Welcome to Hoi An! This delightful and charming town is located in central Vietnam. Hoi An is known for its many colorful lanterns, historic buildings, delicious street food, cozy terraces, and lush surroundings. It is a peaceful town compared to Vietnam's larger cities. Hoi An offers the perfect combination of sightseeing, active pursuits, and relaxation.

There is plenty to do in Hoi An and the surrounding area. We recommend staying at least 2 full days in Hoi An, but if you have more time, you can definitely enjoy a week here.

Hoi An is a coastal town with about 120,000 inhabitants. It was an important port city of the Champa Kingdom, which emerged in the 2nd century. From the 15th to the 19th century, many traders from places like China, Japan, Portugal, and India came here. In 1999, Hoi An was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List because it is a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading town. Most of the buildings are constructed in the traditional 19th and 20th-century architectural style.

In Hoi An, you can wander through the ancient buildings. It’s nice to stroll past the impressive Quan Cong Temple. This Chinese temple has beautiful architecture and is a great example of the cultural influences in Hoi An. Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien is another Chinese temple surrounded by impressive architecture. The Japanese Bridge is also important for Hoi An. This 16th-century covered bridge has both Chinese and Japanese influences and connects the two parts of the city over the Thu Bon River.

While exploring, you can enjoy a delicious Banh Mi. This is a Vietnamese sandwich that is internationally famous. It’s a crispy baguette filled with meat or fish, vegetables, herbs, and sauce. You’ll find many Banh Mi stalls around the city. You can also find tasty food at the Hoi An Central Market, where you can buy fresh local products, clothing, souvenirs, and food from stalls. After the sun sets, the Hoi An Night Market comes to life. Stalls are set up along the Thu Bon River, selling various items like local treats or handmade cards.

Hoi An has a different atmosphere during the day compared to the evening. In the evening, the city becomes a vibrant display of colors with cozy lanterns. People enjoy meals in restaurants or drinks at one of the bars.

In the surroundings of Hoi An, you’ll find a lot of countryside. The green rice fields around Hoi An are beautiful to cycle through. They are somewhat less spectacular than in northern Vietnam, but still easy to ride past. You’ll also see locals walking with water buffaloes across the land. From the center of Hoi An, it’s only a ten-minute bike ride to reach the rice fields. Some accommodations offer bike rentals, but there are also various bike rental shops in the center.

Taking a cooking class is a popular activity in Hoi An. Who wouldn't want to learn how to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes? It's something you'll appreciate even after you're back home. During the class, you'll learn all about the local ingredients, and at the end, you can enjoy your delicious dishes. Another way to taste the local food is by joining a food tour.

From the center of Hoi An, it’s a 10 to 20-minute bike ride to An Bang Beach. By scooter, it takes less than 10 minutes. On the beach, you'll find several beachside cafes, and the staff will gladly try to convince you to choose theirs. From endless waving to calling you from a distance, you’ll find it all. Not in the mood for this? You can easily lie on your towel in the sand. One advantage of a beach cafe is that you can often relax on a bed as soon as you order a drink, and you don’t have to pay extra for it.

In Hoi An, you can do various activities on the water. Hop on a boat in the evening and sail through the city while colorful lanterns float around you. Or take a ride in a local fishing boat and enjoy the tranquility of the coconut forest.

Da Nang is about an hour away by scooter from Hoi An. Da Nang is a port city and much larger than Hoi An. It has a mix of old and modern architecture. The city has a vibrant atmosphere and is also a great place to stay for a few days. The Dragon Bridge is one of the city's attractions. As the name suggests, it is a bridge shaped like a golden dragon. On weekends, the bridge is lit up from 9:00 PM, and the dragon sometimes breathes fire. Da Nang also has popular beaches such as My Khe Beach, Son Tra Beach, and Non Nuoc Beach. These beaches are also popular with locals.

Tip: A visit to Da Nang can be easily combined with a trip to the Marble Mountains, one of our next tips.

Vietnam is known for its clothing industry, and travelers love having affordable, custom-made clothing made here. In Hoi An, you'll find many tailors and workshops eager to create something beautiful for you. From typical Vietnamese and casual wear to a suit or evening gown, everything is possible.

Tip: Before making a choice, walk by a few stores to compare prices and quality, and read reviews on Google Maps.

Are you in the mood for some adrenaline? A fun activity is to go surfing or learn to surf in Hoi An. You can surf along the coast year-round, but it depends on the weather. Go Surfing is a surf school that has been offering surf lessons along the coast of Hoi An and Da Nang since 2019. You can also rent a surfboard or SUP board here.

The enchanting world of Ba Na Hills shows you a different side of Vietnam. In the high mountains, near Hoi An, you'll find a tourist amusement park that feels just like Europe. From one of the longest cable car rides in the world to the famous Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills has plenty to offer for a spectacular day. Read our article about Ba Na Hills for more information!

When you drive along the coast of Hoi An towards Da Nang, you can't miss the Marble Mountains. The rock formations stand out in the flat landscape. The Marble Mountains consist of five mountains, and each is named after one of the five elements: metal, earth, fire, wood, and water. The mountains have significant spiritual meaning, which is why you'll find caves, pagodas, and other shrines dedicated to the gods. You can easily visit the Marble Mountains on your own, and you'll spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring. The Marble Mountains are about a 30-minute scooter ride from Hoi An. At the entrance, you'll find a detailed map of all the attractions.

Tip: The Marble Mountains pair well with a visit to Da Nang.

Volunteering is the perfect recommendation for those who like to roll up their sleeves and immerse themselves in local life. Volunteering is a great way to stay in one place for a longer period, allowing you to really get to know the area. It’s also an easy way to connect with other people. We’ve written an article with tips for volunteering in Vietnam. We’ve also found two great volunteer projects in Hanoi and Hoi An.

One of the most beautiful roads in Vietnam and one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world is the Hai Van Pass. This mountain pass runs between Da Nang and Hué. You can ride the Hai Van Pass yourself on a scooter or motorbike. There are scooter rental companies in Hoi An that allow you to drop off the scooter in Hué. They also provide instructions about the road and the best viewpoints along the route. Additionally, some companies offer a service to transport your luggage. Along the way, you'll find small restaurants where you can have a drink while enjoying the stunning views.

After a beautiful ride, you'll arrive in Hué. This was the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty at the beginning of the 19th century. Intense battles also took place here during the Vietnam War. The city is rich in history, culture, and beautiful architecture. The Royal Palace of the Imperial City is definitely worth a visit. The Thien Mu Pagoda and the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh are also impressive sights in the city.

If you have enough time, it's great to ride the Hai Van Pass yourself and then spend at least one full day in Hué. If you're short on time, you might consider taking a day trip from Hoi An to Hué. You'll travel by minivan over the Hai Van Pass, stopping to enjoy the views. Then, you’ll explore Hué and return to Hoi An at the end of the day.

My Son is a truly impressive site! Here, you’ll find ancient remnants of the Champa civilization, which lived in this area from the 2nd to the 13th century. My Son was the religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom. My Son is located over 1.5 hours by scooter from Hoi An.

The Cham Islands are a group of eight islands. The main and largest island is Hon Lao, which is the only inhabited one. The island is located a 2-hour boat ride or a 30-minute speedboat ride from Hoi An. Here, you'll find beautiful white beaches, and it's great for diving and snorkeling. It's a fun day trip to the island when the weather is nice.