Fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, Hoi An’s ancient town magnetizes visitors with its lantern-lit streets, picture-perfect bridges, and historic wooden houses. But there’s much more to this central Vietnamese region than its center. Explore further afield and you’ll discover a wealth of other things to do, including lounging on the white sands of Cua Dai Beach, riding a basket boat on the Thu Bon River, learning to cook in an organic vegetable village, and wandering among 4th-century ruins at My Son Sanctuary.
Hoi An enjoys warm weather year-round thanks to its tropical climate. The town experiences two distinct periods: the rainy season from September through January with frequent, heavy downpours and the clear skies and lush greenery of the dry season from February through August, which is the time to visit. Every month on the full moon, Hoi An hosts a lantern festival, when locals light paper lanterns across the riverbanks and in boats on the Thu Bon River.
The easiest way to explore Hoi An is on a bicycle—it’s a cost-effective and safe option, as Hoi An Ancient Town is closed to cars and motorcycles for most of the day. Bikes are also a great way to explore Hoi An’s rice paddy-rich countryside and make getting to Cua Dai Beach a breeze. Alternatively, cyclos (a type of bike-led tuk-tuk) let you sit back and see the sights.
To beat the crowds and see a more authentic side of Hoi An, head into the countryside. While only 15 minutes away by bike, Tra Que Vegetable Village feels like a different world. As the source of the city’s fresh vegetables, it's home to emerald-green rows of crops and is the ideal for a cooking class. Culinary experiences typically include a visit to the Hoi An Central Market, a bustling celebration of local Vietnamese produce.
Attractions 25 | Tours 1,893 | Reviews 24,002 |
With ancient bridges, lantern-decked streets, and candy-colored riverside houses, it’s small wonder that Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The food is renowned, travelers flock to its tailors, and there’s even a white sand beach nearby. It’s a perfect base for boat trips, or bike rides into Central Vietnam’s lush countryside.
...MoreHoi An Ancient Town is compact, so a day and a night is enough to see the main sights. Most tailors take three days to custom-make an outfit, allowing time for a bike trip, a visit to the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, or a day at An Bang Beach or the Cham Islands.
...MoreKey sights in the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the 18th-century Tan Ky House, and the colorful assembly halls. Many travelers come to Hoi An to eat local specialties and get clothes custom made. Other popular choices include cooking courses, boat trips, bike rides, and lantern-making classes.
...MoreYes, provided you exercise common sense. Hoi An is small and violent crime is rare, but scams are not uncommon. Never leave drinks unattended, never buy drinks for strangers on a tab, and never drink and drive. Book a rideshare motorbike taxi rather than riding off into the night with a stranger.
...MoreYes. Spending the night in Hoi An lets you see the town with the lanterns illuminated. Hoi An is also a great base for exploring the countryside and nearby attractions like the Marble Mountains, the Cham Islands, and the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, which dates back to the fourth century.
...MoreHoi An Ancient Town’s signature sight is the 18th-century Japanese Covered Bridge. Heritage architecture buffs will be in heaven at Tan Ky House or Quan Thang Ancient House; the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is the oldest of the city’s Chinese gathering places. Markets, workshops, and handicraft stores offer great shopping opportunities.
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