Discover
Hoi An
History breathes through the lantern-lit streets and golden-hued walls of Hoi An Ancient Town. Once a bustling trade port on the maritime Silk Road, this UNESCO World Heritage Site now captivates visitors with its unique blend of architecture, a testament to its multicultural past. Stroll through cobblestone streets, explore hidden alleyways brimming with artisans, and indulge in the city’s rich culinary heritage.
“A lantern-lit journey through ancient times, bursting with the flavors and charm of Central Vietnam”
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Attractions
Discover the essence of Hoi An in its historical landmarks. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, marvel at ancient merchant houses, and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the Thu Bon River.
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Hoi An’s tours offer insights into its rich history and contemporary culture. From guided walks in the Ancient Town to boat trips along the river, each experience brings you closer to the heart of this timeless city. Join a tour with Vietnam Is Awesome for a memorable journey.
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Select from our handpicked accommodations that echo Hoi An’s charm. Whether you prefer the historic ambiance of a boutique hotel in the Old Town or the luxury of a beachside resort, our curated list ensures a memorable stay.
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Hoi An’s cuisine is a delectable blend of traditional recipes and international influences. Taste the city’s signature dishes like Cao Lau and Banh Mi, and explore the flavors at local eateries and high-end restaurants.
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Hoi An Handbook: Essential Travel Tips
When is the Best Time to Visit Hoi An?
Visit between February and April for mild weather and minimal rainfall. Plan your trip to central Vietnam according to the weather with this helpful guide.
Transportation Tips
A. Getting to Vietnam
Vietnam has 4 major international airports. One is in Da Nang, about a 45-minute drive from Hoi An. Vietnam Airlines is the most reliable operator for international flights to Da Nang International Airport.
B. How to get to Hoi An
From the airport in Da Nang, catch a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Grab or Xanh SM to get to Hoi An. There are also lots of shuttles and buses that run directly from the airport to Hoi An. Either way, the ride takes less than an hour.
C. How to get around in Hoi An
Hoi An is a relatively small and compact city, so exploring on foot or renting a bicycle to pedal around are feasible options. Taxis or ride-sharing apps conveniently get around quickly or cover larger distances.
Before You Go
- Visa: Check visa requirements based on your nationality. Find out more about getting a Vietnam Visa before you visit Hoi An.
- Timezone: Vietnam is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), UTC+7.
- Voltage: The standard voltage is 220V, and the outlets usually accept three different plugs: A, C, and F. If you are from Europe, Japan, or the Americas, your plugs will work fine. Otherwise, you’ll need an adapter. Note that many Vietnamese outlets do not have a third hole for grounding, and so can only accept two-pronged plugs.
- Internet: Most hotels, cafes, and even restaurants in Hoi An offer free Wi-Fi; Wi-Fi plans are so cheap in Vietnam that almost all businesses have one. But it’s easy, inexpensive, and well worth buying a local SIM card with a data package at the airport upon arrival.
- SIM Cards: You can easily purchase SIM cards for data and calls at the airport or local stores. Note that you’ll need to provide your passport to get a SIM. Viettel, Mobifone, and VinaPhone are the best mobile networks for Hoi An and in most parts of Vietnam.
- Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). VND only comes in bills (no coins), and 1 USD equals about 24,000 VND (commonly abbreviated as 24k). Some shops catering to tourists may accept USD, but most only take VND.
- Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at large businesses like hotels, indoor restaurants, or upscale shopping venues, but smaller enterprises usually only take cash.
- ATMs: Hoi An has many ATMs, most of which accept foreign cards. Make sure to notify your bank before you travel to Vietnam to avoid blocked ATM transactions.
- Tipping: Vietnam is not a tipping culture, so a tip is not expected. A tip is a good way to bring a smile to someone’s face, though. Note that cab drivers and tour guides often rely on some tipping, so it’s a good idea to tip them.
Understanding Culture & Customs In Hoi An
Hoi An is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and a blend of influences from China, Japan, and Europe, seen in its architecture, traditions, and customs. When visiting Hoi An, it’s important to respect local customs and traditions, such as covering your shoulders in temples, or removing your shoes before entering certain buildings and bargaining with a smile and respect for the seller.
It’s also important to be mindful of crowds in Hoi An’s main tourist areas, particularly during peak travel seasons. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and respectful of other travelers while exploring the city’s popular attractions.
Common questions about Hoi An
Hoi An specializes in quaint boutique resorts like The Hoi An Historic Hotel, Little Riverside Hoi An, and Cozy Hoi An Boutique Villas. It also has luxury resorts like Four Seasons Hoi An, Allegro Resort and Spa, and Anantara Hoi An. Please look closer at accommodation options in our guide on Hoi An Hotels.
Hoi An has many excellent Vietnamese cuisine options, from fine dining like Hoi An Golden Kitchen or Spice Viet Restaurant to cheaper eats like Silent Garden Restaurant or Mate Restaurant and Coffee. For Western food, try Le Petit Bistro or Hoi An Steakhouse. Browse our Hoi An restaurant guide for an even greater selection of places to eat.
Hoi An is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the most charming village in Southeast Asia thanks in part to the following:
Its architecture is a charming mix of wooden Chinese shophouses, temples, colorful French colonial buildings, and ornate Vietnamese tube houses.
The vibrant lanterns adorn the streets and light up during monthly lantern festivals, creating a magical atmosphere.
Its upscale artisan shopping scene features leather products and tropical wool suits, among other local crafts.
Visitors to Hoi An can walk around the town and admire the architecture, eat street food, visit the local artisans, go to one of Hoi An’s spas, or participate in a regional workshop like a paper lantern-making class or a Vietnamese cooking class. Hoi An is also in a great location close to Da Nang, My Son Sanctuary, and other can’t-miss locations, so you can always try one of the day tours from Hoi An.
The cheapest time to visit Hoi An is January through March, not the Tet Holiday. September through November are inexpensive times to visit Hoi An, too, but they are the rainiest months of the year.
Hoi An is fairly small, so walking or riding a bicycle are the best ways to get around. The town itself is also beautiful, so slower forms of transport will allow you to take in the sights. For longer trips, you can use a taxi or a ride-sharing app.
February through July are considered the best months to visit Hoi An, even though December is the highest-traffic month for tourism. February through April have temperate weather and are not too hot. May and June are sunnier and warmer, so they’re great for enjoying the beaches in the Hoi An area.
Most people find 3 days is enough to fully enjoy Hoi An Ancient town and one or two of the nearby cultural experiences like My Son sanctuary. For a more in-depth experience that includes a complete exploration of the town’s unique culture and maybe even a day trip or two, 4-5 days will probably be needed.
Hoi An has a lively nightlife with great local bars and live music. An Bang Beach (15 minutes from Ancient Town) has some great beach bars with live music, and Da Nang is just 45 minutes away for more serious partying.