Hoi An
Hoi An at a Glance
Costs: $25-70/day - cheap street food, affordable homestays; mid-range hotels cost more in peak season.
Safety: Very safe and tourist-friendly - low violent crime; watch for petty theft in markets.
Best Time: February-April - dry, warm weather and fewer heavy rains than autumn.
Vietnam’s lantern-lit ancient town - an enchanting former trading port of golden merchant houses, a Japanese covered bridge and thousands of silk lanterns, and a tailoring capital.
Why go / don’t miss: the UNESCO Ancient Town aglow with lanterns at night, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the tailor shops (custom clothes overnight), the riverboats and floating lanterns, the nearby My Son Cham ruins, and An Bang Beach.
Neighborhoods: the pedestrian Ancient Town for everything; with the beach a short cycle away.
Getting around: the ancient town is walkable (largely car-free); bicycles and taxis for the beach and My Son.
When to go: Feb - Apr is driest; the monthly full-moon lantern festival is magical.
Where to stay: in or beside the Ancient Town, or by An Bang Beach.
Dining: celebrated local specialties - cao lau noodles, white-rose dumplings, banh mi (Hoi An’s is famous), and cooking classes.
Local tips: get clothes tailored, see the lanterns after dark, cycle to the beach and My Son, and it’s Vietnam’s most charming town.
Why Visit Hoi An?
Lantern-lit streets and the old riverside quarter draw people to Hoi An for its atmospheric mix of history and craft. The Ancient Town and the Japanese Covered Bridge create a compact visual and cultural core, while tailor shops and riverside cafés showcase local craftsmanship. Food is a major draw: cao lầu noodles and fresh bánh mì stand alongside nightly lantern festivals. The town is more intimate than Vietnam’s larger cities.
Best Things to Do in Hoi An
Archaeological Site
Mỹ Sơn
Cluster of Hindu temple ruins of Cham kingdom
Mountains
Marble Mountains
Cluster of limestone hills featuring caves and Buddhist shrines
Building
Golden Bridge
Pedestrian bridge supported by giant stone hands
Beach
China Beach
Urban Da Nang beach known for sunset views
Island
Cù Lao Chàm
Vietnamese island group and marine reserve near Hoi An
Archaeological Site
Indrapura
Archaeological complex of ancient Champa capital remains
Museum
Museum of Cham Sculpture
Museum exhibiting ancient Cham stone sculptures and artifacts
Mountain
Sơn Trà
Peninsula in Da Nang with protected nature reserve
Hoi An Bucket List
Don't Miss
Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) - 16th-century arched bridge decorated with carvings, historic symbol of Hoi An trade.
Hoi An Old Town - Lantern-lit streets with yellow merchant houses, tailor shops and riverside cafés.
Hoi An Night Market - Lively riverside stalls selling lanterns, street food and handcrafted souvenirs each evening.
Hidden Gems
Thanh Ha Pottery Village - Traditional pottery village where artisans shape and fire earthenware using age-old techniques.
Tra Que Vegetable Village - Organic herb gardens with hands-on farming demonstrations and herb-infused meals available.
Cam Kim Island bike loop - Quiet rural route across bamboo bridges, rice paddies and rustic craft workshops.
Day Trips
My Son Sanctuary - Ruins of Champa temples set in jungle, about an hour’s drive inland.
An Bang Beach - Sandy beach with seafood shacks and relaxed swimming only a short ride away.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Hoi An
Best time is February to April when it’s dry and pleasantly warm, ideal for beaches and cycling. Avoid October-November typhoon season when heavy rains and floods can disrupt travel.
Cool Dry Season
Mild, sunny mornings and lower humidity make this a lovely window for walking Hoi An’s old town and countryside rides; still occasional cool evenings.
Hot Dry Season
Hot, dry days ideal for beach trips but often intense by mid-afternoon; expect blazing sun and crowded beaches in July and August.
Rainy Season
Heavy downpours and occasional typhoons can flood streets; travel becomes unpredictable, but landscapes are lush and tourist numbers drop markedly.
Hoi An's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1974 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 97 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.2h |
| February | Excellent | 20° - 26° | 23° | 36 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 2.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 25° | 28 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 30° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Very Good | 25° - 33° | 36° | 53 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.7h |
| June | Good | 26° - 34° | 38° | 94 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.9h |
| July | Good | 26° - 34° | 37° | 70 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.9 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.8h |
| August | Good | 26° - 33° | 36° | 111 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| September | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 33° | 315 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 540 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Good | 22° - 27° | 24° | 384 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.3h |
| December | Good | 20° - 25° | 22° | 216 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.1h |
How to Get to Hoi An
Hoi An is reached most easily via nearby Da Nang International Airport (DAD) or by road from Da Nang city. From Da Nang you can take cheap local buses, private shuttles or taxis/Grab services to central Hoi An.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD): From DAD you can reach Hoi An by taxi/Grab (typical fare 300,000-450,000 VND, 30-45 minutes) or by private airport shuttle (around 150,000-300,000 VND, 45-60 minutes). Shared shuttle/minibus services between the airport and Hoi An are common and often cost about 100,000-150,000 VND and take roughly 45-60 minutes.
Chu Lai / Da Nang (connections): Many international flights connect via Da Nang; if you arrive at Da Nang city centre (rail or bus station) the onward public bus or shuttle to Hoi An typically costs 17,000-30,000 VND and takes about 45-60 minutes.
Train: The nearest railway station is Da Nang Railway Station (Ga Đà Nẵng). Long‑distance trains from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City stop at Da Nang; from the station a taxi/Grab to Hoi An takes about 40-60 minutes and costs roughly 300,000-450,000 VND.
Bus: Regular public buses and private shuttle buses run between Da Nang and Hoi An. The public bus (local routes) is the cheapest option at about 17,000-30,000 VND and takes ~45-60 minutes; tourist shuttles cost ~60,000-120,000 VND depending on provider and comfort.
How to Get Around Hoi An
Hoi An is best experienced on foot or by bicycle in the old town; for island or beach excursions and airport transfers, scooters or taxis/Grab are the most practical choices.
- Grab / Taxi (30k-450k VND) - Taxis and Grab are the most convenient way to get around outside the old town; expect short rides inside town to be cheap but airport trips to be 300,000-450,000 VND. Taxis are metered; Grab often gives a slightly lower price and is widely used in the region.
- Motorbike taxi (Xe ôm / GrabBike) (10k-50k VND) - Motorbike taxis are the fastest way to navigate narrow streets and short distances; fares are typically 10,000-50,000 VND depending on distance. Use GrabBike for transparent pricing and safety; negotiate price if using a street xe ôm.
- Scooter rental (120k-250k VND/day) - Renting a scooter is the most flexible way to explore the surrounding countryside (My Son, An Bang beach). Daily rental is common and requires a valid driving permit; expect 120,000-250,000 VND/day. Helmets are provided but always inspect the bike.
- Bicycle (20k-60k VND/day) - Hoi An’s old town is very compact; bicycles are ideal for short trips and cost about 20,000-60,000 VND/day. Riding is pleasant early morning or late afternoon; lock your bike when left overnight.
- Local bus / Shuttle (17k-200k VND) - Public buses and tourist shuttles connect Hoi An with Da Nang, Hue and other centres; fares range from ~17,000 VND for local routes to 100,000-200,000 VND for tourist shuttles. Buses are cheap but slower and less convenient with luggage.
- Walking - Hoi An’s old town is compact and best explored on foot - pedestrianised areas restrict vehicle access and allow a relaxed pace for temples, shops and riverside cafes.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
Budget
Old Town / An Hoi - $8-30/night
Hoi An has many budget hostels and family-run guesthouses within walking distance of Ancient Town; expect simple rooms and friendly hosts.
Hoi An Backpackers Hostel - Popular, social hostel near Old Town.
Hoi An Vintage Hostel - Cheap dorms, walking distance to sights.
Mid-Range
Riverside / Old Town - $40-120/night
Plenty of comfortable mid-range hotels and boutique stays near the river and Old Town, offering good service, pools, and breakfast.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa - Quiet riverside spot, good value.
Vinh Hung Library Hotel - Charming boutique with helpful staff.
Luxury
Riverside / Cua Dai - $150-450/night
Luxury resorts and high-end boutique hotels sit slightly outside town or along the river, with spas, pools, and upscale dining options.
Anantara Hoi An Resort - High-end riverside rooms and spa.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (nearby) - Resort luxury, villas and private pools.
Where to Eat in Hoi An
Local Food
Hoi An’s food scene centers on historic recipes - cao lầu, white rose dumplings and fragrant local specialties passed down through family kitchens.
- Morning Glory Original - Central Vietnamese dishes from family recipes
- Bánh Mì Phượng - Legendary Hoi An banh mi counter
- Cao Lầu Ba Lệ - Classic cao lầu noodle plate
Street Food & Markets
Markets and street stalls define eating hours - from early-morning markets to evening lanes filled with grilled skewers and sweet treats.
- Hoi An Night Market (Old Town) - Streetside snacks and lantern-lit stalls
- Reaching Out Tea House - Quiet teas and light Vietnamese snacks
- Tra Que Vegetable Village - Fresh herbs and simple farm-to-table dishes
Cafés & Light Eats
Cozy cafés and small bistros offer excellent coffee, fresh juices and light versions of regional favorites for daytime wandering.
- Mango Rooms - Casual Vietnamese fusion and salads
- Reaching Out Tea House - Handmade teas and quiet atmosphere
- The Chef Restaurant & Cooking Class - Good for sampling local dishes and classes
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Hoi An’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Hoi An
Hoi An’s evenings centre on its atmospheric Old Town and the night market; riverfront bars and small live-music venues keep things relaxed rather than rowdy. If you want beach-party vibes, head to An Bang Beach where a string of bars and late-afternoon DJs create a livelier scene through the warmer months.
Shopping in Hoi An
Hoi An is famous for tailors, lanterns and souvenir stalls. The Old Town and night market are the best places for handcrafted lanterns, textiles and made-to-measure clothing. You’ll also find small shops selling local ceramics, lacquerware, and foodstuffs; bargaining is normal in markets, while reputable tailors (allow a day or two) are ideal for custom garments.