Dreaming of lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine? Hoi An — Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed ancient town — is a traveler’s delight. But before you wander its heritage lanes or discover its craft villages, a few essential tips can help you avoid surprises and maximize your Hoi An adventure.
Here’s your complete Hoi An travel guide, covering the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, how to get around, and the local dishes you simply must try!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Hoi An?
Hoi An is beautiful year-round, but the ideal months to visit are February to April, when temperatures are pleasant, skies are clear, and rainfall is minimal.
- Dry season (February – August):
- Feb – April: Mild sunshine, cool breezes, and low humidity — perfect for exploring.
- May – August: Hotter and sunnier, great for beach trips, but some days can be quite steamy.
- Rainy season (September – January):
- Frequent rain showers and occasional flooding. Check weather forecasts before planning a trip during these months.
How to Get to Hoi An
Since Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport or train station, travelers first head to Da Nang and then transfer to Hoi An (about 30-45 minutes away).
✈️ By Plane
- Fly to Da Nang from major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Flights: 1-hour duration
- Cost: 400,000 – 1,600,000 VND/one way
🚆 By Train
- Travel from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang or Tra Kieu Station (Quang Nam).
- Duration: 15 – 20 hours
- Tickets: 230,000 – 2,224,000 VND, depending on seat class
🚌 By Bus
- Buses run directly from major cities to Hoi An.
- Cost: 320,000 – 480,000 VND/one way
🚗 By Private Vehicle
Perfect for nearby travelers from Da Nang, Quang Ngai, or local backpackers looking for a road trip adventure.
Getting Around in Hoi An
Hoi An is small enough to explore on foot or bicycle — but there’s no shortage of fun transport options:
🚲 Bicycle
- Best way to soak in the town’s peaceful vibe.
- Rentals: ~40,000 VND/day
- Many hotels offer complimentary bikes.
🏍️ Motorbike
- Ideal for exploring nearby beaches or countryside.
- Rentals: 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day
🚖 Taxi
- Rates vary, but typically:
- 11,000 – 15,000 VND/km (first 30 km)
- 9,000 – 12,000 VND/km (beyond 30 km)
🚲 Cyclo (Xích lô)
- A romantic way to ride through ancient streets.
- Around 150,000 VND/hour
🚤 Boat Rides
- Drift along the Hoai or Thu Bon rivers.
- Cost: 50,000 VND (small boat for 2) on weekdays; up to 200,000 VND for 4 people during peak times.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
From luxury riverside resorts to charming homestays, Hoi An has options for every traveler’s taste and budget.
⭐️ Luxury Hotels & Resorts
- Four Seasons The Nam Hai
- Anantara Hoi An Resort
- Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa
- Boutique Hoi An Resort
- Hoi An Ancient House Village Resort & Spa
These resorts offer tranquility, spa services, and stunning views for a truly indulgent stay.
⭐️ Mid-Range (2-3 Stars)
Great value without sacrificing comfort:
- The Mansion Hoi An
- Hoi An Village Villas
- The Moon Villa Hoi An
🏠 Homestays
Homestays are a fantastic choice for budget travelers and those wanting authentic local charm. Many are designed in pretty Indochine style, perfect for Instagram shots!
- An Bang Retreat Homestay
- Tue Tam Garden Villa
- Tropical Garden Homestay Villa
Travel Tip: During the peak season (Feb – June), book accommodations early — Hoi An fills up fast!
Must-Try Dishes in Hoi An
Hoi An’s food scene is a delicious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Don’t leave without tasting these local specialties:
🥢 Cao Lau
- Thick rice noodles, Chinese-style char siu pork, crispy rice crackers, and fresh herbs. Unique to Hoi An due to its use of water from local wells.
🍜 Mi Quang (Quang Noodles)
- Flat rice noodles served with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, peanuts, rice crackers, and aromatic herbs.
🥙 Banh Dap (Dam Cake)
- Crunchy and soft rice paper layers, lightly crushed before eating, often dipped in fish sauce or served with savory sautéed mussels.
🍗 Hoi An Chicken Rice
- Fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and turmeric, topped with shredded chicken, herbs, pickled papaya, and a flavorful fish sauce.
🥣 Banh Beo (Hoi An Rice Cake)
- Small steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, crispy shallots, and a splash of savory fish sauce. Served in tiny dishes — adorable and delicious!
🥖 Hoi An Banh Mi
- Vietnam’s iconic sandwich gets a special twist here. Crispy baguette stuffed with grilled meats, char siu, pickles, homemade pâté, and buttery sauce. Often grilled over charcoal for extra crunch.
Final Tips for Your Hoi An Adventure
✅ Weather Check: Always check weather updates if traveling during rainy months.
✅ Cash: Small shops and vendors prefer cash; ATMs are widely available.
✅ Dress Code: Modest attire is appreciated, especially when visiting temples.
✅ Book Early: Hotels and tours fill up fast, particularly around festivals.
Hoi An is not just a place—it’s a feeling. From lantern-lit nights along the river to mouthwatering bites of local delicacies, every corner of this ancient town invites you to slow down and savor the beauty.
