Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Vietnam, about a 30-minute drive from Da Nang. It’s known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, beautiful architecture, rich culture, and vibrant food scene. Hoi An offers a glimpse into the country’s past, with its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French influences visible in its streets, buildings, and cuisine.
February to April: The best time to visit, with pleasant weather — warm but not too hot, and minimal rainfall.
May to August: This is the peak tourist season, and while the weather is hot and dry, it's ideal for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities.
September to December: This is the rainy season, so you can expect more rain, but the town remains less crowded, and prices tend to be lower.
By Air: The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, which is around 30 kilometers (about a 45-minute drive) from Hoi An. From Da Nang, you can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to reach Hoi An.
By Train: You can take a train to Da Nang and then continue by bus or taxi to Hoi An.
By Bus: There are several buses operating from Da Nang, Hue, or other cities in central Vietnam to Hoi An.
By Car: Hiring a private car or taxi from Da Nang or other nearby cities is also an option, especially for a more comfortable and direct route.
Hoi An Ancient Town:
The heart of Hoi An, this historic district is known for its narrow streets, vibrant lanterns, and colonial-style buildings. The Ancient Town is a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French architectural styles.
Some key attractions here include Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Chuc Thanh Pagoda, and Hoi An Museum.
Japanese Covered Bridge:
This iconic bridge, dating back to the 16th century, is one of Hoi An's most famous landmarks. It’s a unique structure with both a functional and symbolic purpose, offering a mix of Japanese and Vietnamese architectural influences.
An Bang Beach:
Located a few kilometers outside of Hoi An, An Bang Beach is a quiet, relaxing spot perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
Hoi An Night Market:
Every evening, the Ancient Town comes alive with street vendors, selling everything from local handicrafts to delicious street food. The market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, try local snacks, and enjoy the beautiful lantern-lit ambiance.
Hoi An's Tailor Shops:
Hoi An is famous for its custom-tailored clothing. Many shops offer to create tailor-made clothes, suits, dresses, and even shoes in just a couple of days. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss if you love shopping for personalized fashion.
Cua Dai Beach:
Another beautiful beach, a little further from the town center, known for its long stretches of sand and calm water, perfect for swimming or lounging.
Tra Que Vegetable Village:
A charming rural area just outside of Hoi An, where you can learn about traditional farming methods, pick fresh herbs and vegetables, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal.
My Son Sanctuary (Day Trip from Hoi An):
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, My Son is a collection of ancient Hindu temples built by the Champa civilization, located about an hour’s drive from Hoi An. The temples are nestled in a lush valley and are a great cultural excursion.
Hoi An Museum:
The museum houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of Hoi An’s history and its role as a prominent trading port.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village:
A short drive from Hoi An, this village specializes in pottery making. You can observe traditional pottery techniques and even try your hand at crafting your own pottery.
Cycling Tours:
Hoi An is a great place for cycling, and you can rent a bike to explore the countryside, visit nearby villages, or cycle around the Ancient Town.
Cooking Classes:
Many cooking schools in Hoi An offer classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh xeo, and cao lau. After the class, you usually get to enjoy the meal you’ve made.
Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River:
Take a leisurely boat ride on the Thu Bon River, which runs through Hoi An. You can see the town from the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, especially at sunset.
Lantern Festival:
Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, the Lantern Festival transforms Hoi An into a magical wonderland of glowing lanterns. The town turns off its electric lights, and colorful lanterns light up the streets and the river, creating an unforgettable experience.
Beach Activities:
Enjoy water sports like kayaking, surfing, and kiteboarding at the nearby beaches. An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are perfect for these activities.
Visit Tailor Shops:
As Hoi An is famous for its bespoke tailoring, visiting the many tailor shops in the town is a must. You can have clothing made to measure in just a couple of days.
Yoga and Wellness:
Many wellness centers in Hoi An offer yoga and meditation classes, as well as spa treatments to help you unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Hoi An offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options:
Luxury Hotels & Resorts:
Anantara Hoi An Resort: A beautiful riverside resort with lush gardens, offering a blend of luxury and cultural heritage.
The Nam Hai: A luxury beachfront resort near Hoi An, offering private villas, stunning views, and world-class amenities.
Hoi An Silk Village Resort & Spa: A charming resort that combines luxury with traditional Vietnamese silk-making culture.
Mid-Range Hotels:
Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa: A tranquil resort offering spacious rooms, a beautiful pool, and an excellent spa.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa: A stylish and affordable resort with great facilities, including a lovely pool and spa.
Hoi An Garden Palace & Spa: A mid-range hotel offering modern rooms, beautiful gardens, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Budget Accommodation:
Hoi An Backpackers Hostel: A popular budget option for solo travelers and backpackers. It offers dormitory-style rooms and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Little Beach Hoi An: A budget-friendly beachfront guesthouse with a relaxed vibe, perfect for those looking for a more affordable stay.
Sunshine Hotel: A cozy, budget hotel located near the Ancient Town, offering comfortable rooms and friendly service.
Homestays & Boutique Hotels:
Hoi An also has a number of charming homestays and boutique hotels that offer a more personal experience with authentic Vietnamese hospitality. They are great for travelers who want a unique and intimate stay.
Morning Glory: A popular restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese dishes, including Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau and Mi Quang.
Bale Well: Known for its delicious Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers).
Cao Lau Ba Le: A family-run restaurant serving one of the best versions of Hoi An’s famous dish, Cao Lau.
The Market Restaurant: Located near the river, it offers great seafood and Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting.
Bánh Mì Phượng: Famous for its mouthwatering Banh Mi sandwiches, a must-try street food.
Hoi An’s culture is deeply rooted in its history as a major trading port, which attracted merchants from all over the world. As a result, the town is a melting pot of various cultural influences, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French elements. This rich cultural heritage is reflected in the town's architecture, festivals, art, cuisine, and daily life. Here are some key aspects of Hoi An's local culture:
Hoi An is known for its beautifully preserved architecture that showcases a fusion of local and foreign influences. The Ancient Town is filled with narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, traditional wooden houses, and iconic landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge. These buildings reflect the town’s past as a busy international port, where merchants from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia settled and built their homes and businesses.
Chinese Influence: Many of Hoi An’s buildings are influenced by Chinese design, including the use of red, yellow, and green colors and intricate carvings. The Chinese Assembly Halls, such as Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, are stunning examples of this influence.
Japanese Influence: The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Hoi An, symbolizing the historical connection between the Japanese and the local community.
French Influence: French colonial architecture can be seen in the town’s streets and the structure of certain buildings, adding a European flair to the otherwise Asian-influenced designs.
The Lantern Festival is one of the most important cultural events in Hoi An, held on the 14th day of every lunar month. During this festival, the town’s electric lights are turned off, and thousands of colorful lanterns light up the streets, giving the entire town a magical, otherworldly feel. Locals and tourists participate by setting lanterns afloat on the Thu Bon River, making wishes for good luck and prosperity.
The Lantern Festival is also a celebration of the full moon and the town’s ancient trading history, where merchants and locals would light lanterns to guide them home after a long day.
Hoi An is renowned for its delicious and unique cuisine, which is heavily influenced by both its geographical location and its multicultural past. Some of the most famous dishes include:
Cao Lau: A noodle dish made with thick noodles, pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. It's a local specialty that can't be found anywhere else in Vietnam.
Mi Quang: A turmeric-flavored noodle dish served with pork, shrimp, or chicken, topped with peanuts, herbs, and crispy rice crackers.
Banh Mi: Hoi An’s take on the famous Vietnamese sandwich, often served with pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Banh Xeo: Vietnamese savory pancakes filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, usually served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Food in Hoi An is often prepared using traditional techniques, and many locals take pride in passing down recipes through generations.
Hoi An is famous for its skilled artisans, particularly in areas like tailoring, pottery, and silk weaving.
Tailoring: Hoi An is renowned for its tailor shops, where visitors can have custom-made clothing and accessories within a short period. The town’s craftsmanship has been passed down through generations, and you can find tailors who create everything from suits to dresses, often using silk sourced locally.
Pottery: The nearby Thanh Ha Pottery Village is home to artisans who still use traditional techniques to craft pottery by hand. Visitors can tour the village, watch pottery being made, and even try their hand at shaping their own creations.
Silk Weaving: The town has a long history of silk weaving, and you can visit silk shops and workshops to see how silk is made and shop for handmade silk products like scarves, clothing, and accessories.
Religion plays an important role in the daily life of Hoi An's residents. The town is home to many beautiful pagodas and temples, some of which date back centuries.
Chinese Temples and Pagodas: Many of the temples in Hoi An are dedicated to Chinese deities and ancestors. The Chuc Thanh Pagoda and Quan Cong Temple are notable examples.
Joss Paper Offerings: Locals frequently make offerings to spirits and ancestors using joss paper (paper money and other goods), which is burned in front of temples or shrines. This practice is deeply rooted in both Chinese and Vietnamese spiritual traditions.
Festivals and Religious Celebrations: Hoi An celebrates many traditional Vietnamese and Buddhist festivals, such as Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, and The Buddha’s Birthday, which feature religious ceremonies, dragon dances, and other cultural performances.
Fishing and Agriculture: Many locals in Hoi An still rely on traditional fishing techniques and agriculture for their livelihoods. Fishing villages and farms can be explored around the town, where visitors can see local farmers tending to their crops or fishermen casting nets in the river.
Family and Community-Oriented: The Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on family and community ties. You’ll often see extended families living together and children playing together in the streets. It’s also common for neighbors to gather in the evenings to share meals and chat.
The ao dai, a traditional Vietnamese dress, is still commonly worn by both men and women in Hoi An. The ao dai consists of a long tunic worn over pants and is made of silk or other light fabrics, often elaborately embroidered with designs. While the ao dai is more common in urban centers and formal settings, you can still see it worn during festivals and special occasions in Hoi An.