Hoi An Travel Guide 2026 | Best Attractions, Food & Tips
Planning your first trip to the “World’s Most Charming City”? Don’t worry! Whether you love heritage, beaches, or peaceful countryside, Hoi An has it all.
This Hoi An travel guide is specially written for first-time travelers, helping you plan your itinerary, manage your budget, and enjoy every must-see experience. Let’s explore Hoi An together with VITICKET.
OVERVIEW OF HOI AN OLD TOWN |
Located at the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River, about 30 km south of Da Nang, Hoi An is much more than just a small ancient town. It is a vibrant city with diverse landscapes:
- City Center: UNESCO-listed Ancient Town with yellow heritage houses and the poetic Hoai River
- East: Beautiful beaches such as An Bang and Cua Dai
- West & North: Traditional craft villages and vast rice fields (Tra Que, Thanh Ha)
- Islands: Cham Islands – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve
The blend of culture, architecture, and nature makes Hoi An a must-visit destination in Vietnam.
BEST TIME TO VISIT HOI AN |
Hoi An is beautiful year-round, but the best times are:
Dry Season (February – August) – Best Overall
- Feb – Apr: Mild weather, light sunshine – perfect for walking and photography
- May – Aug: Hotter weather, ideal for beaches and Cham Islands activities
Rainy Season (September – January) – A Romantic Experience
- Quieter atmosphere, fewer tourists
- Great for boat rides inside the Ancient Town
- Lower prices for accommodation and services
Special Note:
On the 14th day of the lunar month, Hoi An hosts the Lantern Festival. Electric lights are turned off, and thousands of lanterns light up the Ancient Town and Hoai River.
HOW TO GET TO HOI AN |
GETTING TO HOI AN |
Hoi An has no airport or railway station. Da Nang is the main gateway.
- Flight / Train: Arrive in Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An
From Da Nang to Hoi An:
- Taxi / Grab: Fast & convenient (approx. $10,00 – $14,00 / way)
- Public bus: Cheapest option, slower travel time
- Motorbike: Scenic coastal route via Vo Nguyen Giap Street (about 45 minutes)
GETTING AROUND HOI AN |
- Walking: Best way to explore the Ancient Town
- Bicycle: Iconic Hoi An experience (often free at hotels)
- Cyclo: Relaxing, traditional city tour
- Electric car: Ideal for families or groups
ACCOMODATION IN HOI AN |
For first-time visitors, choosing the right area to stay can greatly influence the overall experience.
ANCIENT TOWN & HOAI RIVER AREA |
The ideal for travelers who love culture and convenience. This area allows easy walking access to heritage sites, night markets, and riverside dining, making it especially suitable for couples, families, and elderly travelers
LITTLE RIVERSIDE HOI AN |
Located along the poetic Hoai River, Little Riverside stands out with its elegant Indochine architecture. Guests can enjoy beautiful river sunrises right from their private balconies.
The hotel features a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of Hoi An Ancient Town, along with high-quality spa services. Its staff are highly praised for their attentiveness, professionalism, and warm hospitality.
Address: 09 Phan Boi Chau Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
ALLEGRO HOI AN |
Just a few steps from the Japanese Covered Bridge, Allegro Hoi An is well known for its warm hospitality and cozy ambiance inspired by old-town charm. The hotel offers spacious rooms with airy private balconies.
Thanks to its prime location, guests can easily explore historic houses, assembly halls, and enjoy Hoi An’s vibrant street food. The breakfast buffet is highly rated, featuring a well-balanced selection of local specialties and international dishes.
Address: 86 Tran Hung Dao Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
SOL AN BANG BEACH RESORT |
Nestled beside a tranquil casuarina forest and just steps from An Bang Beach, Sol An Bang Beach Resort offers a rustic yet well-equipped retreat. The resort features a unique blend of modern design and tropical nature.
Guests can relax with a book on bean bags, cycle around the local fishing village, or enjoy fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurant.
Address: 72 Nguyen Phan Vinh Street, Cam An Ward, Hoi An
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
AIRA BOUTIQUE HOI AN HOTEL & VILLA |
Hidden within a lush tropical garden right by the beach, Aira Boutique Hoi An is an ideal sanctuary for travelers seeking privacy and elegance. The resort stands out with refined Indochine-style architecture and two stunning outdoor swimming pools.
Guests can fully unwind at Aira Spa with herbal treatments, enjoy a rich Asian–European breakfast, or take a short walk to the private beach to witness a breathtaking sunrise.
Address: 128 Nguyen Phan Vinh Street, Cam An Ward, Hoi An
Rating: 4.8/5 stars
MUST-TRY HOI AN CUISINE – LOCAL FOOD |
You Shouldn’t Miss Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient town and lantern-lit streets, but also for its unique and flavorful cuisine.
Influenced by centuries of cultural exchange, Hoi An food is simple, authentic, and deeply connected to local life. When visiting Hoi An, trying local specialties is an essential part of the experience.
Below are the must-try Hoi An dishes that international travelers highly recommend:
- Mi Quang – Thick rice noodles served with a rich shrimp and pork broth, topped with peanuts, herbs, and crispy rice crackers.
- Cao Lau – The signature noodle dish of Hoi An, made with chewy noodles, crispy pork, Tra Que herbs, and a small amount of savory broth.
- Hoi An Chicken Rice – Fragrant yellow rice cooked in chicken broth, served with shredded free-range chicken and fresh herbs.
- Hoi An Banh Mi – The world-famous Vietnamese baguette, praised by Anthony Bourdain, filled with savory meats, pickles, herbs, and house-made sauces.
- Mot Herbal Drink – A refreshing local herbal drink made with lemongrass, ginger, lotus leaf, and traditional herbs, perfect for hot days.
- Fresh Seafood – Enjoy freshly caught seafood, especially at Cua Dai Beach and An Bang Beach, where beachside restaurants offer grilled fish, prawns, squid, and clams.
Travel Tip
For the best food experience, explore local eateries in the Ancient Town, visit early in the morning or evening, and don’t hesitate to try small family-run restaurants – they often serve the most authentic flavors.
WHAT ATTRACTIONS IN HOI AN |
CULTURAL HERITAGE – HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN |
- Hoi An Ancient Town captivates visitors with its timeless charm and rich cultural heritage. Iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Ancient House showcase the harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architecture.The Fujian and Cantonese Assembly Halls impress with their elaborate carvings and massive incense coils.
- As evening arrives, a gentle boat ride along the Hoai River, releasing lanterns onto the water, offers a peaceful and unforgettable experience that truly defines the soul of Hoi An.
NATURE & ECO – TOURISM |
- Bay Mau Coconut Forest offers a fun and authentic basket-boat experience, gliding through lush coconut palms while enjoying lively local performances.
- The Cham Islands provide a refreshing escape with crystal-clear waters, snorkeling opportunities, and fresh seafood in a pristine island setting.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village invites visitors to slow down, discover organic farming traditions, and experience the quiet beauty of the countryside that shapes Hoi An’s famous cuisine.
ENTERTAINMENT & EXPERIENCES |
Hoi An also offers a variety of memorable entertainment experiences.
- Hoi An Memories Show, the world’s largest outdoor real-scene performance, brings the city’s 400-year trading history to life through impressive visuals and live performances.
- VinWonders Nam Hoi An, visitors can enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment, including the unique River Safari, Vietnam’s first river-based wildlife park.
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village allows visitors to create their own pottery while exploring one of the most distinctive craft villages in the region.
For a truly unforgettable journey without the hassle of waiting, getting everything ready in advance is key to enjoying these activities. Feel free to visit Viticket help organize your perfect itinerary.
USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITNG HOI AN |
- Dress code: Choose light tones such as white, beige, yellow, or navy blue to stand out beautifully against the ancient town’s walls. Wear comfortable, soft-soled shoes for walking, and dress modestly when visiting temples or spiritual sites.
- Timing: Motorized vehicles are restricted in the Old Town from 9:00–11:00 and 15:00–21:30. For the best photos with fewer crowds, arrive before 7:00 a.m.
- Shopping: Light bargaining is acceptable at local markets and souvenir shops. However, it’s polite to avoid hard bargaining early in the morning when vendors have just opened.
- Weather: Central Vietnam can be quite sunny, so remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. During the rainy season, a light raincoat is highly recommended.
FAQs |
1. Is there an entrance fee?
Walking around is free. A ticket is required to enter heritage houses, assembly halls, museums, and shows.
2. How many days are enough?
2 days / 1 night is ideal to explore the Old Town, An Bang Beach, and one eco-tour.
3. When are motorbikes restricted?
Daily from 9:00–11:00 and 15:00–21:30.
4. Best areas to stay?
Old Town (central), An Bang Beach (relaxation), or Cam Chau (quiet countryside).
5. When is the lantern floating festival?
Every night; most beautiful on the 14th lunar day each month.
6. Should I bargain when shopping?
Fixed prices in shops; light bargaining at markets and street stalls
CURRENCY, SIM & ESSENTIAL SERVICE |
Currency:
Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. Cash is widely used for street food, lantern boats, and local markets. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and major restaurants. Carry small denominations for convenience.
SIM & Internet:
4G/5G coverage is stable throughout Hoi An. Tourist SIM cards are easy to purchase at Da Nang Airport or telecom shops in the city center.
ATMs & Currency Exchange:
ATMs are commonly found along Tran Hung Dao and Cua Dai streets. Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks or reputable gold shops near Hoi An Market.
Medical & Essential Services:
Convenience stores and pharmacies are easy to find. Hoi An General Hospital and Pacific Hospital are located near the city center.
Electricity & Plugs:
Standard voltage is 220V. Plug types A and C are commonly used. Most hotels provide universal sockets, but a travel adapter is recommended for three-pin plugs.
Useful Apps:
Grab or Xanh SM for transportation, and Google Maps for navigating small streets and finding local eateries in the Old Town.
VITICKET’S SUGGESTED DA NANG INTINERARIES |
2 Days / 1 Night
Day 1: Da Nang – Bay Mau Coconut Forest – Hoi An – Da Nang
Day 2: Da Nang – Linh Ung Pagoda – Marble Mountains – Airport/Bus Station Transfer
3 Days / 2 Nights
Day 1: Da Nang – Marble Mountains – Hoi An – Da Nang
Day 2: Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Da Nang
Day 3: Da Nang – Linh Ung Pagoda – Airport/Bus Station Transfer
4 Days / 3 Nights
Day 1: Da Nang – Son Tra Peninsula – Hoi An (Lunch & Dinner)
Day 2: Da Nang – Ba Na Hills – Da Nang (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 3: Da Nang – Hue – Da Nang (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 4: Da Nang – Marble Mountains – Airport Transfer (Breakfast & Lunch)
CONCLUSION |
Hoi An travel guide is your key to slowing down and experiencing the timeless charm of the ancient town.
With Viticket by VINAGO, a trusted tour operator in Viet Nam, your journey is smoother thanks to authentic tickets, fast e-ticket confirmation, and secure, convenient payment.
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