The ancient town of Hoi An is a small yet tranquil town situated along Vietnam's central coast. You can enjoy the best of this town on foot or by bicycle.

The historic buildings, lantern-lit streets, and tranquil waterways, along with tiny stores, cafes, and temples, are scattered at every corner, appealing to many visitors worldwide. You can also find wooden houses, old bridges, and a culture that tells stories dating back thousands of years.

There are many things you can do, from cooking classes and boat rides to having your clothes stitched in 24 hours and visiting night markets. The people are welcoming, and the town glows with thousands of lanterns at night. 

Whether you wish to explore, unwind, or relax, Hoi An can leave a long-lasting impact on you. Here is everything you need to know before you visit this place.

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Table of Contents

• TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews
• Things To Do
• Best Time To Visit
• What To Eat
• Other Things to Do Near 
• Hotels Nearby Hoi An
• Restaurants Nearby Hoi An
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews 

Ratings: 4.5 (27,589 reviews) 

• Excellent: 18.624
• Very Good: 6,489
• Average: 1,711
• Poor: 452
• Terrible: 319

Most visitors liked the lantern-lit streets, historic buildings, and riverside cafes in Hoi An. They appreciated activities such as having custom-made dresses, suits, and shirts made within 24 hours, as well as learning to bake traditional Vietnamese dishes in cooking classes. They felt the most beautiful thing was the boat ride at night, as the lanterns lit all around. The town is too crowded during peak season for some and has become too commercialized. Many visitors even thought the vendors overcharged and seemed too pushy with their sales tactics. 

Things to do in Hoi An

You can enjoy the old town of Hoi An by participating in various activities with your partner. Here are some of them:

Wander the Ancient Town

Entry to the old town requires a small ticket, and it is a great place to start your journey, as you can roam around, take pictures, or learn about the local way of life. You and your partner can walk or ride a bicycle around the city and explore the historic houses, old temples, and wooden bridges. You will pass through art shops, lantern stores, and riverside cafes

Lantern Boat Ride

Lanterns illuminate the entire town of Hoi An as the sun sets. These lights along the Thu Bon River mimic a movie-like scene.

Here is a small and unforgettable custom for you and your partner to enjoy. Take a quick boat trip on the river, light your lantern, and make a wish, which is one of the most romantic things to do in Vietnam.

Cooking Classes

Hoi An offers the best way to savor its food: learning to cook for yourself. Local cooking classes are fun and beginner-friendly. Most tours begin with a walk through the market, where you can pick fresh herbs, noodles, and vegetables. Then, under the guidance of a chef, you learn to make traditional dishes. 

By the end, you can taste your meal and take a piece with you.

Get your Clothes Tailored

Hoi An is famous for its silk. You can have a custom dress, shirt, or suit made in just 24 hours. Just walk into any of the popular shops, choose your fabric, pick a style, and get measured. The tailors are skilled, the prices are affordable, and you get a unique experience. 

An Bang Beach

An Bang beach is just 10 minutes away from Hoi An's center and a perfect place to relax. It is clean, peaceful, and less crowded. To unwind while listening to the waves, you can hire a lounge chair and get a fresh coconut. There are many eateries and pubs overlooking the beach serving a range of seafood delicacies and refreshing beverages.

Show at Hoi An Memories Land

The Hoi An Memories Show is an open-air performance that brings many years of local history to life through music, dance, and stunning visuals. It takes place in a large outdoor theater with a river running through the stage. The lights, costumes, and storytelling are perfect. It is emotional, grand, and gives you a deeper connection to Hoi An's past.

Hoi An Night Market

As the sun sets, the alleys beside the river come alive with colourful lanterns and busy stalls, making the Hoi An Night Market the most beautiful. You can have your clothes custom-made within 24 hours, purchase souvenirs, jewelry, and handcrafted items. You can also enjoy local Vietnamese cuisine. It's a perfect place to take pictures, with the lanterns shining in the background.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

The best times to explore the town are from February to April and August to October. You should visit during the Full Moon Lantern Festival, which happens every lunar month. The city turns off its electric lights in the old quarter, and the entire area is illuminated by colorful lanterns, which are magical.

Avoid visiting from June to August due to the intense heat, and from October to December due to heavy rainfall and potential flooding.

What Food to Eat in Hoi An?

Hoi An offers unique flavors. Local famous foods include Cao Lau, a dish of thick noodles, pork, herbs, and crispy crackers made with water from a special local well, and White Rose Dumplings, soft rice dumplings filled with shrimp and shaped like delicate flowers. You should also try the famous Banh Mi Hoi An, a crispy baguette loaded with meat, fresh vegetables, and various local sauces. The famous Vietnamese iced coffee is a must-have experience.

Other Places to Visit Near Hoi An

If you have extra time left, then there are some spots near Hoi An that are worth exploring:

My Son Sanctuary

It is located in the mountains of central Vietnam, an hour away from Hoi An. It is a quiet place, featuring the ruins of a former Hindu temple complex. It's ideal for a half-day trip if you're interested in exploring old stories and taking in the beautiful scenery.

Marble Mountains 

It is a region of marble and limestone hills that are home to hidden caves, temples, and breathtaking views, located between Hoi An and Da Nang. You can climb up, explore the peaceful shrines, and enjoy the breeze taken in the scenery from the top. 

Da Nang City

Da Nang, also known as the city of bridges, is full of attractions, including an adventure park and historic sites.

Just 45 minutes from Hoi An, Da Nang boasts the iconic Golden Bridge, along with numerous beautiful and clean beaches.

Hotels in Hoi An

If you are looking for an overnight accommodation in Hoi An, then here are a few options for you:

Restaurants in Hoi An

Here are a few restaurants you can eat at in Hoi An:

Final Verdict: Is Hoi An Worth Visiting?

Hoi An is worth visiting because it is a place where time seems to stand still, where small things hold deep meaning, and where every corner tells stories that are thousands of years old.

You will find kind people, beautiful streets, great food, and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you are here to wander, relax, or take a break from your stressful routine, Hoi An is the kind of place that reminds you how lovely life can be when you slow down.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which is the best place to stay, Hoi An or Da Nang?

If you want to explore history and culture, visit Hoi An. However, if you prefer city vibes with more fun and comfort, Da Nang would be a better option.

How many days will it take to explore Hoi An fully?

To fully explore Hoi An, 2-3 days are enough. You can cover all the fun activities and historical sites in the small town and the surrounding places.

What can I wear in Hoi An?

You can wear anything that makes you comfortable. However, opt for light fabrics like cotton or linen, as they are comfortable and help you stay cool. It's best to wear light or bright colors instead of dark colors, as they absorb less heat. You can accessorize with a hat and sunglasses as they'll keep the sun off your face and help you look good too.

Where can I see a beautiful sunset in Hoi An?

You can watch the sunset on An Bang Beach, located just 4 to 5 kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town. It is a clean, peaceful, and less crowded beach.