Hoi An Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay & Explore Vietnam's Lantern Town
A UNESCO-listed riverside trading port where saffron-yellow facades, silk lanterns, and some of Vietnam's best food meet rice paddies and a long sandy coast.
Historic Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An displaying traditional Asian architecture. · Anna Tarazevich
Hoi An is the kind of place travelers come for two nights and end up staying a week. Once one of Southeast Asia's busiest trading ports, the Ancient Town is a tight grid of ochre-walled merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls, and a 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge, all hung with silk lanterns that glow after dark. UNESCO inscribed it in 1999, and because the Thu Bon River silted up centuries ago, the old core was frozen in time rather than bulldozed.
Beyond the postcard streets, Hoi An is a town of tailors, cooks, and farmers. You can have a suit made in 24 hours, learn to spin a coconut-leaf basket boat, cycle past rice fields to a fishing village, and eat dishes you will not find anywhere else in Vietnam, like cao lau noodles made only with water from a local well. The food scene punches far above the town's size.
It is also a base for the wider region: the beaches of An Bang and Cua Dai, the Cham ruins of My Son, the marble caves outside Da Nang, and the surreal Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills are all within easy reach. Slow, walkable, and endlessly photogenic, Hoi An rewards travelers who linger.
Best Time to Visit
The sweet spot is February through April, when days are warm and dry and humidity stays manageable. Summer (May to August) is hot and beach-perfect but can be sticky, while the rainy season runs roughly September through December, peaking in October and November when low-lying streets near the river occasionally flood. If you can, time your visit around the monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival on the 14th day of the lunar month, when electric lights switch off and the Ancient Town fills with candlelit lanterns floated down the river. Tet (Lunar New Year, usually late January or February) is festive but many businesses close.
Getting There & Around
Most travelers fly into Da Nang International Airport (DAD), about 45 minutes north by car; prebooked private transfers and Grab (the local ride-hail app) both run reliably, typically 350,000 to 500,000 VND. There is no airport in Hoi An itself and no train station, though Da Nang's railway connects to Hue and beyond. The Ancient Town is pedestrianized for much of the day and best explored on foot or by bicycle, which most hotels lend for free. For the beach or outlying villages, rent a bike, hail a Grab, or hire a private driver; avoid driving a motorbike yourself unless you are confident in chaotic traffic, and always agree taxi fares or use the app to sidestep overcharging.
Where to Stay
Ancient Town & Cam PhoWalking distance to the lantern-lit heart of Hoi An, with the most restaurants, tailors, and atmosphere at your doorstep. Best for first-timers and anyone who wants to wander out for an evening stroll, though the central blocks can be busy and noisy at night.
An Bang BeachA relaxed stretch of sand a 10-minute ride from town, lined with beach bars, seafood shacks, and boutique stays. Ideal for couples and anyone prioritizing slow mornings, swimming, and sunset over sightseeing.
Cam Thanh & the CountrysideRice paddies, coconut palms, and the water coconut forest, with resorts and homestays a short cycle from the action. Suits families and travelers who want quiet, greenery, and pool time while staying close enough to ride in for dinner.
Cua DaiA quieter beach zone east of the Ancient Town with larger resorts and good value. Good for families and travelers who want a pool and beach base with easy transfers into town.
Hoi An Dream City Hotelmidrange Google
A well-run, great-value hotel a short walk from the Ancient Town, with a pool, generous breakfast, and free bikes. A reliable mid-range pick that consistently earns strong reviews for service and location.
Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spafamily friendly Google
A leafy beachfront resort on Cua Dai with direct sand access, a big pool, and kids' facilities. The free shuttle into the Ancient Town makes it easy to combine beach days with sightseeing, ideal for families.
Anantara Hoi An Resortboutique Google
A riverside resort with colonial-style rooms set in tropical gardens, a few minutes' walk from the Ancient Town. Elegant without being stuffy, with a lovely pool and one of the most convenient upscale locations in town.
Tribee Bana Hostelbudget Google
A sociable, well-loved hostel known for free nightly activities, family-style dinners, and helpful staff. The best budget choice for solo travelers and backpackers who want to meet people.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hailuxury Google
Hoi An's iconic splurge: pavilion villas, many with private pools, on a long private beach between town and Da Nang. World-class spa, service, and dining for a once-in-a-trip stay.
Best Coffee Shops
Vietnam runs on coffee, and Hoi An's cafes range from riverside garden hideaways to specialty roasters pouring single-origin Da Lat beans.
Phin Coffee Google
Tucked down a lane on the river's far side, this leafy garden cafe is a longtime traveler favorite for proper Vietnamese coffee. Order the namesake phin drip with condensed milk, or the coconut coffee, and linger in the quiet courtyard. A refuge from the Ancient Town crowds, with most drinks around 45,000 to 60,000 VND.
Mia Coffee Google
A small specialty roaster serving some of the best espresso-based drinks in town, made with their own Da Lat beans. Order the Mia signature (espresso, coconut, and condensed milk) and grab a bag of beans to take home. Central and reliably excellent.
Faifo Coffee Google
Worth a stop as much for the rooftop as the coffee: climb to the terrace for one of the best lantern-lit views over the Ancient Town's tiled roofs. Drinks are standard but the photo and the vista are the draw, especially near sunset. Expect a queue for the roof at golden hour.
The Espresso Station Google
A hidden, plant-filled courtyard cafe down an alley off Tran Hung Dao, beloved by coffee nerds. The cold-brew and the salted-caramel coconut coffee are standouts, and the brunch plates are solid too. Arrive early to snag a table.
Where to Eat Breakfast & Brunch
Banh Mi Phuong Google
The legendary banh mi stall Anthony Bourdain put on the map, still turning out crackly baguettes stuffed with pate, cold cuts, herbs, and house sauces. Get the classic combination and eat it standing up. Lines move fast and a sandwich runs around 30,000 VND.
Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen Google
The other banh mi institution, run by the beloved Madam Khanh, with a more generously dressed, egg-laced sandwich than its rival. Many locals swear it is the better of the two. Cheap, fast, and a perfect on-the-go breakfast.
Nourish Eatery Google
A bright, plant-forward cafe for a Western-leaning brunch: smoothie bowls, avocado toast, eggs, and excellent fresh juices. A good reset after a few days of noodles, with friendly service and vegetarian-friendly menus. Mains around 90,000 to 150,000 VND.
Cocobox Google
A juice bar and cafe with a farm-to-table bent, good for cold-pressed juices, hearty breakfasts, and a relaxed start to the day. The deli sandwiches and local-sourced produce make it a dependable morning stop. Central and reliable.
Best Restaurants in Hoi An
Hoi An has its own culinary canon. Seek out the local trio (cao lau, white rose dumplings, and fried wonton) alongside excellent modern Vietnamese cooking.
Morning Glory Google
Chef Trinh Diem Vy's flagship is the best introduction to central Vietnamese home cooking, served in a buzzy two-story space. Order cao lau, white rose dumplings, and the pork in clay pot. Popular and busy, so book ahead for dinner; mains are mid-range and worth it.
Cao Lau Thanh Google
For the real thing, this no-frills local spot serves cao lau, Hoi An's signature dish of thick noodles, pork, crispy croutons, and herbs, made with water from the town's ancient wells. Cheap, authentic, and exactly what you came for. Go for lunch when it is freshest.
Bale Well
A buzzing courtyard institution known for one thing done brilliantly: a DIY set of grilled pork skewers, banh xeo crepes, fresh herbs, and rice paper you roll yourself. The staff show you how. Loud, communal, and a great group dinner; one fixed price per person.
Mango Mango (Mango Rooms) Google
Chef Duc Tran's colorful riverfront restaurant serves playful fusion that blends Vietnamese flavors with global technique. The setting overlooking the river is one of the prettiest in town, especially at dusk. A good splurge-lite dinner; reserve a river-view table.
Nu Eatery Google
A tiny, much-loved kitchen turning out inventive small plates rooted in Vietnamese ingredients, like steamed buns and banana-flower salad. Only a handful of tables, so come early or expect a wait. A favorite of in-the-know travelers.
Top Things to Do
Hoi An is best experienced hands-on: cook, paddle, cycle, and make. These are the experiences worth booking.
Local Market, Basket Boat, Fishing & Cooking Class
The quintessential Hoi An half-day: shop the market with a guide, paddle a coconut-leaf basket boat through the water palms, then cook a multi-dish Vietnamese meal you sit down to eat. Hugely popular and consistently rated near-perfect, with morning and afternoon options. Great fun for couples and families alike.
Hoi An Eco Cooking Tour (Market, Basket Boat, Crab Fishing)
Another excellent cooking class combining a market visit, basket-boat ride, crab fishing, and a hands-on cooking session. Small groups and patient instructors make it beginner-friendly. A relaxed, photo-worthy way to spend a half day in the countryside.
Foldable Lantern Making Class
Make your own collapsible silk lantern from scratch, a fun, low-key activity that produces a packable souvenir of the lantern town. Instructors guide you through the bamboo frame and fabric, and it suits all ages. About 90 minutes and consistently among the highest-rated experiences in Hoi An.
Coconut Basket Boat Ride in the Water Coconut Forest
A short, joyful ride through the Cam Thanh palm forest in a round bamboo coracle, complete with spinning-boat shows and crab fishing. Touristy but genuinely fun and very affordable. Best in the late afternoon when it is cooler.
Hoi An Morning Countryside Bike Tour
A gentle small-group cycle through rice paddies and villages to meet farmers, fishers, and craftspeople away from the crowds. A wonderful way to see rural life and burn off the breakfast banh mi. Flat, easy riding suitable for most fitness levels.
Hoi An Countryside Vespa Tour
Ride pillion on a vintage Vespa through villages, markets, and back roads, with stops to taste local snacks and meet residents. A higher-energy way to cover more ground than cycling, with knowledgeable guides. Half-day and full-day options available.
Sights & Cultural Experiences
The Ancient Town itself is the main attraction, best soaked up slowly. A few experiences deepen the visit.
Japanese Covered Bridge Google
The 18th-century pink-and-ochre footbridge is Hoi An's defining landmark, built by the Japanese merchant community and topped with a small temple. It appears on the 20,000 VND note. Visit early morning or late evening to photograph it without the midday crush.
Ancient Town Heritage Ticket Google
A single ticket grants entry to a selection of the old assembly halls, merchant houses, and museums, like the Fujian Assembly Hall and Tan Ky House. Buy it at the official booths and choose the sites that interest you most. Wandering the lantern-lined streets at night is free and unmissable.
Hidden Gems of Old Hoi An Food & Cultural Walking Tour
A slow, story-rich walk into the back lanes and local neighborhoods most visitors miss, blending tastings with culture and daily life. Small groups and a thoughtful host make it feel personal rather than rushed. Among the very highest-rated experiences in town.
An Bang Beach Google
A long, easygoing beach 10 minutes from the Ancient Town, lined with sunbed bars and seafood restaurants. Spend a lazy afternoon swimming, then stay for sunset cocktails. Bikes, Grab, or a short taxi all get you there.
Evening Walking Food Tour with Lantern Boat
A four-hour evening that strings together nine dishes, a home-hosted meal, a folk game, a floating-lantern release, and a boat trip on the Hoai River. A fun, atmospheric way to eat your way through Hoi An after dark. Great for first-night orientation.
Day Trips Worth Taking
Hoi An is the ideal base for central Vietnam's biggest hits, from Cham ruins to mountain-top fantasy parks.
My Son Sanctuary
A cluster of red-brick Hindu temple towers built by the Champa kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries, set in a jungle valley about an hour away. Go on an early-morning tour to beat the heat and the crowds; some trips return by boat with a traditional breakfast. A UNESCO site and an essential half day.
Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge
Ride one of the world's longest cable cars up to a hilltop resort where the famous Golden Bridge appears to be held aloft by two giant stone hands. Cooler mountain air, a French-style village, and the Fantasy Park rides make it a full, busy day. Touristy and crowded, but the views and the bridge are genuinely spectacular.
Marble Mountains & Monkey Mountain
A private half day to the five marble-and-limestone hills riddled with caves, pagodas, and wartime hideouts, plus the towering Lady Buddha statue on Son Tra peninsula. Climb for panoramic coastal views over Da Nang. Combine it with a stop at My Khe Beach.
Hai Van Pass by Motorbike
Ride the legendary coastal mountain pass made famous by Top Gear, hugging cliffs between Da Nang and Hue with sweeping ocean views. Going pillion with an experienced Easy Rider lets you soak up the scenery safely. A bucket-list ride that can run one-way to Hue with your luggage transferred.
Bars & Nightlife
Nightlife is low-key and atmospheric: riverside lanterns, rooftop drinks, and a few late spots across the bridge in An Hoi.
Secret Cocktail Experience
A guided crawl through hidden, centuries-old spaces for four bespoke cocktails crafted to your taste, led by a charismatic host. More an experience than a bar, and a great way to drink somewhere you would never find alone. Book ahead as groups are small.
The Hill Station Google
A stylish wine bar and deli in a restored heritage building, good for a quiet glass overlooking the river. The cheese and charcuterie plates and the calm setting make it a grown-up alternative to the party strip. Lovely at sunset.
Soul Kitchen Google
An An Bang Beach institution for sundowners with your feet near the sand and live music on many nights. Come for the cocktails, the laid-back vibe, and the ocean breeze rather than fine dining. A perfect end to a beach day.
Mr Bean Bar Google
A long-running, friendly bar across the river in An Hoi, good for cheap drinks and a sociable, backpacker-leaning crowd. Stays lively later than most of the Ancient Town. A solid spot to wind up the night.
Markets & Shopping
Hoi An is Vietnam's tailoring capital and a souvenir-lover's town, from bespoke suits to silk lanterns and leather.
Yaly Couture
The best-known of Hoi An's hundreds of tailors, reliable for made-to-measure suits, dresses, and shirts with multiple fittings. Quality and fabric choice are a cut above the cheap shops, with prices to match. Order early in your stay to allow for fittings.
Hoi An Central Market Google
A bustling riverside market where locals shop for produce, spices, and fresh fish, with a food court for cheap, authentic eats. Go in the morning for the most action and a great photo. Haggle gently and watch your bag in the crush.
Reaching Out Arts & Crafts Google
A fair-trade shop and silent tea house staffed by artisans with disabilities, selling beautifully made ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. Prices are fixed and the quality is high. A meaningful place to buy gifts and a peaceful tea break.
Night Market (An Hoi)
Cross the bridge to An Hoi after dark for stalls of silk lanterns, street snacks, and souvenirs under strings of lights. Touristy but fun, and the place to buy a collapsible lantern to take home. Bargain politely and expect crowds.
Things to Know
Money The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Cash is still king at markets, street stalls, and small shops, though hotels and bigger restaurants take cards. ATMs are widespread; withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees.
Getting around The Ancient Town is closed to most vehicles during the day and is best on foot or by bicycle. Use the Grab app for cars and motorbike taxis to avoid haggling, and agree any fare in advance with metered taxis.
Tipping Tipping is not mandatory but increasingly appreciated for good service. Round up at restaurants or leave 5 to 10 percent, and tip guides and drivers a little for a job well done.
Etiquette Dress modestly when visiting temples and assembly halls, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where indicated. Ask before photographing market vendors, and bargain with a smile.
Heritage tickets Entering the old assembly halls, museums, and heritage houses requires a paper ticket sold at official booths around the Ancient Town. Simply walking the streets, the bridge area, and the night market is free.
Weather & flooding From roughly October to November the river can rise and flood low-lying streets near the water. Pack a light rain layer in the wet season and check forecasts; the dry months are far more comfortable for sightseeing.
Power & SIM Outlets are typically 220V with Type A, C, and F sockets, so bring an adapter. Cheap, reliable tourist SIM cards or eSIMs (Viettel, Mobifone) are easy to buy at the airport for fast data throughout your trip.
Before You Go
Order any tailored clothing on your first day so there is time for multiple fittings before you leave. allow 2-3 days
Book popular cooking classes and small-group food and walking tours ahead, as the top-rated ones fill up. book 1-2 weeks ahead
Reserve a table at Morning Glory and other popular restaurants for dinner, especially in high season. a day or two ahead
Time your visit to the monthly Lantern Festival (14th day of the lunar month) if you want the candlelit, lights-off spectacle. check the lunar calendar
Arrange a private airport transfer from Da Nang or plan to use Grab, as there is no airport or train station in Hoi An. before arrival
Check Vietnam's e-visa requirements and apply online if your nationality needs one. apply 1-2 weeks ahead
Few places reward slowing down like Hoi An, where a morning of basket boats and market shopping can flow into an afternoon of cycling past rice paddies and an evening adrift among floating lanterns. Pack light (you will leave with a tailored wardrobe and a suitcase of silk), come hungry, and give yourself an extra day or two. Hoi An has a way of making you want to stay.