Hoi An Vietnam: Things to know to plan a perfect trip in 2024

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Both domestic and international tourists flock to Hoi An in Vietnam every year (Source: Collected)

Hoi An is a haven for expats and jet-setters from different corners of the world. It has everything to enchant any traveler, from romantic scenery and historical architecture to delicious food and hospitable locals. If you are looking for a place for your next vacation, read this article to the end to see why this place is worth a visit!

1. About Hoi An Vietnam

Hoi An is a provincial city that spans around 63.55 square kilometers. It is located in the coastal plain of Quang Nam province, downstream of Thu Bon River. The city is made up of two parts: the old quarter (or Hoi An Ancient Town) and the rest. It is 28 kilometers to the south of Da Nang City and about 50 kilometers to the north of Tam Ky City. Thanks to its location, the city holds significant economic and geographical importance.

Hoi An Vietnam is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the central region (Source: Collected)

Hoi An was once a busy trading port from the 16th to 19th centuries, where merchant ships from many different countries passed by. The interaction among different cultures greatly contributed to the city’s impressive architecture afterward, which is a perfect blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese designs.

In 1998, Hoi An was recognized as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. In 2021, it was named the winner of Asia’s leading cultural city destination category at the World Travel Awards. At present, this town still retains its charm and is an ideal place where tourists are able to step back in time.

Coming here, you will be impressed by the ancient houses decorated with colorful lanterns, and the vibrant banks of Thu Bon River adorned with boats and glowing candles. You will have an ideal holiday as you sit by the river, watch the sunset, sip a can of beer, and enjoy the local delicacies.

Your heart may skip a beat when you see Hoi An Vietnam lantern festival (Source: Collected)

2. Top 10 Hoi An Vietnam tourist attractions to stop by

Hoi An has a lot of attractions for you to explore, notably including:

2.1. VinWonders Nam Hoi An

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is a world-class amusement park in Vietnam. Located about 17 kilometers away from the center of the ancient town, this place has a unique combination of cultural values, entertainment activities, and nature exploration.

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is one of the most attractive places in Quang Nam

Having an extremely large scale, the park is divided into 5 large subdivisions, namely Harbor Corner, Island of Folk Culture, River Safari, Adventure Land, and Water World. Here, you get the chance to feel the ambiance of a hectic trading port of the 16th and 17th centuries, see a miniature Hoi An with lantern streets and old houses, or participate in water music shows and thrilling outdoor games. There are many things to discover here that promise to make your trip more memorable.

Tourists can learn more about the old town Hoi An Vietnam at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An to have lots of fun near the Ancient Town!

2.2. Japanese Bridge Hoi An

Japanese Bridge Hoi An (also known as Japanese Covered Bridge) has become a tourism symbol of Hoi An Ancient Town. With over 400 years of history, this architectural work is also regarded as the soul of the town and its people. Therefore, your trip to the ancient town will likely be incomplete if you miss out on this place.

The bridge is located right in the center of the ancient town, between Tran Phu street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street. Built by Japanese merchants around the middle of the 16th century, its architecture boldly bears Japanese imprints. This wooden bridge, supported by columns made of brick and stone, has a total length of about 18 meters. From the distance, the Japanese Bridge stands out with a softly curved roof. In the evening, when the lanterns are lit up, the bridge’s shadow is reflected on the water surface, shimmering.

Hoi An Vietnam at night is more romantic with the Japanese Bridge crossing Hoai River (Source: Collected)

2.3. Cantonese Assembly Hall

Located in the center of Hoi An, Cantonese Assembly Hall is known as an important historical relic of the town. Built in 1885, this assembly hall features a Chinese architectural style. Standing at the entrance, you will be attracted by the striking red and yellow colors of its gate and signboard. Inside, you will have a chance to learn more about the culture and way of life of the Cantonese people who lived in Hoi An centuries ago.

Cantonese Assembly Hall is a highlight on Hoi An Vietnam map of tourism (Source: Collected)

2.4. Tan Ky Old House

Tan Ky Old House is an ancient work that is more than 200 years old. This was the first house to be recognized as a national heritage site. Thanks to its distinctive architecture which combines the features of Vietnam, Japan, and China designs, the old house attracts a lot of visitors every year. The blend between different architectural styles is clearly shown through the wooden decorative patterns that are delicately carved in the house. Over centuries, the old house remains miraculously intact, even after the historic flood of 1964.

You should pay a visit to Tan Ky Old House during your Hoi An Vietnam travel (Source: Collected)

2.5. Quan Cong Temple

Quan Cong Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Quang Nam thanks to its spiritual and religious importance. It worships Guan Yu (162-220), a talented general in China’s Three Kingdoms era. Built in 1653 when Hoi An was a very prosperous trading port, the temple had been frequented by merchants for a long time.

Coming here, tourists can see the extraordinary Chinese-influenced architecture of the temple, featuring 4 buildings: the vestibule, the main hall, the left and right sections. You can also admire ancient relics, such as stone steles, which are still quite intact.

Quan Cong Temple features classical Chinese architecture (Source: Collected)

2.6. Hoi An Night Market

Located in the heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, Hoi An Night Market is an unmissable destination for those fond of shopping. The market has a pleasant vibe, even though it is always bustling with many sellers and buyers. Coming here, you will be surrounded by colorful lanterns and unique dishes. The food here is rustic, delicious, and affording, which is really worth a try.

Hoi An night market attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists (Source: Collected)

2.7. Tra Que Vegetable Village

Tra Que Vegetable Village is more than 400 years old and has been honored as a national intangible cultural heritage. Located in Cam Ha Commune, just 3 kilometers from Hoi An City, the village is well known for its organic vegetables, especially herbs. Coming here, visitors can breathe the fresh air, try their hand at farming and enjoy local dishes.

2.8. An Bang Beach

Also located in Cam An ward, An Bang Beach is a tranquil destination with cool blue water, white sandy stretches, and gentle waves rushing to the shore. Featured in CNN’s top 50 beaches in the world, the beach attracts both domestic and foreign tourists to experience its beauty.

Unlike the other vibrant beach resorts, An Bang Beach is still mostly untouched by urban development, so you can come here to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Besides taking a swim, you can try other activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

An Bang is one of the most beautiful Hoi An Vietnam beaches (Source: Collected)

2.9. Cham Islands

Cham Islands, home to 950 aquatic species and 1,549 hectares of natural forest, has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve of the world. Coming here, tourists will be completely captivated by the pristine nature and the peaceful fishing villages.

Also, this is a perfect place to learn more about the culture and religion of the locals. There are many impressive attractions for visitors to explore, including Hai Tang Temple, Cham ancient well, Temple of the Nest Craftsman, etc.

Cham Islands is an amazing destination to immerse yourself in nature (Source: Collected)

2.10. My Son Sanctuary

My Son Sanctuary was discovered in 1885 and recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. This used to be a complex with more than 70 Cham temples. However, due to the ravages of war, by 1975, the complex had only 32 towers left, with 20 of them still fortunately intact. Every temple embraces a unique structural design that represents the various historical eras of the Champa kingdom. Through many ups and downs, My Son Sanctuary is still a relic imbued with artistic and cultural values ​​that capture the wisdom and quintessence of many Cham generations.

My Son Sanctuary is one of the most stunning and majestic Cham complexes in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

3. The ultimate guide for your visit to Hoi An Vietnam

Your trip to the ancient town will be easier and more fulfilling with the following tips:

3.1. When is the best time to visit Hoi An Vietnam?

Thanks to the favorable weather, you can visit Hoi An all year round. In particular, the weather in Hoi An Vietnam in each season is as follows:

• The dry season (from February to August): The most ideal time for a trip to Hoi An is from February to the end of April. This time, the weather is cool and sunny with light rain sometimes. You can enjoy many outdoor activities to the fullest. From May to August, there is almost no rainfall at all. Therefore, there are some days that are extraordinarily hot. If visiting Hoi An at that time, you should bring sunscreen or some sunlight-blocking accessories.

• The rainy season (from September to the end of January): Hoi An has prolonged rainfall at this time, which makes it difficult for visitors to move around. If you come in this season, you should check the weather forecast and plan the suitable itinerary beforehand.

The best time to visit Hoi An Vietnam is from February to April (Source: Collected)

3.2. How to get to and get around Hoi An?

Below are some suggestions for the means of transportation to get to Hoi An:

➟ Going to Hoi An Vietnam

• By plane: Going by plane is the quickest way to reach Hoi An. From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly to Da Nang and then go to Hoi An by bus or taxi. The journey will only take you an hour and cost between 400,000 and 1,600,000 VND/trip.
• By train: With a total travel time of between 15 and 20 hours, your train will make stops at Da Nang Station or Tra Kieu Station. The trip should cost between 230,000 and 2,224,000 VND, depending on the route and the seat type.
• By coach: You can take a coach from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An. The trip should cost between 320,000 and 480,000 VND.

There are many ways to go to Hoi An and move around the city (Source: Collected)

➟ Getting around in Hoi An

• By bicycle: This is the best way for you to get around and experience the tranquility of the old town. Many hotels in Hoi An offer free bicycles for their guests, or you can hire a bike at around 40,000 VND/day.
• By motorbike: To travel between many locations in Hoi An with ease, you can rent a motorbike. The rental is between 120,000 and 150,000 VND/day.
• By taxi: In Hoi An, the fare of a 4-seat taxi ranges from 11,000 to 15,000 VND/kilometer for trips under 30 kilometers and from 9,000 to 12,000 VND/kilometer for trips over 31 kilometers.
• By cyclo: In Hoi An, cyclos are frequently seen. The ideal place to find a cyclo is Phan Chau Trinh or Tran Phu Street. The fare is often around 150,000 VND/trip/hour.

3.3. What to eat during your trip to Hoi An?

Hoi An is one of the top 25 most alluring places in the world for foodies, with diverse cuisine and distinctive flavors. The foods listed below are some of the best to try at least once while you are in the city.

• Banh mi – The most famous Hoi An street food 

Banh Mi Hoi An has a special flavor that is often referred to as “the greatest bread in the world.” Among many bread shops, Banh Mi Phuong stands out with its menu of more than 20 different fillings for bread, including chicken, salad, pate, burgers, spring rolls, and more. Depending on the fillings, a loaf may cost from 20,000 to 40,000 VND.

You should try Banh Mi Phuong at least once when in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

• Quang noodles – A signature dish of Hoi An cuisine

Like “pho” in Hanoi and beef rice noodles in Hue, Quang noodles are said to be the “soul” of Quang Nam cuisine. What makes Quang noodles unique is the richness of the broth, the soft rice flour noodles, and the various toppings that can vary between chicken, barbecue pork, shrimp, or fish. The price for each bowl of Quang noodles is about 15,000 – 25,000 VND.

Quang noodles is a must-try Hoi An Vietnam food (Source: Collected)

• Cao Lau – A yummy Hoi An specialty in the ancient town

Cao Lau has a Chinese-influenced taste. It is made of golden noodles, char siu, deep-fried pork rind, bean sprouts, and drizzled with a bit of gravy. Enjoying a bowl of Cao Lau on the balcony and observing the streets is a culinary experience that can only be found in Hoi An. Each bowl of Cao Lau costs between 30,000 and 60,000 VND.

Enjoying a bowl of Cao Lau is one of the best things to do in Hoi An Vietnam (Source: Collected)

• Chicken rice – A tasty Vietnamese food in Hoi An style

Hoi An chicken rice is famous across the country. This food is special thanks to the light yellow sticky rice, tasty chicken meat, and sweet and sour pickled salads, all of which are dipped into a unique sauce. You may have a mouth-watering Hoi An shredded chicken rice dish for just 20,000 VND.

Hoi An Chicken Rice is a popular dish for Hoi An visitors (Source: Collected)

• Banh dap (smashed rice pancake) – A crunchy delicacy of Quang Nam

When you visit Hoi An Quang Nam, don’t forget to try banh dap. The smashed rice pancake is covered with mussels, then dipped in a delicious seasoned fish sauce. After being stir-fried, the mussels become very juicy and has the sweetness of seafood. The cost typically ranges between 15,000 and 50,000 VND/dish.

Banh dap Hoi An is a simple yet flavorful dish (Source: Collected)

• Banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake) – A healthy and tasty dish to try

Tourists are often captivated by the crispy Vietnamese pancake and the savory flavour of fresh shrimp and meat fillings. Rich soy sauce and fragrant peanuts are combined to create a sauce that will satisfy even the most demanding customers. A dish of banh xeo typically costs between 10,000 and 20,000 VND.

Banh Xeo in Hoi An (Source: Collected)

3.4. Where to stay in Hoi An Vietnam?

There are many hotels in Hoi An Vietnam available for travelers to stay at. To experience the ultimate comfort and easily travel to Hoi An attractions, many people opt for Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An.

Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An is a 20-minute-ride away from Hoi An Ancient Town. It impresses visitors with an overflowing swimming pool that extends to the sea. Moreover, from here, you can conveniently explore VinWonders Nam Hoi An amusement park, the River Safari, the international standard 18-hole golf course Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An, etc.

Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An resembles a pair of sails

>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An to have a comfortable stay and explore Hoi An attractions with ease!

With the detailed information about Hoi An and travel tips summarized above, hopefully, you will have a complete and meaningful journey to this beautiful city. Pack your luggage now to take in the scenery, enjoy the local delicacies, and feel the warm-heartedness of the people here.