Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town • Lanterns & Local Culture • Cam Thanh Coconut Village • Hoi An Cuisine • Countryside Experiences

Hoi An

Discover Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations. Explore the lantern-lit Ancient Town, taste authentic local cuisine, visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village and experience the unique culture of Central Vietnam.

Location

Central Vietnam

Best for

Culture, food, history, couples, families and slow travel

Ideal stay

2–3 days

Main airport

Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

Best known for

Hoi An Ancient Town, lanterns, local food, traditional architecture and countryside experiences

Nearby destinations

Da Nang, Hue, My Son and An Bang Beach

Hoi An, Vietnam — photo 1 Hoi An, Vietnam — photo 2 Hoi An, Vietnam — photo 3 Hoi An, Vietnam — photo 4 Hoi An, Vietnam — photo 5
About

About Hoi An

Hoi An is a historic riverside town in Central Vietnam, famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town, colorful lanterns, traditional architecture and distinctive local cuisine. Once an important international trading port, Hoi An today offers travelers a chance to experience Vietnam at a slower pace. Visitors can walk through historic streets, discover traditional houses and temples, enjoy local food, explore the countryside and take part in authentic cultural experiences. Hoi An is also an excellent base for exploring Central Vietnam. Its close connection to Da Nang makes it easy to combine both destinations, while Hue, My Son Sanctuary and other attractions can be added to a longer itinerary. Whether you are looking for a cultural getaway, a romantic escape, a family holiday or a private Vietnam experience, Hoi An can be tailored to different travel styles.
Why Visit

Why Visit Hoi An?

Historic Ancient Town

Walk through Hoi An’s atmospheric historic streets, traditional houses, temples and old merchant buildings.

Lantern-Lit Evenings

Experience Hoi An after sunset when colorful lanterns illuminate the Ancient Town and Thu Bon River.

Authentic Local Food

Taste Hoi An specialties including Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, Mi Quang and Hoi An chicken rice.

Countryside Experiences

Explore coconut forests, rice fields, fishing villages and traditional communities around Hoi An.

Perfect Central Vietnam Base

Combine Hoi An with Da Nang, Hue and other Central Vietnam highlights for a complete journey.

Beach & Relaxation

Add An Bang Beach or a relaxing countryside stay to balance sightseeing with time to unwind.

Top Experiences

Top Things To Do in Hoi An

1. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town Walk through the historic heart of Hoi An and discover traditional houses, temples, assembly halls, local shops and riverside streets. 2. See the Japanese Covered Bridge Visit one of Hoi An’s most recognizable landmarks and learn about the town’s history as an international trading port. 3. Experience Hoi An at Night Return to the Ancient Town after sunset to enjoy lantern-lit streets, the riverside atmosphere, local markets and evening food. 4. Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village Take a traditional basket boat through the water coconut forest and discover the peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An. 5. Taste Hoi An Local Cuisine Discover regional specialties such as Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, Mi Quang and Hoi An chicken rice. 6. Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village Explore traditional farming life and discover how local vegetables and herbs are grown near Hoi An. 7. Take a Thu Bon River Boat Ride Enjoy a relaxing boat experience and see Hoi An and its surrounding countryside from the river. 8. Relax at An Bang Beach Combine culture and relaxation with a visit to An Bang Beach, one of the popular coastal escapes near Hoi An.
At a Glance

Must-Visit Places in Hoi An

PlaceBest For
Hoi An Ancient Town Hoi An Ancient Town Historic architecture, culture and lanterns
Japanese Covered Bridge Japanese Covered Bridge Iconic historic landmark
Thu Bon River Thu Bon River Riverside views and boat experiences
Cam Thanh Coconut Village Cam Thanh Coconut Village Basket boats and countryside
Tra Que Vegetable Village Tra Que Vegetable Village Traditional farming and local life
Hoi An Night Market Hoi An Night Market Lanterns, street food and shopping
An Bang Beach An Bang Beach Beach, swimming and relaxation
Local Craft Villages Local Craft Villages Traditional handicrafts and culture
Showing 1 tours
10 days/ 9 nights
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Da Nang - Phu Quoc

Vietnam 10 Day Tour: Explore Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang & Phu Quoc

$699/ person
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Plan Your Trip

How to Include Hoi An in Your Vietnam Itinerary

Trip Planning

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hoi An?

Hoi An can be visited throughout the year, although weather conditions vary by season. February to April is generally a comfortable period for sightseeing, with pleasant conditions for exploring the Ancient Town and surrounding attractions. May to August is hotter and works well for travelers who want to combine Hoi An sightseeing with beach time. September to January can bring wetter weather, so travelers should check the forecast when planning outdoor activities. For a multi-destination Vietnam trip, we recommend choosing your itinerary according to the overall seasonal conditions across Vietnam rather than focusing on one destination alone.
Getting There

How to Get to Hoi An

By Air

The nearest major airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD). From Da Nang, Hoi An can be reached by private car, taxi, transfer or organized tour. From Da Nang Hoi An is easily accessible from Da Nang and is one of the most popular day trips from the city. Travelers can visit Hoi An for a day or stay overnight to experience the Ancient Town after sunset. From Hue Hoi An can also be combined with Hue and Da Nang as part of a Central Vietnam itinerary.  
Getting Around

Getting Around Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town is compact and easy to explore on foot. For attractions outside the historic center, travelers can use private cars, taxis, bicycles, local transfers or organized tours. A private vehicle is particularly convenient when combining Hoi An Ancient Town with Cam Thanh Coconut Village, Tra Que Vegetable Village, An Bang Beach or other nearby attractions.
Where You'll Stay

Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town

Best for:

Best for travelers who want easy access to historic attractions, restaurants, cafes and evening activities.

Riverside

Riverside

Best for:

A good choice for travelers looking for a peaceful atmosphere while remaining close to the Ancient Town.

An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach

Best for:

Ideal for combining Hoi An’s cultural experiences with a relaxing beach stay.

Hoi An Countryside

Hoi An Countryside

Best for:

Perfect for travelers looking for quiet surroundings, boutique accommodation, rice fields and a slower local experience.

Before You Go

Useful Hoi An Travel Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes because the Ancient Town is best explored on foot.

• Visit early in the day for a more relaxed sightseeing experience.

• Return to the Ancient Town after sunset to experience Hoi An’s famous lantern atmosphere.

• Try local specialties instead of limiting your meals to international cuisine.

• Combine the Ancient Town with Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a mix of culture and countryside.

• Consider staying overnight if you want to experience Hoi An after the main daytime crowds leave.

• Hoi An is easy to combine with Da Nang and Hue, making it a great stop on a Central Vietnam itinerary.

• For attractions outside the Ancient Town, private transportation can save time and make it easier to combine multiple experiences.

Keep Exploring

Explore More of Vietnam

If Hoi An is part of your Vietnam itinerary, consider combining it with these destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hoi An Travel FAQ

Is Hoi An worth visiting?

Yes. Hoi An is an excellent destination for travelers interested in history, culture, food, architecture and authentic local experiences.

How many days do you need in Hoi An?

We recommend 2–3 days for a relaxed experience. One day is enough for a highlights tour, especially for travelers staying in Da Nang.

Can I visit Hoi An from Da Nang?

Yes. Hoi An is easily accessible from Da Nang and is ideal for both day trips and longer stays.

What is Hoi An famous for?

Hoi An is famous for its historic Ancient Town, colorful lanterns, traditional architecture, local cuisine, riverside atmosphere and surrounding countryside.

What food should I try in Hoi An?

Popular local specialties include Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, Mi Quang and Hoi An chicken rice.

Can I combine Hoi An with Da Nang?

Yes. Da Nang and Hoi An are very easy to combine and are often included together in Central Vietnam itineraries.

Is Hoi An good for families?

Yes. Hoi An offers family-friendly experiences including the Ancient Town, basket boat rides, countryside activities, local food experiences and beach time.

Can I book a private Hoi An tour?

Yes. A private Hoi An tour can be customized around your preferred attractions, activities, travel pace and interests.

How far is Hoi An from Da Nang?

Hoi An is located close to Da Nang, making the two destinations easy to combine in a single itinerary.

What can I do in Hoi An at night?

You can explore the lantern-lit Ancient Town, walk along the Thu Bon River, visit the night market, enjoy local food and experience Hoi An’s evening atmosphere.

Plan Your Hoi An Trip

Our local travel team can help you build a trip around your interests and travel style — transportation, hotels and experiences included.

Request a custom trip