Things to Do and See in Hoi An

Hoi An is one of the most beautiful and atmospheric towns in Vietnam – a former trading port whose UNESCO-listed Old Town has survived almost untouched. Lantern-lit streets, honey-coloured merchant houses, riverside cafés and world-class tailors make it many travellers' favourite stop on a north-to-south journey. Here's what to do and see in Hoi An.

The Old Town and the Japanese Covered Bridge

The heart of Hoi An is its pedestrian Old Town, best explored slowly on foot. Its symbol is the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the early 17th century by the town's Japanese merchant community, complete with a small shrine and guardian statues. Wander the old streets to find centuries-old merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls and the small museums that tell the story of this once-great trading port.

Lanterns and the full-moon nights

Hoi An is famous for its silk lanterns, which light up the Old Town every evening. The magic peaks on the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival, when electric lights are switched off, the streets glow with lanterns, and visitors float paper candles down the Thu Bon River. Even on ordinary nights, a boat ride at dusk with a floating lantern is unforgettable.

Tailors and shopping

Hoi An is Vietnam's tailoring capital. Dozens of skilled tailor shops can make custom clothing, shoes and suits at very reasonable prices, often within a day or two – choose your fabric, cut and style. Beyond tailoring, look for handmade silk, leather goods, lanterns and woodcarvings in the town's craft shops.

Food: Hoi An's local specialities

The food here is a highlight, blending Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences. Don't miss cao lầu (the town's signature pork-and-noodle dish, made only with local well water), white rose dumplings, crispy bánh xèo pancakes and Hoi An's celebrated bánh mì. A hands-on cooking class or a street-food walk is one of the best ways to experience it.

Beaches and countryside

Hoi An isn't only about the Old Town. An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are a short bike ride away, perfect for an afternoon by the sea. Cycle out to the Tra Que herb village to see traditional organic farming, or take a basket-boat ride through the swaying Bay Mau coconut palms – a fun, local favourite.

Day trip: My Son Sanctuary

About an hour from Hoi An lies My Son, a UNESCO-listed complex of ancient Cham temples set in a jungle valley – Vietnam's answer to the temple ruins of Angkor, on a smaller scale. An early-morning visit beats both the heat and the crowds.

Best time to visit Hoi An

The best months are February to April, when it's dry and pleasantly warm. The summer is hot, while October and November can bring heavy rain and occasional flooding of the low-lying Old Town. Check the lunar calendar too, so you can time your visit with a full-moon lantern night.

Plan Hoi An into your Vietnam trip

Hoi An is a perfect centrepiece of a Vietnam journey – easily combined with Da Nang, Hue and My Son. As a local agency based in Vietnam, we'll build it into your route with the right pace and the best timing. Browse our Vietnam tour packages or have your trip tailored to you.