During my first solo trip ever to Vietnam, it’s safe to say that it was a life-changing experience, and one of the highlights has to be visiting Hoi An.
Tucked along the coast of the South China Sea, right in the center of Vietnam, Hoi An offers a glimpse into the streets of the 15th century, immersing you in its captivating history.
The small city of Hoi An is renowned for its well-preserved Ancient Town.
As you wander along the canals, you can admire the unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, French, and indigenous architecture that makes this National Cultural Heritage Site unlike anywhere else you’ve ever experienced.
Want to see what makes this off-the-beaten-path Vietnamese city so special? Here’s your ultimate guide to Hoi An, Vietnam.
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Ultimate Guide to Hoi An Overview
How To Get To Hoi An
There’s no airport or train station in Hoi An so you’ve got to take the scenic route. The nearest well-connected city is Da Nang.
You’ll find daily flights going to and from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other major cities. Da Nang is also well connected by train, as well as the extensive bus network that spans the entire region.
Once you arrive in Da Nang, you can catch a bus, book a Grab taxi, or arrange a private transfer (check if your hotel offers transfers) to Hoi An. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
From budget to luxe, when you visit Hoi An there is something for everything. Here are some of the best hotels in Hoi An:
Luxury Picks
Anio Boutique Hotel Hoi An: is the perfect oasis. They offer a free shuttle to get you where you need to go and bikes for when you’re just looking to explore. With a super attentive staff and all the good stuff like an oversized pool, fitness center, bar, and restaurants, it’s a good place to just chill.
Riverside Hoi An Boutique Hotel: another beautiful boutique pick. Located just beside the Ancient Town, which is the best area to stay in Hoi An for first-timers, this place is perfect for pampering. Soak in the amazing tubs, lounge at the rooftop bar, then make your way down to the on-site spa.
Mid-Range Options
Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An ticks all the boxes for a nice and comfortable stay. It’s within walking distance of the Ancient Town and offers an on-site restaurant, pool, and bikes for exploring.
Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel offers a gorgeous traditional atmosphere and is a fave amongst travelers. It’s connected with the Vinh Hung Restaurant and the food is out of this world.
Budget Choices
Lazy Bear Hostel is where I stayed and I had a fab experience. This small, family-owned spot is in a quiet neighborhood so you really feel like you are getting a glimpse into local life. There are a variety of rooms from shared rooms to private double rooms and family suites.
How To Get Around Hoi An
It’s all about the scooter here!
We arranged a scooter with the hostel and it was such a quick and easy way to get around. Hoi An doesn’t have the crazy traffic that other areas of Vietnam are famous for so it’s completely manageable.
Another good solution is the Grab app. You can order a taxi from here, or pretty much anything else you’d ever want. You can actually order food, ship packages, and make cashless payments all over the country with this ultra-popular all-in-one app.
Helpful Tip:
Best Time To Travel To Hoi An
The weather can have a major impact on where you’ll want to explore. Try to plan your trip during the more favorable months.
The dry season in Hoi An is from February to August so it’s an ideal time to visit. For the best weather plan your trip from March to May.
If you’re exploring other areas in Vietnam, just remember it’s an incredibly diverse country and the weather varies a lot from place to place!
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What to Do in Hoi An
Hoi An is full of amazing things to do. Whether you’re wandering around the charming towns or taking a day trip, Hoi An is such a special place in Vietnam.
Explore Old Town
Hoi An’s Old Town will be the highlight of any trip. Snap pics of the colorful buildings and glowing lanterns as you make your way to the sixteenth-century covered Japanese bridge. Stroll along the river and find the perfect souvenir at one of the local shops.
And get out there early! Morning is the best time to explore.
Old Town is the number one tourist target and it gets crowded during the day and into the evening. At night, it is worth coming back though. You’ll find the best nightlife right along the river.
Helpful Tip:
Go to the Beach
While you might not think of Vietnam as the place to go for white-sand beaches, Hoi An has some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. Be sure to get to An Bang Beach. It’s only two miles outside of Old Town.
You’ll find countless little paths winding down to places to have a drink. Claim a seat with a good view, sample some Vietnamese beer, and linger until sunset.
Get Custom Clothing Made
Hoi An is famous for its world-class tailors. Get a custom-made suit, dress, or anything other investment pieces. While there are many high-quality places, there are an overwhelming number of options and many of them operate on commission.
Avoid getting pressured into a place. Take your time and opt for a place you really love!
Day Trip Over to Da Nang
While Hoi An was my favorite place in the area, Da Nang or Danang are both worth exploring. Get over to the famous Cao Dai Temple and Dragon Bridge then check out the more modern picks along the coastline. There are hip resorts that are well worth spending a night at.
Hoi An Night “Lantern” Market
Sample the street food and load up on local sweets while you explore the impressive selection of local handicrafts and treasures. Hoi An Night “Lantern” Market is the one market you won’t want to miss.
Day Trip to My Son Ruins
The Hindu temples were constructed over the period from the 4th to the 14th century by the Kings of Champa people. It’s just over an hour drive from central Hoi An and you can go on a motorbike or join a tour. While it is a bit touristy, it’s well worth it and the tours there are dirt cheap.
Afternoon Tea
In the Old Town of Hoi An, you can have a one-of-a-kind experience at the Reaching Out Tea House.
More than just a lovely place to sip a fair trade tea, this tranquil spot offers something special to the community as they employ people with disabilities from the local area.
Cooking Class
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: there is no better souvenir than a recipe! Vietnam is no exception to the rule. In fact, this place has some of the best food in the world.
Check out my list of must-try Vietnamese foods, then go learn how to make as many as you can!
The Tra Que Garden Cooking Class & Restaurant is a traveler’s fave and the perfect place to try your hand at Vietnamese cooking.
Where to Eat in Hoi An
While the food is incredible from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, each region has its own special offering. In Hoi An, it’s all about the white rose dumplings (rice paper with meat or shrimp filling) and cao lau noodles (thick rice noodles, BBQ pork, greens, and croutons).
You aren’t likely to find these treats outside Hoi An so get ‘em while they’re hot!
Cale’s Restaurant
It doesn’t get any more authentic than eating at one of the four tables sitting on some guy’s porch. Cale’s Restaurant offers a five-star dining experience at a Vietnamese family home. I actually had dinner there twice within a five-day stay – that’s how you know it’s good!
And, after extensive research, I’d recommend the pho, Cao Lau, and spring rolls. Since it is a small place, just double-check their Tripadvisor listing for an update on opening hours.
Banh My Phuong and/or Madam Khanh the Banh Mi Queen
Anthony Bourdain filmed an episode of “No Reservations” at Banh My Phuong and, of course, it became an instant legend. That just served to amplify the battle for the best banh mi.
Some still insist the best Vietnamese sandwiches are at Madam Kahn’s. Try them both and decide for yourself!
Sua Cafe and Restaurant
While vegetarian food is pretty doable in Vietnam, especially if you’re a pescatarian, vegan food can be a bit harder to come by. If you’re vegan or just trying to stay plant-based, you can’t miss this one.
Rosie’s Cafe
This is a great spot if you’re craving a Western-style breakfast. And bring the camera! This cute cafe in Old Town is an Instagrammer’s dream.
Mr Hai Restaurant
Remember those Cao Lau noodles I was talking about? This is the best place to get them. Try the Mi Quang noodles as well. This little street food gem is an essential eatery.
Streets Restaurant Cafe
More than just a good place to find traditional Vietnamese and international food choices, this cafe is actually a nonprofit restaurant that helps local youth.
Mia Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is next level! I’m talking rich coffee with condensed milk – heavenly. For the best of the best brew, make this your morning stop.
Home Hoi An
If you want to splurge a little for an amazing, authentic, Vietnamese meal, this is your place! Choose the set menu and leave the rest up to the talented chefs.
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Hoi An Tips
To wrap up this ultimate Hoi An guide, I have jotted down a few of my top tips for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
- Watch your belongings: One of the most common issues that people find in Vietnam is pickpocketing and theft of items such as cameras, laptops, and rucksacks can happen. Keep any valuables hidden in a bag that you keep close to yourself at all times.
- Beware of scams: Be cautious of common scams targeting tourists, such as inflated prices, fake goods, or misleading tour offers. Research reputable businesses and always agree on prices beforehand. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels off.
- Stay cautious with food and water: Enjoy the delicious cuisine of Hoi An, but be careful of street food that may not be prepared in hygienic conditions. Opt for bottled water and thoroughly cooked meals to prevent getting sick.
- Respect local customs: Be mindful of cultural norms and dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites. When heading into town, the best option is to follow the style of the local women.
- Stay connected: Purchase an eSim or a local Sim ensure your phone has roaming capabilities to stay connected with loved ones and access maps or translation apps in case of emergencies.
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And there you have it, my ultimate Hoi An travel guide!
Before you go, check out my complete guide to travel in Vietnam. I’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to make this an epic journey.
I visited Vietnam during my first solo trip ever and, needless to say, it is one country that will always be very near and dear to me. So, are you packing up for your first Southeast Asian adventure? Tell me what you’ve got planned!
Hi Kiki! Huge thank you for your blogs! I remember planning my yacht week trip in my early twenties/single years and constantly using your posts for help. Now (early thirties) I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with the love of my life.
That’s amazing! Have the best time!
Very Insightful blog, it has given more clarity for visiting Vietnam.