This Hoi An New Travel Guide 2023 provides essential information and tips to explore this beautiful city and its attractions. Discover the best places to eat, shop, explore and more! Get ready for the ultimate Hoi An experience!
Hoi An at a Glance
Hoi An is a city in central Vietnam known for its preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a rich and storied history, having served as a major trading port in Southeast Asia during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
At that time, many foreign merchants lived in Hoi An, mostly Chinese and Japanese then later Europeans, creating a unique fusion of cultures that can’t be seen anywhere else in Vietnam.
Hoi An is popular for its mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture, and for its numerous tailor shops and cafés. The city is also noted for its nearby beaches, such as Cua Dai and An Bang, as well as its nearby historical sites, like My Son Sanctuary.
Travelling to Hoi An
The best way to get to Hoi An, Vietnam depends on your location and budget. Here are a few transportation options available to get you there.
By Air: The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus or private transfer to Hoi An, which is about 30km away. There are some direct flights from Korea, Japan, Singapore and India to Da Nang. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and Bamboo Airways operate regular flights from major cities in Vietnam, as well as from other cities across the region.
By Bus: Taking the bus is a great way to experience the region’s culture and scenery. Several bus routes operate from Hanoi, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and other cities in Vietnam, allowing for easy access to Hoi An. This is a budget-friendly option, but the journey can take many hours.
By Train: There is a train station in Da Nang, and you can take a train from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang and then a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to Hoi An. It should cost about the same as an airport transfer.
Book your private transfer to Da Nang with Amasia Travel.
Hoi An ancient town, Vietnam – Photo credit @amasiatravel
Weather in Hoi An
Hoi An has a tropical monsoon climate, with a dry season lasting from February to August and a wet season from September to January. The average annual temperature is 25.60°C, with highs of 39.80°C and lows of 22.80°C. The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season between February and April.
The wet season in Hoi An typically runs from September to the end of January. October and November in particular can bring heavy flooding to the Old Quarter, and so visitors should avoid travelling during this period if possible.
The dry season in Hoi An is typically from February to August with little rainfall and high temperatures. February to April is the driest time of the year. During this time of the year, temperatures are mild, the skies are a bright blue, and rainfall is quite rare.
It’s also important to bear in mind that the Tet holiday or Vietnamese New Year celebration happens sometime between the end of January and early February. Many restaurants and shops may be closed, with hotel rates at their highest.
Things to do in Hoi An
When visiting Hoi An, visitors will likely be struck by the brightly coloured buildings that line the streets, many with intricate wood and tile work. The old town of Hoi An is filled with cultural sights, including well-preserved buildings, temples and bridges from the 16th century. Among the most popular sites in Hoi An are the Japanese Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic structures, and the Hoi An Ancient Town, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Listed below are some of the most exciting things to do in Hoi An
- Visit Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Spend an evening shopping at the local night market for souvenirs and unique items.
- Enjoy a cooking class and learn how to make some local dishes.
- Have a Suit or Dress Custom-Tailored in 24 Hours
Learn to make traditional Vietnamese lanterns at a lantern-making workshop. - Visit the Tra Que Vegetable Village, where locals farm fresh produce.
- Take a cruise along the Thu Bon river and enjoy the stunning views.
- Enjoy a beach day at An Bang Baby Beach or Cua Dai.
- Cycle to the nearby Thu Bon estuary and admire the beauty of nature.
- Explore the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
White Rose Cake (Banh bao vac) – Photo credit Palm Garden Resort & Spa
Where to eat in Hoi An
The city of Hoi An is famous for its cuisine. Local dishes, such as Banh Mi, Cao Lau and Com Ga, have been inspired by the influence of different cultures through the years. Visitors can also explore the lively markets and sample the local street food, or join a cooking class to learn the many culinary secrets of the Vietnamese.
Our Hoi An food guide lists some of the best restaurants in Hoi An.
- Madam Khanh – Banh My
- Long Com Ga
- Hai Scott
- Hoa Hien Restaurant
- Ot Ta
Where to stay in Hoi An
Hoi An is an ideal destination to stay in Vietnam, offering a wide range of quality accommodation options. There are luxurious resorts, beautiful hotels and guesthouses, as well as budget-friendly hostels. Most of the hotels and resorts are within walking distance of the old town, many with great views of the Thu Bon River. Many hotels offer modern amenities such as swimming pools, spas and fitness centres, while some also offer traditional Vietnamese food and cultural activities. Listed below are some of accommodation to stay in Hoi An.
- Luxury: Anantara, Palm Garden Resort and Spa
- Midrange: Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An Beach Hotel, Vinh Hung Resort & Spa
- Budget: Family Hotel Hoi An
Golden Bridge on Ba Na Hills, Da Nang – Photo credit @amasiatravel
Day trips from Hoi An
- Explore the Citadel in Hue
- Visit the temple ruins in the jungle at My Son
- See the caves and shrines in the Marble Mountains
- Take a cable car to Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge
- Enjoy the white-sand beaches of the Cham Islands
- Boat trip to Thanh Ha Pottery village
How to get around in Hoi An
Hoi An is a small city and easily gets around on foot or on a bicycle. The best way to experience Hoi An is to rent a bicycle. There are plenty of bike and motorcycle rental shops around town that offer a cost of USD 1 per day for a bicycle and USD 5 per day for a motorcycle.
The motorcycle is an alternative to exploring the town and places like Cua Dai Beach, Tra Que vegetable village, the Marble Mountains or My Son Sanctuary.
Taxi will be an option to see tourist attractions far from the centre of Hoi An. Some familiar taxi companies in Hoi An include Mai Linh Taxi, Hoi An Taxi and Faifo taxi.
Those looking for a different way to get around Hoi An, take a boat ride on the Hoai River and Thu Bon River to Cam Kim Island, the fishing village of Tra Nhieu or Thanh Ha ceramic village. These trips can be a great way to connect with nature while still having a mode of transport. Prices and duration of trips vary but generally last around 30 minutes to four hours.
Hoi An, Vietnam – Photo credit @amasiatravel
