Vietnam • Central Coast

Hoi An Travel Guide

Lantern-lit evenings, a walkable UNESCO old town, and beaches just minutes away — Hoi An is a gentle mix of culture, food and slow travel.

See top things to do Best time to visit

Use this guide to understand what Hoi An is like, where to stay, and how to plan your time there.

About Hoi An

Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most enchanting destinations — a beautifully preserved ancient town with nearby beaches, great food, and a relaxed pace that suits travellers of all ages.

UNESCO Old Town

Historic streets, temples, and heritage buildings — best explored slowly on foot.

Beaches nearby

An Bang and Cua Dai are close enough to combine culture + beach in one stay.

Easy to combine

Pairs beautifully with Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Who Is Hoi An Perfect For?

Hoi An suits travellers who want culture without stress — and comfort without rushing.

Families

Safe, walkable streets, beach time nearby, and hands-on activities like lantern-making and gentle cycling.

Couples

Romantic lantern nights, riverside dining, boutique stays, and easy day trips for slow, memorable days.

Culture lovers

Architecture, crafts, markets, and heritage sites — Hoi An feels like a living museum.

Top Things to Do in Hoi An

A few can't-miss experiences — easy to build into a relaxed itinerary.

Explore the Ancient Town

UNESCO old quarter with heritage houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, temples and riverside streets.

Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)
Ancient House of Tan Ky
Quan Cong Temple
Riverside evenings

Take a Cooking Class

Hoi An is famous for cooking schools — often with a market visit first.

Market tour & ingredients
Hands-on cooking
Recipe cards to take home
Vegetarian options

Visit Nearby Beaches

Quick trips for sun and sea — ideal if you want culture + beach without moving hotels.

An Bang Beach (laid-back)
Cua Dai Beach (resort area)
Water sports options
Beachfront dining

Lantern Festival Nights

Hoi An becomes magical on full-moon nights with lanterns, music and river lights.

Monthly full moon festival
Traditional performances
Floating lanterns
Lantern-making workshops

Tailor-Made Clothing

One of the best places in Asia for tailoring — great for custom suits, dresses, and ao dai.

Custom suits & dresses
Ao dai (traditional)
Leather goods & shoes
Quick turnaround

Bike the Countryside

Gentle cycling through rice paddies, villages and rural landscapes — a favourite for slow travel.

Guided cycling routes
Village stops
Rice paddy views
Local interactions

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Choose your base depending on whether you want heritage streets, beach calm, or quieter village life.

Ancient Town

Stay central for easy access to markets, riverside evenings, cafés and heritage sights.

Boutique stays
Walkable to attractions
Riverside options
Great for culture-first trips

An Bang Beach Area

Beach-front feel with quick access to town (typically 5–10 minutes by taxi).

Beach access
Pools & relaxed vibe
Short ride to Old Town
Great for culture + beach

Cua Dai Beach

More resort-style options with premium amenities and ocean views.

Higher-end beachfront stays
Spa & wellness options
On-site dining
Good for couples

Cam Thanh Village

A quieter base with eco-stays, coconut forest experiences, and local crafts nearby.

Eco-lodges & homestays
Authentic local feel
Coconut forest tours
Peaceful surroundings

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

Hoi An is at its easiest for sightseeing and beaches during the drier months.

Simple seasonal guide

February–August: Drier, sunnier, best for beaches and walking tours
March–May: Peak comfort and great visibility for day trips
September–January: Wetter months — quieter, often better value
Lantern Festival: Full-moon nights are magical year-round

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