Hoi An

What are the most recommended things to do in Hoi An?

Wander through the Hoi An Ancient Town with its lantern-lit streets and UNESCO heritage houses.
Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic 18th-century landmark.
Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, especially at sunset or during lantern festivals.
Explore local markets such as Hoi An Central Market for food and souvenirs.
Get custom-tailored clothing from one of Hoi An’s famous tailors.
Join a cooking class to learn Vietnamese cuisine.
Relax on An Bang or Cua Dai Beach nearby.
Cycle through rice paddies and countryside villages.

Introducing Hoi An

Located in central Vietnam, 30 kilometers from Da Nang, it was originally the foreign trade port of the Cham Kingdom and was known as "Da Zhan Haikou" in ancient times. As early as the 17th century, it and Malacca became the most important commercial ports in Southeast Asia and is also the earliest Chinatown in Vietnam.

For historical reasons, separate streets exist for Chinese and Japanese residents. Over centuries, these communities have thrived and multiplied, forming distinct communities with distinct ethnic characteristics. The Chinese community, in particular, boasts numerous Chinese associations, Guandi Temples, Buddhist temples, and ancestral halls, preserving the authentic essence of traditional Chinese civilization. Despite enduring vicissitudes of time, wars, and natural disasters, Hoi An Ancient Town has remained unscathed, its cultural heritage remarkably well-preserved, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Climate and best time to travel

It is relatively warm all year round, with an average annual temperature of 25℃.

January to March is the best time to travel

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Hoi An Ancient Town

This charming, Chinese-style ancient city offers a captivating night scene. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a well-preserved traditional trading port in Southeast Asia from the 15th to 19th centuries, and the first stop for Chinese arrival in Vietnam. The ancient city boasts a complete streetscape of Chinese communities, including the Fujian Guild Hall, the Guangdong and Chaozhou Guild Hall, the Chaozhou Guild Hall, the Qiongfu Guild Hall, and the Chinese Guild Hall. At night, the city transforms into a world of lanterns, with lanterns of various colors and shapes hanging high, illuminating the streets. It's well worth a visit.

Canaan Island

Located across the Thu Bon River from Hoi An, influenced by Hoi An's ancient town, the local government has been committed to tourism development for many years, cultivating water coconut groves with bamboo bridges, fishing pavilions, and stocked fish for fishing. Besides traditional water coconut grove tours, visitors can also enjoy meals at the island's farmhouses. All vegetables are grown in-house, using no fertilizers and are naturally sourced. The taste is completely different from what you'd find in city supermarkets, earning rave reviews. The island boasts three main attractions: agarwood, water coconut groves, and betel nut trees.

Laiyuan Bridge/Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in 1593, was originally constructed by the Japanese in the 16th century and rebuilt by the Chinese during the Ming Dynasty, with a monument erected as a commemoration. Over the years, the wooden railings and the red paint on the exterior walls have peeled, and the covered bridge is now dark.

Most Popular FAQs for Hoi An

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Hoi An was a thriving international trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, attracting merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. Its well-preserved architecture, blending Asian and European influences, earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Hoi An is located in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, about 30 km south of Da Nang. Travelers usually arrive via Da Nang International Airport, then take a taxi, shuttle bus, or private car (45 minutes). Walking and cycling are the best ways to explore the town itself.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Ancient Town is open all day, though some heritage houses and museums have specific hours (8:00–17:00). Evenings are popular for lantern-lit streets. The best time to visit is February–April and August–October for pleasant weather.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entry to the Old Town requires a ticket (approx. 120,000 VND) which includes access to several heritage buildings and temples. Tickets can be purchased at official counters in town. Online booking is limited; most buy them on arrival.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is necessary. Tickets can be bought at entry points on the same day of your visit.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

One full day is enough to explore the highlights, but staying 2–3 days allows for side trips, beaches, and more relaxed exploration.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Japanese Covered Bridge
Tan Ky Old House
Assembly Halls (Fujian, Cantonese)
Hoi An Central Market
Lantern-lit streets at night

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided walking tours are widely available in English, French, Chinese, and other languages through local agencies. Audio guides are less common, but some apps offer self-guided tours.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Japanese Covered Bridge at sunset
Riverside lantern boats at night
View from rooftops of cafes along the Thu Bon River
Lantern-lit streets in the Ancient Town

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the Japanese Covered Bridge → walk through Old Houses and Assembly Halls → explore the Central Market → riverside walk → enjoy lantern-lit streets at night.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, the town comes alive at night with lantern-lit streets and boat rides. The monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival is especially magical with performances, floating candles, and cultural shows.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Yes, it can be crowded, especially evenings and during festivals. Early mornings and off-season months (May–July, September) are quieter.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Public toilets, cafes, restaurants, water vendors, souvenir shops, and resting spots are widely available throughout the Old Town.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most streets are flat and walkable. Some heritage houses may have stairs and limited accessibility. Families with children and elderly visitors find it manageable.