A Complete Travel Guide to Hoi An, Vietnam's Ancient City
Hoi An Vietnam was hands down my favourite place during this entire trip, and I'm definitely not alone in that opinion! This charming ancient city on Vietnam's central coast captivated me from the moment I arrived, with its gorgeous lantern-lit streets, incredible food scene, and perfect blend of cultural experiences.
During my 6-day stay in February 2025, I discovered that Hoi An isn't just a pretty face (and a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can see centuries of trade influence in the architecture). Hoi An is like a creative and cultural capital of Vietnam, where you can do everything from making rings and designing clothes to spinning yourself silly in a coconut boat.
There's so much more to Hoi An than just the Instagram-worthy Ancient Town (though that part is still absolutely stunning). From tailor shops that can create bespoke clothing overnight to cooking classes, days lounging on the beach, and adventures in the surrounding countryside, you could easily spend weeks here without running out of things to do.
I've put together this complete guide to help you plan your perfect Hoi An experience, packed with personal tips from my recent trip and everything I wish I'd known before visiting this enchanting Vietnamese city.
Contents
- An Intro Guide to Hoi An
- How to Get to Hoi An
- Where to Stay in Hoi An
- Weather & Best Time to Visit Hoi An
- How to Get Around Hoi An
- Things to Do in Hoi An
- Where & What to Eat in Hoi An
- Best Bars in Hoi An
- Prices and Money in Hoi An
- FAQs About Travelling in Hoi An
An Intro Guide to Hoi An, Vietnam
I'm not exaggerating when I say you could spend weeks in Hoi An and not get bored with how much there is to do. There's a creative energy that flows through Hoi An, evident in everything from the skilled tailors and artisans to the beautiful architecture and vibrant food scene. No matter your inclination, there will be something here that you'll love because it's simply so varied.
The old town does have the usual chaos of Vietnamese cities, with pavements that are hardly walkable and traffic that always seems to get in your way, but it's offset by this incredibly creative and somehow peaceful vibe.
The main "centre" of Hoi An is set over the mainland and two small islands on Hoi An's river, which are both accessible from the mainland by footbridge or regular-bridge. About an hour's walk or ten minutes drive away you'll find the beach, with a few more hostels, cafes and restaurants around, although this is quite removed from the centre.
How to Get to Hoi An Vietnam
Hoi An is conveniently positioned right between Vietnam's two major cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. If you're arriving from either of these cities, you have two main options: either take an insanely long bus journey (15+ hours), or catch a short flight to Da Nang airport, which is just about an hour's ride from Hoi An.
If you're travelling north to south, you'll probably want to stop in Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue or Da Nang on your way to Hoi An. if you're travelling south to north, you're more likely to arrive from Dalat or Nha Trang.
I personally arrived on the overnight bus from Phong Nha, which is about an 8 hour drive. To avoid arriving too early in the morning, I teamed up with a girl I met in my hostel in Phong Nha and we took the bus at 2am, arriving in Hoi An at around 10am.
If you prefer rail travel, Vietnam's train system also serves Da Nang, with connections from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – the scenery along the way is supposed to be incredible, though it's a longer journey than flying.
Where to Stay in Hoi An Vietnam
When choosing accommodation in Hoi An, you've basically got three main areas to consider: the Ancient Town (most charming but pricier), Cam Pho (where I stayed – great middle ground with more local vibes but still walkable to everything), or An Bang Beach (perfect if you're after a beach holiday with occasional trips into town).
I opted for a hostel in Cam Pho and paid 200kVND (7.50€) per night including an unlimited buffet breakfast, but there are plenty of boutique hotels if that's more your style. Just keep in mind that if you choose to stay by the beach, you'll need to factor in transport costs to and from the Old Town if you want to partake in the activities and crafts you can do there.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit Hoi An
Hoi An has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry season (February to July) and rainy season (August to January). I visited in February and had absolutely perfect weather – warm sunny days around 25-28°C with low humidity and practically no rain.
If you want to avoid crowds but still enjoy good weather, aim for the shoulder months like February (when I went) or March. The absolute peak tourist season is June to August, when the weather is hottest but also most crowded.
September through November brings the highest rainfall and potential flooding in the Ancient Town, which occasionally forces businesses to close temporarily. December and January can be surprisingly cool in the evenings, so pack a light jacket if you're visiting then.
How to Get Around Hoi An Vietnam
Here's a massive WARNING that I wish someone had given me: there is a mafia of unlicensed taxi drivers in Hoi An. Within minutes of arriving in Hoi An, two taxi drivers tried to rob me, and they successfully robbed two of my friends. It's absolutely essential that you only get into a taxi or onto a taxi bike if you've ordered it through the Grab app (Southeast Asia's equivalent to Uber).
Most of Hoi An's centre is perfectly walkable, including the historic centre and the two main islands, which is what makes it so charming to explore. If you decide to stay by the beach instead, you may want to rent a scooter or be prepared to take Grabs to and from the centre, as it's more than an hour's walk away.
Most visitors don't bother renting scooters here because most excursions outside the city already include transportation, so it's less necessary than in other Vietnamese destinations.
Things to Do in Hoi An
The Ancient Town is the obvious starting point – spend at least one full day wandering its photogenic streets, crossing the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and visiting historical houses like Tan Ky House.
Getting tailored clothing is practically a rite of passage here; I had a pantsuit tailor made for 1.3mVND (50€), though prices vary widely depending on the fabric and complexity.
Don't miss taking a sunset boat ride on the Thu Bon River – the sight of hundreds of colourful lanterns reflecting on the water is magical. For something more active, I loved cycling through the surrounding rice paddies and taking a cooking class where we first shopped at the local market.
If you're interested in day trips, the My Son Sanctuary (ancient Cham ruins) and Marble Mountains are both worth considering, though I personally found Ba Na Hills to be overpriced and a bit of a tourist trap.
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Where & What to Eat in Hoi An Vietnam
Hoi An's food scene is incredible, with several dishes you absolutely must try. The night market was my go-to for dinner most evenings, offering everything from fresh seafood to local specialties at reasonable prices.
Don't leave without trying Hoi An's signature dish – Cao lau (a noodle dish with pork that can only authentically be made with water from a specific local well). The city is also famous for its banh mi sandwiches – I tried both the famous Banh Mi Phuong (Anthony Bourdain recommended it) and Banh Mi Queen; Banh Mi Phuong was great, but the Banh Mi Queen won my personal taste test.
For vegetarians, I found some amazing options at Annen Vegetarian Corner, where they make meat-free versions of Vietnamese classics. Also, look out for the white rose dumplings and the lattice fried spring rolls that are specific to Hoi An cuisine – they're both delicious and you won't find them anywhere else in Vietnam!
When we needed a break from Vietnamese food, we enjoyed surprisingly good burgers at Jim's Burger, which was a welcome change after weeks of local cuisine.
Best Bars in Hoi An
Hoi An's nightlife isn't as wild as other Southeast Asian destinations, but there are still plenty of places to enjoy an evening drink. The party hostel scene centres around places like iHome and Mad Monkey, which both host regular events and pre-drinks. Most pub crawls in town eventually end up at Tiger Bar, which stays open the latest and turns into something of a nightclub after hours.
My personal favourite spot was a hidden gem called The Secret Rooftop Bar (literally tucked away above a silk shop with minimal signage) – you climb a narrow staircase to reach a beautiful terrace with string lights and fantastic cocktails for around 90kVND (3.40€).
For a more relaxed evening, grab a plastic chair at one of the riverside bars and watch the world go by as the lanterns illuminate the water.
Prices and Money in Hoi An Vietnam
Compared to other places in Vietnam, Hoi An is on the more expensive side, though it's still incredibly affordable if you're visiting from Europe or North America. A bed in a decent hostel with breakfast included costs around 200kVND (7.50€) per night, while mid-range hotels start from about 800kVND (30€).
Street food meals can be as cheap as 30kVND (1.10€), while restaurant meals might set you back 100-200kVND (3.75-7.50€). Where costs can add up are the activities – tailored clothing, cooking classes, and day trips like Ba Na Hills (which I honestly don't recommend – it wasn't worth what we paid for it at all).
When it comes to accessing money, I found that there were no TP Banks or VP Banks here (those are the ones I found in the north of Vietnam that don't charge withdrawal fees). The cheapest ATM we found was AgriBank, which charged 22kVND (0.80€) for a withdrawal with a maximum amount of 3 million VND per transaction.
Some places accept cards but generally prefer cash, and those that do take cards will usually add a 3-5% surcharge. I'd recommend withdrawing larger amounts less frequently to minimise fees.
FAQs About Travelling in Hoi An
How many days in Hoi An is enough?
I'd recommend an absolute minimum of 3 full days to properly experience Hoi An. This gives you time to explore the Ancient Town, try the local food, perhaps get something tailored, and take a day trip to the surrounding countryside or beaches. That said, I stayed for 6 days and wasn't bored for a moment – there's easily enough to keep you occupied for weeks if you want a more relaxed pace.
Is it worth going to Hoi An?
Absolutely, 100% yes! Hoi An was the highlight of my entire Vietnam trip. The combination of beautiful architecture, excellent food, cultural experiences, and friendly atmosphere makes it truly special. If you're visiting Vietnam and have to choose between destinations, I'd place Hoi An at the top of your must-visit list.
Is it better to stay in Hoi An or Da Nang?
It depends on what you're looking for. Da Nang offers city vibes, modern amenities, and beautiful beaches, while Hoi An provides a more charming, cultural experience with its Ancient Town. I personally preferred staying in Hoi An and taking a day trip to Da Nang rather than the other way around. Hoi An feels more intimate and walkable, making it easier to soak in the atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the lanterns are lit.
Is 4 days in Hoi An too much?
Not at all! I spent 6 days there and could have happily stayed longer. With 4 days, you can explore at a leisurely pace, take a cooking class, have clothing made (with time for fittings), enjoy the beaches, and still have time for a day trip. The relaxed atmosphere of Hoi An makes it a perfect place to slow down during your Vietnam travels.
Conclusion
Hoi An quickly became my favourite place in Vietnam for good reason – it perfectly balances culture, beauty, and authentic experiences while still catering well to visitors. From wandering the lantern-lit streets of the Ancient Town to cycling through rice paddies and enjoying some of Vietnam's best food, it offers a diverse range of experiences that appeal to almost any type of traveller. Whether you're spending just a few days or settling in for a longer stay, Hoi An's charm will likely capture your heart just as it did mine. Just remember to order your taxis through Grab, bring plenty of cash for the markets, and leave room in your suitcase for those tailored clothes you'll inevitably want to bring home!
