Hoi An is one of the most charming towns in Vietnam. Yellow shophouses, silk lanterns, a quiet river, and a food scene far bigger than the town’s size make it a highlight of almost every trip. It is also small, walkable, and easy to enjoy at a slow pace.
This guide covers what to do in Hoi An, what to eat, where to stay, how many days to plan, and when to go. It also explains how Hoi An fits into a wider itinerary, since it appears on nearly every list of Vietnam top tours.
What makes Hoi An special
Hoi An was an important trading port for centuries, and merchants from different parts of Asia settled there. That history is still visible in the architecture, from wooden merchant houses to assembly halls and a covered bridge. The Ancient Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has helped preserve its character.
Unlike larger Vietnamese cities, Hoi An has narrow lanes, limited traffic in the old center, and a calm atmosphere, especially in the early morning and evening.
Hoi An at a glance
| Best for | Culture, food, photography, relaxed travel |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 days |
| Nearest airport | Da Nang, roughly 45 minutes by road |
| Best months | February to August in general |
| Be aware | Heavy rain and flooding can affect the town in the later months of the year |
Top things to do in Hoi An
Walk the Ancient Town
The Ancient Town is the heart of Hoi An, and walking is the best way to see it. Visit early in the morning, when the streets are quiet and the light is soft, or in the evening, when lanterns come on. The town’s ticket system covers entry to a set of heritage sites, so check the current rules and prices at the ticket points.
Highlights include old merchant houses, assembly halls built by different communities, small temples, and the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of the town.
See the lanterns at night
Lanterns are what many travelers remember most. After dark, the riverside and main streets glow with color. On the full moon, the town holds a lantern night in which vehicles are kept out of the old center and the streets are lit by candles and lanterns. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so check the schedule if you want to be there.
You can also release a small candle lantern on the river, a simple and popular activity. Agree on any price before you hire a boat.
Eat your way through town
Hoi An’s food is a reason to visit on its own. Dishes to try include:
- Cao lau. Thick, chewy noodles with pork, greens, and a little broth, strongly associated with Hoi An.
- Banh mi. Hoi An’s version of the baguette sandwich has a devoted following.
- White rose dumplings. Delicate steamed dumplings with shrimp filling.
- Mi quang. Turmeric noodles from the wider Quang Nam region.
- Com ga. Chicken rice, a local favorite.
A cooking class or a guided food walk is a good way to understand the flavors, and many include a market visit.
Visit a tailor, with realistic expectations
Hoi An is known for tailors who make clothing to measure, often within a few days. It can be a fun experience, but quality varies. Bring photos of what you want, ask about fabrics, allow time for fittings, and avoid rushing the process. Do not leave it to your last day.
Cycle to the countryside
A bike ride outside the town shows a different side of Hoi An. Rice fields, small villages, and farms are close to the center. Tra Que, a vegetable village, is popular for visitors who want to see local farming and join a cooking activity.
Take a boat trip
The Thu Bon River and its estuary offer boat trips through quiet scenery. In Cam Thanh, round coconut-basket boats take visitors through a water-coconut forest. It can be touristy, but it is a fun, easy activity for families.
Relax at the beach
An Bang Beach is the most popular beach near Hoi An, about a short ride from the Ancient Town, with beach cafes and restaurants. It is a good place to spend a slow afternoon. Beach conditions are best in the drier months.
Day trips from Hoi An
- My Son Sanctuary. A group of Cham temple ruins, roughly an hour away. Go early to avoid heat and crowds.
- Da Nang. A larger city with beaches, the Marble Mountains, and its own restaurant scene.
- Hue. The former imperial capital, reached by road via the Hai Van Pass, usually as part of a longer route.
- Ba Na Hills. A mountain resort near Da Nang, popular with domestic visitors, with cable cars and viewpoints.
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
| Time | What you can do |
|---|---|
| 1 day | Walk the Ancient Town, eat, and see the lanterns. It is a quick taste. |
| 2 days | Add a cooking class, a bike ride, and a half-day trip or beach time. |
| 3 days | A relaxed pace, with a day trip to My Son or Da Nang and a free day. |
| 4 days or more | Slow travel, a beach stay, and time to explore the surroundings. |
For most travelers, two to three nights is the right balance. If you want a tailor-made garment, plan at least three days.
Sample itineraries
Two days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Morning walk in the Ancient Town. Lunch of cao lau. Afternoon at a tailor or cafe. Evening river walk and lantern release. |
| Day 2 | Early bike ride through the countryside. Cooking class. Afternoon at An Bang Beach. Dinner in town. |
Three days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ancient Town and evening lanterns. |
| Day 2 | My Son in the morning, free afternoon, dinner by the river. |
| Day 3 | Cooking class or village visit. Tailor fitting. Beach in the afternoon. |
Where to stay in Hoi An
| Area | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Town | Atmosphere and walkability | Busier and noisier at night, smaller rooms |
| Near the Ancient Town (a short walk or bike ride) | Quiet with easy access | Slightly less atmosphere |
| An Bang Beach | Beach time and a relaxed feel | A short ride from the Ancient Town |
| Countryside villas | Quiet and rice-field views | Further from restaurants |
For a first visit, staying close to the Ancient Town is convenient. If beach time matters, consider splitting your stay between town and beach.
Best time to visit Hoi An
- February to August: Generally the most reliable period, with drier and sunnier weather. It also gets hot in the middle of summer.
- September to December: The rainy season on Vietnam’s central coast. Heavy rain, storms, and flooding can happen, especially in the later months. Many travelers still visit, but flexibility helps.
- January: Often cooler and showery, improving as the year progresses.
Because the central coast’s weather is changeable, check forecasts before you travel and keep your schedule flexible during the wetter months.
Getting to Hoi An
Hoi An does not have an airport. Most travelers fly into Da Nang and travel about 45 minutes by taxi, private transfer, or hotel shuttle. Trains and buses serve the wider region, and Hue is a scenic drive away. Many itineraries combine Hoi An with Hue, Da Nang, Ha Noi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Practical tips
- Go early or late. The Ancient Town is more pleasant in the morning and evening, when it is cooler and less crowded.
- Dress for the heat, and bring a light rain jacket in the wet season.
- Carry small cash, since some stalls and cafes do not take cards.
- Agree prices first for boat rides, cyclos, and other services.
- Check ticket and opening rules at the Ancient Town entrances.
- Respect temples and houses. Dress modestly and ask before taking photos of people.
- Take care near the river, especially at night when the lanterns attract crowds.
How Hoi An fits into a Vietnam itinerary
Hoi An works well as the middle stop in a north-to-south trip: Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay in the north, Hue and Hoi An in the center, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south. This is the structure behind many Vietnam top tours, because it offers a balance of cities, landscapes, history, and food.
If you only have a week, pairing Hoi An with Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh City keeps the travel manageable.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Hoi An? Two to three days is right for most travelers. One day is only a quick visit, and four or more suits slow travel and beach time.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An? February to August is generally the most reliable. The later months of the year are wetter, with a risk of heavy rain and flooding.
Is Hoi An worth visiting? Yes. It is one of the most atmospheric towns in Vietnam, with excellent food, good walking, and easy access to beaches and day trips.
What should I eat in Hoi An? Try cao lau, banh mi, white rose dumplings, mi quang, and chicken rice.
Where should I stay in Hoi An? Near the Ancient Town for atmosphere and convenience, or near An Bang Beach for a more relaxed stay.
How far is Hoi An from Da Nang airport? Roughly 45 minutes by road, depending on traffic.
Is Hoi An included in Vietnam top tours? Yes, it is a staple of most multi-region itineraries and often a central stop.
Plan your Hoi An visit
Hoi An rewards a slower pace, a few good meals, and an evening by the river. If you would like help deciding how long to stay, where to base yourself, or how to combine Hoi An with Hue, Ha Noi, or the south, contact TNK Travel. Our team can suggest a route, explain the best timing for your dates, and arrange the details so you can enjoy the trip.
