Hoi An Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam is filled with countless attractions but one of our favourites is the historic city of Hoi An Vietnam. At its heart are the age worn buildings of the Hoi An Ancient Town, a place filled with character and a reminder of a bygone age when Hoi An was a leading international trading port.

There are many reasons why Hoi An is considered the best place in Vietnam and our Hoi An Vietnam travel guide will have you discovering the secrets of this fascinating place.

Love Vietnam? Why not join our Step Into Vietnam FB Group where you can talk with others about Vietnam travel, ask for advice and share experiences.

What’s Great About Hoi An?

Hoi An has the best of both worlds, it is a short 30-minute drive from the busy city of Da Nang and close to the relaxed beach vibe of An Bang Beach.

By far the biggest draw card to Hoi An are the well-preserved buildings of the Ancient Town or Hoi An Old Town as it is also known. Within these buildings you will find a fabulous array of shops selling local handicrafts, leather, and art. The town is also famous for its tailors and coffee culture.

In the evening Hoi An becomes an enchanted wonderland as colourfully lit boats take to the Thu Bon River and the muted light of the Old Town gives the buildings a magical golden glow.

Hoi An Vietnam Map

Hoi An History

As you walk along the streets of Hoi An you will be impressed by the yellow toned buildings of the Ancient Town.

The history of these buildings stretches from the 15^th to the 19^th century and tells the story of Faifo (now Hoi An), a busy trading port which became home to a multicultural mix of traders from such countries as Vietnam, Japan, China, and Portugal.

These international influences can be seen in the architecture of the houses and shops as each borrowed building techniques from each other.  

Today Hoi An is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved buildings that hark back to the glory days of this former trading port.

Things to do in Hoi An

Our Vietnam traveller’s guide shows a fabulous selection of activities and Hoi An tours for you to choose from. The city is a history and culture buffs dream. Shopaholics and foodies will be in heaven as there is something interesting at every turn.

In just minutes you can be enjoying the best beaches in Vietnam and if you want a taste of rural life, fishing villages and farms are a short bike ride away.

Hoi An By Night

The best time to visit Hoi An Vietnam is at night. The softly lit streets take on a gentle radiance as traditional Vietnamese lanterns and streetlamps illuminate the golden hued buildings.

Along the banks of the Thu Bon River, boats glide peacefully, their colourful lanterns reflecting across the water adding to the enchantment of this stunning city.

Busy shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bars line the river and the Hoi An Night Market awaits with an interesting collection of wares and street food to try.

Tourists flock to the Japanese Covered Bridge which glows a warm pink and the bridges exotic roof decorations stand out against the night sky.

Hoi An Landmarks

Hoi An has so many intriguing landmarks and you can either visit independently or take a tour for a more in-depth experience. If you want to visit on your own entry tickets to many of the historical landmarks can be purchased near the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is Hoi An’s most famous landmark and one of the busiest places in Hoi An. The bridge is several hundred years old with completion dates ranging from 1595 to 1617.

The bridge was originally built to link the Japanese and Chinese trading communities and features a religious shrine in the middle. Legend has it that the shrine was built to appease an earthquake-creating monster called Namazu.

Ancient House of Phung Hung

The old house of Phung Hung has been home to eight generations and was first built in 1780. The house is a cool haven from the sweltering heat outside and features warm wooden interiors and window panels that can be removed to allow in light and cool breezes.

The house has a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese elements and is beautifully decorated with mother of pearl inlays

Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation

The Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation was constructed as a meeting place and temple for Chinese traders and is one of five assembly halls erected in Hoi An Old Town.

From the moment you pass under its colourful arches you will be impressed by the beauty of the shrine and intrigued by the fierce dragons coiled in and around the complex.

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without sampling the food. Vietnam is renowned for its distinct palette of flavour which incorporates a stunning array of fresh herbs and exotic ingredients.

Each region has its own unique twist on traditional Vietnamese dishes and Hoi An is no exception. Here you can try Cao Lau, a famous Hoi An noodle dish, White Rose Dumplings and Crispy Wontons which are all local delicacies.

There are many ways to discover the Hoi An food scene. Popular foodie activities include street food tours and Vietnamese cooking classes.

Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world, and you will find a host of character filled coffee shops scattered across Hoi An Old Town. Take the time to relax and try local favourites like the deliciously creamy Egg Coffee or the smooth, sweet Coconut Coffee.

Hoi An Shopping

Hoi An has lots of shopping options that can vary from small boutiques, leather shops, art galleries, craft shops and tailor shops. Add the Central Market & Hoi An Night Market and you can shop till you drop to your hearts content.

Hoi An Leather

Hoi An is famous for its leather and you will find numerous shops dedicated to handcrafted leather goods. You can choose from the handmade leather items on sale or if you have time, design your own.

Hoi An Tailors

As you stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town you will be side-tracked by the suits and colourful dresses on display in the tailor shops. If you are searching for tailormade clothing that does not break the bank Hoi An is the place to visit.

Hoi An Night Markets

A visit to the Hoi An Night Markets is a fun way to spend an evening. Shops selling brightly coloured lanterns lead the way to street stalls filled with local handicrafts. While there you may be tempted by the heady aromas of the street food being cooked in the stalls that line the street.  

Hoi An Museums & Art Galleries

With such a fascinating history the story of Hoi An and the surrounding region can be told in one of the various Hoi An art galleries and museums. How many you choose to visit will depend on your interest and length of stay.

Hoi An Trade Ceramics Museum

Ceramics played an important part in Hoi An’s trading past and a trip to the Hoi An Trade Ceramics Museum is the place to learn all about it.

Housed within a traditional Hoi An ancient house is a collection of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese ceramics which date from the 15th to 16th centuries.

Surprisingly, several of the delicate ceramics on display survived a shipwreck, while others were found in archaeological sites in the area.

Hoi An Vietnam Beaches

The Hoi An Vietnam beach scene gives a lot of choice as you will find an endless coastline that stretches from Da Nang to Hoi An.

An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach is one of our favourite Hoi An beaches and is a short drive from the Old Town. An Bang Beach is a peaceful alternative to busy Hoi An and a wonderful place to soak up the sun and unwind.

This sleepy beachside town offers a glimpse into Vietnamese village life. The foreshore has a mix of the traditional with round basket boats and shaded sunlounges sharing space along the beach.   

If you love to relax on the beach, you will find a broad selection of restaurants and bars that deliver straight to you sun lounger. Take a swim in the water or get adventurous with the array of beach sports on offer

Hoi An is around thirty kilometres (18 miles) from the city of Da Nang. Journey time from Da Nang to Hoi An can take anywhere between forty five minutes and one hour.

The city of Da Nang is serviced by flights and train from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi. Upon arrival you have a choice of airport transfers or taxi for the drive from Da Nang to Hoi An.

Hoi An Weather

The best time to visit Hoi An Vietnam is between March to May when the region experiences a comfortable heat and dry season. For hot steamy days and sweltering sunshine visit Hoi An at its hottest from June to August.

It is best to avoid the wet season between October and January as Hoi An is prone to flooding.  

Last Words on Hoi An Vietnam Travel Guide

If you are visiting Vietnam, make sure to put Hoi An on your list of places to see. The city is one of the most beautiful in Vietnam and should not be missed.

Have you been to Hoi An Vietnam? What did you love about the city? Feel free to comment we would love to hear from you.