Visit to Hoi An in Vietnam

We explore the Ancient city of Hoi An and Thu Bon River in Central Vietnam and discover al the unique charms, delicious foods, history and culture and the gorgeous, decorated lanterns the city is known for.

The well-preserved town is historic and retains so much of its history, culture and architecture and was also recognized as a Unesco World Heritage site, truly unique and on of the main highlights to visiting Central Vietnam.

The colorful city is ablaze with bright colors and patterns from the beautiful, decorated boats that cruise along the river, the fascinating family temple sites and highly decorated storefronts and these wonderful handmade lanterns that hang from every door and creates a magical scene at nighttime.

A Complete Guide for Your Visit to Hoi An in Vietnam – Cultural Highlights, foods & attractions to explore

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite things to do in and around Hoi An and created this short guide to help you plan and navigate all the busy streets, markets and hidden venues worth visiting.

I enjoyed visiting all the historical sites open during the day time visit to the city and then transformed into a magical night village that really makes you fall in love with everything about this historic Unesco site.

A brief history about Hoi An

Hoi An, located on Vietnam’s central coast, was once a thriving international trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Merchants from China, Japan, India, and later Europe came here to exchange goods such as silk, ceramics, and spices, leaving behind a blend of cultural influences that still define the town today. As trade routes shifted and the Thu Bon River silted up in the 19th century, Hoi An’s importance declined, which ironically helped preserve its old-world charm. Today, its well-preserved architecture, narrow streets, and mix of Chinese temples, Japanese bridges, and French colonial buildings reflect its unique history and earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

How to get to Hoi An in Central Vietnam

How to Get to Hoi An in Central Vietnam by international or domestic travel by air, train, bus or private car service or rental.

By Air
- The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), about 30 km from Hoi An.
- Direct domestic flights connect Da Nang with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities, as well as some international routes.
- From the airport, you can reach Hoi An by taxi, private transfer, or shuttle bus (around 45 minutes).
By Train
- Hoi An does not have its own train station.
- The closest station is Da Nang Railway Station, which has regular connections to Hanoi, Hue, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
- From the station, travelers can continue to Hoi An by taxi, shuttle, or bus (45–60 minutes).
By Bus or Shuttle
- Long-distance buses connect Hoi An with Hue, Da Nang, and other central Vietnam cities.
- Several shuttle and minivan services operate between Da Nang and Hoi An with convenient pick-up and drop-off points.
By Private Car or Taxi
- Private transfers are widely available from Da Nang Airport, railway station, or hotels.
- The drive takes around 45 minutes and is the most direct and comfortable option.
By Motorbike
- Renting a motorbike in Da Nang or Hue is a popular choice for adventurous travelers.
- The scenic ride from Hue to Hoi An, via the Hai Van Pass, is especially well-known.

Top attractions to visit or experience in Hoi An

Following are some of the top attractions and places to visit or experience around Hoi An from markets, temple visits, historic homes to foodie experiences below

Hoi An Ancient Town

The Old Town of Hoi An is steeped in so much history, culture, character and stunning architecture. It’s fun to just wander the streets, explore the waterfront area, public markets and visit all the unique galleries, storefronts and food venues around the city. I love exploring all the unique buildings and repurposed into living museums, shops, small inns and other tourist focused businesses and seeing how they have retained the main details, colors and craftsmanship to each structure.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and historic merchant houses.
Key sites include the Tan Ky House, Phung Hung House, and Fukian Assembly Hall.

Visit the Hoi An Heritage Homes

You can visit the many open heritage homes and living museums to explore how these homes were built with commercial storefronts and private homes in the back area and typically with middle courtyard areas that were used for gardens and outdoor patio areas. You can get these passes from the tourism office located along the waterfront area and visit the various homes at your leisure.

Here’s a list of the main heritage homes of Hanoi to explore and open to the public.

Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) at Hoi An

Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu)

The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) in Hoi An is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks, built in the early 17th century by the Japanese community to connect them with the Chinese quarter across the stream. Unlike ordinary bridges, it has a small temple attached to its side, dedicated to the northern god Tran Vo Bac De, believed to protect the town from natural disasters. Its wooden structure, arched roof, and intricate carvings reflect a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese design influences, making it both practical and symbolic. Today, it remains a historic and cultural symbol of Hoi An, drawing visitors who want to admire its architecture and the story it represents.

A 17th-century wooden bridge built by Japanese traders.
Features intricate carvings and a small temple inside.

Hoi An Night Market

One of my favorite venues to explore is the night market which comes alive with amazing displays, colorful lanterns and delicious street food to enjoy. The Hoi An night market is lively and a must visit to experience with great bargain shopping and souvenir buys

Lively market along Nguyễn Hoàng Street.
Known for street food, souvenirs, lanterns, and local crafts.

Here’s a video tour experience of visiting the Hoi An market below

Lantern Festival (Full Moon Festival)

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Full Moon Festival, is one of Hoi An’s most enchanting traditions, held on the 14th day of each lunar month when the old town turns off its electric lights and glows under the soft illumination of colorful lanterns. Streets, houses, and shops are decorated with silk lanterns, while locals and visitors release paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River as a symbol of good fortune and peace. The festival is also marked by folk performances, traditional games, and offerings at family altars, giving travelers a glimpse into the town’s spiritual and cultural heritage. It’s a lively yet serene event that captures the timeless charm of Hoi An.

Held on the 14th day of each lunar month.
The old town glows with colorful lanterns and candlelit offerings on the river.

Here’s a video tour experience of the Latern Festival of Hoi An below for inspiration

Thu Bon River Cruises

These colorful and lit up traditional boats wait along the waterfront area and cruise the scenic river and town areas for an easy tour and fantastic views from a water vantage point. A perfect experience to do for sunset or evening timeframe when the city and boats are illuminated and fun to ride in.

Short boat rides or sunset cruises on traditional wooden boats.
Offers scenic views of the town and countryside.

An Bang Beach & Cua Dai Beach
- Relaxing beach getaways just a few kilometers from town.
- Popular for swimming, sunbathing, and seafood dining.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
- A traditional farming community outside Hoi An.
- Visitors can join farm-to-table experiences and cooking classes.

My Son Sanctuary (day trip)

This impressive temple complex of the ancient Cham people and dynasty showcases the historic Hindu temples that were started around the 4th century. This visit explores the fascinating architecture, artwork and striking temples that were built by local rulers of Vietnam and showing the spiritual and artistry of the builders of that timeframe.

An ancient Cham temple complex about 40 km from Hoi An.
Known for its Hindu architecture and historical significance.

Hoi An Central Market

Located along the waterfront area, the Hoi An Central market is lively, colorful and a great photo op spot, along with opportunities to bargain shop and eat some delicious street foods from local vendors

Bustling market for fresh produce, spices, seafood, and local street food.
Great place to try specialties like Cao Lau and Banh Mi.
Tailor Shops & Handicraft Workshops
- Hoi An is famous for custom-made clothing and leather goods.
- Workshops also offer traditional crafts like lantern-making.

Vietnamese Cooking Classes

A unique experience to do here in Hoi An would be to experience a local cooking class with a chef who takes you out to the local markets to look at all the fresh ingredients that will be used for many of the dishes. This is followed up with a cooking and participation of making many popular dishes and then enjoying the dishes that you made with the rest of the visitors at this event.

Shopping the local food markets
Learn how to make some classic Vietnamese dishes

Family temples or assembly halls

These family or assembly halls are quite elaborate and document each family member to a particular temple or assembly hall and gathering. Many if these temples display ornate craftsmanship, architecture and elaborate details to both exterior and interior decorations, artwork, altars and other hand-crafted detail work. Some of the temples are free to enter while others are part of the self-tour monuments ticket that you can purchase from the visitor’s center and create your own itinerary.

Here’s a quick video tour of some of the more ornate temples you will find around Hoi An below

Fun coconut basket boat ride experience

This unique boat tours on round boats that are made with coconut matting and bamboo and are fun to explore the small river arteries just outside the Old Town. Some of the boat drivers are zany and do some wild circle spins and other rocking adventures to make this a thrilling ride, or you can ask for a more calm boating experience and just enjoy the simple views and waterscape.

Here’s a crazy Coconut basket boat experience below

Best time to visit Hoi An

Hoi An has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season (February to August) and the rainy season (September to January). The dry months bring plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, with the hottest period usually falling between May and July. The rainy season often includes heavy downpours and occasional flooding, especially in October and November, which can limit activities. The best time to visit is from February to April, when the weather is comfortably warm, humidity is lower, and the skies are clearer—ideal for walking the old town, cycling in the countryside, or enjoying the nearby beaches. Evening visits are especially pleasant during these months, with lantern-lit streets adding to Hoi An’s charm.

Take a guided tour of Hoi An and popular attractions

Hoi An Food Tour

Small groups – Traditional cuisine – Family restaurants – Local guides
See the unique combination of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture all
Discover Vietnamese cuisine

Hoi An Ancient Town – Walking Tour with Local Guide

Hello, xin chao! We are so glad to have you in our lovely town. This will be just a simple, cozy walk of sight seeing, sharing stories, culture and new experiences for you.

From Hoi An: Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class

Experience everyday rural life in Vietnam on an eco-friendly tour from Hoi An. Visit a local market, explore a coconut palm forest by bamboo basket boat, and take part in a hands-on cooking class.

Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise in Hoi An

Relax on this elegant sunset cruise along Hoi An’s Thu Bon River. Sit back, take in the melting sun set, sip cocktails, and dine on fresh seafood. This is a truly blissful excursion.

Conclusion to visiting Hoi An

Visiting Hoi An is like stepping into a living museum where history, culture, and daily life blend seamlessly. From strolling through the lantern-lit streets of the ancient town to exploring riverside markets, savoring local dishes, or unwinding at nearby beaches, every experience offers a sense of timeless charm. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the food, or the festivals, Hoi An leaves a lasting impression that feels both personal and unforgettable. If you’re planning a journey through Vietnam, make sure to add Hoi An to your itinerary—you’ll discover a place that captures the heart and invites you to return again.

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Hoi An Vietnam