Hoi An Travel Guide
Central Coast · Vietnam
Hoi An is a beautifully preserved former trading port on the central coast, its lantern-lit Ancient Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for tailors, riverside lanterns, Cao Lau noodles and the nearby An Bang and Cua Dai beaches — a short hop from Da Nang.
Get a Vietnam eSIM for Hoi AnBest time to visit Hoi An
How to get to Hoi An
Getting around
Staying connected
Money & costs
Safety & emergencies
Top things to do in Hoi An
- Wander the lantern-lit Ancient Town after dark
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Have clothes tailored (allow 24–48 hours)
- An Bang Beach
- My Son Sanctuary (Cham ruins) day trip
- A night boat ride and floating lanterns on the Thu Bon
- A Cao Lau or banh mi food crawl
Local tips
- Order tailoring on day one so it's ready before you leave
- Visit the Ancient Town early morning or evening to dodge crowds
- Buy the heritage ticket for the old-town houses
- Base here or in Da Nang — they pair well
- Time your trip to a full-moon lantern night if you can
Hoi An travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
Two to three days covers the Ancient Town, a beach day, a My Son trip and time for tailoring. It pairs naturally with a few days in Da Nang.
How do I get from Da Nang to Hoi An?
It is about 45 minutes by taxi or Grab (roughly 350,000–450,000 VND), or by private transfer. There is no airport in Hoi An itself.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Yes — the preserved trading-port old town, lanterns, food and tailoring make it one of Vietnam's most-loved stops, especially on a full-moon lantern night.
Do I need an eSIM for Hoi An?
A travel eSIM is useful because most people arrive via Da Nang — having data on landing makes the transfer and getting around simple.
What is the best time to visit Hoi An?
February to May is warm and dry — the ideal window. June to August is hot; September to December is the wet season, and October–November can flood the low-lying Ancient Town. The full-moon lantern festival each lunar month is a highlight.
How do you get around Hoi An?
The Ancient Town is pedestrian-only at peak hours and best on foot or by bicycle. Grab and taxis reach the beaches and Da Nang; many hotels lend bikes free. Scooters are handy for the beach and My Son.
How much does it cost, and do you need cash in Hoi An?
Vietnamese dong (VND). Meals from 40,000–100,000 VND, tailoring and mid-range hotels vary widely. Cards work in shops and hotels; keep cash for market stalls and boat rides.
Is Hoi An safe for tourists?
Hoi An is very safe and walkable. Watch footing on uneven old-town lanes at night, and check forecasts in the October–November flood season. Emergency numbers: 113 police, 114 fire, 115 ambulance.
Last updated 1 February 2026