Hoi An, Viet Nam - Complete travel guide

Hoi An is a place where history, culture, and nature blend seamlessly. Whether you’re wandering through its ancient streets, sampling local delicacies, or relaxing on the beach, the town offers a magical experience that lingers long after you leave. Hoi An is not just a destination; it’s a journey into Vietnam’s soul, one that enchants every traveler who passes through.

About Hoi An in Vietnam

Located in central Vietnam, Hoi An is a small yet captivating town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, cultural fusion, and stunning river views. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An offers visitors a peaceful escape from the bustling cities, while also serving as a window into Vietnam's past. From narrow streets lined with yellow-walled houses to a vibrant night market that comes alive under lantern-lit skies, Hoi An feels like stepping back in time.

Hoi An's weather is divided into two distinct seasons, the rainy season and the dry season:

• The rainy season lasts from September to the end of January, with wet weather due to heavy rain and drought. Especially during the stormy season from October to December, local people even have to travel by boat through the old town due to flooding.
• The dry season lasts from February to August, which is the ideal time to visit Hoi An. However, at its peak, the temperature rises and becomes very hot, which can hinder your visit to the old town.

Tourists often choose the period from February to April for their self-guided tour of Hoi An because the weather is clear, cool and pleasant.

How to get to Hoi An

Hoi An doesn’t have an airport or train station, so you’ll need to get there from nearby cities.

• By Plane: The closest airport is Da Nang International Airport, about 30 kilometers away. Direct flights to Da Nang are available from major cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From Da Nang, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Hoi An, which takes about 45 minutes.

• By Train: Da Nang is also the closest train station. The journey from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City can take anywhere from 15 to 20 hours, depending on the service. Once you arrive at Da Nang’s station, you can continue to Hoi An by bus or taxi.

• By Bus: If you are coming from nearby cities like Hue or Da Nang, there are several bus services to Hoi An. The journey from Hue typically takes about 3 hours.

Things to see in Hoi An

Hoi An is a city that is best explored on foot or by bicycle, allowing you to truly absorb its beauty and unique character. Here are some highlights:

1. Ancient Town (Phố Cổ): The heart of Hoi An, this old town is a maze of cobbled streets, ancient houses, and temples. It’s home to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and many other centuries-old buildings. The charm of the French, Japanese, and Chinese architecture reflects the town’s history as a vibrant trading port.

2. Hoi An Lantern Festival: If you're lucky enough to visit during the monthly Lantern Festival, the entire old town is illuminated by colorful lanterns. The streets come alive with traditional performances, and locals release paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River for good luck (held on the 14th day of the lunar month).

3. Tra Que Vegetable Village: A short bike ride from the center, Tra Que is a peaceful village where you can experience the traditional way of farming and even take part in planting or harvesting vegetables.

4. An Bang Beach: For some relaxation, head to An Bang Beach, just a 10-minute drive from the old town. This beautiful stretch of coastline is less crowded than nearby Da Nang, making it the perfect spot to unwind.

5. Cua Dai Beach: Another lovely beach, although it’s been affected by erosion in recent years, it still offers peaceful spots and great seafood restaurants.

6. Tailor Shops: Hoi An is famous for its tailor-made clothes. Numerous tailor shops offer custom clothing, from suits to dresses, with a fast turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours.

@review.hoian Hoi An lấp lánh những ánh đèn #hoian #danang #reviewhoian #quangnam ♬ nhạc nền - Phan Nguyên Photography - Review Hội An

What to eat in Hoi An

Hoi An’s culinary scene is diverse and exciting, with dishes that reflect the town’s rich cultural history. Some must-try local specialties include:

1. Cao Lầu: This is perhaps Hoi An’s most famous dish. It’s a unique noodle dish made with pork, greens, and crispy croutons. What sets it apart is the special water used to make the noodles, which is sourced from ancient Cham wells.

2. Bánh Mì: Vietnamese baguette sandwiches are popular across the country, but Hoi An is known for having some of the best. Try Bánh Mì Phượng, made famous by Anthony Bourdain.

3. Com Ga (Chicken Rice): A fragrant and flavorful dish featuring shredded chicken served over rice cooked in chicken broth, topped with herbs.

4. Mì Quảng: A regional noodle dish from the Quang Nam province, it’s made with turmeric-infused noodles, pork, shrimp, and peanuts, all in a rich broth.

Where to stay in Hoi An

Hoi An offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets, from luxurious resorts to charming guesthouses.

1. Luxury: If you’re looking for something upscale, check out Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, located near the beach, or Anantara Hoi An Resort, which offers riverfront luxury.

2. Boutique Hotels: For a more intimate stay, Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort and La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa offer stylish, comfortable accommodations with excellent amenities.

3. Budget: There are plenty of affordable yet charming options in and around the old town, such as Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa or Vinh Hung Library Hotel. Many homestays and small guesthouses also provide cozy and budget-friendly stays with a personal touch.

Which places near Hoi An

If you have extra time, there are several fascinating destinations near Hoi An that are worth visiting:

1. My Son Sanctuary: About an hour’s drive from Hoi An, My Son is an ancient Hindu temple complex built by the Champa civilization between the 4th and 14th centuries. It’s often referred to as Vietnam’s Angkor Wat.

2. Marble Mountains: Located between Da Nang and Hoi An, these five limestone hills are home to caves, pagodas, and scenic views. It’s an easy day trip, and the marble carvings here make for unique souvenirs.

3. Da Nang: Only a short drive away, Da Nang is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant city life, and landmarks like the Dragon Bridge and Ba Na Hills, where you can see the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands.

4. Hue: For history buffs, a trip to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past. The Imperial City and the tombs of the Nguyen emperors are must-see sites.