If there’s one place in Vietnam that feels like stepping into a real life Vietnamese postcard, it’s Hoi An. With its lantern-lit streets, mustard-yellow buildings, riverside cafés, and some of the best food in the country, Hoi An is pure magic and a must-visit on your Vietnam Itinerary, especially once the sun goes down.
Whether you’re here for the food, the history, the beaches, or simply to wander with a camera in hand, this complete guide to visiting Hoi An will help you plan the perfect stay.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Luxury: Hoi An Beach Resort
Mid-Range: Emerald Hoi An Riverside Resort
Budget: Spring Breeze Hotel Hoi An
Where Is Hoi An & How to Get There
Hoi An is located in central Vietnam, about 45 minutes from Da Nang.
How to Get to Hoi An:
- From Da Nang Airport: Grab (Vietnam’s Uber equivalent), taxi, or private transfer
- From Da Nang city: Scooter, Grab, or shuttle bus
- From Hue: Train or bus to Da Nang, then transfer
Hoi An itself is compact, walkable, and blissfully car-free in the Old Town which makes exploring incredibly easy.
Exploring Hoi An Ancient Town
The heart of Hoi An is the beautifully preserved Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most charming places in the country.
Don’t Miss:
- Wandering the lantern-lined streets
- Yellow colonial buildings with wooden shutters
- Riverside cafés and traditional shop houses
You’ll need to buy a Hoi An Old Town ticket, which gives you access to several historic sites and helps preserve the town.
Must-See Attractions in Hoi An
Japanese Covered Bridge
The iconic symbol of Hoi An, this 18th-century bridge is especially atmospheric in the early morning or at night.
Ancient Houses & Assembly Halls
Visit traditional homes like Tan Ky House and ornate Chinese Assembly Halls for a glimpse into Hoi An’s trading history.
Lantern Boat Ride
In the evening, the Thu Bon River glows with floating lanterns. You can release one yourself for good luck – touristy, yes, but incredibly pretty and feels like a real life Rapunzel moment.
Check out this lantern boat ride here:
Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern
Best Things to Do in Hoi An
Visit During the Lantern Festival
Once a month, Hoi An switches off electric lights and glows entirely by lanterns. It’s crowded but absolutely magical.
Bike Through Rice Fields
Cycle just outside the Old Town and you’ll find quiet lanes, waving rice paddies, and water buffalo going about their day.
Get Clothes Tailored
Hoi An is famous for custom tailoring. From dresses to suits, you can get something made in 24–48 hours. Or other custom made goodies including chopsticks and even hand carved stamps!
Relax at An Bang Beach
Only 10 minutes away, An Bang Beach is perfect for beach clubs, swimming, and sunset drinks.
Do a Coconut Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh
One of the most fun (and slightly chaotic) experiences near Hoi An is a coconut basket boat ride through the waterways of Cam Thanh Coconut Village.
Just a short drive from Old Town, this area is famous for its lush water coconut palms and round bamboo basket boats and yes, the boats spin!
Check out this tour which includes a coconut boat ride here:
Da Nang/Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride, Cooking Class
Top Tours from Hoi An
– From Da Nang/Hoi An: Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
– Da Nang/Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains & Am Phu Cave
– My Son Sanctuary Tour by Van & Boat from Hoi An/Da Nang
– Da Nang/Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride, Cooking Class
– Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern
What to Eat in Hoi An (Don’t Skip This)
Hoi An is one of the best food cities in Vietnam.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Cao Lầu – Thick noodles unique to Hoi An
- White Rose Dumplings – Delicate and delicious
- Bánh Mì – Some of Vietnam’s best!
- Mi Quang – Turmeric noodles with herbs and peanuts
Pair it all with fresh sugarcane juice or Vietnamese iced coffee and you’re winning. At the night markets, there is also some incredible street food! I loved the Grilled Rice Paper (kind of like a Vietnamese rice paper taco!)
Best Time to Visit Hoi An
- February–April: Best weather (warm, dry, pleasant)
- May–August: Hot but lively
- September–November: Rainy season, occasional flooding
- December–January: Cooler and quieter
Early mornings and evenings are always the best times to explore Old Town.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
Best Areas:
- Old Town: Walk everywhere, lively at night
- Cam Pho: Quieter but still close
- An Bang Beach: Relaxed, beachy vibes
Hoi An has everything from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels and luxury riverside resorts.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Luxury: Hoi An Beach Resort
Mid-Range: Emerald Hoi An Riverside Resort
Budget: Spring Breeze Hotel Hoi An
How Many Days Do You Need in Hoi An?
- 1 day: Highlights of Old Town
- 2–3 days: Perfect balance of culture, food, and beach
- 4+ days: Slow travel, tailoring, and day trips
Hoi An is one of those places that’s easy to fall into a slow rhythm – many people stay longer than planned.
Is Hoi An Worth Visiting?
Absolutely yes!! Easily one of my favourite places from my Vietnam trip.
Hoi An is charming without trying too hard, deeply atmospheric, and endlessly photogenic. Whether you’re sipping coffee by the river, cycling through rice fields, or wandering lantern-lit streets at night, it’s the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you leave.
Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out my 2-Week North & Central Vietnam Itinerary!
Vietnam Helpful Links
Where to stay in Hoi An
Luxury: Hoi An Beach Resort
Mid-Range: Emerald Hoi An Riverside Resort
Budget: Spring Breeze Hotel Hoi An
Top Tours from Hoi An
– From Da Nang/Hoi An: Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
– Da Nang/Hoi An: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains & Am Phu Cave
– My Son Sanctuary Tour by Van & Boat from Hoi An/Da Nang
– Da Nang/Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride, Cooking Class
– Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern
How to Get Around Vietnam: Grab & 12Go
Getting around Vietnam is incredibly easy once you download the right apps.
Grab is Vietnam’s version of Uber and is hands-down the best way to get around cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. You can book motorbikes, cars, and even food delivery, all with upfront pricing (no haggling required).
For longer journeys between cities, 12Go is a lifesaver. It lets you book trains, buses, and ferries across Vietnam in advance – perfect for planning trips between places like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An. I booked my VIP sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa and would definitely recommend.
👉 Check out 12Go here
Vietnam SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Vietnam is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best pho near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Vietnam data plan before you even land.
There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.
👉 Get your Vietnam eSIM with Airalo here
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you
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