Hoi An, Vietnam: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

hoi an night lanterns
hoi an night lanterns

Visiting Hoi An in Vietnam is like stepping back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved Ancient Town, where traditional wooden houses, lantern-lit streets, and historic temples create a picturesque and enchanting atmosphere. Walking through the narrow lanes, you can explore bustling markets, charming cafes, and artisanal shops selling everything from tailor-made clothing to intricate lanterns. The Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, is a must-see, showcasing the town's rich cultural heritage. The blend of Chinese, Japanese, and French architectural influences reflects Hoi An's historical significance as a major trading port from the 15th to the 19th century.

Beyond its historical allure, Hoi An offers a vibrant culinary scene that is not to be missed. The town is famous for its local delicacies such as cao lầu, a savory noodle dish, and bánh mì, a Vietnamese baguette sandwich. Cooking classes are popular among visitors, providing an opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from the local markets. In the evenings, the town comes alive with colorful lanterns illuminating the streets and the Thu Bon River, creating a magical ambiance. Whether you're exploring the ancient architecture, enjoying the local cuisine, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the lantern-lit streets, Hoi An offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

How to Buy and Use the Hoi An Old Town Ticket

Buying and using the Hoi An Old Town ticket is a straightforward process, though first-time visitors are often unsure how it works. The ticket costs 120,000 VND and can be purchased at any of the small yellow ticket booths located around the edges of the Old Town. Once bought, it's valid for 10 days and grants access to all Old Town streets plus your choice of five attractions out of the 22 UNESCO-listed sites, including historic houses, assembly halls, temples, and museums. You'll also receive a simple map showing where each attraction is located, making it easier to plan your visits.

In practice, you won't be asked to show the ticket when simply walking into the Old Town, but you will need it to enter the designated heritage attractions. Each time you visit one, staff will remove one of the five stubs from your ticket. If you decide you want to see more than five sites, you can buy an additional ticket. It's important to keep the ticket with you at all times-forgetting it at your hotel means you'll be turned away from the major sights. Overall, the system is easy to navigate and ensures you experience the cultural highlights that make Hoi An such a memorable place to explore.

History of Hoi An

Early History of Hoi An

Hoi An’s history dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was part of the ancient Champa Kingdom. This kingdom was a major player in the spice trade, and Hoi An, then known as Lam Ap Pho, was a bustling port city. The town’s strategic location along the Thu Bon River made it an ideal spot for maritime trade.

Hoi An During the Dai Viet Period

In the 15th century, Hoi An came under the control of the Dai Viet, the predecessor state of modern Vietnam. The town flourished as a commercial hub under the Nguyen Lords, who governed the region from the late 16th to the early 19th centuries. Hoi An became one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports, attracting merchants from China, Japan, India, and Europe.

The Golden Age of Hoi An

The 16th to the 18th centuries marked the golden age of Hoi An. During this period, the town was a melting pot of cultures, with a significant presence of Japanese, Chinese, and European traders. The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s, and the Chinese Assembly Halls are remnants of this diverse and prosperous era. Hoi An’s architecture reflects this cultural blend, with a mix of wooden houses, French colonial buildings, and Chinese temples.

Decline and Preservation of Hoi An

Hoi An’s decline began in the late 18th century when the Thu Bon River silted up, making it difficult for large ships to navigate. The rise of nearby Da Nang as a major port further contributed to Hoi An’s economic downturn. However, this decline helped preserve the town’s historical architecture and charm. In the 20th century, efforts to preserve Hoi An’s unique heritage intensified, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Hoi An Today

Today, Hoi An is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, vibrant cultural scene, and culinary delights. The town’s historical significance and architectural beauty attract visitors from around the world. Hoi An continues to celebrate its rich heritage through festivals, traditional crafts, and cultural performances, making it a living museum of Vietnam’s past.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Hoi An for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Hoi An on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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19 Best places to See in Hoi An

This complete guide to Hoi An not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Hoi An and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Hoi An Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
Hoi An Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Steffen Schmitz
Built in 1845 as a spiritual and social hub for Chinese immigrants from the Trieu Chau (Chaozhou) region of Guangdong, this intimate assembly hall still feels like a working sanctuary. Inside, visitors linger over meticulous wood carvings, heavy beams, and altars dedicated to protective deities associated with merchants and fishermen, with motifs that nod to seafaring life. Look closely for porcelain inlays and reliefs, plus painted panels and small sculpted figures that reward slow viewing. Despite its modest size, the craftsmanship is unusually fine—some travelers call it their favorite stop for the sheer quality of the wooden sculpture.
Location: Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, 157 Nguyen Huy Lieu Street ,Hoi An | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Trieu Chau Assembly Hall

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Hoi An. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

2. Hainan Assembly Hall

Hainan Assembly Hall
Hainan Assembly Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95
Hainan Assembly Hall (Quynh Phu) is a late-19th-century Chinese congregation hall and memorial built by Hainanese immigrants, completed in 1891 after construction began in 1883. It commemorates 108 merchants killed in 1851 when their ship was wrongly attacked; inside, the story is reinforced by plaques and spirit tablets dedicated to the “108 Brothers” rather than large statues. Beyond the front hall, a quiet open courtyard lined with potted plants leads to the main shrine, with symmetrical side wings (“protective dragon” halls) still set with old tables, chairs, and ancestral altars. The atmosphere is notably calm and carefully maintained, making the craftsmanship and symbolism easy to linger over.
Location: Hainan Assembly Hall, 10 Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Hainan Assembly Hall

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3. Quan Cong Temple

Quan Cong Temple
Quan Cong Temple
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95
Quan Cong Temple is a 17th-century shrine (founded in 1653) dedicated to General Quan Van Truong (Guan Yu), revered for loyalty and integrity. Built by Chinese merchants and artisans, it blends Chinese and Vietnamese craftsmanship in vivid red, yellow, and green halls packed with lacquered woodwork, statues, and symbolic décor. Visitors enter through a calm courtyard with plants and guardian figures before reaching the main sanctuary, where Quan Cong is flanked by Quan Binh and the general Chau Xuong. Look up for sweeping enamel-tiled roofs and carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and the Vietnamese nghe, motifs linked to protection and justice. Many people linger for a quiet moment amid incense and intricate details.
Location: Quan Cong Temple, Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Quan Cong Temple

Explore Hoi An at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Hoi An one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

4. Fujian Assembly Hall

Hoi An 2024 Fujian Assembly Hall
Hoi An 2024 Fujian Assembly Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit
Fujian Assembly Hall is a 17th-century Chinese congregational hall turned temple, built in 1692 and rebuilt in 1759, dedicated to Thien Hau (Mazu), the sea goddess revered by sailors and merchants. Enter through a grand, brightly ornamented gateway into a courtyard where fountains and dragon sculptures set a ceremonial mood. Inside, visitors linger over colourful tiled roofs, intricate wood carvings, and altars dense with incense offerings and lacquered panels. Behind the main altar, look for the shrine to the God of Prosperity and the figures of the fertility goddess, three fairies, and twelve midwives—symbols that still draw worshippers seeking blessings. The atmosphere feels both devotional and quietly museum-like amid the crowds.
Location: Assembly Hall Of Fujian Chinese, 46 Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Ancient Town ticket required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Fujian Assembly Hall

5. Trung Hoa Assembly Hall

Trung Hoa Assembly Hall
Trung Hoa Assembly Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit.
Trung Hoa Assembly Hall (also known as Duong Thuong or Hoa Van Le Nghia) is a Chinese communal temple founded in 1741, created jointly by Fujian, Chaozhou, Guangzhou, Hainan, and Hakka groups—unusually open to all Chinese communities rather than one origin. Set on Tran Phu Street in the Old Quarter, it’s a compact, incense-scented space where visitors linger over lacquered altars, carved wooden panels, and roof tiles packed with symbolic detail. The main shrines honor Mazu, the sea goddess, alongside her guardians Thien Ly Nhan (Thousand-Mile Eye) and Thuan Phong Nhi (Wind-Following Ear), reflecting the maritime lives of merchants who once sailed here. Many travelers note the close-up craftsmanship and the calm, devotional atmosphere, and entry is often free.
Location: Chinese Assembly Hall of Hoi An 64 Trần Phú Phường Minh An Hội An Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Trung Hoa Assembly Hall

6. Museum of History and Culture

Hoi An Museum main building
Hoi An Museum main building
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mztourist
Museum of History and Culture is a compact, two-floor museum that traces the area’s past through a tightly arranged sequence of galleries. Inside, you’ll find a collection of about 335 artefacts—pottery fragments, tools, sculptures, documents, coins, and trade goods—that move from prehistoric Pre–Sa Huynh life through the Champa and Dai Viet eras and into more recent revolutionary themes. The displays make the old port-town story feel tangible, especially where river-recovered pieces and ceramics hint at long-distance exchange. Visitors often remember the building’s character as much as the cases: it’s set in a historic trading-house style space, and upstairs windows can frame a photogenic river view.
Location: Hoi An Museum, Trần Hưng Đạo, Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Museum of History and Culture

7. Tran Family Chapel

Trans Family Chapel
Trans Family Chapel
©
Tran Family Chapel is a quiet ancestral shrine and family house built over 200 years ago by Tran Tu Nhac, intended as a communal place for descendants to honour their lineage. Set behind a discreet entrance, the 1,500-square-metre compound feels calm, with a shaded courtyard and wooden interiors detailed with carved beams, columns, altars, and preserved calligraphy couplets. Its layout reflects a blend of Vietnamese garden-house design with Chinese ornament and Japanese feng shui, visible in the harmonious proportions and ceremonial spaces. A small museum displays genealogies and antiques from the Minh Mang and Tu Duc eras, and a star-fruit tree grows in the back garden. Some visitors note the souvenir shop atmosphere alongside the heritage rooms.
Location: Tran Family Chapel, Le Loi, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1km
Visiting Tran Family Chapel

8. Museum of Trade Ceramics

Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics
Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Steffen Schmitz
Set inside a restored 19th-century merchant-style house on Tran Phu Street, the Museum of Trade Ceramics traces the port’s long trading life through objects you can study up close. More than 450 pieces—bowls, jars, teapots, wine cups, vases, and ceramic paintings—span roughly the 9th to 19th centuries, with works from Vietnam, China, Japan, Thailand, and India. Displays are grouped by origin and era, making it easy to notice shifts in glaze, motifs, and forms as styles traveled along maritime routes. Notes on excavations, shipwreck finds, and riverbed discoveries add a tangible sense of how these wares moved through the region.
Location: Museum of Trade Ceramics, Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1km
Visiting Museum of Trade Ceramics

9. Duc An Ancient House

Ancient House of Duc An
Ancient House of Duc An
©
Duc An Ancient House is a preserved merchant residence from 1653 in Hoi An’s Ancient Town, letting visitors step into the domestic world of the trading era. Inside, you notice dark wooden beams and finely carved panels, with ornamental motifs that mix Vietnamese spatial planning with Chinese symbolism and Japanese structural touches. The layout feels calm and deliberate, opening onto a small courtyard garden where potted plants and weathered brick soften the light. Rooms display old furnishings, family altars, antiques, and documents that hint at the household’s status and routines. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate, with age-worn thresholds and timber surfaces that make the craftsmanship feel close-up and tactile.
Location: 129 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Duc An Ancient House

10. Ancient House of Tan Ky

Ancient House of Tan Ky
Ancient House of Tan Ky
©
Built in 1741, the Ancient House of Tan Ky is a preserved merchant residence that doubles as a time capsule of the town’s trading era, still kept by seven generations of the Le family. Its long, windowless “tube house” layout is lit by a central atrium, and the wood interiors show Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences in carved motifs and symbolic columns. Look for the flood markers inside—evidence of repeated inundations, including the 1964 flood that reached the first floor—yet the structure remains intact. The house also displays antiques and original furnishings, making the small rooms feel lived-in rather than staged, though it can get crowded at peak times.
Location: Old House of Tan Ky, Nguyễn Thái Học, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Ancient House of Tan Ky

11. Ba Mu Temple

Ba Mu Temple Gate
Ba Mu Temple Gate
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit.
Ba Mu Temple in Hoi An is a small spiritual complex best known for its restored 17th-century gate, originally built in 1626 and later moved to its current spot. Once called Cam Ha Palace and Hai Binh Palace, it was a religious center honoring the Holy Mother Thien Hau, the Twelve Midwives, and other protective deities, and it survived storms and wartime damage with only select structures left. Today visitors linger by the warm red-and-gold gate, its carved reliefs framed by lotus ponds and manicured greenery. Inside, Hai Binh Palace holds statues of Qianliyan and Shunfeng’er, while another wing displays shrines and a cluster of 36 deities.
Location: 675 Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Ba Mu Temple

12. Phap Bao Temple

Phac Hat Pagoda
Phac Hat Pagoda
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95
Phap Bao Temple (also called Phac Hat Pagoda) is an active Buddhist sanctuary just beyond the Ancient Town’s bustle, entered through gates flanked by imposing bronze guardians. Inside, the mood shifts to quiet: a broad courtyard with fountains, stone figures, potted plants, and dense greenery creates a shaded place to pause. The main hall stands out for its double, “resting hill” style roofs and exterior panels painted with episodes from the Buddha’s life, while the interior leans into softer gold tones with colourful statuettes. Modest dress is expected—shorts aren’t allowed—and visitors remove shoes; spare cover-ups are sometimes provided.
Location: Phac Hat Pagoda, Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Sơn Phong, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Phap Bao Temple

13. Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture

Sa Huynh Museum Hoi An
Sa Huynh Museum Hoi An
CC BY-SA 3.0 / librarianidol
The Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture traces the region’s story back long before the trading-port era, focusing on the prehistoric Sa Huỳnh people. Opened in 1994, it holds Vietnam’s largest collection of Sa Huỳnh finds, with terracotta burial jars, pottery fragments, tools, and ornaments that make daily life and funerary beliefs feel tangible. The standout is the Bai Ong assemblage from Cham Island, dating to over 3,000 years ago, with objects that point to early maritime links across Southeast Asia, South India, and China. The galleries are compact and easy to take in, and many visitors note it’s not a big museum, making it a focused stop.
Location: Museum of Sa Huynh Culture, Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture

14. Phung Hung Ancient House

Phung Hung Old House
Phung Hung Old House
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tracey Hind
Phung Hung Ancient House is a late-18th-century merchant home that still feels like a working piece of the old trading port, with the original family’s eighth generation said to live here. Built in 1780, it was once a shop for forest goods and trade items such as cinnamon, pepper, silk, and chinaware, and the interior is dressed with lanterns, embroidered hangings, and carved wooden furnishings. Look for the dense timber structure—about 80 columns set on lotus-shaped bases—and the mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese design cues, including a Japanese-influenced roof and a two-storey covered atrium. The upstairs balcony, with its suspended altar, is where most visitors linger for photos, though some note a shop-like feel.
Location: Phung Hung Old House, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Phung Hung Ancient House

15. Cantonese Assembly Hall

Cantonese Assembly Hall
Cantonese Assembly Hall
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95
Built in 1885 by Cantonese merchants, the Cantonese Assembly Hall is a former guild meeting place and temple that preserves the town’s Chinese-Vietnamese merchant heritage. Enter through an ornate gate and you’ll move along a plan said to mirror the “quoc” character, from a garden courtyard to east and west wings and a richly decorated main hall. Look for carved timber beams, dragon sculptures, and vivid panels of Chinese characters and moral tales. The hall was first dedicated to Confucius and the sea goddess Thien Hau, then rededicated in 1911 to Tien Hien and the warrior Quan Cong, whose altar sits amid incense coils and lacquered carvings.
Location: Hội quán Quảng Đông (Cantonese Assembly Hall), 176 Trần Phú, Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Cantonese Assembly Hall

16. Japanese Covered Bridge

Japanese Covered Bridge
Japanese Covered Bridge
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Chainwit.
The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) is an 18‑metre wooden bridge with a tiled roof, built by Japanese merchants in the late 1500s to link their quarter with the Chinese side across a narrow canal. Brick footings and stout pillars rise from the water, while the timber frame keeps an understated, symmetrical Japanese feel despite later Vietnamese and Chinese restorations. At the north end, a small shrine to Trấn Vũ adds a quiet spiritual pause, watched over by a monkey and a dog statue—protective figures tied to old legends. From the banks you’ll notice its gentle curve and weathered carpentry, especially as lantern light starts to glow nearby.
Location: Chùa Cầu, Trần Phú, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Japanese Covered Bridge

17. Cam Pho Temple

Cam Pho Temple
Cam Pho Temple
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mig Gilbert
Cam Pho Temple is a working sanctuary devoted to Thien Hau (Mazu), the sea goddess sailors and merchants prayed to for safe crossings, good tides, and prosperity. Inside, visitors notice incense-thick air, altars piled with offerings, and finely carved wood and stone figures where Vietnamese and Chinese motifs sit side by side. Look for the detailed altar carvings, painted panels, and mythical creature sculptures that give the space its maritime, protective symbolism. On certain lunar-calendar festival days, the temple can turn lively with processions, ritual music, and bright ceremonial décor, but on quiet afternoons it feels calm and contemplative. Many travelers single out the period architecture and craftsmanship as the main reason to linger.
Location: Cẩm Phô Communal House / Cẩm Phô Temple, Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00 | Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND) | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Cam Pho Temple

18. Confucian Temple

Confucius Temple Hoi An
Confucius Temple Hoi An
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95
Tucked on the northwest edge of the Ancient Town at Trần Hưng Đạo and Lê Quý Đôn, this Confucian sanctuary is a quiet compound shaped by local scholars to honour Confucius and academic achievement. Its plan nods to Hanoi’s Temple of Literature: a rectangular pond at the entrance sets a reflective mood before the House of Ceremonies and the main altar hall dedicated to Confucius and his disciples. The site’s story spans 18th-century roots, a mid-19th-century rebuild, and a 1911 expansion that formalised ceremonial spaces. At the rear, a U-shaped courtyard once used for student quarters now hosts Smile House, where artisans with disabilities make and sell handicrafts.
Location: Confucius Temple, Trần Hưng Đạo, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Confucian Temple

19. An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dr. Matthias Ripp
An Bang Beach is a laid-back strip of pale sand about 4 km from the Ancient Town, where the pace slows to waves, sea air, and wide open horizon. Mornings bring soft light and a glimpse of local fishers hauling round basket boats through the shallows, while the water stays warm and generally calm for an easy swim. Along the shore, small family-run seafood spots and simple beach bars keep things low-key, with loungers and umbrellas often tied to ordering food. Visitors remember the clean sand, long walkable shoreline, and the gentle, polite vendors who drift by without much pressure.
Location: An Bang Beach, Đường Hai Bà Trưng, Cẩm An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam | Distance: 3.7km
Visiting An Bang Beach

Best Day Trips from Hoi An

A day trip from Hoi An offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Hoi An provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

1. Da Nang

Da Nang
Da Nang
With its expansive beaches, amazing street food, the legendary Hai Van Pass, and an ever-growing array of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it's no wonder the residents of Da Nang are some of the happiest in the country. The golden sands of My Khe Beach stretch southward from the mountainous Son Tra Peninsula. Da Nang is home to some of Vietnam's…
Visiting Da Nang
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2. Hue

Hue Vietnam Thien Mu Temple and Pagoda
Hue Vietnam Thien Mu Temple and Pagoda
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
Hue is a city rich in history and stories. The Nguyen Dynasty kings established their feudal capital along Hue’s fertile riverbanks and forested hills, leaving behind an impressive imperial legacy. However, this is just one of the many reasons to visit. Hue’s exquisite cuisine is legendary, and its verdant streets are adorned with moss-covered pagodas, art déco mansions, and vibrant…
Visiting Hue
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Where to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An offers a wonderfully diverse range of places to stay, and choosing the right area can make a big difference to your trip. The Ancient Town is the most atmospheric part of the city, perfect for travellers who want to be surrounded by lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and centuries-old merchant houses. Hotels here are usually boutique-style, set in restored heritage buildings or traditional wooden homes. If you want to stay in the middle of it all, options such as Little Riverside Hoi An place you steps from the Thu Bồn River, while Anantara Hoi An Resort offers a peaceful riverside retreat within easy walking distance of the Ancient Town’s main attractions. This area suits those who prefer to explore on foot, enjoy early-morning riverside strolls, and experience Hoi An’s charm from dawn till dusk.

Just across the water, An Hoi and the Night Market area offer a livelier atmosphere with street food stalls, bars, and colourful lantern displays each evening. This part of town is ideal for visitors who want to be close to the action without sacrificing comfort. Many hotels here have rooftop pools and river views, creating a balance between relaxation and vibrant nightlife. A solid option is Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An, known for its excellent location and friendly service. It’s a great choice for travellers who want quick access to the Ancient Town’s restaurants and markets while enjoying modern comforts in a contemporary setting.

If you’re after something more laid-back, Cẩm Thanh is a peaceful eco-friendly escape among coconut forests and waterways. This area suits nature-lovers, families, and couples looking to unwind away from the busier town centre. Resorts blend into the landscape with wooden villas, lakes, and expansive gardens, and staying here offers a serene retreat with activities like basket-boat rides and riverside cycling routes. A standout option is Hoi An Eco Lodge & Spa, where guests can enjoy quiet surroundings while still being within a short drive or bike ride of the Ancient Town. It’s an excellent base for travellers seeking a slower pace and a more rural side of Hoi An.

Cua Dai and An Bang Beach are the best areas if you want a beachfront stay, with long sandy shores, seafood restaurants, and calm coastal vibes. These areas are perfect for travellers who plan to spend a lot of time relaxing by the sea while still being close enough to cycle or taxi into the Ancient Town. Beach hotels range from charming boutique hideaways to upscale resorts with private beach access. A reliable choice along the coast is Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, where guests enjoy a blend of French-colonial architecture and seaside tranquillity. Staying near the beach is ideal for families, honeymooners, and anyone who wants to combine cultural sightseeing with sunny downtime.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Hoi An. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Hoi An Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

Here is a clean, ready-to-use four-season guide for Hoi An, with the correct heading format and one season marked as Best:

Visiting Hoi An in Spring (March–May) (Best)

Spring is widely considered the best time to visit Hoi An, thanks to warm temperatures, low humidity, and clear skies. The landscape around the town becomes especially lush, making bike rides to Tra Que Vegetable Village or the beaches particularly enjoyable. Spring also offers ideal conditions for exploring the Ancient Town comfortably throughout the day. While not tied to a major local festival every year, this season often coincides with lantern-lit full moon events that add even more charm to Hoi An’s evenings.

Visiting Hoi An in Summer (June–August)

Summer in Hoi An brings bright sunshine, occasional heatwaves, and the warmest sea temperatures of the year. This is a great time for beach lovers heading to An Bang or Cua Dai Beach, as well as for boat trips on the Thu Bon River. While the heat can make midday walks challenging, early mornings and evenings remain beautiful for exploring the Ancient Town. Summer is also popular with families and domestic travellers, so expect livelier streets and bustling markets.

Visiting Hoi An in Autumn (September–November)

Autumn is the most unpredictable season in Hoi An, with increased rainfall and the potential for typhoons. However, on calm days the cooler temperatures make sightseeing pleasant, and the town’s lantern-filled streets look especially atmospheric in the soft, moody light. Despite the occasional stormy weather, the Mid-Autumn Festival can be a highlight if it falls during your visit, bringing lion dances, lantern parades, and festive treats to the Old Town.

Visiting Hoi An in Winter (December–February)

Winter in Hoi An is mild, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity, making it comfortable for walking tours and heritage exploration. While the skies can be overcast and the sea too cool for swimming, this is a peaceful season with fewer crowds and a relaxed atmosphere. The Lunar New Year (Tet) may fall in late winter, bringing bright decorations, traditional offerings, and cultural events—though some shops may close for a few days as families celebrate.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 23°C
  • February 26°C
  • March 28°C
  • April 30°C
  • May 31°C
  • June 29°C
  • July 31°C
  • August 31°C
  • September 30°C
  • October 27°C
  • November 26°C
  • December 24°C

How to get to Hoi An

Getting to Hoi An by Air

The nearest airports: The closest gateway to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport, located about 30 km away and offering extensive domestic connections from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, and Nha Trang, as well as international flights from major cities across Asia and seasonal routes from Europe and Australia.
The airport transfer options: Travellers can reach Hoi An via shuttle buses, private cars, taxis, and ride-hailing services, all of which provide a straightforward 45–60 minute journey depending on traffic.
The flight frequency: Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s busiest airports, ensuring frequent daily flights and smooth onward connections for most itineraries.
For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hoi An on Booking.com.

Getting to Hoi An by Train

The nearest major station: Hoi An does not have its own railway station; the nearest is Da Nang Railway Station, about 30 km away.
The rail line details: Da Nang sits on Vietnam's main North–South Reunification Line, which runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making it easy to reach from major hubs such as Hue, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, and Phan Thiet.
The train frequency: Regular daily trains operate along this route, providing options ranging from standard seats to soft-sleeper cabins.
The onward transfer: After arriving in Da Nang, travellers can reach Hoi An by taxi, shuttle, private transfer, or local bus, with travel times typically between 45 minutes and one hour.
Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Getting to Hoi An by Car

The driving conditions: Good-quality highways and coastal roads make travelling to Hoi An by car convenient, especially for travellers coming from Da Nang, Hue, or further south along the coast.
The parking situation: Private cars cannot enter the pedestrianised Ancient Town, so visitors must use designated parking areas outside the heritage zone.
The road trip routes: Travellers coming from Hue often enjoy the scenic Hai Van Pass, while those from Da Nang have a short and straightforward drive via modern expressways or coastal roads.

Travelling Around Hoi An

The walking-friendly layout: Hoi An’s Ancient Town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking the easiest way to explore its historic lanes, markets, and riverside views.
The cycling culture: Bicycles are a popular choice, with many hotels offering rentals and flat terrain making it ideal for rides to Tra Que Vegetable Village or An Bang Beach.
The ride-hailing and taxis: Grab taxis and local cabs are widely available for quick trips around town or out to beaches and surrounding villages.
The motorbike option: Renting a scooter provides flexibility for exploring rural roads, rice fields, and coastal routes, though traffic rules and comfort levels should be considered.

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