Hoi An is the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your return flight. This beautifully preserved ancient town in central Vietnam casts a spell on almost every traveller who passes through, and once you understand why, you'll be booking your trip before you finish reading this guide.
Overview
Hoi An was once one of Southeast Asia's most important trading ports, and the legacy of that colourful history is visible in every lantern-lit alley and centuries-old merchant house. The Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French architectural influences into a streetscape that feels almost too charming to be real. Beyond the Instagram-worthy aesthetics, Hoi An offers some of Vietnam's finest cuisine, an incredible tailoring scene, white-sand beaches just a short ride away, and a slower pace of life that feels genuinely restorative. It is one of those rare destinations that rewards both a quick stopover and a long stay equally well.
Essential Information
- Location: Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, approximately 30 km south of Da Nang
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Budget around $30–$60 USD per day for a comfortable mid-range experience
- Language: Vietnamese, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas
- Best time to visit: February to April offers dry weather, pleasant temperatures around 25°C, and fewer crowds than peak summer. Avoid October and November when flooding can close parts of the Ancient Town
- Ancient Town entry: A ticket costing approximately $5 USD grants access to five heritage sites including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and traditional assembly halls
- Visa: Many nationalities can obtain an e-visa online before arrival. Check current requirements through the official Vietnam Immigration portal
Practical Tips
Getting around Hoi An is refreshingly simple. The Ancient Town itself is best explored entirely on foot — most streets are closed to motorbikes during the day, which makes wandering genuinely enjoyable. For reaching An Bang Beach or the outlying villages, renting a bicycle costs as little as $1–$2 USD per day from guesthouses throughout town. Grab bikes can also be arranged for slightly longer journeys.
When it comes to food, eat everywhere and trust the street stalls. Cao Lau, a noodle dish made with water allegedly drawn from ancient Cham wells, is unmissable and unique to Hoi An. White rose dumplings and Banh Mi from Phuong's famous sandwich shop on Phan Chau Trinh Street are equally essential. Avoid eating in the very centre of the Ancient Town itself, where prices double and quality often drops — instead, head slightly further into the Cam Pho neighbourhood for better value local spots.
If you plan to get clothes tailored, give yourself at least three to four days to allow for fittings and adjustments. Reputable shops include Yaly Couture and A Dong Silk, though countless reliable smaller tailors operate throughout the town. Prices vary widely, so agree on everything upfront.
Carry small denomination cash for street food and market stalls. ATMs are widely available around Tran Phu and Le Loi Streets, though check for withdrawal fees with your bank before travelling.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), served by direct international flights from destinations including Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. From Europe, North America, or Australia, you will typically connect through a major Asian hub such as Singapore Changi, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, or Hong Kong International Airport. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate frequent domestic connections from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City if you are combining Hoi An with other parts of Vietnam.
From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes by taxi or private transfer. Official taxis from reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun cost around $12–$18 USD. Pre-booked private transfers through your accommodation often offer better value and the convenience of being met on arrival.
Accommodation Options
Hoi An offers excellent accommodation at every price point, and the area around the Ancient Town and An Bang Beach provides the most convenient base for most travellers.
- Budget ($15–$40 USD per night): The Hoi An Backpacker Hostel and Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel offer clean, well-located rooms with strong social atmospheres and helpful staff
- Mid-range ($50–$120 USD per night): The Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort and Essence Hoi An Hotel both deliver excellent facilities, pool access, and genuinely warm Vietnamese hospitality without breaking the budget
- Luxury ($150 USD and above per night): Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai sits on a stunning stretch of Ha My Beach and is consistently ranked among the finest resorts in all of Asia. Anantara Hoi An Resort offers beautiful riverside rooms within easy walking distance of the Ancient Town for those who want luxury and location in equal measure
Plan your trip to Hoi An
Hoi An has an almost unfair amount going for it — history, food, beaches, craftsmanship, and a warmth from its people that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you have three days or three weeks, this ancient town will give you more than you expect. Start planning your trip today and book your flights and accommodation early, especially if you are travelling between February and April when the best rooms fill up fast.