Lantern-lit ancient town with tailor shops and riverside charm
Updated
Hoi An is a remarkably well-preserved ancient trading port on the central coast of Vietnam, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Situated in Quang Nam Province about 30 kilometres south of Da Nang, the town flourished as an international commercial hub between the 15th and 19th centuries, welcoming merchants from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Netherlands.
Hoi An is in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, about 630 km south-east of Hanoi in a straight line. The closest other destination in our Vietnam guide is Da Nang, roughly 25 km away. Its coordinates are 15.8801° N, 108.3380° E.
| Best time to visit | February to April (dry season, warm but not oppressive) |
|---|---|
| Daily budget | US$40-100 per day |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Nearest airport | DAD (Da Nang, 30 km away) |
| Language | Vietnamese (English spoken at tourist businesses) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 |
| Population | 155,000 |
Entry rules vary by passport. Check our Southeast Asia visa requirements guide.
Where to stay
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Today its historic core retains much of that multicultural heritage - Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese clan houses, French colonial facades, and Vietnamese tube houses line the narrow riverside streets.
The Ancient Town is best explored on foot or by bicycle. The Thu Bon River curves through the southern edge of the old quarter, and at night the streets glow with hundreds of silk lanterns that give Hoi An its signature look. On the 14th of each lunar month the town holds the Full Moon Lantern Festival, when electricity is switched off and the old quarter is lit entirely by candles and floating lanterns on the river.
Hoi An's beaches lie within easy reach. Cua Dai Beach is roughly four kilometres from the old town, while An Bang Beach - a quieter, less developed stretch - sits about five kilometres away and has become popular with long-stay visitors. Offshore, Cu Lao Cham Marine Park protects a cluster of islands accessible by boat from Cua Dai pier, offering snorkelling in clear coastal waters.
The food scene is one of the town's greatest draws. Cao Lau - thick rice noodles with pork and crispy croutons prepared using water drawn from a specific local well - is eaten almost exclusively in Hoi An. White rose dumplings and banh mi from the street carts of Phuong are other local staples. The town is also well known for bespoke tailoring; dozens of shops offer custom-made clothing turned around in 24 to 48 hours.
Excursions from Hoi An are plentiful. My Son Sanctuary, a group of Cham Hindu temples built between the 4th and 14th centuries, lies about 40 kilometres to the southwest. The Marble Mountains rise on the outskirts of Da Nang, and the ancient city of Hue can be reached in under three hours. The surrounding countryside offers cycling routes through rice paddies, vegetable farms at Tra Que village, and basket-boat rides through the Cam Thanh coconut forest.
When to go
Hoi An sits in central Vietnam's climate zone, with a distinct dry and wet season. The dry months from February to April are ideal - warm, sunny and perfect for the old town, the rice paddies and the beach.
Attractions
Hoi An is Vietnam's most romantic town - a UNESCO-listed trading port of ochre shophouses, silk lanterns, tailor shops and riverside cafés, with a great beach and rice paddies nearby. Two to four days is the sweet spot.
A pedestrian-only time capsule of 15th-19th-century Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese architecture - the Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls, old merchant houses and a river of silk lanterns after dark. Buy an old-town ticket bundle to visit five heritage sites.
Old-town combo ticket 120,000 VND (~$4.80) for five sites.
On the 14th day of every lunar month, the old town turns off its electric lights, illuminating only candles and lanterns, and locals float paper-flower boats down the Thu Bon River. Magical and unmissable if your dates align.
A 4-km crescent of sand 4 km east of town - beach clubs, sun loungers, swimming and seafood shacks. The perfect afternoon escape from the old-town heat, with none of the crowds of Da Nang's resort strip.
Free; loungers ~50,000 VND (~$2); bicycle or a 5-minute Grab.
Hoi An is the tailoring capital of Vietnam - hundreds of shops turning out bespoke suits, dresses, coats and shoes in 24-48 hours. Bring pictures, choose your fabric, and leave time for two fittings. Quality varies enormously - go on recommendations, not touts.
Cycle to the organic herb farms that supply the town's restaurants, then take a market-and-cooking class to learn cao lau, fresh spring rolls and banh xeo. Most classes include a basket-boat ride in the coconut water palms.
Cooking classes from ~350,000 VND (~$14)/half-day.
The ruined Hindu temples of the Cham kingdom - a smaller, jungle-clad Angkor Wat, 40 km away. Best at sunrise by scooter, bicycle or organised tour, often combined with a boat trip back on the river.
Entry 150,000 VND (~$6); tours from ~300,000 VND ($12).
Transport
The old town is flat, compact and bicycle-friendly - Hoi An is one of the easiest, most pleasant towns to get around in Vietnam. Beyond the centre, Grab and bicycles cover everything.
Hoi An has no airport - fly into Da Nang (DAD), 30 km north, and take a Grab or shuttle (~45 minutes). Pair Hoi An with Da Nang, imperial Hue, the Marble Mountains, or train north to Hanoi and south to Ho Chi Minh City.
Accommodation
Hoi An offers excellent value - riverside boutique hotels and homestays for far less than Da Nang's resorts. Choose old town, rice paddies or beach.
Walking distance to the lanterns, markets, tailor shops and restaurants. Boutique hotels and homestays in restored shophouses.
Tranquil family homestays and resorts amid the paddies and coconut palms - the peaceful, authentic Hoi An experience, a short bike ride from town.
Beachfront bungalows and resorts 4 km east - sand, swimming and sunset, with the old town a short cycle away.
Food & drink
Hoi An is a food-lover's paradise - a clutch of dishes found nowhere else in Vietnam, eaten in lantern-lit courtyards and riverside markets.
Cao lau - the iconic Hoi An noodle dish, thick chewy noodles with pork, greens and croutons made only with water from a local well. Banh mi - Hoi An claims the best in Vietnam; try Banh Mi Phuong (of Bourdain fame). White rose dumplings and banh xeo crispy pancakes.
Finish with che sweet bean dessert and Hoi An's famous cold coconut coffee. The Central Market and riverside stalls are the cheapest, best places to eat.
Plan your trip
UK and most EU passports get 45 days visa-free; US, Australian and Canadian passports need an e-visa ($25, up to 90 days, as of November 2026) - see our visa guide. The currency is the dong (VND). Hoi An is walkable, safe and one of the easiest, most charming towns in Vietnam to visit. Bring cash for markets and tailors.
Planning a bigger route? Pair this with our 5 days in Vietnam itinerary and the Da Nang destination guide.
Hotel search
Hoi An, Vietnam
Set along a kilometre of Ha My Beach, The Nam Hai is one of Vietnam's most celebrated beachfront retreats. Its 100 private pool villas are designed around traditional Central Vietnamese garden architecture, and the property sits on a historically significant site overlooking five horseshoe-shaped bays.
Located directly on the Thu Bon River in the heart of the old quarter, Anantara Hoi An occupies a colonial-era building and offers elegant river-view rooms with verandas overlooking the water. Lantern making, cooking classes, and boat cruises form part of the resort's cultural programme.
La Siesta is a polished resort a short drive from the Ancient Town, featuring a 400-square-metre saltwater pool, an infinity pool, and a full-service spa. The property blends contemporary design with Hoi An's characteristic warm-toned palette, and a daily shuttle connects guests to the old quarter and An Bang Beach.
Almanity takes a wellness-forward approach to luxury, with a fenceless open design and an impressive spa complex at its core. Located within easy walking distance of the old town, the resort's 138 rooms draw on Hoi An's multicultural trading heritage through their decorative scheme and crafted furnishings.
Spread across five hectares of landscaped tropical gardens fronting Cua Dai Beach, Palm Garden is a sprawling beachfront resort with 214 rooms and a lush outdoor pool. It is five minutes by car from the Ancient Town and offers a free shuttle service to the old quarter.
Victoria Hoi An occupies a prime position on Cua Dai Beach with direct beach access and a large outdoor pool. The resort's Central Vietnamese-inspired architecture and warm-toned interiors create a relaxed ambience, and it is well suited for families seeking a beach base close to the old town.
Phu Thinh Boutique Resort is a four-star property on Cua Dai Road with a traditional Vietnamese architectural style, garden grounds, and a spa. It is quieter than resorts closer to the beach but is well positioned for day trips in both directions - the old town to the west and the beaches to the east.
Lantana Boutique Hotel sits on the Hoai River just one minute's walk from the Ancient Town centre, making it one of the best-located mid-range options in Hoi An. Rooms are stylishly furnished with local crafts and textiles, and the riverside terrace is popular for breakfast.
Banana Garden is a charming three-star boutique hotel with a quiet garden setting on a lane off Tran Quang Khai. Rooms are clean and well-maintained, the gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the busy old town streets, and the location is within easy walking distance of the Ancient Town and the river.
Located at 10 Tran Hung Dao at the edge of the Ancient Town, Hoi An Historic Hotel is a dependable four-star property with an outdoor pool and 150 air-conditioned rooms. Its central position makes it convenient for exploring the old quarter on foot, and the hotel provides reliable service at a reasonable mid-range price.
Vinh Hung Riverside Resort is set along the Thu Bon River a short cycle from the old town, with two pools including an infinity pool overlooking the river. The resort organises complimentary sunset boat tours and food-tasting evenings, giving guests a sense of local life beyond the tourist streets.
Hoi An Ancient House Resort sits on Cua Dai Road about ten minutes by taxi from the old town. The property has a Balinese-influenced design with lush gardens and a large swimming pool, and a shuttle runs regularly into the Ancient Town. It is a popular choice for travellers wanting resort amenities at a mid-range price.
Hoi An Trails is a relaxed resort on Cua Dai Road with an outdoor pool and comfortable four-star rooms at accessible prices. The grounds are well maintained and the staff are noted for attentive service. Bicycles are available for rent, and the old town is reachable in around fifteen minutes by bike.
Golden Bell Homestay is a well-regarded budget guesthouse in the heart of the old town, known for its friendly hosts and clean, simply furnished rooms. It is ideal for budget travellers who want to base themselves inside the Ancient Town without spending on a full hotel.
A popular hostel a few minutes from the old town, Hoi An Backpacker Hostel offers mixed and private dormitory rooms with air conditioning, a communal kitchen, and a social atmosphere suited to solo travellers and those on tight budgets. Tour desks, bicycle hire, and daily shuttles to Da Nang are available on site.
Serendipity is a modern, well-reviewed hostel close to the old town with dormitory beds and private rooms, a rooftop social area, and organised group activities. It attracts a young international crowd and is a good choice for travellers looking for connections and local tips.
A beach homestay set directly on An Bang Beach, Morning Glory offers simple, clean accommodation in a relaxed beachside setting about five kilometres from the old town. It is suited to travellers who prioritise beach access over proximity to the Ancient Town, and the friendly family atmosphere earns consistently strong reviews.
Culture · 3-4 hours
A guided walking tour through the core of Hoi An's UNESCO World Heritage old quarter, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, and historic merchant houses. Expert local guides explain the layered commercial and architectural history of the town's multicultural past.
History · Full day
A small-group day excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary - a cluster of Cham Hindu temples built between the 4th and 14th centuries in a forested valley. The tour includes transport from Hoi An, a guided walk through the temple complex, and explanation of Champa civilisation history.
Nature · 2-3 hours
An experience unique to the rivers around Hoi An - ride a traditional round bamboo basket boat through the dense water coconut palms of Cam Thanh village. Local boatmen demonstrate their traditional rowing technique, spinning the boats in circles, and the tour includes time in the floating market area.
Culture · 4-5 hours
A guided evening tour of Hoi An's most atmospheric streets and historic landmarks, ending with a sit-down dinner of local specialities. The tour covers the old town after dark when the lanterns are lit and the streets are at their most photogenic, and also visits local temples and the night market.
Food · 4-5 hours
A combined cooking and nature experience starting with a guided visit to Hoi An's central market to select fresh ingredients, followed by a basket boat ride through Cam Thanh, and concluding with a hands-on cooking class preparing signature Hoi An dishes such as white rose dumplings and Cao Lau.
Beach · Full day
A boat day trip to Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, a protected cluster of islands offshore from Hoi An. The tour includes snorkelling over coral reefs in clear coastal waters, time on the island's beaches, and a seafood lunch. The speedboat crossing takes approximately 30 minutes from Cua Dai pier.
Culture · 4-5 hours
A boat tour along the Thu Bon River visiting Hoi An's traditional craft villages - including Kim Bong carpentry and Thanh Ha pottery - before returning to the old town for a hands-on lantern-making class. The experience gives context to the artisanal trades that sustained Hoi An's merchants for centuries.
Food · 4 hours
A leisurely cycling tour through Hoi An's rural outskirts - pedalling along river paths, through rice paddies and market gardens, with stops to taste street food and observe local farm life. The pace is gentle and the route mostly flat, making it accessible for all fitness levels.
Adventure · Full day
A full-day excursion from Hoi An to Ba Na Hills via cable car, visiting the landmark Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands above the clouds. The tour also covers the reconstructed French village and Fantasy Park at the summit, with transport and cable car tickets included.
History · Full day
A full-day tour northward to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Highlights include the Imperial Citadel, the royal tombs of Minh Mang and Tu Duc, and a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River. The Thien Mu Pagoda and Dong Ba Market are also commonly included.
Food · 3-4 hours
A guided half-day trip to Tra Que, an organic vegetable farming village three kilometres from the old town that has supplied Hoi An's restaurants for generations. Visitors can join farmers in the fields, learn traditional techniques, and finish with a cooking session preparing dishes from freshly harvested produce.
Culture · 1.5 hours
Hoi An Memories is a large-scale outdoor performance held at the Hoi An Impression Theme Park at night, using the Thu Bon River as a backdrop. The show combines traditional dance, theatrical performance, and spectacular light effects to retell the history of the ancient trading port.
Plan your trip
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Where to stayHotels in Hoi An