A calm riverside town known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, custom tailoring, and annual lantern festival. Nearby beaches and Cham Island add to its appeal.
Hoi An, a city in central Vietnam, is known for its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you walk through the streets, you'll see centuries-old architecture, including the Japanese Covered Bridge and Chinese shophouses. Beyond the Old Town, you can cycle through rice paddies, relax on An Bang Beach, and taste local specialties like cao lau noodles. In the evenings, lanterns light up the streets, creating a warm glow throughout the city.
Exploring Hoi An's Old Town
Walk through the narrow streets of Hoi An's Old Town and you'll see a variety of architectural styles. Chinese shophouses line the streets alongside Japanese merchant homes and French colonial buildings. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 1590s, which connected the Japanese and Chinese quarters. Step inside the Tan Ky House to see how a wealthy 18th-century merchant family lived, with its detailed wood carvings and mother-of-pearl inlays.
Local Flavors and Markets
Try cao lau, a Hoi An specialty of thick rice noodles, pork, and local greens made with water from specific local wells. In the mornings, visit the Central Market where locals buy fresh produce, meat, and seafood. Many cooking classes include a trip to the market to choose ingredients before teaching you how to prepare Vietnamese dishes.
Cycling Through Rice Paddy Fields
Rent a bicycle to explore beyond the Old Town. Ride along quiet roads through green rice paddy fields and small villages. You might see water buffalo in the mud or farmers working in their fields. Stop at the Tra Que vegetable village to learn about traditional farming methods and try planting or harvesting herbs.
Beaches and Islands
An Bang Beach, about 4 km from the Old Town, is less developed than nearby Cua Dai Beach. You'll find several beach bars and seafood restaurants here. For a day trip, take a boat to the Cham Islands, where you can snorkel, dive, or hike through forests.
Tailoring and Shopping
Hoi An has many tailoring shops where you can have custom-made clothing created within 24-48 hours. Choose from a wide selection of fabrics for suits, dresses, or other garments. The Old Town also has shops selling handmade crafts, including lanterns that represent the city.
Lantern Festival
If you visit during the full moon, you can experience the monthly Lantern Festival. The town turns off its electric lights, and the streets are lit only by lanterns. People release small paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River. You can also watch street performances and play traditional games during this event.
Day Trip to My Son Sanctuary
About 40 km southwest of Hoi An is My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This complex of partially ruined Hindu temples was built between the 4th and 14th centuries by the Champa civilization. The temples sit in a valley surrounded by mountains. While many structures were damaged during the Vietnam War, you can still see intricate stone carvings that showcase the legacy of the Cham people.
Practical Information
The closest airport to Hoi An is in Da Nang, about 30 km away. You can take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer from there to Hoi An. February to April typically has mild weather and low rainfall, making it a good time to visit. The rainy season is from September to January, with October and November being the wettest months. Be aware that the town can get crowded during peak tourist seasons and Vietnamese holidays.
