Hoi An Travel Guide – A Complete Self-Guided Handbook

1. Brief introduction

Hoi An travel guide for first-time visitors: Hoi An is a small ancient town on the Thu Bon River in Quang Nam Province, about 30 km from Da Nang. Though compact, it has everything travellers love: old streets full of lanterns, riverside views, nearby beaches, cheap and tasty street food, and a slow, relaxing vibe. To understand why Hoi An is so special, you can also check its page as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once a bustling trading port, Hoi An’s architecture is a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French influences. It works well both for first-time visitors and for those who simply want to come back and slow down.

Hoi An travel guide – lantern-lit old town street by the river

2. Best time to visit

Most pleasant period: February – April
Mild temperatures, little rain, soft sunlight – good for walking around the Old Town
and visiting An Bang or Cua Dai beaches.
May – August
Hotter and sunnier, but skies are usually clear and the sea is beautiful, ideal for
beach time and trips to Cham Island.
September – January
Higher chance of rain and occasional floods. If visiting, check the forecast carefully
and avoid long rainy spells.

Note: On full-moon nights (lunar calendar), electric lights are dimmed, lanterns are lit and floating candles are released on the river – very atmospheric but also crowded. Book accommodation early if you come in this period.

3. Getting there and getting around

Getting to Hoi An

By plane: Fly to Da Nang International Airport, then:
- Taxi/Grab: about 40-45 minutes, around 350,000-450,000 VND per way.
- Private car: book in advance, good for small groups.
By train / sleeper bus: Arrive at Da Nang railway station or bus station,
then continue by taxi or transfer to Hoi An.

Getting around

On foot: best for wandering around the Old Town (wear comfortable shoes or sandals).
Bicycle: many hotels/homestays lend or rent bicycles (20,000-50,000 VND/day).
Motorbike: 120,000-180,000 VND/day, convenient for visiting beaches and nearby villages.
Cyclo and boat on the Hoai River: relaxed experiences; always agree on the price beforehand.

4. Where to stay

Inside the Old Town: perfect if you love walking and want everything on your doorstep at night.
Downsides: higher prices, rooms sell out quickly in peak season.
Riverside / beachside areas (Cam An, Cam Thanh, etc.): plenty of villas and homestays with
gardens and pools, greener and quieter; good for families and couples. You can cycle to the Old Town in
about 10-15 minutes.

Booking tips: prioritize places with recent, positive reviews and real photos; reserve at least 1-2 weeks ahead in high season.

5. Must-do experiences

In the Old Town

Strolling in the afternoon and evening: visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, old houses,
assembly halls and the riverfront. At night, lanterns are lit and the ambiance is very different from daytime.
Boat ride and floating lanterns on the Hoai River: about 15-20 minutes; 6:30-8:00 pm
is a nice time slot.
Lantern photos and traditional costumes: many shops rent Ao Dai or other traditional
costumes and offer photo packages – confirm the total price in advance.

Villages and countryside

Tra Que Vegetable Village: farming experiences and local cooking classes.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: try making pottery, see traditional kilns, and buy small souvenirs.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh): basket boat ride through nipa palms; many tours combine
coconut forest, lunch and cooking.

Beaches & islands

An Bang / Cua Dai Beach: swim in the early morning or late afternoon, relax in beachfront
cafés and bars.
Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham): popular day trip with speedboat, snorkelling, seafood lunch and
beach time. Bring swimwear, towels, strong sun protection and reduce single-use plastic.

6. Food you shouldn’t miss

Cao lau: thick yellow noodles with sliced pork, herbs and crispy pork crackling;
try a few different shops to compare.
Mi Quang: noodle dish with rich broth, served with rice crackers and fresh herbs.
Hoi An chicken rice: yellow rice with shredded chicken, onion, herbs and special fish sauce.
Hoi An banh mi: famous baguette with rich fillings like pate, cold cuts, grilled meat
and meatballs.
Local snacks: banh beo, white rose dumplings, steamed rice paper rolls with grilled meat, and more.

Drinks & hangouts

Coffee, smoothies, fresh juices, craft beer and cocktails along the river or on rooftops. Some bars feature live music in the evening and are quite laid-back.

7. Suggested 3-day-2-night itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Old Town basics

Use this Hoi An travel guide as your self-guided handbook for a smooth first day exploring the Old Town.
Afternoon: walk around the Old Town – Japanese Bridge, old houses, assembly halls; coffee break with a street view.
Evening: dinner with cao lau or chicken rice, boat ride and floating lanterns, lantern photos.

Day 2 – Villages & beach

Follow this Hoi An travel guide to combine countryside experiences and beach time on your second day.
Noon: lunch at the village or back in town.
Afternoon: head to An Bang or Cua Dai Beach, swim, watch the sunset.
Evening: seafood at the beach or more street food in the Old Town.

Day 3 – Cham Island or coconut forest

On the third day, this Hoi An travel guide helps you choose between Cham Island or the coconut forest, depending on your style.
OR Bay Mau Coconut Forest: half-day trip, then shopping and packing.

8. Practical tips

Old Town ticket: there are official tickets for visiting certain heritage sites – check at the official ticket booth.
Dress & manners: dress modestly and keep your voice down when visiting temples and assembly halls.
Cash: small local eateries and services still prefer cash; carry some small notes.
Bargaining: you can bargain a bit at markets or with informal services, but stay friendly and respectful.
Environment: do not litter, especially around rivers, beaches and islands.