Vietnam destination guide

Hoi An Travel Guide

Plan your trip with practical local information, detailed travel guides and tours for Hoi An.

Why Visit Hoi An?

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage ancient town on Vietnam’s central coast. Once a major Southeast Asian trading port, its well-preserved architecture spans Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European influences. Today Hoi An is famous for its lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, cooking classes, and An Bang Beach. It’s also the ideal base for exploring Hue, Da Nang, and My Son.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

February–May: Best weather. Dry, warm (25–30°C), perfect for beach and sightseeing.

June–August: Hot (35°C+) but dry. Good for beach.

September–November: Rainy season. October–November risk of flooding in the ancient town.

December–January: Cooler, occasional rain. Still pleasant for sightseeing.

Top Things to Do in Hoi An

1. Walk the Ancient Town

The car-free historic center is best explored on foot. Key sites include the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the central market. At night, hundreds of lanterns illuminate the streets along the Thu Bon River.

2. Get Clothes Tailored

Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops that can make custom suits, dresses, and shoes within 24 hours. Quality varies — ask your hotel for recommendations and always request a fitting before final delivery.

3. Visit My Son Sanctuary

A UNESCO site 40km from Hoi An, My Son contains the remains of Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries. Best visited in the early morning to avoid heat and crowds.

4. An Bang Beach

A 4km stretch of sandy beach just 5km from the ancient town. Quieter than Da Nang’s beaches, with beachfront restaurants and loungers. Rent a bicycle from town to get there.