A busy trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Town mixes Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese architecture. Since 2025 it has been part of the newly enlarged Da Nang city.
Top things to do in Hoi An
- Ancient Town: the Japanese Covered Bridge, assembly halls and old merchant houses.
- Lantern-lit evenings and floating candle lanterns on the Thu Bon River.
- Tailor-made clothes: a suit or dress made in 24–48 hours.
- Basket boats in the Cam Thanh coconut forest.
- An Bang and Cua Dai beaches, 10 minutes by bike.
- My Son Sanctuary: Cham temple ruins about 1 hour away.
- Food: cao lầu, bánh mì and white rose dumplings.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Stay near the Ancient Town to walk everywhere, in Cam Thanh for rice-paddy villas, or at An Bang for the beach.
Compare hotel prices in Hoi AnGetting around
Walk or cycle; most hotels lend bikes free. Grab cars and bikes are cheap for longer hops. The Ancient Town is car-free at set times.
Airport to Hoi An
The nearest airport is Da Nang (DAD), about 30 km away: 40–50 minutes by Grab, taxi or pre-booked transfer.
Best time to visit
February to April is warm and dry. May to August is hot and good for the beach. Heavy rain and floods are common from October to December.
Before you go
- Most visitors need an e-visa (or qualify for visa exemption, depending on nationality).
- Carry some cash in Vietnamese dong for small shops and street food.
- For official information, see the Hoi An heritage site.
Hoi An guides
- 20 best things to do in Hoi An
- Hoi An itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Hoi An
- Best time to visit Hoi An
- Da Nang airport to Hoi An
- Hoi An Ancient Town ticket
- My Son Sanctuary day trip
- Hoi An tailors guide
Also in Vietnam: our Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City guides.
FAQ: Hoi An travel
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
Three days: two for the town, beach and countryside, one for My Son or Da Nang.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Yes. It’s touristy, but at night and early morning it’s one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful towns.
Hoi An or Da Nang as a base?
Hoi An for atmosphere and food; Da Nang for a big city beach and nightlife. They’re 45 minutes apart.
Plan your trip to Hoi An
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
