Hoi An, Vietnam
Dry season · Asia
01Why go
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a former trading port where Japanese, Chinese, and European influences blend into a uniquely preserved townscape. The Ancient Town's narrow lanes are lined with wooden shophouses, assembly halls, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Unlike many heritage sites, Hoi An is living: locals still inhabit the old houses, and the streets buzz with tailors, cafes, and lantern shops. The town is also a culinary capital, famous for cao lau (chewy noodles with pork and greens), white rose dumplings, and fresh seafood. Just a short bike ride away, An Bang Beach offers sand and surf, while the Thu Bon River and surrounding rice paddies provide a rural escape. Hoi An's atmosphere is romantic and relaxed, especially at night when silk lanterns illuminate the streets. Whether you're history buff, foodie, or beach lover, Hoi An delivers an authentic Vietnamese experience with a distinctive blend of cultures and flavors.
02Where to stay
Accommodation in Hoi An ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, but the best areas depend on your priorities. The Ancient Town itself has charming boutique hotels and homestays within walking distance of the main sights, but rooms can be small and noisy. For a quieter stay with easy access to both town and beach, consider the riverside area along Bach Dang Street or the lanes between the Old Town and An Bang Beach. An Bang Beach is ideal for sun-seekers, with beachfront resorts and casual bungalows. The Cam Thanh and Tra Que areas offer a rural vibe, surrounded by rice paddies and vegetable gardens, and are popular with cyclists. For budget travelers, the streets around Hoi An Market and the Japanese Covered Bridge have plenty of family-run guesthouses. Note that many hotels offer free bicycles, so you can stay slightly outside the center and still explore easily. Avoid overpaying for 'river view' rooms that may face a busy road.
03Getting around
Hoi An is compact and mostly flat, making walking and cycling the best ways to explore. The Ancient Town is pedestrian-friendly, and many streets become car-free in the evenings. Bicycles are widely available for rent from hotels, guesthouses, and shops; they're perfect for reaching An Bang Beach, Tra Que Village, or the rice paddies. For longer distances, motorbike taxis (xe om) and taxis are cheap and plentiful, but agree on a price beforehand. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in Hoi An, offering transparent fares. If you're heading to Da Nang (about 30 km away), you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or public bus. The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, with taxis and shuttles available. Within the Ancient Town, you'll need to buy a ticket (around 120,000 VND) that includes entry to several heritage sites. Note that some streets are one-way for motorbikes, and traffic can be chaotic during peak hours. Renting a motorbike is possible but risky if you're not experienced.
04What to see and do
Start with the Ancient Town's highlights: the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and the Assembly Halls of Fujian and Cantonese communities. Buy a ticket that grants access to five heritage sites. The Hoi An Museum of History and Culture provides context. For a break, stroll along the Thu Bon River and watch the boats. At night, the town transforms with lanterns; consider a boat ride to release flower lanterns. Beyond the center, cycle to An Bang Beach for swimming and seafood, or visit Tra Que Vegetable Village to learn about organic farming. The Cam Kim Island and Kim Bong Carpentry Village offer a glimpse of traditional crafts. For a day trip, the My Son Sanctuary (Cham ruins) is about an hour away. Cooking classes are popular; you can learn to make cao lau and fresh spring rolls. Tailoring is a Hoi An specialty: many shops can custom-make clothes in a day. Finally, don't miss the Central Market for souvenirs and local snacks.
05Where to eat
Hoi An is a food lover's paradise, with specialties you won't find elsewhere. Must-try dishes include cao lau (thick noodles with pork, greens, and crispy croutons), white rose dumplings (steamed shrimp dumplings), and fried wontons. For these, head to family-run eateries in the Ancient Town or along the riverfront. The Central Market has food stalls serving cheap, authentic bowls of cao lau and mi quang. Seafood is excellent at An Bang Beach, where you can pick your fish and have it grilled. For a splurge, several riverside restaurants offer refined Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarians will find plenty of options, especially at dedicated vegetarian restaurants near the Japanese Bridge. Street food is safe and delicious: try banh mi from reputable stalls, and fresh fruit from vendors. Coffee culture is strong; don't miss a Vietnamese coffee at a courtyard cafe. Note that many restaurants cater to tourists, so for authentic flavors, venture slightly off the main drag. Cooking classes often include market tours and a meal.
06When to visit
Hoi An has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is from February to April, when the weather is mild, dry, and sunny, with temperatures around 25-30°C. This period also avoids the heavy rains of the northeast monsoon. From May to August, it's hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C; this is peak domestic tourist season, so expect crowds. September to January is the wet season, with the heaviest rainfall in October and November, sometimes causing flooding in the Ancient Town. However, the rain often comes in short bursts, and the town is less crowded. If you visit during the wet season, pack rain gear and waterproof shoes. The Lunar New Year (Tet) in late January or February is a festive time, but many shops close. The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the town turns off electric lights and glows with lanterns. Avoid the hottest hours by planning indoor activities.
07Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Hoi An? Most travelers find three to four days sufficient to explore the Ancient Town, relax at the beach, and take a cooking class or day trip. If you want to tailor clothes or visit My Son, add an extra day. Is Hoi An walkable? Yes, the Ancient Town is very walkable, and many streets are pedestrian-only in the evening. However, to reach the beach or surrounding villages, you'll want a bicycle or taxi. What should you buy? Hoi An is famous for custom-tailored clothing, silk lanterns, and local crafts. Be cautious of high-pressure sales and agree on prices before committing. Is it safe to eat street food? Generally, yes, but choose busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw vegetables and ice from unknown sources if you have a sensitive stomach. Do you need a ticket for the Ancient Town? Yes, a ticket is required for entry to the heritage area and includes five attractions. You can buy it at various booths around the town. Finally, remember to dress respectfully when visiting temples and assembly halls.