Hoi An Travel Guide

Balancing modern culture with long-held customs, Hoi An teems with activities for foodies, architecture fans, young families, adventurous couples, and everyone in between. But seeing Hoi An at night—especially the Hoi An Ancient Town—offers a special glimpse into how this Vietnamese city has preserved centuries of culture. From releasing paper lanterns on the Hoai River to shopping at the Hoi An Night Market, many of the best things to do in Hoi An happen at night.Top ranked: Hoi An at nightMost popular night activity: Releasing paper lanternsBest area for nighttime activities: Hoi An Ancient TownBest activity for foodies: Street food stalls and toursBest sunset spot: An Bang Beach1. Play folk games with locals

From September to January, the rainy season in Hoi An calls for a reliable umbrella, but fewer crowds and the city’s unique drizzling atmosphere make this season a good time to visit. Slurp a steaming bowl of pho (brothy Vietnamese noodle soup) in a cozy cafe or grab onto the unique experience of cruising through the Ancient Town’s streets by boat. The rainy season in Hoi An gives a magical twist to the city’s usual charm — authentic moments like lantern-making workshops are all around. Here’s your guide to what to do when it rains in Hoi An.Hoi An’s rainy season at a glanceWhen is the rainy season in Hoi An?Hoi An’s rainy season typically lasts from September to January, with the heaviest rainfall peaking in October and November. Temperatures hover between 66-82 F (19-28 C) with high humidity. Afternoons and early evenings often bring the heaviest rain, though it rarely lasts all day.The top things to do for kids and families visiting Hoi An in the rainy season: Take a lantern-making class to immerse yourself in local culture.Romantic spots for couples in Hoi An during the rainy season: Escape the rain at one of Hoi An’s atmospheric teahouses or coffee shops for a warm, intimate retreat. Unique events that take place in Hoi An in the rainy season: The chance to explore Hoi An’s streets by boat during seasonal flooding.

In the small port city of Hoi An, antique lanterns illuminate yellow-walled merchant houses, and the breeze from the Thu Bon River adds to an atmosphere that makes you want to never stop exploring. Many of the best places to visit in Hoi An are in or near the Ancient Town, where you’ll find centuries of culture. From exploring the symbolic Japanese Covered Bridge to watching skilled artisans shape clay with traditional Vietnamese pottery techniques, discovering these top attractions in Hoi An will help you understand the city’s powerful past. 

Sunny days offer a variety of things to do in Hoi An, a city on Vietnam’s central coast. Explore the city’s famous landmarks on a walking tour, discover a collection of ancient temple ruins, or enjoy nature and adventure in Hoi An with an exhilarating basket boat ride or a speedboat to the laid-back Cham Islands. From open-air markets to sacred mountain escapes, this guide rounds up eight of the best things to do outdoors in Hoi An.

With its cheerful yellow buildings and lantern-lit streets in the Ancient Town, Hoi An welcomes you to a living heritage. Known for expert tailors who craft custom clothing in 24 hours, this former trading port is home to 800+ UNESCO-listed buildings. Hoi An Landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and Old House of Tan Ky line the scenic Thu Bon River. A charming and budget-friendly destination, Hoi An invites you to explore its ancient merchant houses, ornate temples, and artistic vibe through these eight famous landmarks in Hoi An.

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Hoi An is itself an open-air museum. Celebrated for its timeless beauty and preservation, the city’s architecture and lantern canals often steal the spotlight, but museum visits are some of the best things to do in Hoi An.  Immerse yourself in the Vietnamese city’s fascinating traditions and culture, from terracotta pottery to traditional medicine.Whether you’re exploring the town’s past as a former international trading port or learning about its art and folk culture, you can discover the best of the city at these Hoi An museums.

Drifting along the river in a Vietnamese basket boat and strolling through the lantern-filled streets of the Ancient Town is just the beginning of what your adventure in Hoi An can be. Some of the best things to do in Hoi An also include discovering hidden gems and the city’s art scene that reveals the city’s personality. If you’re looking for things to do alone in Hoi An, the city’s walkability, cultural richness, and solo traveler-friendly atmosphere make it easy. Here’s your guide for solo travel in Hoi An.

If you’re picturing lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and traditional boats floating on the river, you may be daydreaming about Hoi An. From shopping at the night market to exploring the waters of An Bang Beach in a basket boat, there are countless things to do for your first time in Hoi An. This remarkable city doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Vietnam’s historic identity and modern character coexist. Here’s your first-timer’s guide to all the things you need to know about Hoi An, including the city’s hidden gems, how to get around, what food to try, and which neighborhoods to visit.Hoi An: tips for first-timersCash is generally preferred in most small shops, tailors, and street stalls, so make sure to have some VND handy.Bargaining is common in the markets and for tailoring services, but it is important to remain respectful and polite to get a fair price.The streets get really crowded around sunset, especially during the monthly lantern festival when all the lanterns turn on at night. For a quieter experience, try visiting the Ancient Town (the old town) early in the morning.If you plan to have clothing made by Hoi An’s famous tailors, allow at least 48 hours for fittings and adjustments.Motorbike parking and vehicle access are limited in popular areas, so walking or biking around town is often easier.Many people in Hoi An are able to speak or understand English, but learning a few common phrases in Vietnamese is still a good gesture.

Navigating Hoi An is a delightful experience thanks to its compact size and variety of transportation options. Understanding how to get around will enhance your visit, whether exploring the ancient streets or nearby beaches.From walking and cycling to using public transportation in Hoi An, there are many ways to see the sights without needing a car. Whether it’s your first time visiting Hoi An or you’re a seasoned traveler, this guide answers common questions to help you discover the best transportation in Hoi An and make the most of your stay.

An exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th century, Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with abundant culture and history. From exploring the vibrant local markets to taking an evening boat ride along the Thu Bon River, plenty of fun activities await you in this month-by-month guide to Hoi An. Whether you discover the vibrant Hoi An Night Market, learn how to make Vietnamese coffee, or explore the nearby rice paddies and quiet villages, this is everything you need to know about the best time to visit Hoi An. Choosing the best time to go to Hoi AnBest time for outdoor loversFebruary to June bring warm, dry conditions, making this the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Temperatures are milder from February to April, so if you want to avoid overheating, these months will be ideal.Best time for people on a budgetIf you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind compromising on the weather, September to November is the perfect time to visit Hoi An. This is the height of the city’s rainy season, meaning it’s much quieter, and the demand for accommodation is much lower.Best time for sightseeingIf you want to do some sightseeing, visiting Hoi An during the dry season is best. Anytime between December and June will bring optimum conditions for exploring the city’s top sights. Hoi An throughout the seasonsSpring in Hoi AnMarch to May Spring in Hoi An is dry and warm, with temperatures ranging from 71.6 F to 87.8 F (22 C to 31 C). In March, the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is held at Hoai River Square, where guests can float above the city in colorful hot-air balloons and get a stunning birds-eye view of the landscapes below.Summer in Hoi AnJune to AugustHoi An summers are hot and humid, with temperatures rising to 95 F (35 C). Although the city remains mostly dry, the rainy season begins in August. June brings one of the city's most spectacular cultural festivals: the annual Thu Bon River Worshiping Festival, which sees locals making offerings and paying tribute to the river.Fall in Hoi AnSeptember to NovemberSeptember to November are the wettest months in the region, so if you plan to visit Hoi An during fall, pack your waterproofs. Still, wet conditions mean fewer tourists visit the city during these months, making it the ideal time to enjoy a less crowded experience. Winter in Hoi AnDecember to FebruaryWinter in the city brings mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it a great time to visit Hoi An and do some sightseeing. Many vibrant cultural events occur in December and January, including art performances, street music events, and lantern festivals on the Hoai River. Tet Dong Chi celebrates the Winter Solstice, with locals partaking in various customs and rituals, such as decorating their homes, bringing offerings to ancestors, and cooking traditional meals. Tet Nguyen Dan, one of the city’s most significant festivals, welcomes the Lunar New Year with fireworks, street markets, traditional music, boat races, and games.