Scents of incense and barbecue drift through narrow lantern-lit streets. A tailor measures your shoulders before you have even sat down. The smoothie at the little bar on the corner is so good you order two. Hoi An is one of those rare places that gets under your skin immediately. This ancient trading port survived the bombings of the Vietnam War and remains one of the most beautifully preserved old towns in Southeast Asia. Yes, it gets busy on weekends. However, this Hoi An travel guide will show you the hidden gems, the best restaurants, the most memorable things to do and where to stay, so you experience the very best of this remarkable town.

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The beautiful old town of Hoi An Vietnam

Introduction to Hoi An Vietnam

Nestled along the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is a destination that enchants travelers from the moment they arrive. This ancient town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant daily life. Wander through its lantern-lit streets and you’ll discover centuries-old architecture, buzzing local markets and the irresistible aroma of street food. Hoi An’s charm lies not only in its beautifully preserved buildings but also in its welcoming atmosphere. Think cute cafes tucked into yellow-washed shophouses, friendly street vendors, and riverside views that invite you to linger just a little longer.

Beyond the old town, Hoi An offers easy access to the golden sands of Bang Beach, perfect for a lazy afternoon or a sunrise stroll. Its location in central Vietnam also makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby Da Nang. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply in search of a slower pace, Hoi An promises a travel experience as rich and colorful as its famous lanterns.

Hoi An travel guide: first things to know

Hoi An travel guide: getting around

Renting a bike is an absolute must. The Ancient Town is pedestrian-only during peak tourist hours, making it especially walkable. Everything is within easy cycling distance. Most hotels offer free bikes and sometimes shuttles, making it simple to reach the beaches or local sights.

Finding a tailor

Finding a tailor and having clothes made is one of the most unique experiences this town offers. Many visitors also choose to have a wedding dress custom-made, enjoying the craftsmanship and affordable pricing. Bring photos of your favourite dresses, jumpsuits or jackets and a skilled tailor will recreate them at a fraction of the cost back home. I had my clothes made at a small shop called “47” inside a market. The most famous and best-reviewed tailor in town is Yaly Couture. More on how to find a good tailor later in this Hoi An travel guide.

So many colours in Hoi An!

Getting to Hoi An

Arriving by air

The nearest gateway is Da Nang International Airport, just a 30-minute drive from Hoi An. From the airport, hop into a taxi or book a shuttle for a smooth transfer to your hotel. Direct flights to Da Nang from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are frequent and affordable. Vietnam Airlines and several other carriers offer plenty of options.

Arriving by train or bus

Prefer a slower journey? Trains and long-distance buses connect major cities to Da Nang. From there, continue to Hoi An by taxi or local bus. Once in town, getting around is half the fun. Hoi An is compact and best explored on foot or by bike. For a taste of local life, use the Grab app for a taxi or take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River for a unique perspective on the ancient town.

Hoi An Travel Guide: the best cafés and restaurants

Hoi An is famous for its distinct local cuisine, including cao lầu, bánh mì, and white rose dumplings. The city is a haven for food lovers, with street food, seafood, and regional specialties that make dining here an essential part of the experience.

Chu Chu was one of my favourite hangouts: a cute smoothie bar serving amazing healthy juices, coffee and cocktails. Do not leave without trying the authentic Vietnamese egg coffee. It sounds strange, yet tastes absolutely divine. Another great option for healthy shakes is Cocobox.

Hai Café is a brilliant lunch spot. Try the wonton soup and make sure to find the hidden garden terrace at the back.

The Espresso Station: Coffee, Art and Roastery was my first stop every morning. Deeply passionate about his craft, the owner makes every cup a masterpiece. Look for the sign that reads “But first: coffee” on a small side street. Their homemade muesli with passion fruit is worth the trip alone.

Must-try: Banh Mi Queen

For the best Banh Mi in all of Vietnam, head straight to Banh Mi Queen (Madame Khanh). This legendary lady with red-stained fingers from the chili will pile almost anything imaginable onto a crispy French baguette. It became one of the best things I ate during my entire time in Vietnam.

Local specialties and street food

Cao lầu is a signature noodle dish made with thick rice noodles, pork, greens, and herbs. White rose dumplings are a delicate local specialty unique to Hoi An. Morning Glory serves both, while Vy’s Market Restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Vietnamese dishes in an indoor food court format.

Street food tours are a popular way to experience Hoi An’s culinary scene. Many tours and cooking classes include traditional dishes like banana flower salad, giving you a hands-on introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.

THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HOI AN

The Espresso Station: Coffee, Art and Roastery, Hoi An

Hoi An travel guide: best dinner spots

Nu Eatery is a hidden gem and served me the best dinner of my entire stay. You will find it on the other side of the old Japanese bridge: take the first street to your right and it appears after a few metres on your left. Order the steamed buns with pulled pork, the salad with avocado, beans and squid and whatever you do, do not skip the cheesecake. It is divine.

Another favourite is Red Dragon, a simple family-run restaurant slightly outside the centre. The bike ride is a little further than expected, so grabbing a taxi is the smarter move. The green papaya salad with chicken and the sticky rice with mango are both outstanding.

For an authentic experience, eat street food at the night markets or from local vendors. If you prefer sitting down, there are plenty of restaurants serving excellent Vietnamese food throughout Hoi An. Joining a street food tour in the evening is also a fantastic way to discover hidden eateries you might otherwise miss.

Hoi An Vietnam highlights and sights

What to skip in Hoi An

Personally, I was not impressed by Morning Glory or Mango Mango. Morning Glory is enormous and lacks the cosy atmosphere that makes Hoi An special. The food did not excite me either. Mango Mango has beautiful river views, but the service felt rushed and the prices did not match the experience. The appetizer, main and dessert arrived almost simultaneously. The food itself was decent, though.

best things to do in Hoi An Ancient Town

Bike to An Bang beach and Tra Que herb village

Cycling to An Bang beach is one of the best things to do in Hoi An. Along the route you pass buffalo grazing in fields and scooters loaded high with coconuts. It is the perfect escape from the busy town centre. On your way back, stop at the beautiful herb village Tra Que: if you are lucky, the farmers will invite you to help and explain their work. Note that the food at An Bang is not the greatest, so bring your own Banh Mi and some snacks.

THIS IS A GREAT BIKE TOUR TO BOOK

Tra Que herb village near Hoi An, things to do

The temples of My Son

The mysterious Hindu temples of My Son Sanctuary are absolutely worth a visit. Located about an hour from Hoi An, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features remarkable Hindu architecture often compared to Angkor Wat. Nobody fully understands how they were built, which makes exploring them all the more intriguing. During the Vietnam War this site served as a hiding place for the Vietcong. The bomb craters are still visible today. Visit in the early morning for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and great photo opportunities. See My Son before Angkor Wat: afterwards, your standards will be set so high that nothing else quite compares.

THIS IS A GREAT TOUR TO VISIT MY SON

My Son, near Hoi An, things to do in Vietnam

Easy Rider from Hoi An to Hué

Book an Easy Rider to travel from Hoi An to Hué. This was the single best experience of my entire Vietnam trip. Riding on the back of a giant Honda motorcycle along the coast gives you an unmatched sense of freedom. We stopped at spectacular viewpoints, visited an oyster farm and I climbed the steps of the Marble Mountains. My driver stopped every time I wanted a photo, which was very often indeed. Even with a suitcase, this works perfectly: mine was strapped to the back of the bike without any issues. Always check reviews before booking an Easy Rider, as not all operators are equally reliable.

If you have extra time, consider a day trip to Ba Na Hills. This popular destination features the iconic Golden Bridge supported by giant stone hands, a theme park with European-inspired architecture, and scenic cable car rides. A must-visit for unique photo opportunities.

BOOK YOUR EASY RIDER HERE

One of the stops during my Easy Rider tour, Hoi An to Hué

Hoi An Travel Guide: shopping and souvenirs

One of my favourite shops in Hoi An is Hay Hay, which sells beautiful cards, original drawings and genuinely creative souvenirs. Hoi An is famous for its skilled artisans, including tailors, pottery makers, and lantern crafters. Colorful lanterns are a symbol of good luck and a must-buy souvenir. Don’t miss the night market, where you can browse local crafts, haggle for souvenirs, and sample street food in a lively atmosphere.

Cyclo’s Road Café is the perfect place to collapse after a full day of wandering: cold Tiger beer, a sunset view and plenty of fellow travellers to swap stories with.

Cyclo’s Road Café, Hoi An hotspots

DAY TOUR TO THE FAMOUS DA NANG BRIDGE

Tailor tips: what to watch out for

Do not let yourself be pulled into a tailor shop from the street. Research reviews thoroughly before placing any order. Avoid arriving via taxi driver recommendation: the driver almost certainly receives a referral fee. Your hotel’s suggestion typically earns them around 40% of your order. Do your own research, visit a few places and only commit once you are confident in the quality.

Hoi An Travel Guide: practical tips

Avoid weekends if at all possible. The old town fills with large tour groups and the atmosphere shifts from magical to Disneyland rather quickly. Book your stay during the week, or plan to stay longer so you can enjoy quiet morning walks before the crowds arrive.

The best time to visit is between March and July, when the weather is generally pleasant. February to April and September are shoulder seasons with fewer crowds and comfortable conditions. Peak tourist season falls in July and August, which means larger crowds and higher prices. Rain is most common between October and January. June through August brings the most heat, with temperatures frequently exceeding 35 degrees.

THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HOI AN

Getting around and transport tips

For transport to the airport or train station, book a shared shuttle service rather than a hotel taxi. It costs approximately 110,000 dong (around 4 euro) and saves you considerably. Taxis from Da Nang to Hoi An typically cost between 250,000 and 300,000 VND. The Grab app is a convenient option for reaching nearby attractions like Coconut Village, An Bang Beach, or Ba Na Hills.

Most attractions in Hoi An are within walking distance of the Ancient Town. Joining a walking tour offers authentic insights into the town’s history, food, and culture. Renting a bicycle remains the best and most enjoyable way to explore the town and its surroundings.

Hoi An market, Vietnam

Want to stay connected from the moment you land in Vietnam? With Saily you download an eSIM in minutes before you travel, so you can navigate, share photos and message everyone back home without queuing for a SIM card at the airport. Order your Saily eSIM here and start your Vietnam trip stress-free.

Hoi An Travel Guide: where to stay?

During my stay I slept at the wonderfully comfortable Hoi An Pho Library Hotel. My room was spacious, clean and full of character. The hotel sits on a quiet street close to the old town centre and I rented my bike right next door. The rooftop pool with beautiful views is genuinely one of the best features of any hotel in Hoi An.

ROOMS AND RATES HOI AN PHO LIBRARY HOTEL

Most hotels are within walking distance of the Ancient Town, making it easy to explore on foot. Many also offer free bikes for guests. If you’re looking for a unique stay, the Ancient Town is home to several atmospheric boutique hotels with beautiful design and a personal touch. Em’s House Homestay is a top recommendation, located in the heart of the Ancient Town with a pool and spacious rooms.

Hoi An has diverse neighborhoods for accommodation: Old Town, Cam An, An Hoi, Cam Pho, and Cam Chau. The area around An Bang Beach has beachfront resorts ideal for families, while the Ancient Town offers charming boutique hotels.

Hoi An travel guide: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Hoi An?

February through April offers the best combination of dry weather and comfortable temperatures. Avoid weekends year-round if you want to experience the old town without large crowds.

How many days do you need in Hoi An?

Three to four days is the sweet spot. This gives you enough time to explore the old town, cycle to An Bang beach, visit My Son and still have a lazy afternoon with egg coffee and a good book.

Is Hoi An worth visiting?

Absolutely. Despite its popularity, Hoi An still delivers something genuinely special. The old town, the food scene, the tailors and the surrounding nature make it one of the most rewarding stops on any Vietnam itinerary.

THIS WAS MY HALONG BAY CRUISE

What is Hoi An famous for?

Hoi An is famous for its beautifully preserved ancient trading port, the colourful lantern-lit old town, its exceptional tailors, Vietnamese street food and the nearby My Son temple complex.

How do you get from Hoi An to Hué?

The most memorable way is by Easy Rider motorbike along the coastal road, passing the Marble Mountains and the Hai Van Pass. Alternatively, a bus or private transfer takes around three hours.

• Find the best hotels in Hoi An at Booking.com
• Book the best tours and activities at GetYourGuide.com
• Compare rental cars at Discover Cars
• Book hotels and flights at Trip.com
• Order your eSIM at Saily

READ ALL ABOUT MY STAY IN HANOI