Picture this: a glowing ancient town with thousands of colorful lanterns illuminating narrow alleyways, vibrant colonial buildings, and a tranquil river as you weave your bike through locals and travelers as they gather along the Thu Bồn River for food, shopping, and evening boat rides. Doesn’t it seem like a world that belongs in a dream? This is Hoi An, Vietnam.
Since 1999, Hoi An has been inscribed as an UNESCO World Heritage site for being an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port that was active from the 15th to the 19th century.
I was wonderfully surprised how fast Hoi An captured my heart. It’s more than just beautiful. It’s one of the most relaxing, affordable, and culturally rich destinations in Vietnam — and easily one of my favorite places in Southeast Asia by far.
If it’s your first time visiting, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Why Visit Hoi An?
Hoi An is famous for:
- Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Lantern-filled streets at night
- Incredible local food
- World-famous tailor shops
- Nearby beaches
- Affordable luxury hotels
- Relaxed atmosphere compared to bigger Vietnamese cities
It’s the type of place where you can spend the morning sipping Vietnamese coffee, the afternoon getting custom clothing made, and the evening wandering through lantern-lit streets eating street food beside the river.
Best Time to Visit
Hoi An?
The best time to visit is generally…
February to April 🌤️
You’ll usually get:
- Warm temperatures
- Lower humidity
- Minimal rain
- Comfortable walking weather
This is ideal for:
- Exploring Ancient Town
- Beach days
- Bicycle rides through rice fields
- Photography
May to August ☀️
Hot, sunny, and beach-friendly.
Expect:
- Temperatures in the 90s°F (32–36°C)
- Strong sun
- Busy tourism season
Great for:
- An Bang Beach
- Pool days
- Coastal activities
Just prepare to sweat approximately one gallon per hour. So drink up.
September to January 🌧️
Rainy season.
Flooding can occasionally happen in Ancient Town during heavy storms, especially in October and November.
That said, rainy season also brings:
- Fewer crowds
- Moodier photography
- Cooler evenings
- Lower hotel prices
Hoi An in the rain honestly feels cinematic sometimes.
How Many Days Should You Stay?
Recommended Stay:
3–4 Days
Hoi An is small enough to explore comfortably, but there’s enough nearby to keep you busy for several days.
Ideal Breakdown:
- Day 1: Ancient Town + Night Market
- Day 2: Tailors + cafés + beach
- Day 3: Cooking class or countryside tour
- Day 4: Day trip to Da Nang or Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
You can do it in 2 days…I ended up staying for 3.
I loved it so much — I extended my stay.
Where to Stay in
Hoi An
There are three main areas to stay:
Ancient Town
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Walking everywhere
- Nightlife and lantern atmosphere
Pros:
- Beautiful location
- Central
- Tons of restaurants and cafés
Cons:
- More crowded
- Can be noisy at night
An Bang Beach
Best for:
- Relaxation
- Beach lovers
- Slower pace
Pros:
- Quiet atmosphere
- Beachfront stays
- Great seafood restaurants
Cons:
- About 10–15 minutes from town
Countryside
Best for:
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Boutique hotels
- Photography
- Couples
Many hotels between Ancient Town and the beach are surrounded by rice paddies and offer free bicycles.
And Honestly? This may be the best overall balance.
How Expensive is Hoi An?
Hoi An is incredibly affordable compared to Western destinations.
Average Daily Budget
Budget Traveler 🎒
- Hostel: $8–15
- Meals: $2–8
- Transportation: Mostly walking/bicycle. Bike rentals are like $5 a day.
- Total: ~$25–40/day
Mid-range Traveler 🏨
- Boutique hotel: $40–100
- Nice meals: $10–20
- Transportation: Walking/Bike
- Total: ~$80–150/day
Luxury Traveler 🍸
- Luxury resort/villa: $150–400+
- Private tours: $50–$150+
- Fine dining: $100+
- Spa experiences: $50–$150+
Still cheaper than many comparable luxury destinations worldwide.
If you are looking for extra expenses like tailored clothing or massages, here are some price points…
- Tailored clothing: $80–$400+
- Massages: $10–$40
The Hoi An Night Market
The night market is one of the highlights of visiting Hoi An.
Located across the river from Ancient Town, the area comes alive after sunset with:
- Lantern vendors
- Street food stalls
- Souvenirs
- Handmade crafts
- Boat rides
- Live music
Tips:
- Go around sunset for the best atmosphere
- Bring cash
- Expect crowds
- Bargaining is normal in many stalls
- Be cautious of overpriced tourist items
One of the best things to do is simply wander without a plan.
Some of my favorite memories in Hoi An came from accidentally finding hidden alleys, tiny cafés, or random street food stands.
Tailor Shops
Hoi An is one of the most famous tailoring destinations in the world.
You can get:
- Custom suits
- Dresses
- Shirts
- Leather goods
- Shoes
- Winter coats
- Basically anything your Pinterest board can dream up
And often for a fraction of Western prices.
How the Process Works
- Bring photos or inspiration
- Choose fabric
- Get measured
- Return for fitting
- Final adjustments
Most shops can complete items in:
- 24–72 hours
Tips for Tailoring in Hoi An
- Research reviews beforehand
- Don’t automatically choose the cheapest shop
- Leave extra time for alterations
- Inspect stitching carefully
- Be specific about fit preferences
Some travelers leave with an entirely new wardrobe! I regret not picking one up, but the next time I go — I’m grabbing a custom linen suit.
Beaches Near Hoi An
Many first-time visitors don’t realize Hoi An also has excellent beaches nearby.
An Bang Beach
Most popular beach near town.
Known for:
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Beach clubs
- Seafood restaurants
- Sunbeds
- Good swimming conditions
Great place to spend an afternoon recovering from aggressive bánh mì consumption.
Cua Dai Beach
Less crowded than An Bang in some areas.
Good for:
- Quieter walks
- Resort stays
- Sunset views
Beach conditions can vary depending on erosion and season.
What to Eat in Hoi An
Vietnamese food is already incredible…
…but Hoi An has several unique regional dishes you absolutely need to try.
Must-Try Foods
Cao Lầu
Hoi An’s signature noodle dish.
Thick noodles, pork, greens, crispy croutons, and rich flavor. Absolutely mandatory.
White Rose Dumplings
Delicate shrimp dumplings unique to the region.
Beautiful and delicious.
Bánh Mì
Vietnamese sandwiches are elite-tier food.
Hoi An is home to some of the most famous bánh mì shops in Vietnam.
Mi Quang
Turmeric noodles with herbs, peanuts, broth, and protein.
Flavor bomb.
Vietnamese Coffee
Strong enough to revive your ancestors.
Try:
- Coconut coffee
- Egg coffee
- Salt coffee
Proceed responsibly.
Best Day Trips from
Hoi An
Da Nang
Only about 45 minutes away. I actually flew into Da Nang and took a bus to Hoi An.
Popular for:
- Dragon Bridge
- Marble Mountains
- Modern cafés
- Beaches
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
Ancient Hindu temple ruins surrounded by jungle.
Often compared to a mini Angkor Wat.
Excellent half-day trip.
Coconut Basket Boat Tours
Touristy? Yes.
Fun? Also yes.
These tours take place in the coconut forests outside town where locals spin circular basket boats while everyone screams and records TikToks.
Final Thoughts on
Hoi An
Hoi An is one of those rare destinations that somehow lives up to the hype.
It’s beautiful without trying too hard, touristy without completely losing its charm, and relaxing while still offering plenty to do.
Whether you’re here for:
- Food
- Beaches
- Photography
- Tailoring
- Culture
- Or simply wandering aimlessly under lanterns at night…
Hoi An has a way of making people fall in love with it very quickly.
And honestly?
There’s a pretty good chance you’ll already be planning your return trip before you even leave.
