The Ultimate Guide to Hoi An, Vietnam
Visiting Asia for the first time felt incredible, and Vietnam amazed us in every way. Among all the places we explored, one stood out the most—Hoi An.
This charming town quickly became a highlight of our trip. Its lantern-lit streets, lively markets, and peaceful riverside created a unique atmosphere we had never experienced before. The blend of history, culture, and amazing food made every moment special. From cycling through rice fields to enjoying fresh banh mi by the water, Hoi An captured our hearts. In this ultimate Guide to Hoi An, we’ll share why it became our favorite destination in Vietnam.
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How to Get To Hoi An
Hoi An does not have its own airport or train station, but getting there is easy. The nearest airport and train station are in Da Nang, about 40–45 minutes away.
Hoi An by Plane
Fly into Da Nang International Airport. There are daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and some international routes. From Da Nang Airport, take a taxi (250,000 VND) or book a Grab scooter (100,000 VND) for a cheaper ride. You can also take a public bus, which runs regularly.
Hoi An by Bus
Buses are the only direct option to Hoi An. Book through 12GoAsia or a local travel agency. Buses are affordable and include sleeper options, but they can be busy and bumpy. The trip from Hanoi takes 16 hours (often with a stop in Hue). From Nha Trang, it takes 10 hours.
Hoi An by Train
Trains arrive at Da Nang Station. From there, take a taxi or Grab to Hoi An. The train from Hanoi takes 16 hours (many travelers stop in Hue). From Nha Trang, it takes 10 hours. The train offers better views than the bus, especially the scenic Hai Van Pass route north toward Hue.
Flights to Da Nang
How to get Around Hoi An
In Hoi An, you’ll mostly use bikes or Grab rides to get around. The Old Town is perfect for walking, but since cars are banned, it’s best to explore on foot in that area. You can also rent a bike to cycle to the beach or through the nearby rice fields. The hotel we stayed at offered bikes, so we rented two and rode out to the rice fields—it was a peaceful and beautiful experience. We’ll share more about that adventure below!
For short trips, Grab is a great option. It’s affordable, with most rides costing under €3.50 (94,000 VND). You can use Grab to get into the Old Town but to leave, you’ll need to grab a local taxi instead.
If you want to try something unique, hop on a Hoi An GO shuttle bus. These are golf cart-style vehicles that circle the Old Town, offering a fun and easy way to get around. You can take a private tour or just use them as a regular shuttle service.
What to know before you visit Hoi An
Currency
The local currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). As of January 2024, €1 is equal to about 26,011 VND, so make sure to exchange your money accordingly.
Language
The official language is Vietnamese, but many people working in restaurants, hotels, and around the Ancient Town can speak some English. It helps to know a few basic phrases in Vietnamese, but you’ll find communication easy enough in the tourist areas.
Visa Requirements
If you’re traveling to Vietnam from the US or Europe, you’ll need a visa. For US citizens, a visa is required, and it’s best to apply ahead of time. For European travelers, most will also need a visa, but check your country’s specific requirements. You can apply for an e-visa or visit the Vietnamese embassy.
Dress Code
Hoi An is a relaxed town, but when visiting temples or religious sites, it’s respectful to dress modestly—cover your shoulders and knees.
Ancient Town Ticket
To visit certain attractions in Hoi An’s Ancient Town, you need to buy a ticket, which costs around 200,000 VND. This ticket gives you access to five popular sites, though you can explore the town freely without purchasing it. It’s not strictly enforced, but buying the ticket helps preserve Hoi An’s historical charm, as a significant portion of the proceeds goes toward maintaining the town.
Electricity
Vietnam uses type A, C, and D plugs with a voltage of 220V, so make sure to bring the right adapter for your electronics.
Things to Do in Hoi An
Quan Cong Pagoda Temple
The Quan Cong Pagoda Temple bursts with bright gold and red, showing off typical Chinese temple style. It’s smaller than other temples in Hoi An but still creates a peaceful, calming atmosphere. The Chinese immigrants built the temple to honor Quan Cong, a revered general known for his courage, wisdom, and respect.
As you walk through the courtyard, you’ll spot a fish pond and an islet, lit by natural light from the open roof. The walls display poetry about virtues like patriotism and righteousness. In the center, a large drum with the yin-yang symbol sits, surrounded by trigrams representing the elements.
Inside, the temple has red pillars and golden Chinese characters, with a wooden statue of Quan Cong on the main altar. Even though it’s small, the temple feels spiritual and mysterious.
Japanese Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is Hoi An’s most famous landmark. It was first built in the 16th century to connect the Japanese and Chinese trading communities in the town. Today, it remains the best example of Japanese architecture in Hoi An, especially since most of the Japanese settlements were destroyed during the Tay Son Rebellion in the 18th century.
The bridge spans a stream that flows into the Thu Bon River. Located at the western edge of Hoi An’s Ancient Town, it rests on stone pillars and has a curved design. It’s the most recognizable structure in Hoi An, often crowded with tourists during the day.
To truly enjoy the beauty of the bridge, visit early in the morning, from 7 to 8 a.m.
Stroll through the old streets of Hoi An
Colorful French and Asian-style houses line the roads, their yellow walls glowing under the sun. Small shops display handmade lanterns, sew tailor-made clothes, and craft delicate pottery. The aroma of burning incense drifts from temples, while food stalls grill fresh bánh mì and fry crunchy rice pancakes.
Grab a coffee in a quiet café, sit back, and watch the world go by. At night, hundreds of lanterns light up the streets, casting reflections on the river like dancing fireflies.
For the best experience, explore early in the morning when the streets feel peaceful or during lunchtime when the crowds clear out.
Hoi An Central Market
We explored Hoi An Central Market, right by the Thu Bon River, and loved the energy of the place. Vendors filled their stalls with fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, fragrant spices, and handmade baskets. The smell of sizzling street food mixed with the scent of herbs, making us want to try everything.
Visiting in the morning felt like stepping into local life. People bargained loudly, motorbikes weaved through the crowd, and every stall overflowed with colorful produce.
Hoi An Night Market
Located on Nguyen Hoang Street, the Hoi An Night Market opens every day from 6 to 10 pm. We loved wandering through the market, where we found endless stalls selling everything from street food to ‘designer’ bags and local souvenirs. The market is lively and colorful, with around 50 vendors lining the street. Colorful lantern stalls greet you at the entrance, offering a variety of lanterns in different shapes and colors. For food lovers, over 20 stalls serve Hoi An’s famous dishes.
Tip: The market can get quite crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Tan Ky Old House
Tan Ky Old House, built in 1741, is a historic house in Hoi An. It has been a home for a seven-generation family and also a trading place for merchants. The house is a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles, with wood, stone, and tiles from different regions. Despite a flood in 1961, it still keeps its original design. Tan Ky Old House became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990. Located at 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, it’s just a short walk from the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Cantonese Assembly Hall
The Cantonese Assembly Hall is located on Tran Phu Street and is a must-see for visitors. Built in the late 18th century by Chinese settlers from Guangdong, it was originally a place to worship the Mazu goddess and Confucius. Since 1911, the hall has honored Guan Yu and other important figures. The hall also served as a gathering place for the Cantonese community to support each other in business and daily life.
The assembly hall’s design is unique. It features a large gate with beautiful carvings of mythical creatures, a central courtyard with a dragon statue, and a communal temple. The main hall and the backyard complete the structure, showcasing impressive artwork on the walls. You can visit the hall daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Ba Mu Temple
Ba Mu Temple is located on Hai Ba Trung Street in Hoi An, close to the Japanese Covered Bridge. The temple has a long history, starting in 1626. It has two main parts: Cam Ha Cung, which honors Bao Sanh Dai De, and Hai Binh Cung, which is for Thien Hau Saint Mother and 12 Ba Mu deities. The temple is famous for its Tam Quan Gate and its peaceful pond with beautiful flowers, making it a great place for photos.
Coconut boat ride
We had to try the coconut boat ride and it didn’t disappoint! We glided through the peaceful waterways of the Seven Hectare Coconut Forest, just a short distance from the town. Surrounded by lush coconut groves, the ride was relaxing and fun.
You can enjoy the boat ride daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with tickets ranging from 75,000 to 200,000 VND for a boat, plus an entrance fee of 30,000 VND per person.
One fun part of the ride is “boat dancing,” where fishermen spin the boats in circles, adding a bit of excitement. You can also try fishing or catch crabs along the riverside, making the experience even more enjoyable.
cycle along the rice fields
The rice fields around Hoi An offer a peaceful escape from the busy town. One morning, we woke up, grabbed two bikes from the hotel, and headed out to explore Hoi An. We rode through the quiet streets, leaving the town behind and pedaling into the rice fields. The fields stretched for miles, with a few water buffaloes roaming around. It was a peaceful scene, and we took a moment to watch the farmers at work.
Try a traditional Banh Mi
A trip to Hoi An isn’t complete without a visit to Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen. If you’re unfamiliar with banh mi, it’s a crispy baguette split lengthwise and filled with savory ingredients like pork or chicken. At Madam Khanh’s shop, you’ll find some of the best banh mi around. Thanos, excited to try it, ordered the mixed option with everything on it. After taking a bite, he immediately understood why this sandwich is so popular!
Get custom clothes made
Hoi An is home to over 200 tailor shops, making it the perfect place to get something custom-made. With just a few days to spare, you can have something made from scratch, whether it’s a suit, dress, or even a traditional piece. You can choose from displayed designs, or if you have something specific in mind, just show them an example, and they’ll work their magic. Alexandra, excited to get something special, walked into one of the shops and decided to order an ao dai, a traditional Vietnamese dress.
Day Trip from Hoi An to Da Nang
A short drive from Hoi An, Da Nang offers a mix of city sights and natural beauty. Visit the Marble Mountains, explore the Golden Bridge, or enjoy the city’s vibrant beaches. It is perfect for a quick getaway.
Enjoy a ride on the lantern boats
Every night, boats with colorful lanterns light up the Thu Bon River. You can buy a boat ticket at the stand near the river, where you’ll easily spot a line of people waiting. The ticket costs around 150,000 VND for two people. You can also buy paper lanterns from vendors along the river. The line to board moves quickly, and the boat ride lasts around 20 minutes.
Get a massage
In Hoi An, we tried foot massage, and it was amazing. After a day of exploring the town, the gentle massage helped relax our feet and ease the tension in our body. The soothing atmosphere and affordable price made it a perfect way to unwind. It was definitely a refreshing experience that we would recommend to anyone visiting.
Eat traditional Vietnamese food
When you visit Hoi An, trying the local dishes is a must. The town is famous for its banh mi sandwiches, quang noodles, cao lau, and white rose dumplings – all of which you have to taste.
Wander the riverfront
A stroll along the waterfront in Hoi An is a perfect addition to your itinerary. You can enjoy the view of the charming yellow buildings and watch the boats drift by. The best time to visit is in the evening when the lanterns light up the river, especially during full moon festivals.
Enjoy the Ancient Town views
Moments Café in Hoi An is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee while admiring stunning views of the Ancient Town from above. At 92 Station Bar & Restaurant, you can enjoy stunning views of Hoi An’s Ancient Town while sipping on refreshing drinks and tasting delicious food.
Sample the coffee
Coffee in Hoi An is a must-try experience, as the city is known for its unique and flavorful coffee culture. The traditional Vietnamese coffee, often made with strong drip coffee (cà phê sữa đá) and sweetened condensed milk, is a favorite among locals. You can enjoy it in various cozy cafés scattered around the Ancient Town, where the atmosphere is as charming as the coffee itself. For a more local touch, some places even serve coffee with coconut milk or egg yolks, offering an extra twist on the classic brew.
Visit My Son Temples
My Son Temples are about 1,300 years old and were built by the Cham people. They are different from most temples in Vietnam because they follow Hindu traditions, not Buddhist ones. You’ll find statues like Vishnu and Ganesha. The site was bombed during the Vietnam War, so it’s not as grand as places like Angkor Wat, but still worth visiting.
You can visit My Son by renting a scooter, joining a group tour, or hiring a taxi, especially if you’re in a group. An interesting fact is that during French colonization, they took the heads of the statues to France. The originals are now in the Louvre.
What to Eat and Where in Hoi An
- Morning Glory: Try Cao Lầu, White Rose, Hoành Thánh, and Mì Quảng.
- Miss Ly: Try local Hoi An specialties.
- Mai Fish: Try fresh seafood and classic Hoi An dishes.
- Nu Eatery: Try fusion dishes.
- Vy’s Market: Try a mix of traditional and unusual dishes like jellyfish.
- Tok: Try fresh, organic dishes made with local ingredients.
- Mùa: Try seasonal dishes with local ingredients.
- Com Linh: Try mango and duck spring rolls, Bánh xèo.
- Êm Comfort Food: Try elevated home-style Vietnamese dishes.
- Madam Khanh – Bánh Mì Queen: Try the famous Bánh mì.
- Good morning Vietnam: Try italian dishes like pizza and pasta.
- STREETS: Try Hoi An noodles.
- Central Market: Try Fresh spring rolls, banh xeo (rice flour pancakes), fried wontons, white rose (pork-filled dumplings) and banh cuon (soft rice paper rolls).
- The Espresso Station: Try vietnamese coffee, iced coconut coffee.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
When staying in Hoi An, you can choose from a range of accommodations that suit different preferences. For a peaceful, quiet experience, staying near the rice fields can provide a unique and calming atmosphere. You’ll get to enjoy the local life and view the green fields, which are far from the city’s buzz. For those who want to be closer to the beach or the town center, options there are also plentiful, offering easy access to attractions. If you’re looking for a social vibe, hostels and more lively accommodations are available too.
The Best Time to Visit Hoi An
The best time to visit Hoi An is from November to April, when the weather is warm and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine. It’s the peak season, and the temperature is comfortable without being too hot. However, from May to September, it can get very hot, reaching up to 40°C, which might be overwhelming.
One time to avoid is November, as it’s the flooding season. The old town has been known to get floodwaters as high as head level in previous years. If you visit during the hot months, you can still enjoy the city, but make sure to wear sunscreen and find shade often, especially with the occasional rain showers.
FAQ about Hoi An
Hoi An is a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, travelers should still take basic precautions, such as safeguarding valuables, especially in crowded areas. While traffic can be hectic, especially with motorbikes, it’s generally a peaceful place to visit.
Hoi An is a very affordable destination, with an average daily cost of around €49. Compared to other parts of Asia, it remains a budget-friendly place to visit. It ranks among the more economical cities on the continent.
Tourists in Hoi An should stay cautious as pickpocketing and theft are common crimes. The streets, especially around the Ancient Town, get quite crowded, making it easier for criminals to take advantage of the situation.
If you're thinking of visiting Vietnam, make sure to prioritize Hoi An! It's best to set aside at least three full days to explore everything this charming town has to offer.
To explore everything of Hoi An Ancient Town, 3 to 4 days is usually enough.
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved historic town and vibrant streets filled with colorful lanterns.
You can find colorful lanterns, silk products, bamboo chopsticks, and Thanh Ha pottery. Bronze statues and wooden sculptures are particularly popular for their craftsmanship and the cultural significance they hold.
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