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Destinations / Vietnam

Hoi An

Hội An

Lantern-lit trading port of tailors and rivers

couplesfoodhistoryshoppingbudget
Plan your trip to Hoi AnSee the top 10
120,000Population
120,000Metro area
VietnameseLanguage
VNDCurrency
4 daysIdeal stay
$70-120Typical day

Hoi An is a beautifully preserved old trading port on central Vietnam's coast. Its Ancient Town glows with silk lanterns at night, and tailors can make clothes in a day. Beaches, rice fields and the My Son ruins are close.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. A preserved trading port of wooden shophouses, temples and assembly halls. Most streets are car-free.

    Half dayTime needed
    about $5-7Cost
    noBook ahead

    Tickets around 120,000 VND at last check; covers entry to a choice of heritage sites.

    Tip. Visit early morning before crowds.
    Official siteSee on the map

  2. A 17th century wooden bridge with a small temple. It is the town's symbol.

    20 minutesTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Part of Ancient Town ticket.

    Tip. Photograph at dawn.
    See on the map

  3. At dusk the town glows with lanterns. Boats float candles on the Thu Bon River.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Boat rides small fee.

    Tip. Agree boat prices first.
    See on the map

  4. Hoi An's tailors make suits and dresses quickly. Quality varies.

    2 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Prices vary.

    Tip. Allow 2 to 3 days for fittings.
    See on the map

  5. Ruins of Hindu temples built by the Champa kingdom. It sits in a jungle valley.

    Half dayTime needed
    about $6-8Cost
    noBook ahead

    About 150,000 VND at last check.

    Tip. About 1 hour by car; go early.
    See on the map

  6. A laid-back beach with cafes and loungers. It is close to town.

    Half dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Cycle there in 15 minutes.
    See on the map

  7. Organic herb gardens with farming tours and cooking classes. It is peaceful.

    2 hoursTime needed
    about $5-20Cost
    noBook ahead

    Small entry fee; activities extra.

    Tip. Combine with a cooking class.
    See on the map

  8. Round bamboo boats spin through coconut palms. Guides show crab fishing.

    1.5 hoursTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Small fee.

    Tip. Go in the morning.
    See on the map

  9. Night market for street food and lanterns on Nguyen Hoang street. It is busy and fun.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Haggle politely.
    See on the map

  10. An ornate Chinese temple honoring the sea goddess. Dragon details stand out.

    30 minutesTime needed
    noBook ahead

    Part of Ancient Town ticket.

    Tip. Look at the incense coils.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Short on time?

Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Hoi An in three days

Old town day, My Son and countryside day, then beaches or a cooking class.

  1. Hoi An Ancient TownHalf day · about $5-7
  2. Japanese Covered Bridge20 minutes
  3. Lantern-lit night and river boats2 hours
  4. Tailor shops2 hours
  5. My Son SanctuaryHalf day · about $6-8
  6. An Bang BeachHalf day · Free
  7. Tra Que Vegetable Village2 hours · about $5-20
  8. Basket boat ride at Cam Thanh1.5 hours
  9. Hoi An Night Market1 hour · Free
  10. Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese30 minutes
Beyond the city

Day trips

Cu Lao Cham Islands

Snorkeling marine park.

12 mi · Speedboat, about 30 minutes

Hue

Imperial citadel and tombs.

81 mi · Car or train via Da Nang, about 3 hours

Da Nang

Marble Mountains, Dragon Bridge and Ba Na Hills.

19 mi · Taxi or bus, about 45 minutes

Ba Na Hills

Cable cars and the Golden Bridge.

31 mi · Taxi or tour, about 1h15

Hai Van Pass

Mountain road with coastal views.

31 mi · Car or motorbike tour, about 1h30

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: February to May. Dry, warm and before peak heat.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.56.37.17.98.79.410.211.011.812.613.414.215.015.716.517.318.118.919.720.521.322.022.8JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

74°F
Typical daily high
Average70°F
Rain3.1 in
About10 rainy days
Sun strength3.2 kWh/m²

Shoulder season. Good balance of weather and crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Year

Full moon lantern festival

Each month on the 14th day of the lunar month

Electric lights dim and candles float on the river.

Jan

Tet

Late January or February

Lunar New Year, some businesses close.

Year

Hoi An Lantern Festival

Monthly at full moon

Check local listings for the schedule.

Jan

Tet (Lunar New Year)

January or February

Many shops close and the town is decorated.

Going on specific dates? A Hodolog trip shows the forecast and the usual weather for your exact days. Request access
Know before you go

At a glance

5/5
Safety

Vietnam is at US State Department Level 1 (normal precautions); traffic and seasonal floods are the main risks.

5/5
Walkability

The Ancient Town is pedestrian-friendly at set hours.

1/5
Public transport

Little public transport; bikes, Grab and taxis are used.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
12345

1. Ancient Town edge

$$

Best for: first-timers

Walk to lanterns and tailors.

2. An Bang Beach

$$

Best for: couples, beaches

Relaxed beach bungalows.

3. Cam Thanh

$

Best for: nature

Rice field homestays.

4. Cam Chau and rice fields

$

Best for: budget, quiet stays

Quiet homestays close to town by bike.

5. Cua Dai

$$$

Best for: luxury, families

Beach resorts and larger hotels.

Getting there and around

Main airportDa Nang International (DAD), 19 mi from the center
To the centerTaxi or Grab takes about 45 minutes; shuttle buses and private transfers also run.
Around townCycle or walk; take Grab to beaches and Da Nang.
Ride appsGrab, Xanh SM, Be
Taste it

What to eat

Cao lau

Chewy noodles with pork, a Hoi An specialty.

Banh mi

Hoi An's sandwiches are famous.

White rose dumplings

Delicate shrimp dumplings.

Com ga

Hoi An chicken rice.

Mi Quang

Turmeric noodle dish from central Vietnam.

Good to know

PlugsType A, C and D, 220 V
Tap waterUse bottled water
TippingTipping is not required but small tips for guides and good service are welcome.
PaymentsCash in dong is common at markets and street food; cards work in hotels and many restaurants.
EtiquetteDress modestly at temples and pagodas, covering shoulders and knees. Ask before photographing people.
  • An Ancient Town ticket covers entry to several heritage houses.
  • Agree tailor prices and fittings early in your stay.
  • October to December floods can close streets.
  • The town is busiest at sunset.
  • The Ancient Town ticket covers a selection of sites and is checked at entrances; keep it with you.
  • Tailors are a major draw but results vary; allow a few days for fittings and choose a shop by recent reviews.
  • Floods from October to December can cover streets for a day or two.
  • Motorbikes are banned from the old town at certain hours.

A short history

Hoi An was a busy international port from the 15th to the 19th century, trading with Chinese, Japanese and European merchants. Chinese assembly halls and the Japanese Covered Bridge reflect that mix. Silting of the river moved trade to Da Nang, freezing the old town in time. It became a UNESCO site in 1999.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Hoi An