It is a perfect destination for those who enjoy delving into cultural and historical heritage. This Hoi An travel guide will equip you with valuable insights for exploring Hoi An, enabling you to completely immerse yourself in this enchanting, time-honored town.

Hoi An is a popular tourist destination

Hoi An travel guide - How to go to Hoi An?

Hoi An is approximately 30 km south of Da Nang, situated on the lower reaches of the picturesque Thu Bon River in Quang Nam province. There are several ways to get to Hoi An:

By Air:

To reach Hoi An, you’ll need to fly into Da Nang International Airport. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and others offer flights to Da Nang, with ticket prices around 1,500,000 VND per ticket. Prices may fluctuate depending on booking conditions and timing, so it's best to book early to secure good rates and departure options.
From Da Nang Airport, you have various transport options to reach Hoi An, including buses, motorbikes, cars, or taxis.

• By Bus: Take bus number 01 from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An bus terminal.
• By Taxi: Ideal for travelers with a lot of luggage who prefer a more comfortable ride.
• By Ride-Hailing Motorbike: Best for those traveling light, costing around 150,000 VND (6.15 USD) per person or about 400,000 VND (16.40 USD) for a four-seater car. 

By Motorbike:

If you enjoy the freedom of movement and are traveling light, consider renting a motorbike. From Da Nang, take Highway 1A south for about 27 km to Vinh Dien Street, then turn left onto Huynh Thuc Khang Street and continue straight to Hoi An Ancient Town
You can rent a motorbike in Da Nang for about 80,000 to 150,000 VND (about 3.30 to 6.15 USD) per day. 

>> Read more: How to travel by motorbike from Da Nang to Hoi An

Diverse means of transportation to Hoi An 

Best Time to Explore Hoi An

Hoi An is a coastal town in central Vietnam with a hot and humid climate, experiencing both heavy rainfall and ample sunshine. The town has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from January to July, and the wet season, which spans the remainder of the year.

Hoi An travel guide in Spring

In spring, Hoi An takes on a graceful, tranquil “cloak.” The cool, pleasant weather provides a relaxing ambiance for visitors and is an ideal time to explore Hoi An's unique cultural charm.
This season also features many vibrant traditional celebrations. Tourists can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, savor special dishes, and experience unique cultural activities. Some notable festivals include:

• Festivals at Hoi An Memories Island: Street festivals, Hoi An Memories Show, various interactive minishows...
• Kim Bong Carpentry Village Ancestral Ceremony: Held on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year.
• Tra Que Vegetable Village Cau Bong Festival: Held on the 7th day of the Lunar New Year.
• Nguyên Tiêu Festival: Held on the 14th-16th days of the Lunar January.
• Cam Nam Sticky Corn Festival: Held on the 15th-16th days of the Lunar January.
• Hoi An Lantern Festival: Held on the 14th and 15th days of each lunar month.

Note:

• Spring is the peak travel season in Hoi An, so book your hotel and flight tickets early.
• Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and caps to protect yourself from the sun.

>>>See more: Top 25 things should not to miss when visiting Hoi An Festivals

Hoi An travel guide in Spring

Exploring Hoi An in Summer

From April to June, Hoi An becomes more vibrant under the golden sunlight. Unlike the intense summer heat in other places, Hoi An offers a pleasant atmosphere with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 31°C. This period is the peak travel season, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
During the summer, Hoi An Memories Island becomes even more lively with a series of impressive events such as the Light Festival, Candy Festival, Food Festival, and more, updated and changed regularly every year.
Visitors can also enjoy summer activities like surfing and swimming at local beaches. Popular beaches to visit include:

• An Bang Beach
• Cua Dai Beach
• Ha My Beach

Note:

• Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the hot weather.
• It’s advisable to book your hotel and flight tickets in advance.

>> Read more: What's special about An Bang beach – Top 10 world blue paradise?

Summer is the best time to travel to Hoi An

Discovering Hoi An in Autumn

From July to September, Hoi An enters a transitional period with occasional showers and beautiful sunny days. The cool weather at night makes it a pleasant time to enjoy the gentle beauty of Hoi An.
This time of year not only showcases the city's appeal but also offers numerous exciting activities:

• Participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival: Held on the full moon of the 8th lunar month.
• Join the Vu Lan Festival: Held on the full moon of the 7th lunar month.
• Visit the Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival: Held on the 10th day of the 7th lunar month.
• Experience the Old Town Full Moon Festival: Held on the full moon day of each lunar month.

Other places to explore include:

• Hoi An Museum of Ceramics, Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, etc.
• Assembly Halls such as Fujian, Trieu Chau, Guangdong, Hainan Assembly Halls.
• Japanese Covered Bridge, My Son Sanctuary, etc.

>> See more: 7 beautiful check-in spots in Hoi An at night that you can't miss

Note:

• Autumn is an ideal travel season for Hoi An since it is not the peak season, so service costs are more stable than in other seasons.
• Bring warm clothes and rain gear.

Hoi An in Autumn

Experiencing Hoi An in Winter

Unlike other seasons, the last three months of the year in Hoi An bring a chilly atmosphere with drizzling rain covering the ancient town. Although not ideal for leisure travel, winter in Hoi An offers unique experiences.

Here are some suggestions:

• Explore the tranquil Hoi An Ancient Town by bike or on foot.
• Take a boat trip on the Hoai River.
• Visit Hoi An Night Market.
• Visit Hoi An Lantern Street.

Note when traveling to Hoi An in winter:

• Bring warm clothes as it can get chilly at night.
• Prepare an umbrella or raincoat for unexpected showers.
• Book your flight, hotel, and attraction tickets in advance to avoid running out of options.

>>>See more: Rainy Season Tourism - Explore the another Hoi An, peaceful and emotional

Hoi An often has unusual rain in Winter

Beautiful Places to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An, a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, welcomes a large number of tourists daily from both domestic and international locations. Therefore, there is a wide variety of accommodations for tourists to choose from.

• Resorts and Hotels:
  Prices for 4-star and 5-star resorts and hotels range from 1,500,000 VND per night for a double room. Some beautiful resorts and hotels you can consider:
• Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa: Located on Con Hen, surrounded by the romantic Hoai River. The resort offers a variety of rooms and villas with all necessary amenities and a stunning sunrise view over the Hoai River. Guests can enjoy full services, including an infinity pool, An Bistro restaurant, Moonshine bar, Zense spa, and a gym.
• Near Cua Dai Beach: The Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa, Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An, etc.
• Near An Bang Beach: Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort.
• Hoi An City Center: Allegro Hoi A – Little Luxury Hotel & Spa.
• Homestays: Ideal for travelers going in groups or families. Here are some suggestions:
• Loongboong Homestay Hoi An: 800m from the city center.
• An Bang Garden Homestay: 5-minute walk to An Bang Beach.
• Old Yellow House: Located in the heart of Hoi An city.
• Le Bleu Homestay: 10 minutes by motorbike from the city center.

>>>See more: Top 30 Stunning Resorts in Hoi An: How to Choose the Perfect Getaway

Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa

Things to Do in Hoi An

Must-Visit Spots for Photos

Every adventure becomes more special when we capture beautiful moments that turn into treasured memories. With its diversity and uniqueness, Hoi An offers many spots you shouldn't miss:

• Hoai River:
  The romantic Hoai River, with one side being the ancient town and the other the green river, is a great place for photos. Stroll along the riverside, take pictures, or release lanterns on the river at night to capture beautiful, shimmering moments.
• Japanese Covered Bridge:
  With its ancient architecture and unique charm, it's an ideal place to capture the essence of Hoi An.
• Hoi An Impression Park:
  Built on Con Hen, Cam Nam Ward, Hoi An Memories Island features various unique photo spots like Vietnamese Village, Japanese Village, Chinese Village, Light Path, etc. The park also hosts more than 20 mini-shows performed daily at 4 PM and offers a rich variety of cuisines with Asian, European dishes, and Hoi An specialties at Nón Lá Restaurant, An Bistro, and Vietnamese Village.
• Hoi An Lantern Street:
  Each lantern has its color, from yellow, red, orange, green, to purple, pink, creating a vibrant picture that catches every eye and makes for a unique photo.

>>>See more: Tips for Hoi An travel guide saving money

Tips for Hoi An travel guide saving money

Fujian Chinese Assembly Hall, Hoi An, Vietnam.

Best Cafes in Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town is also home to many cafes designed with a retro style, enhancing its ancient beauty. These cafes are not only great for enjoying drinks but also perfect spots for those who love to admire the old town's scenery. Here are some recommended cafes:

• Faifo Coffee: Famous for its vintage atmosphere that bears the marks of time. This place is well-known for its outdoor rooftop setting, offering visitors a fresh and impressive experience.
• Reaching Out Tea House: Features a rustic style, closely connected to nature. Enjoy tea and light vegetarian dishes in a serene environment.
• Hoi An Roastery: The vibrant bougainvillea trellis in front of the shop serves as a highlight, adding to the charm of the old town. Every corner of the Roastery is meticulously crafted, creating a warm and welcoming feel.
• Cocobox Hoi An: A café that combines with an organic produce shop, featuring an open and airy design. It allows you to sip on coffee while taking in the scenic views of Hoi An's ancient streets.

>> See more: Top 30 incredibly "cool" Hoi An coffee shops

Faifo Coffee

Traditional Foods to Try

Hoi An not only captivates visitors with its ancient charm but also with its sophisticated and enticing "symphony" of cuisine. Each dish has a unique flavor, blending traditional and modern elements to create a mesmerizing food culture.

• Hoi An Quang Noodles (Mì Quảng Hội An): A signature dish of Hoi An, featuring soft, chewy noodles soaked in a rich broth, paired with fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, shrimp, pork, and crispy rice crackers, creating a unique and appealing taste.
• Crispy Rice Paper with Stir-Fried Baby Clams (Bánh đập hến xào): This dish is a delightful combination of the soft texture of steamed rice paper, the crunch of crispy rice crackers, and the enticing aroma of stir-fried baby clams. Fresh clams are stir-fried with chili paste, giving off an enticing flavor, and served with crispy rice paper and anchovy dipping sauce to enhance the dish's taste.
• Cao Lau: The soft, chewy Cao Lau noodles are made from pure Quang Nam rice, soaked in ash water from Cham Island, giving them a distinctive light yellow color. The flavor of the noodles, combined with the fragrance of the rice, will surely earn your appreciation.
• White Rose Dumplings and Banh Bao (Bánh bao – Bánh vạc): These two unique dumplings are often eaten together to create a rich flavor. Banh Bao dumplings are filled with pork, wood ear mushrooms, and spring onions, while White Rose dumplings use ground shrimp, pepper, garlic, onion, and lemongrass. Both are seasoned with secret spices, creating an unforgettable taste.
• Hoi An Chicken Rice (Cơm gà Hội An): Featuring shredded chicken that is fragrant, chewy, and flavorful, the rice is cooked in golden chicken broth and served with a bit of papaya salad and onions. This dish, combined with a dipping sauce, creates a distinctive spicy flavor characteristic of Central Vietnamese cuisine.
• Phuong's Banh Mi (Bánh mì Phượng): With more than 20 different fillings, from pâté, cheese-wrapped beef, and smoked meat to spring rolls, each Phuong's Banh Mi offers a unique flavor. Inside the crispy baguette is a perfect combination of various fillings that will make you want to keep savoring.

>> Read more: 20+ Hoi An food specialties under $2 that tourists must try

Hoi An cuisine always pleases visitors

Conclusion

Hoi An is a perfect blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy. With its rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, and diverse activities, it’s a destination worth visiting for travelers of all kinds. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or a beach enthusiast, Hoi An has something special for everyone.

Pack your bags and get ready for a memorable journey to this enchanting town!