Destination Guide
Hoi An Travel Guide 2026: What to See, Where to Go, and How Long to Stay
This Hoi An Travel Guide 2025 covers everything you need to plan the perfect trip, from the best things to do in Hoi An to how many days you should stay. Known for its lantern-lit streets, ancient merchant houses, and riverside charm, Hoi An is often called Vietnam’s most enchanting town and once you stroll through its Old Town, you’ll see why.
Whether you’re putting together a quick one-day Hoi An itinerary or planning a longer stay, this guide highlights the top attractions in Hoi An including the Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, and the famous lantern markets. You’ll also find tips on tailoring your trip, choosing between guided tours or DIY travel, and uncovering hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
If you’re looking for the best travel tips for Hoi An in 2025, you’ve just landed in the right place.
A Quick History Lesson
Hoi An was once a bustling trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, attracting merchants from Japan, China, India, and Europe. This cultural melting pot shaped the town’s unique blend of architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
The UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is still wonderfully preserved, with over 1,000 timber-frame buildings, assembly halls, and shop-houses that tell the story of centuries of trade and craftsmanship.
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Best Places to Visit in Hoi An (And What They’re Known For)
| Place | Best For | What To Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Town | History, culture | Lantern-lit streets, merchant houses, temples, and tailor shops |
| Japanese Covered Bridge | Iconic landmark | 400-year-old bridge, Hoi An’s most famous symbol |
| An Bang Beach | Sun & relaxation | Golden sand, beach clubs, sunset cocktails |
| Tra Que Vegetable Village | Authentic experiences | Farming, cooking classes, bicycle tours |
| Hoi An Night Market | Shopping & foodies | Lantern stalls, souvenirs, street food |
| My Son Sanctuary | History buffs | Ancient Cham ruins an hour from Hoi An |
| Coconut Palm Village (Cam Thanh) | Eco-tours | Basket boat rides through water coconut forests |
Where to Go for the Best Instagram-Worthy Views
- Hoi An Ancient Town at night: Streets glowing with colourful lanterns.
- Japanese Covered Bridge: A timeless shot, especially at dusk.
- Riverside cafés: Sip coffee overlooking boats drifting by.
- An Bang Beach sunsets: Fiery skies and chilled vibes.
- Basket boats in Cam Thanh: Fun, unique photos spinning in the round boats.
Best for Adventure Seekers
- Cycling tours through rice paddies and villages.
- Basket boat eco-tour in the water coconut forest.
- Kayaking along the Thu Bon River.
- Day trip to My Son Sanctuary for hiking and history.
Best for Older Travellers
Hoi An is gentle and walkable, perfect for travellers seeking ease:
- Ancient Town exploration: Mostly flat, with cafés for rest stops.
- Riverside boat ride: Relaxing and scenic.
- Cooking classes in Tra Que Village: Hands-on but low effort.
- An Bang Beach clubs: Comfortable loungers and slow pace.
Tip: Ancient Town streets can be uneven - comfy shoes are a must.
How Long to Stay in Hoi An?
| Trip Length | What You Can Realistically See |
|---|---|
| 1 Day | Explore Ancient Town, Japanese Bridge, riverside boat ride, and night market |
| 2 Days, 1 Night | Ancient Town, Tra Que Village, An Bang Beach, lantern-lit evening |
| 3 Days, 2 Nights | Add My Son Sanctuary, coconut village basket boats, more beach time |
| 4+ Days | Slow down, try multiple cooking classes, cycling tours, day trips to Da Nang or Marble Mountains |
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| Attraction | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Ancient Town ticket (covers 5 sites) | 120,000 VND per person |
| Japanese Covered Bridge | Included in Ancient Town ticket |
| My Son Sanctuary | 150,000 VND per person |
| Basket boat ride (Cam Thanh) | ~150,000-200,000 VND per boat |
| Tra Que Village tour | 100,000-150,000 VND depending on activity |
| Riverside boat ride | 100,000-150,000 VND per boat |
Private vs Group Tours (And DIY Options)
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private tour | Families, photographers | Full flexibility, custom stops | Higher cost |
| Group tour | Solo travellers, budget | Affordable, social | Less flexible |
| DIY by bicycle | Adventurous & fit travellers | Scenic, cheap | Hot weather, bumpy roads |
| Taxi or private car | Comfort-focused | Easy, door-to-door | Pricier than bicycle |
Hidden Gems in Hoi An
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Try your hand at making ceramics.
- Cam Kim Island: Rural life, bike rides through rice fields.
- Precious Heritage Museum by Rehahn: Photography & culture.
- Secret cafés in Ancient Town: Many tucked behind tailor shops.
Best Restaurants and Food in Hoi An
| Restaurant | Why It’s Great | Must-Try Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Glory | Iconic restaurant | Cao lầu (Hoi An noodles) |
| Banh Mi Phuong | Anthony Bourdain favourite | Legendary bánh mì |
| Bale Well | Casual, authentic | Grilled pork skewers, DIY wraps |
| Tra Que Village eateries | Farm-to-table | Fresh herbs, Vietnamese pancakes |
| Mango Mango | Fusion dining | Creative cocktails & riverside dining |
Local Dishes to Try
- Cao lầu: Hoi An’s signature noodle dish.
- White rose dumplings (bánh bao bánh vạc): Pretty, delicate dumplings.
- Mi Quang: Central Vietnam’s noodle specialty.
- Banh mi: The famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich.
Where to Grab a Drink
- Rooftop cafés in Ancient Town for riverside views.
- Dive Bar: Backpacker favourite with live music.
- Soul Kitchen (An Bang Beach): Chill beach vibes with DJs and sunsets.
- Mango Mango Bar: Cocktails with a view.
Where to Stay
| Area | Good For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Town | Culture lovers | Lanterns, historic charm |
| An Bang Beach | Relaxation | Beach resorts & cafés |
| Cam Thanh Village | Nature lovers | Eco-lodges, basket boat access |
| Cua Dai Beach | Mid-range travellers | Resorts, quieter than An Bang |
For a full breakdown of each area and which one suits your trip, see our guide to where to stay in Hoi An.
Practical Tips
- Get tailor-made clothes: Hoi An is famous for its tailors - custom suits or dresses in 24 hours.
- Lantern Festival: Held on full moon nights - magical but crowded.
- Bring cash: Most markets are cash-only.
- Cycling is king: Best way to explore countryside.
- Avoid midday heat: Plan outdoor activities in mornings or late afternoons.
Quick Sample Itineraries
1-Day Blitz - Morning: Ancient Town highlights → Afternoon: An Bang Beach → Evening: Night Market & lantern release
2-Day Relaxed - Day 1: Ancient Town + Japanese Bridge + Riverside boat ride. Day 2: Tra Que cooking class + Basket boat tour + An Bang sunset
3-Day Adventure - Day 1: Ancient Town + Night Market. Day 2: My Son Sanctuary + Marble Mountains (day trip). Day 3: Cycling tour to Cam Kim Island + Beach day
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Final Thoughts
Hoi An isn’t just a place you visit - it’s an atmosphere you soak in. From floating lanterns to sizzling street food, every moment feels like a postcard. Whether you stay one night or five, you’ll leave with tailor-made clothes, full bellies, and unforgettable memories.
✨ Take your time here. Hoi An has a way of stealing hearts.
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Common questions
What are the best things to do in Hoi An?
The highlights are wandering the lantern-lit Ancient Town and its merchant houses, crossing the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and having clothes made by a tailor. Add An Bang Beach, a basket-boat ride in the coconut forest, and a day trip to the My Son temples.
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
Two days is enough to enjoy Hoi An without rushing: one for the Ancient Town and riverside, and one for the beach, Tra Que Village or a cooking class. Three days lets you add My Son Sanctuary and more beach time.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Yes. The UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is beautifully preserved, the food is some of the best in Vietnam, and the tailors, beaches and countryside give it variety. It is one of the most atmospheric towns in the country, especially after dark.
What food is Hoi An known for?
Hoi An has its own specialities, above all cao lau noodles and white-rose dumplings, along with the famous banh mi at Banh Mi Phuong. The Tra Que herb village and local markets make it a strong town for a cooking class.
How do you get from Da Nang to Hoi An?
Hoi An is about 45 minutes from Da Nang by car, so a private transfer is the easiest option, especially with luggage. Many travellers combine the two, flying into Da Nang and basing themselves in Hoi An.
When is the Hoi An lantern festival?
The lantern festival is held on full-moon nights each month, when the Ancient Town switches off its electric lights for lanterns and candles on the river. It is a lovely time to visit, though busier than usual.
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