Hoi An Ancient Town Travel Guide: What to See, Eat & Explore

Hoi An flourished from the 1400s to 1800s as an international trading port, attracting merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. Its architecture is a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and colonial French styles — a reflection of its multicultural past.

Why it's recognized by UNESCO:

• Authentic wooden buildings and merchant houses
• Intact street grid dating back over 200 years
• Cultural fusion of spiritual sites, assembly halls, and bridges
• Community commitment to preservation and traditional crafts

Since 1999, Hoi An Ancient Town has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing over 3 million visitors annually.

Want to explore more heritage sites? See our Top UNESCO Sites in Vietnam.

Hoi An has a tropical climate, but your experience will vary greatly depending on the time of year.

Weather by season:

• February – May: Dry, sunny, cool (best time)
• June – August: Hot and humid, but manageable
• September – November: Rainy season; streets may flood, but fewer crowds
• December – January: Mild and dry, slightly more expensive due to tourism peaks

Special events to plan around:

• Full Moon Lantern Festival (monthly on the 14th lunar day)
• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Late Jan or Feb
• Mid-Autumn Festival: Lantern parades, kids' performances

Tip: Book accommodation 1–2 weeks ahead if traveling during festivals. For exact dates, check our Hoi An Festival Calendar.

Hoi An does not have its own airport or train station, but getting there is easy via Da Nang — the closest major city.

From Da Nang to Hoi An (30 km):

• Private car / Grab: 250,000–350,000 VND (~$10–15), 45–60 mins
• Shuttle bus: From airport or city center, 120,000 VND ($5)
• Motorbike rental: ~150,000 VND/day, scenic ride along the coast

From Hue to Hoi An (125 km):

• Train + car combo: Train to Da Nang, then Grab/taxi to Hoi An
• Bus or minivan: ~3–4 hours, ~200,000–250,000 VND
• Hai Van Pass route: Best for motorbike or private tour lovers

Check our Da Nang to Hoi An Transport Guide for route maps, photos, and price comparisons.

Hoi An Ancient Town is free to enter and walk around, but you’ll need a Hoi An Old Town Pass to visit most historical sites, temples, and ancient houses.

How the ticket works:

• 🎟️ Price: 120,000 VND (~$5) per person
• 📍 Includes: Entry to 5 heritage spots of your choice
• 🏛️ Where to buy: Ticket booths at all Old Town entrances and main corners
• ⏳ Valid for: The entire duration of your stay (no time limit for use)

Included attractions:

• Tan Ky Ancient House
• Fujian Assembly Hall
• Japanese Covered Bridge
• Phung Hung House
• Hoi An Museum of History and Culture

Tip: Keep your ticket — inspectors may ask for it at various sites. Read our Hoi An Ticket Guide for detailed maps and usage tips.

Despite its compact size, Hoi An Ancient Town is packed with historic buildings, spiritual landmarks, and cultural experiences. Each street has its own character, and wandering without a plan can lead to the best surprises.

Must-see highlights:

• 🏯 Japanese Covered Bridge: Built in the 1590s — a cultural icon of Hoi An
• 🏠 Tan Ky House: Seven generations of merchant family history
• ⛩️ Assembly Halls (Fujian, Cantonese, Trieu Chau): Colorful, ornate, spiritual
• 🛶 Thu Bon River & Riverside Walks: Lantern-lit scenery, boat rides
• 🎭 Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House: Nightly folk music and dance shows

Don’t rush. Most visitors spend 2–3 days to fully enjoy the Old Town, especially if visiting temples, trying local food, and shopping.

Hoi An is a pedestrian-friendly destination. Cars and motorbikes are restricted in the Old Town core during certain hours (especially evenings), making it ideal for walking.

Recommended streets:

• Tran Phu Street: Main historical road with temples, museums, and tailors
• Nguyen Thai Hoc Street: Best for cafes, art galleries, and silk shops
• Bach Dang Street: Along the river, ideal for sunset walks
• Le Loi Street: Lantern shops, handicrafts, and food vendors

Walking tips:

• Visit early morning for soft light and no crowds
• Bring a water bottle and wear breathable clothing
• GPS may not work well in tight alleyways — go offline and explore!

Use our Hoi An Walking Map for a printable self-guided route.

Hoi An’s unique charm lies in its preserved merchant homes, ancestral temples, and cultural museums — many still used by local families and spiritual communities.

Must-visit sites:

• Tan Ky Ancient House: 200-year-old structure blending Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese design
• Phung Hung House: Home of a wealthy merchant, with original antiques
• Quan Cong Temple: Dedicated to a Chinese general known for loyalty and courage
• Museum of Folk Culture: Clothing, tools, and crafts from Hoi An’s past
• Sa Huynh Culture Museum: Archaeological artifacts from pre-Cham settlements

Tip: Guides are available at many locations and worth hiring for 15–20 minutes of historical context (usually small tips appreciated).

For cultural background, explore our Vietnamese Architecture and Heritage Guide.

When the sun sets, Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into a magical landscape of glowing lanterns, traditional music, and bustling markets — a must-experience for any visitor.

Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Street):

• 📍 Location: On the An Hoi Island side of the river
• 🕖 Opening hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• 🛍️ What to find: Handmade lanterns, silk scarves, wooden toys, local snacks
• 💡 Tip: Bring small cash, and don’t be afraid to bargain (politely)

Lantern Festival:

• 🗓️ When: Held on the 14th day of every lunar month
• 🎉 Highlights: All electric lights turned off in the Old Town, thousands of lanterns floated on the river, traditional games, folk performances
• 🚣‍♀️ Bonus: Take a short bamboo boat ride under lantern-lit skies (~50,000 VND/person)

Want exact dates? Check our Hoi An Festival Calendar.

Hoi An is a culinary destination in its own right. Many dishes here can’t be found anywhere else — and even common Vietnamese meals are done differently in Hoi An style.

Top local foods to try:

• Cao Lau: Thick noodles with pork, herbs, and crispy croutons (only made with water from ancient Ba Le well)
• White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac): Translucent shrimp dumplings shaped like flowers
• Mi Quang: Turmeric noodles with pork, shrimp, and peanuts
• Com Ga Hoi An (Chicken Rice): Jasmine rice with shredded chicken, herbs, and pickles
• Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh: Famous bánh mì with custom fillings

Where to eat:

• Morning Glory Restaurant: Upscale but authentic
• Bale Well: All-you-can-eat BBQ & spring rolls
• Central Market: Street food stalls with local pricing
• Vegan options: Check out Nourish Eatery or Am Vegetarian

Explore more with our full Hoi An Food Guide.

Hoi An is globally known for its custom tailoring industry, offering suits, dresses, shoes, and bags — often ready within 24–48 hours.

How tailoring works:

1. Choose a shop and browse styles or bring your own design
2. Pick fabric (cotton, linen, silk, wool…)
3. Get measured (takes ~15 minutes)
4. Return for 1–2 fittings
5. Pick up finished product (usually next day)

Trusted tailor shops:

• Yaly Couture: High-end, professional service
• BeBe Tailor: Popular with tourists, English-speaking staff
• Kimmy Tailor: Stylish, trendy cuts
• Tony The Tailor: Budget-friendly and fast

Tip: Always read recent reviews, ask for final price before confirming, and save time by visiting early in your trip.

For style tips and shopping phrases, check our Hoi An Tailor Guide.

Hoi An has a wide range of accommodation — from riverside homestays to boutique heritage hotels right in the heart of the Old Town.

Best areas to stay:

• 🟡 Old Town: Walkable, historical ambiance (higher price, limited vehicle access)
• 🔵 Cam Nam / Cam Pho: Just across the bridge, quieter and more affordable
• 🟢 An Bang Beach: 10 minutes by bike from town — beach vibes + tranquility

Recommended places:

• Little Riverside Hoi An: Riverfront boutique hotel, rooftop pool
• La Siesta Hoi An: Luxury near Old Town, spa & garden
• Lana Villa: Mid-range homestay with personal touches
• Tribee Hostel: Great for solo travelers and backpackers

Booking tips:

• Reserve early during festivals (especially Lantern Fest or Tet)
• Ask if the hotel provides bikes or free shuttle to Old Town

Compare options via Booking.com, Agoda, or check our curated Hoi An Accommodation Guide.

Hoi An is not just a tourist destination — it's a living town with deep cultural roots. Being a respectful traveler helps preserve its charm and protects the local way of life.

Do:

• Dress modestly when entering temples or ancient houses
• Greet vendors with a smile — a simple “Xin chào” goes a long way
• Support family-run restaurants and craft shops
• Use a refillable water bottle — many cafés offer free refills

Don’t:

• Ride motorbikes inside the pedestrian zone (enforced in the evening)
• Touch or lean on historic walls or furniture in old houses
• Fly drones without permission (some zones are restricted)
• Leave trash near the river or lantern stations

Want more on sustainable travel? Visit our Vietnam Responsible Tourism Guide.

While the Ancient Town is the highlight, Hoi An is also the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside, beaches, and ruins.

Popular day trips:

• My Son Sanctuary: Ancient Cham ruins (~1 hour away)
• Tra Que Vegetable Village: Organic farming and cooking classes
• Cam Thanh Coconut Forest: Basket boat rides through nipa palms
• An Bang Beach / Cua Dai Beach: Chill by the sea (10 mins by bike)
• Cham Island Snorkeling Tour: Seasonal (March–September)

Tip: Join a bike tour or eco-tour with local guides for authentic insights.

Browse our full list of Best Day Trips from Hoi An to plan your off-the-path adventures.

From golden hour by the river to the glow of lanterns at night, Hoi An is one of the most photogenic towns in Asia.

Best photography spots:

• Japanese Covered Bridge: At sunrise before tourists arrive
• Lantern Street (Nguyen Thai Hoc): After 6:00 PM for soft glow shots
• Thu Bon River boats: For symmetry and reflections
• Balconies and rooftops: Ask cafés for rooftop access (buy a drink)
• Hidden alleyways: Especially around Le Loi and Hoang Van Thu streets

📷 Tip: Use a wide-angle lens for street shots, and portrait mode for lantern close-ups. Avoid flash — natural lighting is magical here.

Need more? Check out our Hoi An Photography Spots.

Hoi An is a shopper’s paradise — not for malls or brands, but for authentic, handmade goods that support local artisans.

What to buy:

• Handmade lanterns
• Leather bags, wallets, and shoes
• Embroidery and silk scarves
• Hand-stitched notebooks and journals
• Organic soaps and essential oils
• Ceramics from Thanh Ha pottery village

Where to shop:

• Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang)
• Reaching Out Arts & Crafts: Fair-trade, made by people with disabilities
• March Gallery: Modern art and local artists
• Sunday in Hoi An: Minimalist gifts, Vietnamese scents, coffee

For more ethical shopping options, visit our Hoi An Artisan Shopping Guide.

Have more questions? Visit our full Vietnam Travel FAQs.

Hoi An Ancient Town is not just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel. Every lantern-lit alley, every bowl of cao lầu, every gentle greeting adds to an experience you won’t forget.

Quick Summary:

• 🗺️ Location: Central Vietnam, near Da Nang
• 🕰️ Best time: February to May
• 🎟️ Ticket: 120,000 VND to access heritage sites
• 🍜 Must-eats: Cao Lau, White Rose Dumplings, Com Ga
• 🧵 What to do: Explore the Old Town, go tailoring, take a lantern workshop
• 📸 Bonus: Visit during a full moon for the lantern festival

Make sure Hoi An is not just a stop — make it a highlight of your Vietnam journey.