how to get there, to what to see, eat, and experience while you’re here.
Quick facts about Hoi An
Located about 30 kilometers south of Da Nang, Hoi An sits peacefully along the Thu Bon River, once serving as one of Southeast Asia’s most active trading ports between the 15th and 19th centuries. Merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe brought silk, ceramics, and spices here, leaving behind a beautiful blend of cultures that shaped the town’s unique charm. Today, this riverside gem remains perfectly preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a highlight in every well-crafted Hoi An travel guide.
The Hoi An Old Town, the heart of the city, is a pedestrian-friendly maze of yellow-walled shophouses, and ancient wooden homes with tiled roofs and carved beams. By day, the streets are filled with tailors crafting custom-made suits and dresses in just 24 hours, while riverside cafés serve Vietnamese coffee with a view of the water. By night, thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets, transforming the town into a glowing wonderland that defines every Hoi An travel guide.
Beyond its nostalgic streets, Hoi An also offers a gentle blend of tradition and modern creativity. You can cycle past emerald-green rice fields, visit nearby An Bang and Cua Dai beaches, or learn local crafts like lantern-making and pottery in the nearby villages of Thanh Ha and Tra Que. This harmony – between old and new, stillness and vibrancy – is what makes Hoi An not just a destination, but an experience that stays with every traveler long after they’ve left Vietnam.
Best time to visit Hoi An – your seasonal guide in this Hoi An travel guide
The best time to visit Hoi An is generally from February to April and September to early November, when the weather is dry, sunny, and comfortably warm. These months offer the perfect mix of blue skies, mild temperatures, and lively festivals.
Dry season (February–August): Ideal for exploring the Old Town, cycling along the Thu Bon River, and relaxing on nearby beaches like An Bang and Cua Dai.
Rainy season (September–January): Expect occasional showers or mild flooding, but the cooler air and softer light bring a calm, romantic atmosphere that many travelers find unforgettable.
Lantern Festival: Held every full moon (the 14th day of the lunar month), when electricity is turned off in the Old Town and thousands of colorful lanterns float across the river — a magical sight that every Hoi An travel guide recommends experiencing at least once.
Whether you visit during the sunlit spring or the lantern-lit autumn, choosing the best time to visit Hoi An ensures you see this ancient town at its most beautiful and authentic.
How to get to Hoi An
Getting to Hoi An is simple, even though the town doesn’t have its own airport. Most travelers arrive through Da Nang, which is well-connected by domestic and international flights as well as trains.
By car or taxi: 30–45 minutes from Da Nang International Airport.
By shuttle or bus: 60–80 minutes; budget-friendly, though slower.
By private transfer: Convenient for groups or families with luggage.
Travel tip: If you’re staying in Hoi An Old Town, look for hotels that include airport pickup — many boutique accommodations listed in this Hoi An travel guide provide this service at little or no extra cost.
Whether you choose comfort or convenience, the journey from Da Nang to Hoi An offers scenic views of lush countryside and small fishing villages — a pleasant introduction to Central Vietnam.
Getting around Hoi An’s Old Town – local insights from this Hoi An travel guide
Hoi An’s Old Town is best explored on foot or by bicycle – it’s the heart and soul of every Hoi An travel guide, known for its peaceful streets and slow-paced rhythm.
Walking hours: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM (vehicle-free), allowing visitors to wander freely without traffic.
Entrance ticket: 120,000 VND (~5 USD) for foreign visitors, valid for entry to five designated heritage sites within 24 hours.
Cycling: Many hotels offer free bicycles – perfect for riding through the rice fields or reaching An Bang Beach.
Be respectful and keep the Old Town’s charm intact – avoid loud music, dress modestly when visiting temples, and help maintain clean, quiet streets. Exploring slowly and mindfully is part of what makes a visit to Hoi An so memorable.
Top things to do in Hoi An
Here are some must-do experiences that capture the essence of the town:
Explore the Ancient Town: Wander through centuries-old heritage sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and ornate Chinese Assembly Halls – symbols of Hoi An’s multicultural history.
Take a lantern boat ride: Best at sunset, when the river mirrors the warm glow of thousands of floating lanterns – a scene no traveler forgets.
Join a lantern-making workshop: Learn a traditional craft and create your own lantern to take home, a favorite recommendation in any Hoi An travel guide.
Visit the night market: Held nightly on Nguyen Hoang Street, offering street food, handmade souvenirs, and lively performances.
Ride a basket boat in Cam Thanh Village: A fun, authentic local experience gliding through water coconut forests.
Cycle to An Bang Beach: Escape the bustle with a morning swim or sunset drink at beachfront cafés.
Plan day trips: Explore the My Son Sanctuary (another UNESCO site) or go snorkeling at the Cham Islands, both easy half-day excursions from Hoi An.
Get tailor-made clothing or shoes: Hoi An is world-famous for its tailoring craftsmanship — from linen suits to leather sandals, skilled artisans can create custom pieces in just 24–48 hours. Having something tailored here is more than shopping — it’s an experience of Vietnamese artistry.
If you fall in love with Vietnam’s art of tailoring, you can take it one step further in Hanoi. In the heart of the Old Quarter, Tailor Bros continues this tradition of bespoke craftsmanship with refined precision. Their expert tailors create suits that combine modern design with timeless Vietnamese elegance — a perfect keepsake from your journey across the country.
Each experience in this Hoi An travel guide reflects a different layer of the town — history, craftsmanship, and the warm hospitality that makes Hoi An unforgettable.
What to eat in Hoi An
Hoi An is a paradise for food lovers. Each dish tells a story of the town’s multicultural past.
Cao lầu: A noodle dish unique to Hoi An.
Bánh mì: Anthony Bourdain once called Bánh Mì Phượng (2B Phan Chu Trinh) the best sandwich in the world.
White rose dumplings: Delicate steamed dumplings served at White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Ba Trung).
Mì Quảng: A regional noodle dish with turmeric broth.
Night Market eats: Don’t miss grilled pork skewers, sweet corn pudding, or coconut ice cream along Nguyen Hoang Street.
Practical tips for your Hoi An travel guide
Book accommodations early during the lantern festival or peak seasons.
Bring cash in case some local stalls don’t accept cards.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially from March to August.
Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Respect local culture — Hoi An’s charm lies in its calm, gentle rhythm.
Hoi An travel guide: a perfect farewell to the lantern town
Hoi An is more than just an ancient town – it’s a living museum of Vietnamese heritage, a place where history meets modern creativity. Whether you come for the lanterns, the food, or the simple joy of wandering narrow streets by the river, this Hoi An travel guide helps you make the most of every moment.
