Top 9 Travel Tips for Visiting Hoi An in 2023

You can explore Hoi An by taxi, motorbike, bicycle, cyclo, or on foot. To fully immerse yourself in the peaceful, charming atmosphere of this town, walking is a popular option. However, for a more unique experience, you can rent a bicycle to ride through the ancient streets. The bike will take you on a journey through tree-lined avenues, moss-covered houses, and vibrant bougainvillea hanging overhead.

If you prefer a motorbike, make sure to be aware of restricted areas where motorbike access is limited to avoid fines.

You can also explore by boat along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An. Particularly during sunset, the boats along the Hoai River light up with colorful lanterns. Sitting on a boat, floating on the water while releasing a lantern and watching the ancient town bathe in the glow of lanterns is truly magical.

At night, walking or taking a cyclo along the Thu Bon River offers the perfect opportunity to admire Hoi An's nighttime beauty. For a more budget-friendly option, walking is ideal as you can enjoy the scenery, save money, and sample the delicious street food along the way.

Hoi An offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, villas, and homestays, which are renowned not just for their comfort but also for their unique blend of modern design and traditional Hoi An charm. Visitors are often impressed by the architecture and ambiance of these accommodations.

• Resorts: These luxurious retreats not only offer a place to relax but also provide health and wellness services. With a long coastline and beautiful landscapes, it's no surprise that Hoi An boasts a number of highly-rated resorts, ranging from 1 to 5 stars, as featured in international travel magazines. This type of accommodation is typically among the more expensive options.
• Villas: Villas are designed in the style of private houses and come equipped with amenities for self-catering. Ideal for families or large groups of friends, villas offer comfort and privacy. Many of Hoi An's beautiful villas are located in the peaceful areas near the Cẩm Thanh coconut forest, providing fresh air and relaxation. Prices vary depending on the number of rooms, but when divided among guests, it's an affordable option considering the luxury provided.
• Hotels: Hotels are the most common type of accommodation and can be found everywhere in Hoi An. Many 3-star hotels are conveniently located near the ancient town, offering a balance of comfort and accessibility.
• Boutique Hotels: These smaller, more intimate hotels are known for their stylish and unique room designs, often with different decoration themes. Boutique hotels are typically located near popular attractions and nightlife areas, making them perfect for young travelers seeking a trendy place to stay. Room rates here tend to be lower than those in larger hotels.
• Homestays: Homestays offer a chance to stay with local families, providing an authentic cultural experience. Many travelers appreciate this type of accommodation for the opportunity to learn about local life while enjoying a cozy and welcoming environment. Homestays in Hoi An are plentiful, offering excellent services at budget-friendly prices, often on par with hotel standards.

To visit the ancient town attractions, you will need to purchase a ticket. The entrance fee is 80,000 VND per person for Vietnamese visitors and 120,000 VND for international tourists. It's highly recommended to buy the ticket, as it helps preserve the heritage of the ancient town for future generations. Some of the must-visit ticketed attractions include:

• Cultural Sites: Quan Cong Temple, Japanese Covered Bridge, Cam Pho Communal House, Tụy Tiên Minh Hương Assembly Hall.
• Old Houses: Phung Hung House, Duc An House, Quân Thắng House.
• Churches: Trần Family Chapel, Nguyễn Family Chapel.
• Museums: Folk Culture Museum, Traditional Pottery Museum, Sa Huynh Culture Museum, Hoi An Museum.
• Assembly Halls: Chaozhou, Phuc Kien, Quang Trieu, and Hai Nam Halls.
• Japanese Merchant Tombs: Gu Sokukun, Tani Yajirobei, Banjiro.
• The South Central Region (Xứ Đàng Trong) and traditional art performances (daily at 10:15 AM and 3:15 PM).

Additionally, ticket holders can participate in daily folk games and street performances in Hoi An from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

If you’re not interested in the ticketed attractions and just want to wander and enjoy street food, here are some free places to explore:

• Hoi An Bridge over the Hoai River
• Hoi An Market
• The romantic Hoai River
• The lantern-lit streets of the ancient town
• The narrow alleys, yellow walls, and bougainvillea
• Nguyễn Hoàng Night Market
• Enjoy traditional Bài Chòi performances…

Nearby Hoi An, consider visiting the Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Tam Thanh Coconut Forest, Tra Que Vegetable Village, the Seven Mile Coconut Forest, Cu Lao Cham Island, and Vinpearl Land South Hoi An, all of which attract many tourists.

Vinpearl Land Hoi An is a top entertainment complex located just 7 km from the ancient town, offering a grand scale of attractions. Here, visitors can explore unique architecture, beautiful flower gardens, and castles, along with exciting and adventurous rides suitable for both children and adults.

In addition, you can experience two iconic art forms in Hoi An: traditional art performances and water puppet shows. Traditional art performances are held at 66 Bach Dang Street, while water puppet shows can be enjoyed at 548 Hai Ba Trung Street, both in Hoi An.

If you're looking to enjoy water-based activities, head over to Cua Dai Beach or Cu Lao Cham Island where you can engage in thrilling water sports like jet skiing, canoeing, rubber boat rides, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, banana boat rides, scuba diving (both shallow and deep), fishing, kite flying, and beach soccer.

Hoi An is a true food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of unique, delicious street food that everyone should try.

• Cao Lau: This dish features golden yellow noodles served with shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and a small amount of broth. The combination of crunchy noodles and the flavors of sour, spicy, slightly bitter, and sweet herbs makes it truly special.
• Mi Quang: A typical bowl of Mi Quang here includes pork, shrimp, or chicken (sometimes with a boiled egg, depending on your preference) served with a rich broth made from pork bones. The broth is minimal, making it feel more like a dry noodle dish.
• Banh Canh: Banh Canh is a versatile dish, with variations including pig's trotters, crab, or fish cake, all worth trying.
• Wonton: Hoi An's wontons are filled with shrimp, pork, mushrooms, or other fillings, and are made with thin, delicate dough that gives off a wonderful rice aroma. Wontons can be steamed or fried, depending on your preference.
• Banh Uot Cuon Thit Nuong: The chefs in Hoi An carefully prepare fresh, flavorful pork marinated with five-spice powder, onion, and lemongrass. The delicate steamed rice paper is served on a plate and left to cool before being garnished with sesame seeds for added fragrance.
• Banh Vac: A beautifully wrapped dumpling made with a thin, translucent skin that encloses a filling of shrimp and pork. Its elegant flower-like shape adds to its charm, making it a perfect blend of modern and traditional flavors.
• In addition, you can try many other local delights such as Banh Beo, Banh Xeo, Banh Mi Phuong, Banh Bao, Banh Dap, Com Ga, and more!

Of course, to make your trip to Hoi An even more memorable, you'll want to pick up a few souvenirs. Here are some great options to consider:

• Lanterns: These are an iconic symbol of Hoi An, especially during the festive seasons.
• Carved Wood and Silk Items: A wonderful choice for a souvenir with an authentic local touch.
• Clay Toy Figurines: Unlike the brightly colored figurines typically made from flour dough, these are carefully crafted from clay and fired to perfection.
• Phuoc Kieu Bronze Statues: Handcrafted bronze statues in various sizes and shapes are available at many local markets, perfect for collectors.
• Lacquered Wood Products: These stunning lacquerware items often feature scenes from rural life, such as bamboo groves, water-side bamboo trees, village activities, or graceful young women wearing traditional ao ba ba and conical hats.

Additionally, you can choose from other unique souvenirs like keychains, fabric bags, embroidered items, pop-up greeting cards, and artistic paintings!

Hoi An has two distinct seasons: the rainy and dry seasons, each offering a unique experience. Here are some ideal times to plan your visit to this ancient town:

• 14th day of each lunar month: During this time, the streets light up with lanterns instead of electric lights, creating a mystical and enchanting atmosphere. You’ll also get to enjoy unique festivals and cultural performances.
• February to April: The weather is cool and pleasant during these months, making it a great time for a relaxing getaway.
• May to August: The transitional period between the dry and rainy seasons, offering mild and comfortable weather perfect for sightseeing.
• October to December: If you’re looking to experience boat rides through the ancient town, this is the time to visit. This is when the rainy season starts, and the streets of Hoi An may flood, turning the town into a charming waterway. However, be prepared for rain to potentially affect your travel plans.

Before you step foot in a new destination, it's important to plan ahead so your trip goes smoothly. If you're heading to Hoi An, here’s a checklist to make sure you're well-prepared:

• Clothing: Depending on the season, your wardrobe will need to vary. In hot weather, light and comfortable clothes like dresses, skirts, shorts, and t-shirts are ideal. If visiting during cooler months, a light jacket or long-sleeved clothing will keep you warm.
• Money and ID: Always carry some cash along with an ATM card for quick withdrawals. Don’t forget your essential identification documents such as your ID card, driver's license, and flight tickets. It’s a good idea to keep your cash separate from your important papers, just in case you lose your money. Stay vigilant to avoid any issues that could disrupt your trip.
• Personal Items and Health Kit: Hoi An is known for its sunny weather, so sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and an umbrella are must-haves. Bring along basic medications such as motion sickness pills, insect repellent, allergy medication, and pain relievers to stay comfortable during your trip.
• Electronics: Capture the beauty of Hoi An by packing a camera, smartphone, selfie stick, and a power bank to ensure you don't run out of battery while snapping all those picturesque moments.

Pack light and only bring what you truly need. Make a list of essentials to avoid forgetting anything and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip with your family and friends.

Hoi An is just 30km away from Da Nang, making it easy to reach by traveling to Da Nang first, and then heading to Hoi An by taxi, a guided tour, or even by motorbike. In today's interconnected world, getting to Da Nang is easier than ever, with various travel options to consider:

• By Air: Most travelers opt for a flight to Da Nang International Airport, the nearest airport to Hoi An. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air offer flexible flight schedules that can fit your itinerary.
• By Train: If you have more time and prefer a scenic journey, you can take the train from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. The train ride takes 16 to 18 hours, but it’s a relaxing way to see the landscape, with the chance to enjoy meals and view the beautiful surroundings, especially as the train winds its way around Hai Van Pass.
• By Bus: For those traveling from Hanoi (847 km away) or Ho Chi Minh City, there are many bus services that will take you directly to Hoi An. For a comfortable journey, you might want to consider a sleeper bus, which offers amenities to ensure you’re well-rested for your arrival.