Walter Ponce
Hoi An is one of the most picturesque and charming towns in Vietnam, known for its well-preserved ancient streets, lantern-lit evenings, and rich cultural heritage. During my trip, I spent a full day soaking in its beauty, from the bustling markets to the peaceful riverside. Whether you love history, shopping, or just relaxing with great food, Hoi An offers something for everyone.
Morning – Exploring the Ancient Town
Start your day by wandering through the Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The streets are lined with yellow-walled shophouses, historic temples, and tailor shops where you can get custom clothing made. Be sure to visit:
Japanese Covered Bridge – One of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks, built in the 18th century.
Tan Ky Old House – A beautifully preserved merchant’s home that reflects the town’s trading history.
Local markets – Stroll through the Central Market for fresh produce, souvenirs, and handcrafted goods.
Afternoon – Local Cuisine & Riverside Views
After exploring, take a break at one of Hoi An’s cozy cafés or restaurants. Must-try dishes include:
Cao Lầu – A noodle dish unique to Hoi An, made with smoky pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons.
Banh Mi – Hoi An is home to some of the best banh mi in Vietnam, with spots like Banh Mi Phuong serving legendary sandwiches.
White Rose Dumplings – A delicate and flavorful local specialty.
If you need a relaxing break, grab a coffee by the Thu Bon River, where you can watch boats float by in a serene setting.
Evening – Lantern Magic & Night Market
As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into a magical lantern-lit wonderland. The best way to experience this is by:
Taking a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River for breathtaking views of the glowing town.
Exploring the Hoi An Night Market, where you can shop for silk lanterns, street food, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Walking the lantern-lit streets, soaking in the vibrant and peaceful atmosphere.
Why You Should Visit Hoi An
A beautifully preserved ancient town – A step back in time with stunning architecture.
Incredible food scene – Unique regional dishes and famous street food.
Lantern-lit evenings – One of the most magical nighttime experiences in Vietnam.
Practical Information
Location: Around 30 km from Da Nang
Best For: History lovers, foodies, and culture seekers
Price Range: Affordable, with luxury options available
Recommended Duration: A day trip or an overnight stay
Final Thoughts
Hoi An is a place that captures the heart of every traveler. From its ancient streets to its vibrant night markets, every moment in this town feels special. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying longer, Hoi An is a must-see destination in Vietnam.
A little history
Hoi An was an important trading port in Southeast Asia between roughly the 15th and 19th centuries. Merchants from China, Japan, India and Europe came here to trade silk, ceramics and spices, and many settled in the town. That mix of cultures is still visible today in the Chinese assembly halls, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the old wooden merchant houses.
When the Thu Bon River silted up and trade moved to Da Nang, Hoi An was largely left behind. That turned out to protect its old buildings, and in 1999 the Ancient Town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Ancient Town tickets
To enter the historic heritage sites, visitors buy an Ancient Town ticket. The ticket gives access to a number of sites such as old houses, assembly halls and small museums. Ticket prices, the number of sites included and how tickets are checked can change, so look up the current rules before you go or ask at one of the ticket booths around the old town.
How to get to Hoi An
- From Da Nang: the closest airport is Da Nang International Airport. A taxi or Grab ride usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Shuttle buses: many hotels and travel agencies offer shuttles between Da Nang and Hoi An.
- Private driver: a comfortable option if you want to stop at the Marble Mountains on the way.
- From Hue: you can travel by car through the scenic Hai Van Pass, or take the train to Da Nang and continue by road.
Getting around
The Ancient Town is small and best explored on foot. Parts of the centre are pedestrian-only at certain times of day. Bicycles are a popular way to reach the beaches and rice fields around town, and many hotels lend them for free or for a small fee.
Where to stay
- Ancient Town: ideal for walking everywhere, but busier and noisier at night.
- An Hoi islet: just across the river, close to the night market.
- Rice field areas: quieter guesthouses and villas surrounded by green paddy fields.
- An Bang and Cua Dai beaches: perfect if you want to combine culture with time by the sea.
Best time to visit
The most pleasant months are usually from around February to April, when the weather is warm and drier. Summer, from May to August, is hot and sunny. The rainy season in central Vietnam typically runs from around September to December, and Hoi An is prone to flooding in October and November, when the river can rise into the old streets.
If you can, plan your visit around the full moon. On these nights, the town often holds a lantern festival, with lights dimmed and candles floated on the river.
More things to do
If you stay longer than a day, consider:
- An Bang Beach: a relaxed beach a short bike ride from town.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village: an organic farming village known for its herbs, with cooking classes nearby.
- Cam Thanh coconut forest: take a ride in a round basket boat through the water coconut palms.
- My Son Sanctuary: ruins of Hindu temples from the Champa kingdom, about an hour away.
- Cooking classes: a great way to learn how to make cao lau, banh xeo and fresh spring rolls.
- Tailors: if you order custom clothes, allow at least a day or two for fittings.
FAQ
Is one day enough for Hoi An? One day is enough to see the highlights of the Ancient Town, but two or three days let you enjoy the beaches, villages and countryside too.
Do I need a ticket for the Ancient Town? A ticket is needed to visit the heritage sites. Check current rules and prices when you arrive.
What is the best time of day to visit? Early morning is quieter and cooler, and the evening is when the lanterns light up.
How far is Hoi An from Da Nang? Around 30 km, usually under an hour by car.
What should I eat in Hoi An? Cao lau, banh mi, white rose dumplings, com ga (Hoi An chicken rice) and mi Quang.
