Sunrise in Hoi An: Best Locations to Start Your Day in 2026

Watching the sunrise in Hoi An is one of the most gentle and emotional experiences for travelers who love nature and a slow pace of life. While the ancient town is still asleep, the early morning sun gradually appears over the waters, beaches, and countryside, bringing a unique sense of peace that you won't find at any other time of day. This is also when Hoi An appears most authentic—not noisy or crowded, but only light, space, and the breath of local life.

1. Characteristics of the Sunrise in Hoi An Atmosphere

Sunrise in Hoi An usually takes place between 5:30 AM and 6:15 AM, depending on the season. During this time, the space has a very distinct silence: the ancient town is sparsely populated, the Hoai and Thu Bon rivers are covered in a thin layer of mist, and the first light of the day weaves through the mossy tiled roofs and roadside bougainvillea.

The signature feature of Hoi An's sunrise lies in the intersection of nature and local life. It’s not just about the sun rising; you can also feel the soft rowing of boats, the distant sound of ocean waves, and the early morning routines of the residents. This simplicity and authenticity make the sunrise moment deeply emotional and truly "memorable."

>>> You may also be interested in: Famous must-try breakfast dishes in Hoi An

2. Cua Dai Beach - The Earliest Spot to Catch the Sun

Located about 5km east of the ancient town, Cua Dai Beach is one of the most beautiful and accessible sunrise spots in Hoi An. Thanks to its position facing directly toward the East Sea, it usually catches the sun earlier than the inner-city areas, starting around 5:45 AM.

When the sun rises over the horizon, the long white sand beach, pale blue water, and fishing boats returning after a night at sea create a very "real-life" picture. Visitors can:

• Walk barefoot on the wet sand, breathing in the salty sea breeze.
• Take sunrise photos with basket boats, seabirds, and light reflecting on the water.
• Combine yoga, morning meditation, or enjoy a seafood breakfast at seaside stalls.

The ideal time to watch the sunrise at Cua Dai is from March to August, when the sky is clear, with few clouds and consistent sunlight, making it perfect for both relaxing and photography.

3. An Bang Beach - Serene Beauty at Dawn

If you are looking for a gentler, less bustling sunrise space, An Bang Beach is a choice worth considering. Located about 4–5 km from the center of the ancient town, An Bang features long sloping sand, low coconut trees along the beach, and a characteristically slow pace of life.

From around 5:30 AM, the sky gradually turns pink and orange, and the early sun dyes the calm sea yellow. The dawn scenery in An Bang is not too dramatic, but it wins points for its serenity and relaxing feel. It is an ideal place for:

• Families and couples wanting an early morning beach walk.
• Travelers who enjoy photographing soft natural landscapes.
• Those who want to sip coffee while watching the sun rise in a quiet space.

A big plus is that the seaside cafes and beach bars open quite early, making it easy to combine sunrise watching, breakfast, and relaxation in one morning.

You may also be interested in: 4 hot cafés near An Bang Beach perfect for sunrise views

4. Duy Hai Fish Market and Cua Dai Bridge Area

More than just sea and nature, watching the sunrise in Hoi An is also an opportunity to feel the very real labor of the local people. Duy Hai Fish Market, located near the Cua Dai Bridge area, is one of the most unique spots to catch the early sun.

From 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM, this area becomes bustling with hundreds of fishing boats docking after a night of fishing. As the sun rises, the light shines across the Thu Bon River, reflecting on the fresh fish, and the sounds of people calling to each other create a lively yet not noisy scene.

The sunrise experience here is perfect for:

• Travelers who love street and documentary photography.
• People who want to explore local culture beyond the usual tourist spots.
• Anyone who likes the feeling of "touching" the real life of Hoi An as the day begins.

You can also buy fresh seafood right at the market and ask locals to prepare it simply for an authentic local breakfast.

5. Sunrise in Hoi An Along the Thu Bon River and Bay Mau Coconut Forest

While the sea brings a sense of openness, the sunrise on the river touches a deep silence. The Thu Bon River and Bay Mau Coconut Forest area is the ideal choice for those who want to watch the sunrise in a slow way, close to nature and local life.

5.1. Boat Trip Experiences

Sunrise on the Thu Bon River usually starts around 5:30 AM. Sitting on a small boat or kayak, you can watch the sun gradually appear behind the coconut groves, fishing boats gliding softly, and the mist dissipating on the water. This is an experience highly favored by international tourists and photography lovers because it is both quiet and unique.

5.2. Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Located in Cam Thanh village, Bay Mau Coconut Forest offers a completely different sunrise scene: sunlight piercing through the water coconut leaves, basket boats slowly drifting, and the fresh air typical of the river region. Early morning here is suitable for those who love nature experiences and want to avoid the crowds.

Don’t miss: A unique basket boat experience showcasing Vietnamese culture in Hoi An

6. Tra Que Vegetable Village - Sunrise Over Lush Greenery

About 3km from the ancient town, Tra Que Vegetable Village is a sunrise spot with a very different vibe compared to the sea and river. From about 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM, the village begins a new day: people watering and harvesting crops, with the early sun covering the lush green rows.

Sunrise in Tra Que is not flashy, but it brings a sense of freshness and relaxation, especially suitable for:

• Travelers who love the countryside atmosphere.
• People who want to combine sightseeing with local cultural experiences.
• Those who enjoy starting their day with fresh air.

Explore next: Tra Que Vegetable Village and its lush green charm in Hoi An

7. Key Tips for a Complete Sunrise in Hoi An Experience

To make your sunrise moment in Hoi An truly complete and memorable, you should prepare a few important things. Planning ahead the night before will help your morning go smoothly and keep the emotions of the early hours intact.

• Departure Timing: You should leave your accommodation around 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM to catch the first rays of light. For coastal or river spots, arriving early helps you pick a good spot and enjoy the quiet before it gets crowded.
• Transportation Options: Motorbikes and bicycles are flexible choices, making it easy to stop and take photos. For river experiences, you should book a boat or tour in advance to avoid waiting in the early morning.
• Weather Considerations: Prioritize going during the dry season (February–August) when the sky is clear and the sun comes up consistently. Early mornings can be slightly chilly, so bring a light jacket; also, prepare a hat and sunscreen if you continue with daytime activities.
• Equipment: If you are taking photos, make sure your battery is fully charged and bring a small tripod to capture the low-light moments at dawn. With a phone, arrive a few minutes early to find the best angle and light.
• Respect the Space: Sunrise is the time for local residents' daily activities. Observe and take photos gently, avoiding loud noises to preserve the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's morning.

>>> You may also be interested in: Top sunset spots in Hoi An: the most beautiful viewpoints 

8. Frequently Asked Questions About Sunrise in Hoi An

Below are the most common questions travelers have when planning to watch the sunrise in Hoi An, helping you be proactive with your time and choose the right destination for your schedule.

8.1. How does the sunrise time in Hoi An vary between summer and winter?

In the summer, the sun usually rises earlier, around 5:30 AM – 5:45 AM, the light comes up quickly, and the sky is clear. In the winter, the sun rises later, from 6:00 AM – 6:15 AM, the air is cool, and the sunlight is soft, perfect for those who like a gentle, slow feeling.

8.2. Are there any cafes open from 5:00 AM for sunrise viewing?

Some cafes along An Bang beach or in the riverside area near the ancient town open quite early, serving from around 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM. These are ideal choices to sip coffee while watching the first light of the day in a quiet space.

8.3. Which sunrise location is nearest to the Ancient Town center?

The Hoai river bank and the bridges near the ancient town are the most accessible spots. You only need to walk or cycle for a few minutes to see the sunrise reflecting on the water and the old rooftops.

8.4. Are there specific tours specialized in experiencing the sunrise in Hoi An?

Currently, there are sunrise tours that combine boating, kayaking, or basket boats on the Thu Bon River and Bay Mau Coconut Forest. These tours usually depart very early, include a guide, and are suitable for travelers who want a complete experience without having to arrange the schedule themselves.

Conclusion

Watching the sunrise in Hoi An is a wonderful way to start a new day gently and inspiringly. Every location, from the beach and river to the countryside, has its own character, helping visitors feel more deeply the simple beauty and slow pace of this heritage land. If you have time, try waking up early at least once during your trip to Hoi An so you don't miss that special moment.

See more:

>>> You may also be interested in: Which area is best to stay in Hoi An

>>> A list of more than 24 cafés with beautiful views chosen by travelers

>>> 10 essential things to do in Hoi An for first-time travelers