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

Hoi An travel guide: first things to know

Renting a bike is an absolute must. Most of the town centre is car-free and everything is within easy cycling distance, so two wheels are all you need. Furthermore, finding a tailor and having clothes made is one of the most unique experiences this town offers. 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, which was wonderfully hard to find. 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!

Hoi An Travel Guide: the best cafés and restaurants

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. The owner is deeply passionate about his craft and every cup is a masterpiece. This place hides in a small side street; look for the sign that reads “But first: coffee” and it will point you in the right direction. Additionally, the homemade muesli with passion fruit is worth the trip alone.

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. Consequently, this became one of the best things I ate during my entire time in Vietnam.

THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN HOI AN

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

Best dinner spots in Hoi An

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 located 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.

Hoi An Vietnam highlights and sights

What to skip in Hoi An

Personally, I was not impressed by the famous Morning Glory or Mango Mango. Morning Glory is enormous and lacks the cosy, personal atmosphere that makes Hoi An so 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 course and dessert arrived almost simultaneously. That said, the food itself was decent.

Hoi An Travel Guide: best things to do

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 are absolutely worth a visit. 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 and the bomb craters are still visible today. Some temples were partially destroyed during that period, which makes the ones that remain even more poignant. Visit 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. Sitting on the back of a giant Honda motorcycle gives you an unmatched sense of freedom and the route along the coast is breathtaking. During the day trip we stopped at spectacular viewpoints, visited an oyster farm and I climbed the steps of the Marble Mountains. Moreover, my driver stopped every time I wanted a photo, which was very often indeed. This is also a perfectly practical way to travel between the two cities, even with a suitcase: 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.

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. Cyclo’s Road Café is furthermore 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. Instead, research reviews thoroughly before placing any order. Avoid arriving via taxi driver recommendation: the driver almost certainly receives a referral fee, and your hotel’s suggestion typically earns them around 40% of your order, leaving the tailor very little. Do your own research, visit a few places and only commit once you are confident in the quality.

Hoi An Travel Guide: practical tips

Best time to visit Hoi An

Avoid weekends if at all possible. The old town fills with large tour groups and the atmosphere shifts from magical to Disneyland rather quickly. Therefore, book your stay during the week, or simply plan to stay longer so you can enjoy quiet morning walks before the crowds arrive. The best months overall are February through April, when the weather is dry, warm and clear.

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 or private cab: it costs approximately 110,000 dong (around €4) and saves you considerably. Renting a bicycle for the duration of your stay 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 its beautiful views is genuinely one of the best features of any hotel in Hoi An. I loved every moment of my stay here.

ROOMS AND RATES HOI AN PHO LIBRARY HOTEL

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