Discover Hoi An: Vietnam's Picturesque Ancient Town

Planning a Last Minute Trip to Hoi An?

Booking hotels in Hoi An: Booking.com is our go-to platform to search for amazing hotels. Here are the most highly rated hotels to stay in Hoi An.

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Mid-Range

ZEN Boutique Hoi An

High-End

Little Riverside Hoi An

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Booking tours in Hoi An: Viator and GetYourGuide are the best platforms to find tours and excursions to join in Hoi An. Here are our top recommendations for the best tours to book.

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1. Hidden Gems of Old Hoi An

2. My Son Sanctuary & Boat Trip

3. Hoi An Walking Food Tour

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Want a hassle-free arrival from the airport? Book this private Hoi An transfer that will take you from Da Nang airport to Hoi An.

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Discovering Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An's main attraction is its picturesque old town, full of history and beauty. Admire the colonial buildings, ancestral homes and quaint shops as you wander through the narrow alleys, all offering plenty of photo opportunities.

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The ancient town has become a popular tourist destination in Vietnam and is getting increasingly crowded. With so many visitors, navigating the narrow streets can be challenging, and its charm often wears off quickly.

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Tip: To fully appreciate the beauty of the old quarter, visit before 7am and see the town come to life. It's also best to avoid weekends and public holidays for a more peaceful experience.

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Explore Hoi An Market 

Begin your morning at the Hoi An market along Bach Dang Street for a glimpse of local life. The market features two sections: one filled with typical souvenir shops and the other with food stalls serving delicious local dishes.

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Visit before 8am to catch the streets buzzing with vendors squatting along the sidewalks, with fresh produce, clothing, and housewares spilling onto the pavement. 

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For more authentic markets in Vietnam, read our complete guide to Bac Ha sunday market, one of the most colorful markets in northern Vietnam.

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Visit Precious Heritage Art Gallery 

Discover more of Vietnam at the Precious Heritage Art Gallery, featuring the stunning photographs of Rehahn, a renowned photographer who documented Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. Admission is free, and the gallery opens daily from 8am to 8pm. You can also purchase photo books and postcards by the entrance.

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The gallery consists of five rooms showcasing hundreds of portraits, tribal songs, and over 60 ethnic costumes. What we enjoyed most were the stories behind each photograph, whether from the tribes or from Rehahn himself.

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Read: Discover the Ethnic Village of Lao Xao in Ha Giang

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Wander the Night Market and Enjoy the Lanterns

What better way to experience the lantern capital of Vietnam than by visiting Hoi An at night? As the sun sets, the lanterns in the old town illuminate the streets with vibrant colors.

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For souvenirs and street food, head to the night market along Bach Dang Street and across An Hoi Bridge on Nguyen Hoang Street. The latter is famous for its hundreds of lanterns, perfect for those iconic Hoi An photos. Keep in mind, shop owners typically ask around 10,000vnd ($0.40) per person for photos

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Want to create your own unique lantern? Join this highly rated lantern-making class and create something special to take home.

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Relax Along the Thu Bon River

If you’re looking for more things to do in Hoi An at night, head to the Thu Bon River. With plenty of restaurants and coffee shops along the water, it’s the perfect spot to relax and soak in the night scene. For live music, head to Madam Kieu's restaurant or The Fox & Hounds Bar, both of which feature live music performances.

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Another popular activity is taking a boat ride along the Thu Bon River, costing about 150,000vnd ($6) for 1 to 3 people. While the ride itself wasn’t anything special, we couldn’t resist after a friendly woman named Lady Gaga convinced us—her sales pitch was spot on!

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For a more rewarding boat trip, head to Chuon Lagoon in Hue, part of the Tam Giang Lagoon system. Check out our complete guide to visiting the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia.

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View the Old Town from Above

For a different perspective on Hoi An ancient town, visit a rooftop café to enjoy views of the streets and old buildings. Rooftop cafés have a more relaxed atmosphere at night and are busier during the day.

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We recommend 92 Station Restaurant & Cafe, the highest rooftop café in the old quarter. Their menu features a variety of drinks and we particularly enjoyed their refreshing juices.

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Another café we visited was Faifo Coffee, which has a lovely interior and cozy rooftop seating, though the prices for coffee and cakes are a bit steep.

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Read: Most Beautiful Places in Vietnam

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Unwind with a Relaxing Massage

There's no better way to relax after a long day of walking than with a massage, and Hoi An offers countless spas to choose from.

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Located just a few blocks from the night market, Art Spa has one of the best body massages we've ever had. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and the masseuses used a unique technique with a smooth, continuous flow.

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Get Tailored Clothes

Renowned for its textile industry, Hoi An's old quarter features numerous tailors offering custom garments at affordable prices. However, we did notice that some shops can be a bit pricey by Vietnam's standards. 

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If you choose to get items tailored, allow 2 to 5 days for completion, depending on what you’re having made. It’s also wise to scout the area for prices beforehand to understand the range of services available, as there are also competitive options outside the ancient town.

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Traveling to Vietnam soon? Make sure that you have all of your necessary documents ready. Read our list of 17 things to know before visiting Vietnam.

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Beyond the Ancient Town: Things to Do in Hoi An

Hoi An offers much more than just its old town. If you’re seeking something different, here are some places we visited just a few kilometers away, all easily accessible by motorbike or with a private driver for the day.

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Discover Cam Kim Island

Located just a short drive from the center, Cam Kim Island features a variety of craft villages, including those specializing in mat weaving and traditional coracle boat-making.

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We visited around Tet (Vietnamese New Year), the biggest holiday in the country, so many places were closed. Fortunately, we got to see Mr. Sau (Ong Sau) demonstrate how to make traditional coracle boats. It was fascinating to watch him work, and despite the language barrier, he effectively showcased his craft.

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There’s no entrance fee, but you can support Mr. Sau and his family by purchasing woven products like hats and baskets.

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Interested in more Vietnamese craft villages? You can visit the mat-weaving village in Dinh Yen or the traditional broom making street in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Enjoy a Coffee with a View

Just 5 kilometers south of Cam Kim Island lies Lo Gach Cu, a small café nestled in the rice fields, complete with a bamboo bridge leading to an old brick tower.

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While it’s a bit touristy and somewhat of a drive from the ancient town, it's worth a stop for coffee and their delicious mango sticky rice if you’re in the area.

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The selling point of the café is its lush rice paddies, so make sure you go during the rice season. Otherwise, the view won’t be as picturesque.

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Read: Find the Best Coffee Shops in Dalat, Vietnam

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Visit Duy Hai Fishing Market

Just a 15-minute drive from the center, Duy Hai Fish Market provides a fantastic opportunity to observe the local fishing community. It's also a great spot for photography, as boats arrive with their daily catch.

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Tip: For some excellently brewed coffee, stop at the Cavalry Cafe nearby.

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The market is busiest in the early morning hours, between 5am and 7am. When we visited, the weather was terrible, and the market was quiet. However, we’ve seen stunning photos of the area on sunny days, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out.

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Read: The Lively Market of Mui Ne Fishing Village

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Experience Pottery in Thanh Ha Village

Located about 5 kilometers from the old town at the end of Duy Tan Street, Pottery Village is one of the most popular Hoi An attractions. For an entrance fee of 35,000vnd ($1.40), you get access to all the craft shops within the village.

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While it’s not the traditional village we expected (where locals craft pottery), the workshops are filled with opportunities for you to create your own cups and vases or pick up souvenirs. It's a great spot to visit with kids, or if you're looking to pass some time.

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You’ll also find Thanh Ha Terracotta Park in the center of the village showcasing pottery from Vietnamese artists. However, this attraction isn’t included in the entrance fee and costs an additional 50,000vnd ($2).

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For more traditional villages in Vietnam, we highly recommend visiting Phia Thap Incense Village located in the Cao Bang Province.

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Explore the Paddy Fields and Countryside

One of the best activities in Hoi An is riding a motorbike through the countryside. You can explore the vast rice fields surrounding the ancient town, meet locals tending to their farms, and gain insight into their daily lives. Our favorite spots include cruising along Cua Dai Beach and exploring Cam Kim and Cam Nam Islands.

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Tip: If you're not comfortable driving a motorbike, consider joining a guided bike tour to experience the beautiful countryside around Hoi An.

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Day Trips From Hoi An

If you have extra time in Hoi An and want to explore further, here are some recommended day trips you can easily take on your own or as part of a guided tour.

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My Son Sanctuary

With Hindu temple ruins dating from the 4th to 14th centuries, My Son Sanctuary offers a rare glimpse into the architecture and religious beliefs of the Champa dynasty. 

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Here are the most highly rated My Son Tours to book in Hoi An.

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Interested in seeing more temple ruins from the Champa Dynasty? Head to Binh Dinh and check out the Banh It Cham Temple Complex.

Marble Mountains

Located about 18 kilometers away, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang are home to intricate temples, caves, and stunning viewpoints. 

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We highly recommend this guided tour of the Marble Mountains from Hoi An.

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Eating in Hoi An

With so many dining options available in the old quarter, selecting the right place to eat can be overwhelming. Here’s a list of restaurants we've enjoyed in Hoi An that we highly recommend.

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Mi Quang 92: Some of the best mi quang (rice noodle dish) in town, served with a light yet flavorful broth, topped with tender meat, and very affordable. 6am-6pm

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Thanh Cao Lau Restaurant: Small local restaurant specializing in Cao Lau noodles–Hoi An’s specialty. They tend to get very busy, so head there early or after lunch rush. 7am-7pm

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Exclusively made in Hoi An, Cao Lau is served with thick and chewy noodles with a grayish-brown color and a distinctive flavor. Legend says that the water used in boiling the noodles must come from the Ba Le well located only in Hoi An town.

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Nostalife: Don’t be deceived by the simple decor; this place serves some of the best food in Hoi An at a reasonable price. Be sure to try their special fried wontons topped with tomatoes and scallions. 11am-9:30pm

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Red Dragon: Find the best crispy pork belly in Hoi An, slow-cooked for 15 hours! Located on Cua Dai Street, this restaurant has limited seating, so be sure to arrive early. noon-12pm

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Sua Vegan: Serving flavorful vegan and vegetarian dishes while supporting charitable causes. In addition to employing deaf staff, they sell ceramics and lanterns, with all proceeds going to their employees with disabilities. 7am-9pm

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Banh Mi Phuong: Hoi An’s most famous banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) shop as popularized by Anthony Bourdain. Gets quite busy with long lineups, so if you don't feel like waiting in line, any banh mi stall in the old quarter is just as good. 6:30am-9pm

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Interested in discovering more Vietnamese cuisine? Read our guide to the 9 must-try dishes in Dalat, Vietnam.

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Street Food Tour

If you’re looking to explore more of the culinary delights of Hoi An, then a street food tour is definitely the way to go!

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There’s nothing quite like eating your way through this charming town, sampling all the delicious dishes that it has to offer. A street food tour allows you to taste some of the best local foods that you might not have tried otherwise.

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Here are the most highly recommended food tours you can take in Hoi An.

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Cooking Class

Thanks to its rich cultural history, Hoi An is a culinary destination and a great place to discover more about the region's traditional flavors. So, if you want to do something unique, consider joining a cooking class and recreate your favorite Vietnamese dishes!

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Here are the best cooking classes in Hoi An.

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Where to Stay in Hoi An

Choosing where to stay depends on what you want to see and do in Hoi An. For easy access to most of the city's sights and restaurants, stay near the old town. If you'd prefer to be closer to the beach, the Cam An area might be a better option. Find all Hoi An accommodations here.

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Mid-Range

ZEN Boutique Hoi An

High-End

Little Riverside Hoi An

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

The best time to explore the old quarter and enjoy outdoor activities is from December to March, when temperatures are comfortable. For beachgoers, April to August offers the hottest weather in Hoi An. It's best to avoid the rainy season, from September to November, as the risk of flooding is high.

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Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

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How to Get to Hoi An

The most convenient way to reach Hoi An is to get to Da Nang either by plane or train.

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Plane: Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is about 30 kilometers from Hoi An. You can take a taxi or use Grab for the journey, which takes around 45 minutes and costs at least $15.

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Book this airport transfer from Da Nang to Hoi An to ensure a stress-free arrival.

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Train: Da Nang Railway Station, one of the largest in the country, offers a comfortable way to travel from nearby cities like Hue or Quy Nhon.

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Book your train tickets here!

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Getting Around Hoi An

To fully experience the ancient town, explore on foot or by bicycle. Many hotels in Hoi An offer free bike rentals, though they’re often not in the best condition.

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For trips into the countryside, we recommend renting a motorbike from your accommodation. Rentals usually cost around 7 USD per day. Book your motorbike with a full face helmet here in advance.

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Heading to Vietnam for the first time? Plan your trip with our comprehensive guides, from discovering Vietnam in 2 weeks to our 1 month itinerary!

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How Many Days in Hoi An

One night is enough to experience Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm, as there are even more beautiful places in Vietnam worth your time—like Quy Nhon or Tuy Hoa, both offering a laid-back vibe and some of Vietnam’s most stunning beaches.

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If you’re eager to explore beyond the old town and discover Hoi An’s surrounding beauty, plan for at least two nights. There’s so much more to this city than just its ancient quarter.

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‍Looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations? Head to Pu Luong Nature Reserve for trekking adventures or explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park for incredible cave explorations.

We hope this guide inspires you to plan your trip and uncover Hoi An beyond its ancient town.

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From one historic town to another, Hanoi’s old quarter is a destination you can’t miss. With narrow alleyways packed with shops and restaurants, charming old apartments, and a stunning Gothic church, Vietnam’s capital city is simply a must-visit.

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Let us know in the comments if there are any experiences we didn’t mention.