The Ultimate Travel Guide to Hoi An (Updated for 2025)
If you’re searching for a destination that feels like a warm, nostalgic dream—one where lanterns sway gently in the wind, old houses glow under golden light, and time seems to stand still—then Hoi An is exactly where you need to be.
Hoi An is beloved not just for its beautifully preserved architecture, but also for its soul: charming, welcoming, and utterly peaceful. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking romance, or a digital nomad craving inspiration, Hoi An has something special for you.
Let’s plan your perfect escape to Hoi An!
BEST TIME TO VISIT HOI AN
Hoi An has a tropical climate with two main seasons:
- Dry season (February – August): Characterized by warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. This period is ideal for beach trips, walking tours, and outdoor excursions.
- Wet season (September – January): Features intermittent rain, higher humidity, and occasional flooding in low-lying areas. However, it offers fewer crowds and a mystical, romantic atmosphere.
Best months to visit:
- February to April: Pleasant weather with cool mornings and blooming flowers. Perfect for photography and outdoor exploration.
- July to August: Excellent for combining cultural sightseeing with beach relaxation.
HOW TO GET TO HOI AN
Hoi An doesn’t have an airport or train station, but it is well-connected:
Step 1: Arrive in Da Nang
- Fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD) – approximately 30 km from Hoi An (45-minute drive).
Step 2: Transfer to Hoi An
- Private car/taxi: $15–20 USD (most convenient)
- Shared shuttle van: Budget-friendly; check schedules with local providers
- Motorbike rental: For adventurous travelers who want flexibility
- Train: Arrive at Da Nang Railway Station, then take a car or taxi to Hoi An
Tip: Many hotels offer airport pickup service—ask when booking.
WHERE TO STAY IN HOI AN
Central Old Town (great for culture and walking):
1. Allegro Hoi An Hotel & Spa
- Boutique luxury, complimentary bikes, excellent breakfast
- Address: 86 Tran Hung Dao, Minh An Ward
- Price: $90–130 USD/night
- Ideal for couples seeking elegance and proximity to the Old Town
2. Anio Boutique Hotel Hoi An
- Stylish design, pool, spa, excellent service
- Address: 3 Le Dinh Tham, Tan An Ward
- Price: $65–90 USD/night
- 10-minute bike ride to Old Town
3. Lantana Riverside Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Peaceful riverside location
- Address: 52 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street
- Price: $55–85 USD/night
- Free bicycles, quiet and scenic surroundings
Beach Area (for sun and relaxation):
- Under the Coconut Tree Homestay: Rustic, eco-friendly vibes near An Bang Beach
- Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa: Top-tier beach resort with tranquil ambiance
- Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa: Lush tropical gardens and direct beach access
Tip: For variety, consider spending time both in the Ancient Town and by the beach.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN HOI AN
1. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
- UNESCO World Heritage site with lantern-lit streets, preserved architecture, and quaint cafes.
- Entry ticket includes access to several historic attractions.
2. Join the Lantern Festival
- Held on the 14th day of every lunar month. Electric lights are replaced by glowing lanterns.
- Participate by releasing a candle-lit lantern on the Thu Bon River.
3. Ride a Basket Boat in Cam Thanh
- Navigate through the water coconut forest in a circular bamboo boat. Great for photos and local experiences.
4. Take a Cooking Class
- Learn Vietnamese cuisine from local chefs. Classes often include a market tour and hands-on preparation.
5. Cycle Through the Countryside
- Visit rice paddies, buffalo farms, Tra Que Vegetable Village, and pottery workshops.
- Visit Cultural Landmarks
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Tan Ky Old House
- Fujian Assembly Hall
- Chuc Thanh Pagoda
WHAT TO EAT IN HOI AN
Signature Local Dishes:
- Cao Lau at Cao Lau Thanh (26 Thai Phien St) – 35,000–45,000 VND
- Mi Quang at Ong Hai (6A Truong Minh Luong St) – 30,000–40,000 VND
- Com Ga (Chicken Rice) at Ba Buoi (22 Phan Chu Trinh St) – 40,000–55,000 VND
- Banh Mi at Banh Mi Phuong (2B Phan Chu Trinh St) or Madam Khanh (115 Tran Cao Van St) – 25,000–40,000 VND
- White Rose Dumplings at White Rose Restaurant (533 Hai Ba Trung St)
- Mot Herbal Tea at Mot Hoi An (150 Tran Phu St)
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
- Cao Lau Thanh – Famous for original cao lau
- Com Ga Ba Buoi – Iconic chicken rice
- Banh Mi Phuong – Celebrity-endorsed banh mi
- Madam Khanh – Excellent local-style banh mi
- Hoi An Night Market – Skewers, sweet snacks, coconut pancakes, smoothies
COFFEE & TEA SPOTS
- Faifo Coffee
- Rooftop views of the Ancient Town
- Address: 130 Tran Phu St
- The Espresso Station
- Artisan coffee in a hidden garden
- Address: 28/2 Tran Hung Dao St
- Cocobana
- Hammocks and tropical tea experiences
- Address: 16 Nguyen Thai Hoc St
- Hoi An Roastery
- Multiple locations; strong coffee and relaxed ambiance
UNIQUE SOUVENIRS TO BRING HOME
- Lanterns – Handmade silk lanterns from Nguyen Hoang Night Market
- Tailored Clothes
- Yaly Couture (358 Nguyen Duy Hieu St)
- BeBe Tailor (05–07 Hoang Dieu St)
- Shirts from $50, dresses/suits from $80–150
- Vietnamese Silk & Scarves
- Hoi An Silk Village and Fabric Market
- Thanh Ha Pottery
- Handmade pottery from Thanh Ha Village (3 km from town)
- Handicrafts & Leather Goods
- Reaching Out (103 Nguyen Thai Hoc St)
- Sunday in Hoi An (8 Tran Phu St)
TRAVEL TIPS FOR HOI AN
- Wake early (before 7 AM) to enjoy peaceful streets
- Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and mosquito repellent
- Carry some cash; many shops don’t accept cards
- Bicycles are the best way to explore
- Avoid major Vietnamese holidays (Tet, April 30/May 1)
- Reserve popular restaurants or tailors ahead of time during peak seasons
SUGGESTED 3-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1
- Arrival in Hoi An
- Walk through Old Town and visit the Japanese Bridge
- Enjoy local dishes (cao lau + Mot tea)
- Release lanterns in the evening
Day 2
- Morning cooking class or bike ride to Tra Que Village
- Afternoon: Basket boat tour or beach relaxation at An Bang
- Night Market dinner with banh mi and street snacks
Day 3
- Visit tailor or explore pottery and silk villages
- Coffee at Faifo Rooftop, buy souvenirs
- Depart for Da Nang
CONCLUSION
Hoi An is more than just a destination—it’s a timeless journey into culture, cuisine, and calm. It invites you to slow down and find beauty in small things: a handmade lantern, a perfect bowl of noodles, or the shimmer of candlelight on water.
Make space for Hoi An in your travel calendar this year. You won’t just visit it—you’ll feel it.