telegraph travel hoi an

The Official Hoi An Travel Guide (MUST READ)

By the estuary of Thu Bon river, Hoi An is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam. This Vietnamese town is a package for travelers – a pretty town close to the beach, rice fields, wooded hills and islands. As a trading port for many centuries, Hoi An is a melting pot that is also famous for special culinary culture. Food here is delicious. In 2022, it’s listed in the top 20 world’s best cities, by the Travel + Leisure. And before that, so many winning prizes for it as the most attractive destination in central Vietnam by the international press.

This official Hoi An travel guide helps travelers to plan their trip easier. It provides reliable and updated information, recommendations and expert tips. For tours and transfers, texting us in whatsapp number +84968009827 to chat and reserve.

Travelers also visit Da Nang – the sister city of Hoi An, 30 kilometers away and Hue – former Vietnamese capital city, 130 kilometers north of Hoi An. Da Nang has an international airport that is closest to Hoi An. For that reason, travelers anyway will see something there if they plan to visit Hoi An (or return). We highly recommend reading Da Nang official travel guide also.

Hue City Official Travel Guide
Phong Nha Travel Guide
Hue Imperial City Travel Guide
Ba Na Hills Travel Guide

Table of content

1 An Introduction about Hoi An
2 What is Hoi An Famous for?
3.1 Where is Hoi An in Vietnam?
3.2 Flights to Hoi An
3.3 Car and Taxi
3.4 Bus to Hoi An
3.5 Motorbike
4.1 Walking
4.3 Shuttle Bus
4.4 Bicycle
4.5 Motorcycle
4.6 The Best Way to Get Around Hoi An
5 Brief History of Hoi An
6.1 Monthly Weather in Hoi An
6.2 When Are the Best Times to Visit Hoi An?
7.1 How Many Days Do You Need in Hoi An?
7.2 Areas to Stay in Hoi An
8.1 Hoi An Ancient Town World Heritage
8.2 Beaches in Hoi An
8.3 My Son Sanctuary
8.4 The Marble Mountains
8.5 The Golden Hands Bridge in Ba Na Hills
8.6 Hoi An’s Countryside and Villages
9.1 Custom Tailors in Hoi An
9.2 Basket Boat Ride in Coconut Forest
9.3 Go Diving and Snorkeling the Cham Islands
9.4 Thu Bon River Cruise on Sunset
9.5 Learn How to Cook Vietnamese Foods
9.6 Instagrammable Spots in Hoi An
10.1 Full Moon Lantern Festival in Hoi An
10.2 The Hoi An Night Market
10.3 Hoi An Memories Show and Hoi An Impression Theme Park
10.4 Lantern Boat Ride on Hoai River
11.1 Hoi An Food Specialties
11.2 Street Foods in Hoi An
11.3 Coffee and Coffee Shops in Hoi An
12 Hoi An Shopping: What to Buy in Hoi An?
13.1 Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
13.2 Golden Hands Bridge Tour from Hoi An
13.3 My Son Sanctuary Tour from Hoi An
13.4 Cycling Tours in Hoi An Countryside
13.5 Hoi An Food Tours
14 Related Posts
15 Non Nuoc Beach: The Famous Beach of Da Nang
16 How to Get from Da Nang to My Son Sanctuary
17 Thieu Tri Tomb: The Peaceful Royal Tomb of Hue
18 Bach Ma National Park: Hiking, Trekking in Da Nang and Hoi An
19 Hoi An Wet Season: What to Do in Hoi An When It Rains?
20 Hue to Da Nang By Train: The Best Train Ride in Vietnam
21 Hue Royal Tombs: A Complete Guide and What is Best?
22 The Hue Abandoned Water Park (Thuy Tien Lake Waterpark)
23 Minh Mang Tomb Complete Visitor Guide
24 Tu Duc Tomb Complete Visitor Guide
25 Thanh Ha Terracotta Park
26 Vinwonders Nam Hoi An Theme Park (formerly Vinpearl Nam Hoi An)
27 Am Phu Cave Complete Travel Guide
28 Hoi An or Hue: Which is Better?
29 Asia Park and Sun Wheel in Da Nang (Sun World Da Nang Wonders)
30 The Official Hoi An Travel Guide (MUST READ)
31 The Hoi An Market (Hoi An Central Market) Complete Guide
32 Hoi An Memories Show: The Best of Hoi An Impression Theme Park
33 How to Get to Golden Bridge from Da Nang
34 Hoi An Bridge: Famous Bridges in Hoi An
35 Da Nang Food Specialties: What to Eat in Da Nang
36 How to Get From Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary
37 Hoi An’s Chinese Assembly Halls and Chinese Temples
38 Hoi An Walking Tours: Heritage, Foods, Photography & Locals
39 Hoi An Self Guided Walking Tour (Hoi An By Yourself)
40 How to Visit Golden Bridge Vietnam
41 Da Nang Shore Excursions: Guided Tours From Tien Sa Port
42 Unique Experiences in Hoi An and Why?
43 Han Market (Cho Han): Where to Shop in Da Nang?
44 An Bang Beach: A Guide to Hoi An’s Best Beach
45 Experiences in Hoi An: Get Insight Into Hoi An’s Local Culture
46 Da Nang Cathedral (Da Nang Pink Church)
47 Things to Do in Ba Na Hills Besides Golden Bridge
48 Hoi An Nightlife: What to Do in Hoi An At Night?
49 Hoi An Countryside: Villages, Rice Fields & Tours
50 How to Get to Golden Bridge From Hoi An
51 Hoi An Entrance Fee: Old Town, Golden Bridge, My Son, More
52 Hoi An Airport: Everything You Need to Know
53 Hoi An Lantern Boat Ride on Hoai River
54 Da Nang Half Day Tours
55 Hoi An Private Car and Driver
56 Da Nang Private Car and Driver
57 What to Do in Hoi An Ancient Town
58 Da Nang and Hoi An Itinerary for Visitors Staying Overnight in Hoi An
59 Hoi An 3 Day Itinerary: A Travel Plan for 3 Days in Hoi An
60 Hoi An Free Things to Do: Budget Travel in Hoi An Vietnam
61 Hoi An One Day Itinerary: A Travel Plan for One Day in Hoi An
62 Da Nang Things to Do: Guide to What to Do in Da Nang Vietnam
63 Da Nang Best Things to Do and Reasons
64 Hoi An Half-Day Tours: Guide to Half Day Trips From Hoi An
65 Hoi An Day Tours: A Guide to Best Day Trips From Hoi An
66 Hoi An Beach: A Guide to All Beaches in Hoi An Vietnam
67 Hoi An Food Specialties
68 How to Get From Hoi An to Da Nang
69 Hoi An Cheap Things to Do: All Solo Travelers Need to Know
70 Hoi An Best Things To Do: Recommendations from Local Experts
71 Hoi An Things to Do: All What Can You Do in Hoi An Vietnam
72 Hoi An Things Not to Miss: A Guide to Must Do in Hoi An
73 Hoi An or Da Nang: Which is Better?
74 Hoi An Pottery Village: A Guide to Thanh Ha Pottery Village
75 Hoi An Ancient Town Tour
76 Hoi An Old Town Ticket: Price, Sellers, Included Sites, More
77 My Son Sanctuary Tour
78 Hoi An Lanterns: Festival, Making Class, Where to Buy, More
79 Hoi An Best Area to Stay: Guide to Where to Stay in Hoi An
80 Hoi An Weather by Month: Guide to Hoi An Monthly Weather
81 Da Nang Best Area to Stay: Guide to Where to Stay in Da Nang
82 Da Nang Cave Tour: Best Underground Activities in Da Nang
83 Da Nang Best Time to Visit: Guide to Best Weather in Da Nang
84 Da Nang Weather by Month: Guide to Monthly Weather in Da Nang
85 What to Do in Da Nang At Night
86 Lang Co Vietnam Travel Guide
87 Hoi An River Cruise: Guide to The Best Boat Tour in Hoi An
88 What to Do in Da Nang for 3 Days
89 Hoi An Old Town Boats: Guide to Boat Rides in Hoi An Town
90 Hoi An 2 Day Itinerary: Traveler Guide to 2 Days in Hoi An
91 Cham Island Hoi An
92 Hoi An Basket Boat Ride
93 Hoi An Coconut Village: A Guide to Cam Thanh Coconut Village
94 My Khe Beach: A Complete Guide to Da Nang’s Best Beach
95 Thien Mu Pagoda: Guide to Hue’s Most Famous Buddhist Temple
96 Perfume River Cruise: Guide to Best Boat Tour in Hue Vietnam
97 Tomb of Khai Dinh: The Most Unique Royal Tomb of Hue
98 Da Nang Day Trips: Guide to Best Day Tours From Da Nang
99 Museums in Da Nang
100 Linh Ung Pagoda: Trio of Da Nang’s Holiest Mountain Temples
101 Da Nang Night Market: A Thing To Do in Da Nang at Night
102 Guide to Son Tra Mountain aka Monkey Mountain Vietnam
103 Ba Na Hills Tour
104 Hoi An Cham Temples: My Son Sanctuary & Quang Nam Temples
105 Da Nang Cable Car
106 How to Get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An
107 Da Nang to Hoi An: Best Da Nang Airport Transfer and More
108 Hoi An Tour Guide: How to Find a Private Tour Guide in Hoi An
109 Hoi An Ancient Town Attractions
110 Hai Van Pass Da Nang: Map, Route, Weather, History, Tour
111 Hoi An Old Town Map
112 Tra Que Vegetable Village
113 Hoi An Lantern Festival
114 Hue Imperial City and Forbidden City
115.0.1 Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Night Tour
115.0.2 Golden Hands Bridge Tour In Sunrise or Sunset (1/2 Day)
115.0.3 Cam Kim Island Bicycle Tour From Hoi An
115.0.4 Cham Island Tour From Hoi An (Group Tour)
115.0.5 Cham Island Tour From Da Nang (Group Tour)
115.0.6 Hoi An Vegetarian Food Tour
115.0.7 Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour Through Laneways
115.0.8 Private Hoi An Basket Boat Tour (Shuttle Bus, Bicycle, Bike)
115.0.9 Half-day Am Phu Cave Tour (Private)
115.0.10 Hoi An Countryside Tour (Bicycle, Car, Electric Shuttle)
115.0.11 Da Nang Tour Package From Singapore
115.0.12 Hoi An Evening Tour From Da Nang
115.0.13 Hoi An Walking Food Tour Through Laneways
115.0.14 My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Old Town Tour with Thu Bon River Cruise
115.0.15 My Son Day Trip From Hoi An including Marble Mountains and Basket Boat
115.0.16 Half Day Hoi An City Tour With River Cruise
115.0.17 Son Tra Peninsula Tour with Marble Mountains (Private/Small Group)
115.0.18 Hue Day Trip From Hoi An with Hai Van Pass, River Cruise & Lunch
115.0.19 Hoi An Ancient Town and Countryside Tour (Bests of Hoi An Tour)
115.0.20 Hoi An Tour From Da Nang Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)
115.0.21 Hoi An Day Trip From Da Nang (Marble Mountains, Basket Boat, Old Town)
115.0.22 Da Nang City Tour From Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)
115.0.23 Hoi An City Tour with Lantern Class, Lantern Boat, Night Market & Local Food Sampling
115.0.24 Marble Mountains, Basket Boat Ride & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
115.0.25 Marble Mountains & Golden Bridge Day Tour with Buffet Lunch
115.0.26 Marble Mountains & Monkey Mountain Tour (Half-day, Private)
115.0.27 Private Golden Bridge Sunrise Tour (Half-day, Optional Lunch)
115.0.28 Hoi An Ancient Town & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)
115.0.29 My Son Sanctuary & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)
115.0.30 Private My Son Sanctuary Sunrise or Sunset Tour
115.0.31 Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Countryside Experience With Local
115.0.32 Full Day My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Countryside Tour With Local
115.0.33 Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Coconut Village Experience
115.0.34 Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains and Hoi An City Tour
115.0.35 Half-day Marble Mountains Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An
115.0.36 Da Nang Cave Tour (Half Day Underground Tour in Da Nang)
115.0.37 Hoi An Old Town & Lantern Making Class (Morning Tour, Half-day)
115.0.38 Full Day Bests of Da Nang & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour
115.0.39 Full Day My Son Tour From Da Nang with Da Nang City Tour
115.0.40 My Son Sanctuary Tour From Hoi An or Da Nang With Local Guide

An Introduction about Hoi An

Hoi An (meaning “peaceful meeting place” in Vietnamese) is a well-known tourist destination in Vietnam. By a white-sandy coast and rivers, its centre is a colorful, charming old town that prospered from trading with foreign countries. This Unesco world heritage site comes to life in the evening while millions of lanterns are lit. Full moon night is most worthy to wait for. It’s spectacular thanks to the local traditional lantern festival and wishing candle lanterns on the river. All photographers love Hoi An.

Surrounding Hoi An’s ancient quarters, it is a peaceful countryside studded with small villages. Rice fields, mangroves, vegetable gardens and palm forests make it much more green. Some communities specialize in making pottery, coconut products or sleeping mat and in carving wood works.

Not far away from paddy fields, Hoi An has a quite long coastline that stretches until Monkey mountain in Da Nang. Here, beaches are fringed with crystal clear seawater and medium waves. Around the horizon, the Cham islands increase the beauty of Hoi An’s beaches.

What is Hoi An Famous for?

Hoi An is famous for many things. The first one is its Old town that Unesco inscribed to be a world heritage site. The town has well-preserved houses, all feature yellow walls, tiled roofs and wooden furniture as a uniform. Blooming flowers, blue sky, green rivers, and colorful lanterns make it so pretty. Hoi An is loved by photographers and instagrammers worldwide.

Secondly, Hoi An becomes famous for its beauty (and atmosphere) at night. After it’s dark, the town is filled by uncountable lantern lights. And, visitors will see them most in the full moon when people celebrate their traditional Lantern festival On the river, boats and floating paper lanterns make seers once again fall in love.

Local food at Hoi An is what travelers love next. The cuisine is unsimilar to anywhere else in the country thanks to long-time exchange of cultures. The best known dishes include banh mi (people believe that local banh mi is the best in Vietnam), chicken rice, white rose dumplings, Mi quang noodle, Cao lau noodle or Pho noodle soup.

Shopping in Hoi An is a good experience too. Tailors in town are able to complete a suit within 24 hours, up to personal features and specifications. Plus, the price is really high, therefore travelers come to Hoi An for custom tailoring.

Location and How to Get to Hoi An

Where is hoi an in vietnam.

Hoi An is a provincial city of Quang Nam province, in the middle of Vietnam. It lies by the estuary of Thu Bon river, to the south of Da Nang city. This historical trading port is also close to Pacific ocean. From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city, the flight to Hoi An is 1,5hrs.

Flights to Hoi An

Travelers have to fly to Da Nang city and then have a transfer from Da Nang airport to Hoi An . From two main cities of Vietnam – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, there are lots of non-stop flights in the day to choose from. All operating domestic airlines now provide them. From some famous tourist destinations, such as Da Lat, Can Tho or Ha Long, it’s possible to reach by air too. Browse How to Get to Da Nang for further information.

Today, direct flights from another country to Da Nang are available. Traveler lovers can book one from South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia or India.

Both domestic and international terminals are in the same ground (airport) that is within Da Nang city’s downtown.

Car and Taxi

Car is the most popular vehicle to get from Da Nang to Hoi An due to convenience and affordable cost. The price for a roundtrip ranges from 700,000 to 1,000,000 VND, depending on the length of the trip and size of the group. Travel time by private car or taxi from Da Nang to Hoi An may be up to 1 hour. Chat with us on whatsapp number +84968009827 to book.

Bus to Hoi An

By 2020, there was a public bus connecting Da Nang and Hoi An. It’s the cheapest way to get from a city to another. Now, it is not available anymore. Please follow up your website for updated information.

Many travelers don’t stay overnight in Hoi An, and instead, they choose a hotel in Da Nang. To visit Hoi An, they ride a motorbike. The distance between cities is some 30 kilometers, so the drive is from 45 to 60 minutes. The quickest way is the coastal road, namely Vo Nguyen Giap and Truong Sa in Da Nang, and then Lac Long Quan in Hoi An. Halfway, that is the Marble mountains.

From Hue, motorbike rental providers allow travelers to drop the bike in Hoi An (don’t have to ride back to Hue!) if self driving. The distance is 140 kilometers, including the Hai Van pass – Vietnam’s best coastal road. For those who would like to experience but worry about their own skills and safety, it’s also available to book a local rider.

The nearest railway station to Hoi An is in Da Nang. So, travelers can get a train from other cities to the Da Nang train station, and then take another vehicle to Hoi An. The most popular choice is going from Hue, Ha Noi or Quy Nhon. Read How to get Da Nang from Hue by train for more details. During the daytime, the passengers will enjoy the breath-taking view of the Hai Van pass.

Get Around Hoi An: What is Best?

Once again, we have to mention that Hoi An is a small city. Travelers absolutely can explore it by foot if book a hotel in the Minh An, Cam Pho and Son Phong areas. Within the Old town, pedestrian hours are daily from 9 to 11:30 am, and from 3 to 9:30 pm. The nearest beach – An Bang is only 3 kilometers away from here. Many people choose to walk there (rice fields, rivers, water buffalos, and scenic spots on the way).

Getting around Hoi An by taxi is fairly easy. In the surroundings of Hoi An’s walking street (in Old town), there are many taxi cars and drivers to choose from. The cost is metered, around 15,000 VND for one kilometer. If stay in a hotel tucked away in small roads or laneways, let’s walk to the closest main road to hail. People in the reception can help to call one also. Passengers will pay by cash.

Read also: Hoi An Private Car and Driver

Shuttle Bus

Shuttle buses run by electricity are new to Hoi An. Local authorities aim to reduce traffic congestion in town, especially in the evening and air pollution. The experience on a shuttle bus is more interesting than cars. The cost depends on the length of the drive, and number of passengers. If the group is bigger than 5 and the distance is smaller than 2 kilometers, the price is 10,000 VND per person. Small kids and toddles are free of charge. It’s exactly how much visitors pay when they move within Hoi An’s downtown. For further places, such as beaches or the coconut village, the price is higher, but not more than 40,000 VND per person. There are 2 simple ways to have this vehicle: hailing in main streets or coming to car parks.

Hoi An is small enough to cycle around. Many hotels provide free bicycles for the guests (come first, serve first, no reservation). If not available for free, the rental is really cheap. It’s around 1 USD for one day full. No doubt, the cheapest way to get around. Travelers can ride to the beaches, rice fields, Cam Thanh coconut village or Cam Kim island.

Anytime of the day, it’s possible to tour the Hoi An ancient town by bicycle. This Unesco heritage is in the list of the towns that are most friendly to bicycles worldwide. Late afternoon onwards, tourists coming from Da Nang visit the town and make it full of pedestrians. Therefore, riding a bicycle during that time is a little bit difficult.

Riding a motorcycle is a faster way to get somewhere than a bicycle. Rental price is really cheap, between 100,000 and 200,000 VND for one full day or 24 hours. Helmet (or maps) is provided. Gasoline cost fluctuates around 1 USD/1 littler. So, the motorbike is amongst the cheapest vehicles to get around Hoi An.

Note: Vietnam follows a right-hand traffic system. If you drive to the left in your country, you should consider carefully.

Inside the Hoi An old town heritage, except for walking hours (9 to 11:30 am and 3 to 9:30 pm), it’s possible to tour around it by bike. If just like to get there and then walk, the parking fee is from 5,000 to 10,000 VND. The latest service is up to 10 pm.

To go to the beach or discover the countryside, travelers can save their time (and even money) when riding a scooter. It’s easy and safe, but the riders need to be careful and pay attention to avoid dangerous situations. Further in distance, My Son sanctuary, the Marble mountains and Hai Van pass are popular attractions. The mountain pass requires good driving skills and confidence because it’s winding, featuring hairpin-like turns, twists and dense fog.

The Best Way to Get Around Hoi An

The best way to get around Hoi An depends on different situations. So, this is our thoughts:

– Hoi An old town: walking

– Hoi An’s countryside: bicycle or motorcycle

– Solo travelers: bicycle or motorcycle

– Families or a group of friends: car, taxi, shuttle bus

Brief History of Hoi An

Hoi An was known as a busy international trading town in Vietnam and Southeast Asia from 15 th to 19 th centuries. During that period, merchants and their sailing boats docked here, to exchange different products (spices, ceramics, silk, etc). They came from Japan, China, and Europe. Hoi An got its European name “Faifoo”. Heritage left by these nationalities are around its old town today.

Late 19 th century was the turning point in Hoi An’s history. Geological activities in the river estuary didn’t allow boats to easily access the town. Vietnamese kings also prohibited westerner’s boats to get there directly (have to stop at Da Nang before). They got worried about military power and religious missionaries from the west. For that reason, commerce in Hoi An declined. Since then, Da Nang has been replacing its role as the most important center of commerce in the area (until now).

During the colonial time, 19 th and 20 th centuries, French based in Hoi An and designed it as a provincial capital. Influences from French people are still seen today.

In 1999, Hoi An was added to the Unesco world heritage site list, together with My Son sanctuary. Since then, it has been popular with both local and foreign tourists. At the present, this little town draws millions of visitors although its population is only 120,000 people.

Read also: Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture

Hoi An Weather by Month and Best Time to Visit

Monthly weather in hoi an.

Weather is important when travelers plan to visit somewhere. In Hoi An, there’re two seasons in the year: the dry season, from February to August and the wet season (rainy season), from September to January. It’s dry, hot in the dry season, and it rains frequently in the other season. See details of the weather each month in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-weather-by-month/ .

When Are the Best Times to Visit Hoi An?

The best time to visit Hoi An in Vietnam is January, mid-February to mid-April, mid-May to September. During these periods, it’s sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and going to the beach. From May to August, the temperature reaches its peak. Therefore for those who don’t like strong heat, earlier or later times will be more nice and comfortable. From October to December, although it’s cooler, heavy rains and typhoons make people not really enjoyable. However, sunny days are still available and that’s so perfect to explore places outside.

Hoi An Accommodation: Where to Stay in Hoi An?

How many days do you need in hoi an.

Three full days are perfect to visit Hoi An. For more relaxation, a longer stay is needed. Within 3 days, travelers have time enough to see major landmarks of the area, such as the Ancient town, the Marble mountains or My Son sanctuary. Read 3 days in Hoi An itinerary to arrange them properly. The town is not really big, so joining other activities or tours is also convenient (for pick up, drop off). If planning to have a custom-made suit (or more), it’s possible too and don’t have to see any tailor immediately after arriving in town.

Text us in whatsapp number +84968009827 for free assistance to make the best travel itinerary for you.

Areas to Stay in Hoi An

If prefer somewhere that it’s near Hoi An old town, travelers should choose one in Minh An, Cam Pho, Cam Pho and the Tiger market areas. The distance is within 1,5 kilometers. No doubt that it’s great to walk (of course, Hoi An is flat). Restaurants, coffee shops, bars, shopping places, tailors, and convenient stores are all around.

Beaches are the favourite for many travelers. In the Cua Dai beach area, there are a handful of all-inclusive beachside resorts. Shuttle bus is available there to get to the Old town and back every single day. Inside quiet laneways of An Bang beach area, homestays are run by local families, with a pool. For sure, the beach is just a short walk away.

More information in https://centralvietnamguide.com/where-to-stay-in-hoi-an/ .

Hoi An Tourist Attractions: What to See in Hoi An?

Hoi an ancient town world heritage.

Hoi An ancient town is the heart of Hoi An. It’s home to more than 1,100 traditional style houses, a Japanese bridge, Chinese temples, a living market, and a quay where boats dock. From 15 th to 19 th centuries, foreign merchants came here to trade, making it bustling and wealthy. Nowadays, this complex is a Unesco world heritage site, inscribed in 1999. Visitors can buy Hoi An old town ticket to sightsee 4 buildings and watch a show at the Traditional Performance House.

In the evening, locals light lanterns and by that, it’s filled by colorful lights. Especially, in full moon, they also release paper lanterns lit by candle, down the river and make wishes. Many tourists believe that full moon night is a must-know experience. Read everything else in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-old-town/

Beaches in Hoi An

Hoi An owns a 6-kilometers-long coastline, with several beautiful white sandy beaches. During sunny months, these places are full of people who go swimming, go surfing, play water sports, meditate, sun bath, or simply cool off. It’s free to visit every beach in Hoi An. For eating and drinking, restaurants and bars line the beachfront, serving delicious seafood dishes. Islands of the Cham archipelago and Da Nang’s hills together just make the scenery more wonderful. Further information in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-beach/ .

Two famous beaches in Hoi An are An Bang and Cua Dai. Now, An Bang beach is busier because it’s damaged by erosion. That’s why people say it’s best to go, especially for families with kids.

My Son Sanctuary

Located in the jungle, 40 kilometers away from Hoi An, My Son sanctuary is a popular place to visit for day trippers. It has about well-preserved 20 Hindu temples which survived from harsh climate and bombings in the Vietnam war. These brick buildings were constructed from 4 th to 13rd centuries by request of Cham kings, for worship of Shiva god. At several times of the day, at the Public Stage, traditional performances are available to watch (it’s free!). See full details in My Son sanctuary travel guide .

The Marble Mountains

Only a 30 minutes drive from Hoi An, the Marble mountains is also very popular to travelers. It’s a group of five striking marble hills that rise up suddenly from the surroundings, between a river and the sea. Thuy Son (literally “the Water mountain”) is the only mountain where people can climb to the top. Here, there are many stunning sights to visit, including Buddhist temples, magnificent caves, viewpoints, and peaks with a panoramic view. Hiking shoes is required. See further information in the Marble mountains travel guide .

The Golden Hands Bridge in Ba Na Hills

Built in 2018, the Golden Bridge of Ba Na Hills today is well known all over the world. It’s a 160-meters-long pedestrian bridge, with golden handrails and a pair of massive stone-like hands. From here, 1,414 meters above the sea level, visitors enjoy a panoramic view. Read Golden Bridge travel guide to get more details and How to get to Golden Bridge from Hoi An to find the best transport for you. The best time to visit is early morning when the crowds and the heat don’t come yet. A private Golden Bridge sunrise tour is the choice for smart travelers.

Hoi An’s Countryside and Villages

Surrounding the Old town, Hoi An countryside is lovely and tranquil. In addition to rice fields, vegetable gardens and animal farms, there are 4 villages interesting to visit. Near An Bang beach, Tra Que vegetable village is famous for its herbs. Some local food specialties require them as a must-have ingredient. Also 3 kilometers away, Thanh Ha pottery village produced high-quality products for exportation. Today, the artisans teach visitors how to make pottery. Kim Bong carpentry village is least known by tourists because it’s located on an island. Cam Thanh coconut village is furthest, 10 mins drive from the town’s centre. Locals here use basket boats to show visitors the water coconut forest and countryside entertainments.

Opposite to the Old town by the Thu Bon river, Cam Kim island is the host for cycling tours thanks to its peacefulness. Lifestyle of the islanders is still unchanged, and their traditional handicrafts are still well kept.

Hoi An Activities: Things to Do in Hoi An

Main article: Things to Do in Hoi An

Custom Tailors in Hoi An

History of tailoring and fabric silk trading in Hoi An is long. Today, there are so many tailors and tailor shops in town where people can make clothings at their own measurements. Shoppers have a wide range of material, color and price to choose from. They can have a look at styles on the catalogues but also show favourite ones by phone, to let local tailors know. 24hrs service is available. See more information in our guide to tailoring in Hoi An .

Basket Boat Ride in Coconut Forest

Round basket boats are unique to central Vietnam. It’s made of bamboo, and used by locals to get around the water coconut forest of Hoi An. During the ride, visitors have the chance to be close to nature, and join fun-filled entertainments, such as the “spinning boat ride”. To experience, it’s needed to come to the Cam Thanh village, 10 mins drive from the Old town. See further details in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-basket-boat-ride/ .

Go Diving and Snorkeling the Cham Islands

The Cham islands is known for its richness of underwater life and its great natural scenery. It’s under the protection of the Vietnam government as a marine park and Unesco as a world biosphere reserve. Here, visitors have the chance to explore a fantabulous world under the sea while go snorkeling or scuba diving. Daily tours include an experience by snorkel, but to see pristine coral reefs, travelers must book a tour specializing in diving. Staying overnight is required if many spots in the itinerary. Please read our Cham islands travel guide to know everything else.

Thu Bon River Cruise on Sunset

Hoi An ancient town sits on the north bank of the Thu Bon river, the largest river in the province. In the sunset, this river becomes such awe-inspiring. Along the quay – Bach Dang St, visitors can see cruises and then travel (downstream or upstream) to enjoy the beautiful scenery, peacefulness, breeze and photography. When the darkness falls, people light up the lanterns in waterfronts, making the town really lovely. One of the best spots to see it is from the river cruise. See further information in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-river-cruise/ .

Learn How to Cook Vietnamese Foods

Participating in a cooking class is fun. Visitors will follow local people to visit the market, shop like a local and then bring ingredients to the school for cooking. The chief shows the learners different Vietnamese dishes. For example, spring rolls or fried spring rolls, banh xeo pancakes, pho noodle soup, and traditional salads. If would like to know deeper local cuisine and also cooking skills, this is an activity that is not to miss. The class time is usually a couple of hours. Read more in our complete guide to Hoi An’s cooking classes .

Instagrammable Spots in Hoi An

Absolutely, Hoi An is a photogenic, instagrammable town. Both daytime and nighttime, visitors will find good spots to take pictures. When it’s still bright, quarters with yellow-wall houses, blooming bougainvillea flowers, reddish temples and vintage café are stunning. It’s really colorful. In the market, the variety of local procedures and lively local life (vendors, shoulder pole ladies, etc) are also great to have a photo with. At night, for sure, lantern lights together make a perfect backdrop. No photography lovers miss Hoi An when they come to Vietnam.

Hoi An Nightlife: What to Do in Hoi An at Night?

Main article: What to Do in Hoi An at Night?

Full Moon Lantern Festival in Hoi An

Full moon lantern festival is unique to Hoi An. It takes place every single month on the 14 th day in the Vietnamese lunar calendar (now people can check online). In the fairly moonlight, so many lanterns are hung up and lit by locals, giving the town a great beauty and a great atmosphere. By the river, they light up paper lanterns by candle, and then release, to make wishes. This night is a thing not to miss. Read full details in Hoi An lantern festival travel guide .

The Hoi An Night Market

This night market includes around 150 stalls selling lanterns, souvenirs and foods, along Nguyen Hoang St, on the opposite side to the Old town. It’s the largest and busiest. See all you need to know about it in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-night-market/ .

Hoi An Memories Show and Hoi An Impression Theme Park

The Hoi An memories show is the largest outdoor visual art performance in Vietnam. Debuted in 2018, today it becomes a must see in Hoi An at night. This spectacular show tells spectators the history and culture of the town exceptionally. The production is really stunning, giving a great time (experience). Please browse https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-memories-show/ for full details. Before and after the Hoi An memories show, travelers can visit around the Hoi An impression theme park.

Lantern Boat Ride on Hoai River

Hoai river runs alongside Hoi An Old town, to the south. At night time, visitors can cruise it by boat and drop paper lanterns down the water, to make wishes. This leisure ride allows the passengers to enjoy the beauty of the town and photograph it. The price is 150,000 VND (1 to 3 people), and 200,000 VND (4 to 5 people), for 20 minutes. See full details in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-lantern-boat-ride/ .

Eating and Coffee in Hoi An

Hoi an food specialties.

Hoi An cuisine is unique in the world thanks to cultural exchanges in the past. Travelers should try bánh mì – sandwich filled by pate, raw vegetables, herbs and meats, cao lầu – the most special local noodles, mì quảng – another famous noodle dish, bánh bao bánh vạc – white rose dumplings, more. See all dishes as you can see in Hoi An in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-food-specialties/ .

Note: Cao lau is seen as the signature food of Hoi An. Nowhere else outside its old centre, people can try it.

Vietnamese restaurants in the Old town serve at least several local food specialties. At some venues, it’s possible to see almost everything on the menu. Thanks to that, travelers just need to visit one place, and then can taste many dishes. We recommend coming to restaurants where the food is amongst best sellers all over Hoi An. For example, the couple of stores selling banh mi sandwiches: Madam Khanh and Banh Mi Phuong.

Street Foods in Hoi An

Hoi An is also known for street foods that are many and tasty. In Nguyen Hoang night market , visitors will see vendors and they serve a lot of options (even for vegetarians too). Bánh tráng nướng – grilled rice paper with toppings and sauces, bánh ướt thịt nướng – grilled pork skewers, rolled with rice papers and vegetables or banana pancakes are deserving to try. Around sunset, in old streets, rice cakes, clear dumplings, mango cake (no mango!) and other snacks are also sold.

Coffee and Coffee Shops in Hoi An

Vietnam is the 2 nd largest coffee producer globally. Inside the Hoi An ancient town, there are many coffee shops where tourists can try Vietnamese traditional coffees and western styled ones, the new arrivals. Beans are bought from farmers living in the Highlands, and then roasted in the shop (that’s why some places are named “roasteries”). Rooftop cafes also provide an incredible view that is ideal for Instagrammable pictures.

Read also: Hoi An Central Market Travel Guide

Hoi An Shopping: What to Buy in Hoi An?

Main article: Hoi An Shopping Guide

Travelers can stroll around the Ancient town, markets, night markets and other shops in the centre to buy favourite things. The lantern is one of the best reminders about Hoi An. Size, shape, color, and pattern are diverse here. Luckily, local lanterns are foldable, so packing them into the luggages is free of difficulty. In addition, handicraft products are what travelers are interested in Hoi An too. The material is varied (wood, bamboo, ceramic, clay, leather, etc). That’s why shoppers have so many choices to select and bring home then.

Tailor-made clothings is loved by many travelers. They can find good-quality fabric and skillful tailors to make it, with a cheaper price than their home country. Within 24hrs, it’s possible to go for the first fitting to the suit or dress or any other garments. Shipping abroad and card payment are available at most tailors in town.

For those who love cooking, there are plenty of spices, seeds, seasonings and dried fruits to buy. Make sure that your country accepts.

All Guided Tours from Hoi An

Main article: Hoi An Day Tours – Best Day Trips from Hoi An

Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour

The Old town (Unesco world heritage site) is a must-visit attraction in Hoi An. To get insight into its history, explore local culture and photograph, walking is the best way. That’s why many travelers join a walking tour, with a local guide.

We recommend having a morning tour when the sun is not high yet, or an afternoon tour when the temperature goes down. A lantern making class is optional. From Da Nang, an evening tour is helpful because travelers can spend longer in town, experience further and have more memories (and pictures!). Here, local food tasting, lantern boat ride, night market or the Hoi An memories show is selected by yourself.

Golden Hands Bridge Tour from Hoi An

Golden Hands Bridge tour from Hoi An is one of the most popular day trips. We highly recommend starting it early in the morning (around 6, 7 am) to avoid the heat and crowds. Please see details in https://centralvietnamguide.com/tour/golden-bridge-sunrise-tour / . “Sunset tour” is available as well, with the same price. See its itinerary in https://centralvietnamguide.com/tour/golden-hands-bridge-tour/ . However, due to weather at Ba Na Hills where the bridge’s located, we suggest the best option on the day before. By the way, all entrance fee and cable car are included in the tours.

My Son Sanctuary Tour from Hoi An

A visit to My Son sanctuary is a perfect half-day tour from Hoi An. It’s not really far away, and definitely worth sightseeing (not only about its world heritage site title). To avoid the heat and crowds, many travelers like getting there early in the morning, around 5 am. This sunrise tour also includes a local guide as normal. Later in the day, the sunset tour has the same purpose, but not for early birds. Joining a “classic tour” that departs at 8 or 9 am, it’s possible to witness full traditional performances at My Son’s public theatre.

Cycling Tours in Hoi An Countryside

Over such a long history, fortunately, Hoi An still keeps its countryside peaceful. We highly recommend a bicycle tour to discover this wonderful rural land. Following a local guide, travelers will cycle through villages on backroads where the traffic is low (or no traffic) and visit local families to know their life. Some activities and experiences are in the itinerary alike, such as basket boat ride in palm forest, making rice papers, etc. Read more information in https://centralvietnamguide.com/hoi-an-cycling-tours.

Hoi An Food Tours

Roaming around and tasting delicious local foods (especially street foods) is amongst the most interesting cultural experiences in Hoi An. Travelers can choose a food tour run by foodies in town, with a bicycle, motorcycle or by foot. Within some hours, they will show different dishes and tell stories (including Hoi An’s specialties, such as banh mi sandwich). It’s a great time to get insight into local culinary culture and ways of life. Of course, there’re many opportunities to take fun pictures. Late afternoon and evening is the best time. Browse our Hoi An evening walking food tour if you’re interested. For vegans and vegetarians, we have Hoi An vegetarian food tour .

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Featured Tours and Experiences

Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Night Tour

Golden Hands Bridge Tour In Sunrise or Sunset (1/2 Day)

Cam Kim Island Bicycle Tour From Hoi An

Cham Island Tour From Hoi An (Group Tour)

Cham Island Tour From Da Nang (Group Tour)

Hoi An Vegetarian Food Tour

Hoi An Evening Walking Food Tour Through Laneways

Private Hoi An Basket Boat Tour (Shuttle Bus, Bicycle, Bike)

Half-day Am Phu Cave Tour (Private)

Hoi An Countryside Tour (Bicycle, Car, Electric Shuttle)

Da Nang Tour Package From Singapore

Hoi An Evening Tour From Da Nang

Hoi An Walking Food Tour Through Laneways

My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Old Town Tour with Thu Bon River Cruise

My Son Day Trip From Hoi An including Marble Mountains and Basket Boat

Half Day Hoi An City Tour With River Cruise

Son Tra Peninsula Tour with Marble Mountains (Private/Small Group)

Hue Day Trip From Hoi An with Hai Van Pass, River Cruise & Lunch

Hoi An Ancient Town and Countryside Tour (Bests of Hoi An Tour)

Hoi An Tour From Da Nang Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An Day Trip From Da Nang (Marble Mountains, Basket Boat, Old Town)

Da Nang City Tour From Airport (Private, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An City Tour with Lantern Class, Lantern Boat, Night Market & Local Food Sampling

Marble mountains, basket boat ride & hoi an old town walking tour.

Marble Mountains & Golden Bridge Day Tour with Buffet Lunch

Marble Mountains & Monkey Mountain Tour (Half-day, Private)

Private Golden Bridge Sunrise Tour (Half-day, Optional Lunch)

Hoi An Ancient Town & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)

My Son Sanctuary & Golden Bridge Day Tour (Private/Small Group)

Private My Son Sanctuary Sunrise or Sunset Tour

Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Countryside Experience With Local

Full Day My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Countryside Tour With Local

Full Day Hoi An Ancient Town & Coconut Village Experience

Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains and Hoi An City Tour

Half-day Marble Mountains Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An

Da Nang Cave Tour (Half Day Underground Tour in Da Nang)

Hoi An Old Town & Lantern Making Class (Morning Tour, Half-day)

Full Day Bests of Da Nang & Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour

Full Day My Son Tour From Da Nang with Da Nang City Tour

My Son Sanctuary Tour From Hoi An or Da Nang With Local Guide

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10 essential things to do in Hoi An

Hoi An's architecture has elements of Chinese, Japanese and French influences.

Cradled between rivers, rice paddies, and beaches, Hoi An has all the elements of a timeless destination. Its yellowing shop houses, riotous blossoms, and green countryside set the tone for enriching days and magical nights. If you find yourself in this former trading port, round out your visit with these 10 inspired ideas.

Cycle the countryside.

Snag a bicycle from your hotel or any rental shop on the street (VND30,000/day) and pedal your way from the Ancient Town toward the open roads of Cam Thanh and Cam Chau . Here you’ll get a firsthand look at Vietnamese life in the countryside, plus countless leafy vegetable gardens, adorable duck ponds and greasy repair shops.

TIP: If cycling is not your thing, you can still get up close with Hoi An's beautiful countryside lanes on a vintage sidecar tour from Victoria. Climb inside and enjoy a full hour of being shown around the vegetable plots of Tra Que, the rice paddies in Cam Chau, and the sand dunes near An Bang Beach.

Get on the water

‘Water, water everywhere’ might just be Hoi An’s unofficial slogan. Don’t leave without taking a sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River. A few seconds of negotiation at the ferry quay should get you a breezy, half-hour trip for about VND150,000 - VND200,000. Leave just before sunset for the best views.

TIP: If you’re an early riser, try sunrise stand-up paddleboarding at An Bang; or join a kayak tour to see more of Hoi An’s quiet waterways.

Go café-hopping

Every city in Vietnam has heaps of cafes, but Hoi An’s cafes have tangible charm. Some ideas: Fresh-pressed juice and avocado toast at Rosie’s Cafe , caramel coffee or mango shakes at Le Fe , tea and snacks at Reaching Out . If you're the type who likes people-watching, claim a seat on the balcony at Hoi An Roastery and watch the world go by.

Have a beach day

An Bang Beach , just 7km outside the Ancient Town, is one of the most pleasant stretches of sand anywhere in Vietnam. In the main area, you’ll find beachfront favourites such as Soul Kitchen and The Hmong Sisters , as well as a string of seafood restaurants. A little ways down, things get more languorous, and local sellers trade on sun loungers, cheap coconuts, and cold beer.

TIP: Want a little space from the crowds? Salt Pub & Restaurant and Sound of Silence are perfect for leisurely breakfasts followed by lazy hours on the sand.

Shop for souvenirs

Hoi An is known for its tailors. If you need a new suit, dress, leather bag, or anything custom-made -- you’ve come to the right place. Apart from the tailor shops, it’s worth spending a few hours checking out the boutiques in town. Look in stores such as Cocobox (Vietnamese jams and coffee), Metiseko (fashion and accessories), Artbook (posters and stationery) and Reaching Out (ceramic tea sets and jewelery) for high-quality items to take home.

TIP: OZU by Tadioto is the coolest new retail space to open in Hoi An. Check them out at 54 Phan Boi Chau.

Taste regional dishes

You’ll probably have some of the best meals of your trip in Hoi An, thanks to the unbelieveably fresh produce delivered dails from farms and seas nearby. Get your fix of authentic local specialities -- Cao Lầu , White Rose , Hoành Thánh , and Mì Quảng – at Morning Glory Restaurant , Miss Ly , or Mai Fish . More contemporary? Visit Nu Eatery for Hoi An's best fusion fare.

TIP: For a snack that can’t be beat, the banh mi at Madame Khanh are outrageously good.

Stroll the Ancient Town

While pretty during the day, the Ancient Town really comes into its own after dark. Don't miss the chance to stroll this UNESCO-listed heritage site in the evenings, when thousands of brightly lit lanterns illuminate the streets and set the Thu Bon River aglow with twinkling reflections.

Revisit Hoi An history

From the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving trading port, welcoming merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. Today, a sprinkling of ancestral houses and pagodas are in easy walking distance of each other inside the Ancient Town. You’ll need a ticket to enter these sites, but the fee is worth the opportunity to experience Hoi An’s multi-layered past. Three stops for your list: the Japanese Bridge , Tan Ky House , and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall .

Take a cooking class

You don’t have to be pro in the kitchen to enjoy Hoi An’s fantastic cooking classes . Here you can follow the entire process, from the fishing net and public market to the claypot and frying pan, while learning local techniques along the way. After a full morning of fun, eating the results of your labours is the best part.

TIP: A session at the Red Bridge cooking school is a must-do for foodies in Vietnam.

Sample the nightlife

Leading the pack of places to party in Hoi An is a one-of-a-kind venue, Mango Mango . This alluring gathering place promises punchy cocktails, mouthwatering dishes, and nightly live music. For delicious bar bites and drinks in a casual setting, visit The Happy Buffalo on Cua Dai St. Out on An Bang beach, take your pick of live bands and DJ sets at Soul Kitchen , or its sister venue, Soul Beach .

TIP: If you happen to be in Hoi An on a Saturday evening, duck into Le Fe for a front-row seat to Vietnamese vocal talents you won’t soon forget.

BONUS: Catch a cultural show

Lune Production is known for staging world-class contemporary circus, dance and musical performances in Vietnam and around the world. Don't miss the chance to watch a show at their new performance centre in Hoi An. The Mist, Lune's first show to debut in Hoi An, is a gorgeous, riveting hour-long spectacle that's as Vietnamese as it gets. From evocative scenes of countryside life to spellbinding ballets, you won't be able to tear your eyes from the stage. See what's on, as well as schedules and ticket prices at the Lune Production website .

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Where is Hoi An?

Hoi An, located in the heart of Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, is approximately 860 km from Hanoi to the north and 865 km from Ho Chi Minh City to the south. Its strategic location along the North-South axis has made it a culturally rich and diverse town, where cultures from the two regions intersect. The architectural and cultural values of the Hoi An Ancient Town gained recognition on the travel map in the 1980s and were officially designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. As a result, Hoi An has become a must-visit destination for international travelers visiting Vietnam.

Hoi An tourist map

Having a detailed map can save you from any hassles and allow you to fully enjoy your visit. We have provided one for you that includes information on destinations, restaurants, cafes, bars, and other public services. You can easily download it to your phone for offline use or print it out.

When you should travel to Hoi An?

Hoi An is situated in a tropical climate with only two seasons: the dry season from February to August and the rainy season from September to January of the following year. Despite its location in the central region near the South Central Coast, Hoi An’s weather is still impacted by the cold winter in the North. The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when the weather is agreeable and there is less chance of rain and flooding.

How to get to Hoi An?

Discover transportation deals for Hoi An from our partners >

As a popular tourist destination, Hoi An is very accessible from all parts of the country.

1. Getting to Hoi An from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City

To reach Hoi An from either of the two major cities, you will first have to land in Da Nang, which is located 30 km away from Hoi An, as there is no airport in the ancient town. You can book flights with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, and Vietjet Air, which operate routes from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang.

Another way to get to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is by train, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $50 (470,000 to 1,200,000 VND). You have several options for train carriages, including 4-bed rooms and clean and comfortable V.I.P 2-bed rooms. The travel time varies from 14 to 20 hours, depending on the type of train you choose. If you have time and want to explore the country on the move, taking the train is a great option. You can book train tickets on the official website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation.

Buses are also an option for getting to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $30 (470,000 to 700,000 VND). However, keep in mind that this mode of travel can be tiring and take a long time. Some recommended bus companies are Futabus, Phuc Thuan Thao Bus, and Quoc Hung Bus.

2. Getting to Hoi An from Da Nang

As soon as you arrive in Da Nang, there is a wide range of options to get to Hoi An.

Travel by bus

Bus number 1 from Da Nang can take you directly to the Hoi An Bus Station. You can refer to the bus route below to find the nearest bus stop.

Advantages: inexpensive
Disadvantages: long travel time (70-80 minutes), often crowded with limited space for luggage
Cost: 30,000 VND ($1.25)
Timing: buses run every 20 minutes from 5:30 AM to 6 PM
Route: Da Nang Central Bus Station to Ton Duc Thang, Dien Bien Phu, Ha Huy Tap, Ha Khe, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ong Ich Khiem, Le Duan, Chi Lang, Hung Vuong, Tran Phu, Trung Nu Vuong, Nui Thanh, Duy Tan, Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Ngu Hanh Son (The Marble Mountains), Le Van Hien, Tran Dai Nghia, and finally Hoi An Bus Station.

Travel by taxi

Travelers can book a taxi on arrival in Da Nang City or the airport to go directly to Hoi An.

Advantages: convenient, comfortable, and flexible
Disadvantages: slightly expensive
Cost: 400,000 VND – 500,000 VND ($17 – $21) for a 4-seat car or 500,000 VND – 600,000 VND ($21 – $25) for a 7-seater
Timing: unlimited, with a one-way trip taking about 45-55 minutes (depending on traffic conditions).

Travel by motorbike

Riding a motorcycle can be a great option if you’re comfortable with it. Note that a motorcycle license is required. The route from Da Nang to Hoi An is scenic with good road conditions.

Advantages: flexible and interactive, with a great local experience of riding a motorbike
Disadvantages: a motorcycle license is required
Cost: 100,000 VND – 120,000 VND ($5) to rent a bike for one day
Timing: a one-way trip takes about 45-55 minutes (the time may vary depending on the number of stops along the way, which you may make due to the stunning views along the route).

Generally, there are many cost-effective and comfortable options for traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An. The choice will depend on your budget, time availability, and desired experience. Regardless of your method of transportation, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience and when you reach the historic town of Hoi An, you’ll find that it was worth the journey.

Top 5 exciting activities in Hoi An

Aside from exploring Hoi An’s attractions and culinary offerings, there are several recommended activities to fully experience the town.

Watch the Hoi An Memories Show

The “Memories of Hoi An” is a stunning outdoor art performance featuring over 500 professional actors. It takes place on a massive stage measuring up to 25,000 square meters, and presents the history and cultural beauty of Hoi An through its costumes, dances, and props. This show will give you a breathtaking experience of light, sound, and movement.

Release paper flower lanterns

Hoi An takes on a mysterious beauty, particularly at night. One of the most profound experiences for visitors here is releasing lanterns on the tranquil Hoai River. You can purchase a lantern for approximately 20,000 VND and join the local community in this peaceful and sacred tradition.

Take an evening boat ride on the Hoai River

The Hoai River is a branch of the Thu Bon River that runs through Hoi An and is a symbol of the historic ancient town. Young people, particularly couples in love, enjoy rowing on the river at night and releasing flower lanterns as they believe the lanterns are witnesses to their commitment and carry their wishes. The best time to take a boat ride is from 4 PM to 5 PM, just before sunset, allowing you to take in the sunset view before being captivated by the magical lights along the river at night. A boat ride can accommodate 2 to 5 passengers and typically costs 150,000 VND ($7) per person for a 30-minute ride.

A boat ride on the Hoai River is a must-try activity when visiting Hoi An.

Join in traditional games

Every night, Hoi An attracts thousands of tourists for a stroll through the heart of the old town. In addition to sightseeing and trying the town’s specialties, visitors can also participate in the traditional folk games of the Vietnamese people. Games such as bingo and chess are hosted by a passionate team of locals, who use traditional costumes and instruments, making the experience exciting and entertaining.

Savor the coffee

While it may be a familiar refrain that you should try coffee when visiting Vietnam, this is especially true in Hoi An. The coffee here is not just a drink but an experience, with atmospheric coffeehouses featuring iconic yellow color themes. Each coffeehouse exudes a nostalgic and vintage ambiance that is difficult to describe in words. You must visit, sit on one of the small bamboo chairs, and savor a rich coffee or chocolate drink while immersing yourself in the peaceful and ancient atmosphere to truly capture the essence of this charming town.

Here are some recommended coffee shops to try:

Reaching Out Tea House: 131 Tran Phu Street
Hoi An Roastery: 135 Tran Phu Street
Cocobana: 16 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
Chu Chu: 74 Tran Phu Street
Cocobox: 94 Le Loi Street
Mot Hoi An: 150 Tran Phu Street
The Chef: 166 Tran Phu Street.

A detailed travel guide for Hoi An in 2023 is for those who are planning to explore the historic ancient town. We hope you will have a perfect trip with many exciting experiences in this town!

Top attractions in Hoi An

An bang beach, where to stay in hoi an, stay in hoi an, must-try dishes in hoi an, 8 must-try foods in hoi an, other destinations, mui ne, phan thiet, ha long bay.

Hoi An was my favorite destination in Vietnam .

When I backpacked Hoi An, I fell in love.

I loved spending time by the river, watching the sunset, strolling through the narrow streets of the Old Town strung with colorful lanterns, and drinking cheap beer. The city is packed with picturesque historical homes, pagodas, and street-side cafes.

It’s amazing.

Hoi An is an extremely popular place for buying handmade clothing and is one of the main reasons why people come here. The garment industry is the city’s main non-tourist industry. You can get anything made here, from custom-made suits to gowns to sundresses to leather boots to sneakers. The tailor shops will even mail all your goods home to you.

But, even if you don’t want to shop, Hoi An makes for a relaxing destination in an otherwise hectic country as the beach is only a 15-minute bike ride out of town.

This city was also my favorite place to gorge on Vietnamese food (don’t miss trying the cau lao that Hoi An is known for!).

Use this Hoi An travel guide to figure out how to make the most of your time in this amazing city. You definitely shouldn’t miss it.

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
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Related Blogs on Hoi An

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Hoi An

The famous Japanese bridge in beautiful Hoi An, Vietnam

1. Explore My Son

My Son is one of the most important sites relating to the ancient Kingdom of Champa and is said to have been Vietnam’s religious and intellectual center. Even in their ruined state, the remaining Hindu temple structures are impressive. Over 70 temples and tombs were constructed at the site between the 4th and 13th centuries by the former Kings of Champa in honor of the Hindu god Shiva. The temples are in a 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) wide valley surrounded by mountains, and the mouth of the sacred Thu Bon River flows past them. Excavation and restoration began in the 1930s and the area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 150,000 VND per person. You can easily get to and from the site for less than 235,000 VND round-trip.

2. Relax on the beaches

An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are both close to Hoi An and are great places to spend an afternoon. Cua Dai is a 3-kilometer (2-mile) stretch of coastline that is part of the Hoi An Ancient Town UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam. It provides a gorgeous retreat from the bustling streets of the city. North of Cua Dai, just 10 minutes outside of town, you’ll find An Bang. This laid-back beach and village attract artistic types and there are plenty of bars offering lively places to party. Both beaches offer soft white sand, bright blue water, and excellent beachside restaurants.

3. Take a cooking class

Many places in Hoi An offer lessons where you can learn to make tasty local dishes. You start off by picking the raw ingredients — such as sprouts, herbs, bamboo shoots, cucumber, and other fresh veggies — at a market. Then, you learn how to prepare the food. During your class, you get to prepare traditional dishes like spring rolls, banana flower salads, Pho, and Vietnamese pancakes. Prices vary, but most cost between 700,000-1,100,000 VND. The Hoi An Eco Cooking Class is the best option for lessons and classes.

4. Take a bicycle tour

On a guided tour around the city you’ll get to explore rice fields and see some of the neighborhoods that you wouldn’t normally venture through as a tourist. A morning of bicycling around in a small group starts at around 300,000 VND. Many of them are guided by local students who offer unique perspectives on the city. Tours usually last a few hours with stops at local businesses along the way. I recommend Heaven and Earth Bicycle Tours or Grasshopper Adventures.

5. Shop at the Central Market

Hoi An’s Central Market is one of the best in Vietnam. The market sits on the riverside and is packed full of excellent food at rock-bottom prices. If you’re looking to experience the flavors of Vietnam, this is the spot. Hoi An has always been a thriving center for trade and commerce and the market has origins in the 15th century when the city was part of the empire of Cham. The market gets going as early as 6am and quickly gets busy. If you want to beat the crowds, get there early. This is the place to pick up spices and souvenirs, try local food, and have your tailoring done.

Other Things to See and Do in Hoi An

1. cross the japanese covered bridge.

This bridge is thought to have been built by Hoi An’s Japanese community in the late 16th century and roughly translated from Vietnamese, its name means “Pagoda in Japan.” NOTE: Nearly all of the attractions in the Hoi An Old Town are covered under the ticket price of 120,000 VND, including the bridge, the Old Houses, and the Museum of Folk Culture.

2. Visit Quan Cong Temple

The temple was built in the early 17th century to honor the Chin Dynasty, but nowadays it serves as one of Hoi An’s most spectacular architectural accomplishments. Inside there are two huge wooden statues, one of Quan Cong’s protector, Chau Xuong, and the other of his administrative official, Quan Binh. Of course, between them is the imposing statue of Quan Cong himself (also known as Zihuang), one of China’s most famous generals.

3. Experience Da Nang city

Located about 30 minutes from Hoi An, Da Nang is a bigger city famous for its Marble Mountains, sandy beaches, and active surfing scene. There is also an extravagant party scene here that is good for a night out once in a while. Most hostels can help groups of guests arrange transportation to and from Da Nang for the night.

4. Attend the Full Moon Festival

Hoi An’s Full Moon Festival is held on the 14th day of the lunar cycle each month and is probably the best time to visit the city if you don’t mind the crowds. The streets are shut down to all traffic and are lined with brightly colored lanterns. This is a fun time to party with locals as the streets come alive with folk music, plays, and dancing!

5. Take a trip to Cham Island

Cham Island lies just 21 kilometers (13 miles) from Hoi An in the South China Sea. The diverse marine life around Cham Island draws lots of divers, and because you’re in Vietnam, it’s very cheap to dive here (dives start from 000 VND). Most tours include lunch and free time on the beach, and it’s also possible to include a night dive in your excursion. If you are not into diving, a snorkeling tour costs around 1,060,000 VND.

6. See the Fujian Assembly Hall

Built in 1697, Fujian is the grandest of the Chinese assembly halls and is a first-rate example of Chinese architecture. The main colorful temple is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau, while the statues of Thuan Phong Nhi and Thien Ly Nhan are said to protect sailors in distress. There is a scale model of a sailboat inside too.

7. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture

This small museum aims to preserve the traditions and dress of rural Vietnamese culture. It is filled with plaster statues of figures in costumes that highlight life from here the past few centuries. There are almost 500 items in the collection and the museum is housed in a 150-year-old building. You can purchase a ticket that includes five sites of your choosing (including this museum) for 120,000 VND.

8. Head to the Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains are a series of five mountains located 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Hoi An. Besides the natural appeal, they also have many pagodas, and some also served as a base for Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnamese War. To get there, take the bus from Hoi An towards Nha Trang and get off at the Marble Mountains stop. It costs 40,000 VND to access the mountains.

9. Enter the Old Houses

Some of the houses in Hoi An have had their interiors turned into museums, giving tourists a glimpse at what life was like for wealthy merchants in the colonial and pre-colonial period. The Tan Ky and the Duc An homes are two of the more popular ones to visit and shouldn’t be missed if you’re a history buff.

Hoi An Travel Costs

The beautiful beach with chairs and umbrellas near sunny Hoi An, Vietnam

Hostel prices – Hostel dorms with 10 or more beds go for about 117,000 VND per night while dorms with fewer beds cost 200,000-300,000 VND per night. Keep in mind that most of Hoi An’s main attractions are in the Old Town, so if you want to spend most of your time there, make sure your accommodation isn’t too far away. Private rooms start at about 352,112 VND for a double. Most hostels include free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and bicycle rentals.

Budget hotel prices – A night in a two-star budget hotel costs around 470,000 VND for a double room. A number of hotels have pools, and most have air-conditioning. Some even include free breakfast.

On Airbnb, you can find a private room for around 275,000 VND. Entire homes or apartments (some with swimming pools) are available starting from 470,000 VND per night.

Food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and uses a lot of herbs and vegetables. Rice and noodle dishes are common, as are various soups such as the iconic pho (a beef noodle soup). Wonton soup, meat curry, fresh French bread (known as banh me , and grilled fish are just some of the popular dishes you’ll encounter. Standard ingredients include fish sauce, lemongrass, chili, lime, Thai basil, and mint.

Street food starts at 15,000 VND per meal. Meals in restaurants start at about 30,000 VND and go up from there. You can get delicious banh mi at Bahn Mi Phuong for less than 46,440 VND. Wine is expensive so I would skip it (especially in restaurants).

Fast food (think burger and fries) costs around 120,000 VND for a combo meal. If you want to splash out, a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 175,000 VND.

Beer costs 20,000-30,000 VND. Coffee costs about 20,000-30,000 VND.

Food is so cheap here that I would not recommend cooking your food. Just grab street food, eat cheap, and you’ll save. It will cost you more in time and money to make your own meals.

Backpacking Hoi An Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Hoi An for 600,000 VND per day. This budget covers a stay in a hostel dorm, eating street food for all of your meals (pho and banh mi are very filling!), limiting your drinking, walking or cycling everywhere, and doing mostly free activities like enjoying the beach. If you plan on drinking, add another 20,000-40,000 VND to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of about 1,125,000 VND per day covers staying in a cheap hotel, eating street food and at the occasional sit-down restaurant, enjoying a few more drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities such as museum visits and river tours.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,460,000 VND, you can stay in a nice hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, enjoy lots of drinks, and more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day. Who knows?). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in VND.

Hoi An Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Your dollar goes a long way in Hoi An (like it does in the rest of Vietnam)! That said, it never hurts to save even more money! Here are some ways to save in Hoi An:

Camp on Cham Island – If you’re heading to Cham Island on a diving trip, it’s possible to save money on accommodation by camping on the beach.
Shop around for handmade clothing – There are hundreds of tailors in Hoi An. If you’re having clothing made, check prices with a few places before settling on one. Asking a local to bring you to a tailor they trust is also a good suggestion.
Skip the SIM Card – Hoi An is highly connected to Wi-Fi. You can access the Wi-Fi in just about every hotel, shop, restaurant, and convenience store for free!
Eat at the market – Market stalls are some of the cheapest food you can find. Enjoy everything from Vietnamese donuts, banh mi , to soups and food with more substance — all for super cheap!
Rent a bicycle – Bikes can be rented starting from 30,000 VND per day. This is a great way to leisurely explore the city.
Drink in hostels – Lots of hostels have bars, cafes, restaurants, or something that acts as all three. Hostel owners know their audience, so they keep their prices down to keep people in their space. Win-win!
Pack a reusable water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter. It will save you money and thousands of plastic bottles. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An has some of the most affordable accommodation options in Vietnam. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the city (if you want to be close to the Old Town make sure to check the distance from these hostels before booking):

Sun Paradise Villa
Tribee Bana Hostel
Fuse Beachside

How to Get Around Hoi An

A local out on the river in a small boat near Hoi An, Vietnam

Everywhere in central Hoi An is within walking distance, so it’s unlikely you’ll spend much on transportation here. The city is small (there are just 152,000 people here) and walking the Old Town is part of the experience.

Bicycle or Motorbike – If you choose to explore, you can rent a bicycle for about 30,000 VND or a motorbike for 165,000 VND per day. The Old Town is closed to motor traffic during certain hours of the day, but you’ll be able to take your bicycle in there. Many hostels/hotels have bicycle rentals available as well.

Cyclo – Cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) are common within the Old Town, and they make a leisurely way to get around. The cyclos can hold up to two people at a time and the drivers are super friendly and often keen to point out landmarks. You can negotiate a fixed hourly rate, or expect to pay about 22,000 VND per kilometer.

Taxi – The taxis are metered (and cheap) here. They start around 20,000 VND for the first kilometer and around 27,000 VND per kilometer after that. Grabbing a taxi from the airport to the center of the city should take about 30 minutes and costs about 200,000-330,000 VND. Don’t go in an unmetered taxi.

Car rental – You won’t need a car to get around Hoi An, and I wouldn’t recommend driving here as the roads are very hectic and the rules are almost never followed. Accidents are common so skip the car rental here.

When to Go to Hoi An

Hoi An is warm the whole year round, with an average daily temperature of 29°C (84°F). It rarely ever goes below 19°C (66°F) here. Unlike Northern Vietnam, Hoi An only has two seasons: rainy, and dry.

February through May is the best time to visit Hoi An thanks to pleasant daily temperatures and endless blue skies. If you want to hit the beaches (like Cua Dai and An Bang) this is also an excellent time to come.

June through August are the hottest months, with temperatures soaring as high as 38°C (100°F). Humidity can be high as well.

Hoi An’s rainy season lasts from September to January, with frequent heavy rain showers. These showers typically do not last long, but Hoi An has been prone to flooding in the past. Tourism traffic is also slowest during this time so expect lower prices.

If you want some excitement during your visit, plan your trip around the 14th day of the month’s lunar cycle. This is Hoi An’s Full Moon Festival and the city comes alive with music, dance, and celebrations.

How to Stay Safe in Hoi An

Hoi An is a very safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo or as a solo female traveler. Violent crime against travelers is infrequent, and petty crime isn’t a huge deal here either. In crowded places (especially the markets) you’ll want to keep your purse/wallet close and be mindful of the activity around you.

Be on the alert for scams. Most people are really just going to try to nickel and dime you and try to get you to spend extra money since they know, as a tourist, you have more than they do. Just keep an eye out.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase suitable travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Hoi An Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Hoi An Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Vietnam travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Biking the Mekong Delta in Vietnam

Why I’ll Never Return to Vietnam

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

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Ultimate Guide: What to Do in Hoi An Vietnam

Hoi An has become our favorite destination in Central Vietnam , if not all of Southeast Asia. Its old world charm, recognized with a UNESCO World Heritage designation, variety of restaurant options , and full moon lantern festivals draw visitors from around the world to this unique port town.

While tourism does overwhelm certain parts of Hoi An sometimes, we still find it very worthwhile to visit.

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Vietnam? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Vietnam here: What you need to know about Vietnam travel right now

In this post we’ll share:

Map of places to visit – get the interactive version free via e-mail
3 absolute “must do’s” for first time visitors
Recommended best things to do in Hoi An
Local food to try in Hoi An
Where to stay and how to get around

Notes: This post was updated March 2024, originally published 2016. Our article contains affiliate links, which means if you use our links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. (We only recommend things we love and believe in.)

Jedd and Michelle in Ancient Town | What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

After our first stay in Hoi An back in 2016, it became one of our favorite places to visit. We started returning for months at a time. We have stayed in Hoi An five times and counting, about 9 months in total.

Map of Places to Eat and Things to See in Hoi An

We created an interactive map of all the attractions and restaurants in Hoi An that we love – including some we didn’t have space to mention in this post. You can click on each map point to see more details (pictures, prices, and our tips).

Table of Contents

Top 3 Must Do Hoi An Activities

Whenever someone visiting Vietnam asks me what they should do in Hoi An, these are the top three things I think every first time visitor absolutely must do :

1. Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Ancient Town lights at night | What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

By far the biggest attraction in Hoi An Vietnam is the area called Ancient Town, a.k.a Old Town. I’ve highlighted this area on our interactive map.

Hoi An’s Ancient Town has earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation and “most charming city in the world” by Travel + Leisure in 2019.

This well-preserved trading port dates from the 15th to the 19th century with influences from China, Japan, and Europe. Today, the area is full of shops and restaurants with endless opportunities for beautiful photos.

Some highlights of Ancient Town include the Japanese Bridge (under construction in 2024) , traditional temples, local markets, lantern-lined pedestrian streets and riverside. More on these later.

Full disclosure: Your experience of Ancient Town will vary drastically depending on the time of day you visit. Even during the time we’ve been coming here (since 2016), the area has continued to change and get more crowded.

In the evening, tour groups are brought in the by bus load. Groups of 20, 30, or more follow their guide en masse, which quickly fills the streets.

Everyone should witness the beauty (and buzz) of the illuminated Ancient Town in the evening at least once.

However, to truly enjoy Ancient Town without crowds of tourists, visit around 7am . Before the souvenir shops are open, only local people can be found shopping for produce and poultry at the market or picking up breakfast from a street vendor.

How To: Use our interactive Hoi An map to make your own self-guided walking tour.

2. Explore the outskirts of Hoi An

While Ancient Town is the main draw for tourism, the rest of Hoi An provides foreigners an accessible immersion into the beauty and culture of everyday Vietnam.

Natural beauty , like the rice paddies, vegetable gardens, small farms, and the beach are all within easy reach.

Walking or riding through the neighborhoods of Hoi An gives a glimpse of family shrines, backyard chickens, neighborhood coffee shops, and living rooms that open to the street. We encourage visitors to observe local life this way, while of course, always being respectful and conscious of boundaries.

If you’re only in Hoi An for 1 or 2 days, I recommend either riding a bicycle around the rice paddies and outer neighborhoods of Hoi An (see our recommended bike route) or booking a half day motorbike tour .

If you have more time in Hoi An, there are plenty more historic and cultural experiences, from archeological temple ruins to artisan villages, that make great day trips from Hoi An . Read on for details.

How To: Use our interactive Hoi An map to follow our self-guided cycling route or book a guided tour.

We recommend: Mr. Phu Motorbike Tour Adventures Bicycling Tour Around Hoi An Countryside

3. Eat in Hoi An!

Long Com Ga - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

In Hoi An, you can find a huge range of dining options , from cheap street food to high end restaurants and everything in between. There’s hyper-local cuisine , like noodles that are only made in Hoi An, as well as Central Vietnam regional specialties and Vietnamese dishes from the North and South.

Plus, there are plenty of other international cuisines, too – burgers, sushi, pizza, Greek, Indian, Italian, French, Thai, etc. There are quite a few vegetarian and whole foods vegan restaurants as well.

Food in Hoi An is generally safe to eat. Hygiene standards vary when it comes to street food stalls, but we never worry about getting sick when dining out at local restaurants. Yes, we eat fresh, raw vegetables and herbs here, though we only drink bottled water.

Plenty of Hoi An restaurants cater to tourists (or a mix of Vietnamese and foreign clientele). Because TripAdvisor is so revered here, there’s a natural accountability through online reviews.

How To: Use our interactive Hoi An map to find our recommended restaurants and read our guide to eating in Hoi An .

Explore Hoi An Food with a Local

collage of local producers, food, and tour guide in Hoi An vietnam

Looking for a local guide to take you off the beaten path and introduce you to authentic, local foods in Hoi An? You won’t find a better experience than this Hidden Gems Hoi An Food Tour .

Not only will you enjoy your fill of Hoi An’s famous specialties and lesser-known treats, you’ll also meet local producers, learn about their traditional methods that have passed down for generations, and explore back alleys you’d never find on your own.

Book your Hidden Gems tour through Viator >

More of the Best Things to Do in Hoi An Vietnam

Japanese Bridge - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

Walk and Shop in Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage buildings reflect influences from China, Japan, and Europe – such as the Japanese Bridge pictured above.

You could spend at least half a day wandering the golden-walled streets, shops, and historic sites.

It’s a photographer’s dream, though the area gets busy as evening comes . Colorful lanterns illuminate the streets but crowds of tour groups make getting around less fun at night.

As mentioned before, the nicest time to visit Ancient Town without tourist crowds is around 7am.

Riding a motorcycle at Hoi An Tet - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

The Ancient Town area north of the Thu Bon River has booths selling entrance tickets (120,000 VND for foreign visitors) as you enter the UNESCO World Heritage zone.

Enforcement of the entrance fee has varied over the years. Signs around Hoi An encourage purchasing the ticket to support restoration and upkeep of the ancient town. During our 2023 visit, tickets were not required to enter Old Town, at least for individuals visiting without a tour guide.

The ticket apparently doesn’t expire, so if you get one, keep it on you just in case you’re asked for it.

The ticket covers entrance to your choice of 5 out of the 20+ heritage sites:

– Japanese Covered Bridge museum – Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House – Several traditional Vietnamese Old Houses – Chinese Assembly Halls – Museums: Sa Huỳnh culture, Trade ceramics, Folk culture, Traditional medicine and History and culture – Temples and pagodas, family chapels, and communal houses of worship

Explore the local market in Ancient Town

Hoi An market- What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

Visiting local markets is always one of our favorite activities when we travel. Hoi An’s produce market is on the east end of the Old Town, bordered to the south by the river.

One of our homestay family members took us the first time as part of a cooking class, and we returned frequently to buy our new favorite fruits: bon bon (a.k.a langsat ) in the Fall; and rambutan in early Spring.

There is bicycle parking next to the market for a small fee.

Heads up! Motorcycles and bicycles drive through the narrow alleys around the market, so stay alert when you’re wandering around.

P.S. We put together an interactive map of all these recommendations, including bicycle parking locations, a cycling route, and all of our best tips in an ultimate Hoi An Travel Guide.

Shop for souvenirs

Souvenir shops are plentiful in the Old Town and surrounding areas. Most shops don’t display prices because you are meant to bargain.

You can buy: – clothing – woodwork – jewelry – handicrafts – collapsible lanterns – leather goods – paintings – many other gift items

Quality and craftsmanship vary, so you can find very cheap souvenirs as well as high-end crafts at near-Western prices.

We recommend: Reaching Out Arts & Crafts – truly beautiful crafts made by local artists with disabilities

Get a custom outfit made at a Hoi An tailor shop

Tailors are another popular draw to Hoi An. Nearly every street corner has at least one tailor shop – if not three or four.

If you’re in the market for made-to-order, custom clothing , then Hoi An is the place to get it quickly and affordably. You can have them tailor something you already own, copy a style from a photo, or create an outfit from scratch.

Not all tailors provide equal quality or choice, and some outsource the work. Full custom suits can be made for $60 to $100, or more for higher quality materials. When we got a quote for a fitted jacket only, one shop was asking $180. Quick resizing of shirts is about $5.

Hoi An tailors are accustomed to visitors needing garments finished quickly. Plan to visit early in your trip and allow 3-4 days for more complex designs that might need multiple adjustments.

We recommend: Two Ladies Tailor on Trần Hưng Đạo Street

View the portraits at Precious Heritage Gallery

There are a number of art galleries in Hoi An. Our favorite gallery has the captivating portraits by French photographer, Rehahn at the Precious Heritage Art Gallery and Museum. Entrance is free.

How to: Stop by 26 Đường Phan Bội Châu from 8am-8pm

Experience Hoi An’s lantern festival

Lantern Festival - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

Lantern festivals take place during the full moon each month. To be honest, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit during lantern festival anymore.

Colorful lanterns adorn the streets of the Old Town year-round, so you can always get picturesque photos any time you go.

But when the moon is full, building lights are dimmed to highlight the lanterns. Floating lanterns are sold for about 25 cents, the idea being that you make a wish and release it into the river.

It’s actually become quite a commercial event. This used to be the busiest night in Ancient Town each month, but we’ve noticed that the floating lantern tradition has become a daily occurrence for the benefit of tourists.

Boats and canoes illuminated with lanterns have also become a regular nightly activity, taking tourists on the river for about 20 minutes for a flat fee. We’ve heard that you may be pressured for a tip at the end.

Sometimes there’s also live music on the streets. Many visitors find restaurants with patios where they can watch all the activity while enjoying dinner or drinks.

Relax at Hoi An’s beach

Beach - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

The beach is just a bike ride away from Hoi An. There are actually two beaches – An Bang and Cua Dai . Unfortunately, both beaches have eroded and depending on the time of your visit, may be found in different states of restoration.

The bike ride from town to the beach is easy.

Note that you cannot bring bikes onto An Bang beach, but you can park a block away from the entrance for 5,000 VND each (about 20 cents) or for free behind some of the restaurants.

Many locals come to exercise and swim at the beach in the mornings and you can see the basket-like boats that are used for fishing in the ocean.

There are also many beach-side seafood restaurants and cafes at An Bang with beach chairs, palapas, and places to get massages nearby.

Cua Dai beach has a small shop, volleyball net and a few vendors selling coconuts and other refreshments. As of 2023, Cua Dai beach is still much less developed for tourism compared to An Bang.

Explore the outskirts of Hoi An by bicycle

things to do in Hoi An on a budget - biking around

We’ll talk more about getting around by bicycle later on, but we often chose biking over walking because of the heat. On a bike you get a nice breeze and it takes little effort because Hoi An is fairly flat.

Here are some of the places around Hoi An you can visit easily by bicycle:

– The Kim Bong wood carving village is across the river via a narrow, metal bridge. There, you’ll find some local wood shops and handmade souvenirs. – We also took a leisurely ride on Cam Nam island, starting from the market. There aren’t any big attractions but it’s nice to explore and relatively quiet in the middle of the day. – An Bang beach is another good destination to visit by bike. – Tra Que vegetable village and the surrounding rice fields are usually quiet and relaxing – this can be done on the way to the beach as well. – Van Duc pagoda is a Buddhist temple and monastery with nice grounds to explore. Be sure to dress appropriately with covered shoulders and knees.

How To: Follow our self-guided cycling route, included with our Interactive Map + Hoi An Travel Guide

Get a massage

Hoi An has a large number of spas that offer beauty and massage services. One hour body massages can be found for $12 and up. Some spas will coordinate transportation pick up and drop off from your accommodations.

Massages in Vietnam tend to be a little less intense than Thai-style, though you can still find Thai massages or those with strong pressure and stretching here. Relaxing oil massage and foot massages are also common.

How To: Find our spa recommendations on our interactive Hoi An map

Try a cooking class

Many homestays and restaurants in Hoi An offer cooking classes. The most budget friendly is probably cooking with your homestay hosts – ours was $5 per person – and it’s a great way to get to know the family better.

We also enjoyed a cooking class, market visit, and boat ride with a local family restaurant. This half day experience helps you see many aspects of daily life for locals in Hoi An.

After purchasing vegetables from the market with our guide, we returned to her home restaurant via a peaceful basket boat. Then we prepared a set meal together and dined on our creation. Afterward, the teacher emailed us the recipes.

Check out local cooking classes here >

Try Vietnamese coffee and tea

Locals of Hoi An love to hang out in coffee shops, and there are all different kinds in town.

The most basic coffee shops have short chairs and a small menu – you’ll see them full of young Vietnamese men smoking, sipping coffee, scrolling on their phones, or having a chat.

Other cafes have a little more atmosphere and are popular for group gatherings – our personal favorites are Cong Ca Phe and Magnolia (a.k.a. Moc Lan) on the river, where we would sometimes go to work.

We like the local white coffee, also called milk coffee – strong, small, with sweetened condensed milk. For a special treat, try coconut coffee – it’s like a coconut milk snow cone with coffee poured over.

And though Hanoi is really the best place to get sweet, creamy egg coffee , it is now more frequently found in Hanoi as well.

Cocobox - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

For higher-end and Western style coffee shops, there’s Highlands Coffee, Cocobox (pictured above), and several Hoi An Roastery locations.

If you’re looking for a tasting experience with specialty coffee or tea to take home, check out Hoachampa Coffee and Tea or the Reaching Out Teahouse, both in Ancient Town.

Reaching Out is part of a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment for people with hearing impairments, so the cafe is meant to be silent/whisper-only and word blocks are provided to help communicate with the staff.

Make your own souvenir at a Lantern Making Class

best things to do in Hoi An - lantern class

Hoi An’s lanterns are an icon of the town. At local lantern workshops, you can learn the delicate process of making lanterns with bamboo and silk cloth. And thanks to the expert guidance of the local craftsman, you can make a lantern yourself.

Basic lanterns take at least 2 hours to complete. The teacher will guide you through the steps and help make any necessary adjustments. In the end, you come away with a handmade souvenir you can take home (the lanterns fold up into a cylinder for transport).

We really enjoyed our private class with Hoi An Handicraft Tours.

We recommend: Lantern Making Class with Hoi An Handicraft Tours

Hoi An Photo Shoot with a Personal Photographer

photographers in Hoi An doing photo shoot

Ancient Town is one of Vietnam’s most photogenic destinations, so it’s no surprise that photography is one of the most popular activities here.

collage of authors Michelle and Jedd in Hoi An photoshoot

We needed updated photos for our website that included both of us (not just selfies), so we worked with Trung of Hoi An Photographer and can recommend their service.

Schedule a photo shoot with Hoi An Photographer here >

Cowork at Hub Hoi An

Hub Hoi An collage - coworking desks with rice fields views, community lounge

For remote workers and digital nomads, Hoi An is a great place to work online . To connect with a community of international nomads and enjoy one of Vietnam’s most beautiful workspaces, check out the coworking space at Hub Hoi An .

The Hub reopened in a new location (very close to the original spot) in 2023, and the space is even more stunning.

You can purchase a monthly membership as well as weekly, daily, or flex passes. Set up at a desk indoors or in open air, enjoy free coffee and tea, and take advantage of blazing fast wifi (300 MB upload and download).

The Hub is just as much about community as it is about a place to work. They often host community lunches, game nights, or go out to dinner together. They can also set you up with a nearby homestay, motorbike rental, and other local business discounts so it’s easy to hit the ground running.

Day Trips from Hoi An

Hoi An is a great base to do some pretty cool day trips. Two of the most popular day trip destinations are My Son Sanctuary and the Marble Mountains .

Both of these day trips can be visited independently, as part of a motorbike tour, or through a guided day tour by van or bus.

The My Son temple ruins are an archeological site about half an hour away by motorcycle. There is a small museum with English translations and then little shuttles that drive you out a mile or two to the ruins (it’s also a nice walk as long as it’s cool out).

There are a number of different plots with temples, and you can walk through all of them within an hour. Sadly, many of the temples were heavily affected by the Vietnam-American war, and you can even see craters from the places where bombs landed.

Even so, several areas have been preserved. Hiring a guide on site or joining a group tour is a good idea to add more context when you visit My Son.

Hue to Hoi An Motorbike Tour, Central Vietnam | Intentional Travelers

Marble Mountains are both a natural and cultural site, located between Hoi An and Da Nang .

It’s hard to describe. They’re karst formations that pop out of otherwise flat land. You can walk around and through various caves, which are used as sacred temples and hold historical significance even from the Vietnam-American War.

You can also climb to some nice viewpoints. The area also has many marble and stone statue shops around here, which are interesting to check out as well.

You might also like this post: Best Day Trips from Hoi An Vietnam

What to Eat in Hoi An

Central Vietnam , and Hoi An itself, have some unique regional cuisine that can’t be found (at least not widely) in other parts of the country.

Below are some of the local specialties you should definitely seek out.

For a more detailed food guide, see our post on Best Food and Hoi An Restaurants .

Cao Lau - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

Cao Lau noodles
Mi Quang noodles
White Rose dumplings
Bahn Xeo savory pancake
Bun Thit Nuong (noodles)
Com Ga chicken rice
Banh Mi sandwiches
Vietnamese Coffee

Restaurant Recommendations in Hoi An

The small restaurant is clean with actual sit-down tables, English menus, and most staff understand English as well. Conveniently located on the edge of Ancient Town, yet it maintains reasonable prices. The food is tasty, and we’ve never had a dish we didn’t like there.

Madame Kanh Bánh Mì Queen originally gave you just one option: with or without chilis. Since then, the menu choices have expanded, and she’s moved into a nicer storefront.

Our favorite “Mixed” sandwich comes with egg, pate, pork, and pickled veggies. It’s slightly sweet, truly scrumptious, filling and definitely worth the 30,000 VND. You can eat in or take away – and it gets pretty busy during peak meal times, but there’s additional seating on the second floor.

For many more restaurant recommendations, including Vietnamese food as well as other cuisines – like Greek souvlaki, fusion tacos, vegetarian and vegan, desserts and pastries – purchase our curated Hoi An map and 50+ page Hoi An Travel Guide.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An has an abundance of choices when it comes to accommodations. From fancy boutique hotels to family-run homestays to backpacker hostels, you’ll find it all. Just maybe not a Marriott or a Hilton.

See our complete guide on where to stay in Hoi An here

Many accommodations can be found around the Old Town area or within walking distance. Others will be in neighborhoods out by the rice paddies or the beach – these may be more peaceful but would require a bike or taxi to get around.

Staying closer to Old Town (the highlighted area on our map) is recommended if you have only one or two days to stay. However, we prefer to stay just outside of this touristy area for a more calm experience.

In our opinion, a family-run homestay is the perfect choice for intentional travelers. There is quite a variety even among homestay options, and reading reviews is critical for finding something that’s right for you.

Leaf Homestay - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

We chose our first homestay based on great reviews on Airbnb and the family’s emphasis on sharing culture with their guests . They retired during the pandemic, but were an excellent example of the amazing experience Hoi An families can provide through homestay.

The owners started the homestay by remodeling their house and enlisting the help of extended family to run day-to-day tasks. The private bedrooms were appointed like nice hotel rooms, each with its own bathroom and mini fridge .

Located a short bike ride into Old Town, there was easy access to the main road leading out to An Bang beach (about 10-15 minutes by bike). Across the street were fields of rice paddies. Bicycles were included and they arranged a motorcycle rental as well.

The wifi was pretty strong and, for the most part, consistent. Another great benefit was that breakfast was included.

Each night we let them know our breakfast and drink choice for the following morning – options included local specialties like pho, cao lau, and mi quang or you could get a baguette with egg, omelette, or cheese and jam. We loved their Vietnamese “white coffee” with sweetened condensed milk.

What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

Our host was a big advocate for cross-cultural exchange and offered a number of activities guests could participate in with them throughout the week. Cooking class and family dinner, language lessons, visits to the family’s wood carving workshop in a nearby village.

Although they were all still working to improve their English, they were always super attentive and helpful whenever we needed anything. There were also a number of special things that we enjoyed with the family because we stayed longer than most guests.

We returned to stay with the family on three occasions, for a total of about 4 months over the years. Though they no longer host guests, we still get together with them when we’re in town. We strongly encourage you to seek out personal connections like this of your own in Hoi An!

Other Guest Houses and Hotels in Hoi An

We have also enjoyed staying at Yen Villa Homestay for their generous breakfast and nice neighborhood setting. Also the The View Homestay , for its central location and good value.

We’ve done quite a bit of research into accommodations in Hoi An, partly for tours we’re hosting and also so we’d know what to recommend to our readers.

We literally biked around to the best rated hotels, homestays, and villas in the top areas to see them for ourselves.

Getting Around in Hoi An

Biking and walking are the best methods of transportation for most purposes. We happened to be in Hoi An in October, during the rainy season, so we quickly learned the value of carrying umbrellas and ponchos with us.

When the rain comes, it pours. You can get completely drenched in a matter of seconds, and roads can flood quickly as well. When we returned in February and March, rain was rare and not as heavy.

Motorcycles or moped rentals are another option, if that’s what you prefer. Helmets are required for motorized vehicles in Vietnam and it’s best to have an international license with motorcycle permit.

Taxis, Grab rideshare, and electric Hoi An shuttle buses are also options to get around Hoi An. Since Vietnam is built for motorbikes, cars have a little more difficulty getting through traffic, so always allow yourself extra time when traveling by vehicle.

The main taxi service in Hoi An are the green Mai Linh taxi cars, which you can always find at the corner of Tran Hung Dao and Le Loi.

To skip dealing with the language barrier and negotiating prices in cash, we usually prefer Grab – a rideshare app in Southeast Asia.

Grab drivers are not as common in Hoi An as they are in other cities, so don’t be surprised if you’re waiting a while for a driver to come. The Grab app often designates specific pick up points in Hoi An, so rather than call the driver to your current location, you may need to walk to the nearest pick up location.

New as of 2019 are electric shuttle buses , which usually hang out where Phan Chu Trinh meets Hoang Dieu street. You can hire a private shuttle for up to 8 people for sightseeing. Rather than meters like the taxis use, the shuttle will give you a fixed price in advance based on where you want to go or the duration of time you want to ride.

New in 2024 are turquoise electric vehicle taxis and motorbikes from Xanh SM . They also have a ride-share and rental app.

Rules of the road in Vietnam

Regardless of which vehicle you take, it’s important to observe the rules of the road carefully before jumping in, because they are different in Vietnam. Some say “there are no rules” but they’re actually more unspoken rules .

For example, right of way is usually determined by the size of the vehicle . Trucks beat cars, cars beat motorcycles, motorcycles beat bicycles, etc.

You must be very attentive and alert while driving or biking, but you can trust that others will be doing the same. Only go as fast as your ability to react to obstacles allows.

Everyone is responsible for the space in front of them , which means drivers don’t worry about what’s going on behind them because that’s someone else’s job. Be aware the people will not look when backing up a bike into the road, so you are responsible for slowing down and avoiding them.

People will also drive on the opposite side of the road for short periods and will take left turns before oncoming traffic has passed. So keep an eye out for people coming from every direction – not just the directions you might expect.

If you can handle that and stay calm, you’ll be good to go. Traffic tends to move relatively slowly, so stay calm, stay alert, and enjoy the harmony amidst chaos!

Bike - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

There are a number of places in Hoi An where paid bike parking is required – for example, to enjoy An Bang beach or to enter Old Town during bike-free times.

These spaces are watched over by an attendant, so they will charge a small fee. Otherwise, when you’re on any other street and parking at a restaurant, we found it was best to ask the restaurant staff where to park bikes because certain spaces can be off limits.

Compare and book Vietnam train tickets, bus tickets, and car hires on BookAway >

Our Top Tips for Intentional Travel in Hoi An

Save all this info offline! It’s included with our curated Hoi An Map and Travel Guide .
Try to make a local connection , whether it’s staying in a family homestay or hiring a local guide. We recommend doing the local-led Hidden Gems Hoi An Food Tour . Also check out the experience listings on LikeLocal.
Shop at family owned, independent businesses and support local artisans when purchasing souvenirs
Visit the Ancient Town during off-peak times , like early morning, to avoid crowds
Take this article with you as your guide! Upload the article for free to your phone with the GPSmyCity app . (You can also upgrade to get an offline GPS map that guides you to each location we mention. Or subscribe to access all articles and maps for a full year.)
For more guidance, see: how to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas and our simple rules for intentional travel series

For further reading about Hoi An:

– Our Ultimate Hoi An Travel Guide + Curated Map – Best food in Hoi An: Our favorite restaurants – Where to stay in Hoi An – 5 Best day trips from Hoi An – 3 Day Hoi An Itinerary and Self-Guided Walking Tour Map – Hue to Hoi An Motorbike Tour/Transfer

For other Vietnam destinations:

– Suggested Vietnam Itineraries: 10+ Days in Vietnam – Best Central Vietnam Destinations – Unique Things to Do in Da Nang Vietnam – A budget guide to Ninh Binh – A budget guide to Hue – A budget guide to Hanoi – Dalat Vietnam Itinerary – A budget guide to Mai Chau Vietnam

Best of Hoi An Vietnam on a Budget - What to See, Do, and Eat in Hoi An, Vietnam on a Budget | Intentional Travelers

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Thanks for taking the time to share your travel experience. I have to let you know that you incorrectly spelled the word “Bahn My,” It should by “Banh My.”

Thanks for reading! I’ve always seen it written bahn mi – maybe it’s regional??

Banh mi is the correct one, although some regions use banh my.

Beautiful post! There was this vegetarian restaurant, Minh Hien, that was so good that we had to go back a second time after trying a few other “chay” eateries that did not live up to Minh Hien. I also recommend taking a motorbike trip up to Danang, the Hai Van Pass, and Marble Mountains if one didn’t stop there yet!

Thanks for the recommendations! We did the motorbike tour to get ourselves from Hue to Hoi An and it was pretty awesome.

The Best 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary for Solo Travelers in 2024

**This post contains affiliate links, which means if you buy something through those links I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Click here to view my legal page . Thank you for your support!

This is the best 3-day Hoi An itinerary for solo female travelers! Back in 2022, I spent three days shopping in street markets, sipping on Vietnamese coffee, photographing picturesque streets, and eating my way through Hoi An’s best restaurants. Keep reading to find out how to spend a long weekend in Hoi An Vietnam .

Hoi An is a quaint, colorful, and charming ancient town located only a short drive from the bustling metropolitan city of Da Nang. Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a whole month traveling around Vietnam experiencing and eating the best that this vibrant country has to offer. Before I ever arrived in Southeast Asia, I knew Hoi An was a must-see for any first-time Vietnam visitor. My Hoi An itinerary is filled with my favorite travel tips, authentic Vietnamese restaurants, the best cultural attractions, the prettiest photo spots, and more things to do in Hoi An.

Sneak peek of the beautiful Thu Bon River pictured below!

Rowboats on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An decorated in colorful lanterns.

Find what you need:

The Lazy Girl’s 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary

👉🏼 day 1 in hoi an:.

Sample some of Hoi An’s best coffee spots ☕️
Get custom clothes made by a tailor 👗
Grab a famous banh mi from Banh Mi Phuong 🥖
Tour the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall 🇨🇳
…the Hainan Assembly Hall 🌸
…and the Japanese Bridge 🇯🇵
Enjoy a traditional dinner at Morning Glory Restaurant 🍖
Take a Night Market walking tour with a boat ride 🌙

👉🏼 Day 3 in Hoi An:

Start the day with a traditional Cooking Class 👩🏼‍🍳
Visit the beautiful Chua Long Tuyen Pagoda 🐉
Take a lap around the Precious Heritage Museum and learn about centuries of Vietnamese history 🇻🇳
Visit the Cho Hoi An Central Market 🥬
Have another banh mi at one of the best spots in town— Madam Khanh The Banh Mi Queen 🥖
Sample the local nightlife in Hoi An 🍸 or book a pub crawl !
Have breakfast at Buttercup by Rosie’s 🥯
Take a day trip on your last day in Hoi An! Popular choices include the My Son Sanctuary , Hoi An’s Coconut Village for basket boat rides , the world-famous Golden Hand Bridge , or a simple beach day at An Bang Beach 🏝️
Order cao lau at the Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh Restaurant for your last dinner in Hoi An 🍜

Step #1: Buying a Ticket to Old Town Hoi An

If you’d like to admire the city’s ancient heritage sites when you visit Hoi An, the Hoi An Old Town Ticket is going to be the right move. Many of the best attractions in Old Town require a pre-purchased entry ticket that can be bought at one of the many ticket stands around town. The ticket costs 120,000 VND (around 5 USD) and buys you entrance to five sites of your choosing.

Keep in mind that Old Town bans all motorized vehicles after 3:00 PM. It’s a lot more enjoyable to wander around the city in the afternoon!

Views of the quaint and colorful streets of Hoi An. It's summer, and the pink flowers are in full bloom.

Day One: Tailored Clothing, Phuc Kien, Hainan Assembly, Japanese Bridge, and the Night Market

Let’s get to the good part—what to do in Hoi An. Hoi An is a magical city…with photo spots around every corner. If you follow my Hoi An itinerary, you’ll see the best that this UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer, and have the photos to prove it.

Your first day in Hoi An will be filled with some seriously delicious coffee, three of the city’s most famous landmarks, yummy traditional meals, and a visit to the night market. And don’t worry if you’re visiting Hoi An solo—it’s definitely possible to capture amazing photos as a solo traveler .

Enjoy Hoi An’s Coffee Culture

Vietnam is known for serving some of the best coffee in Southeast Asia—and Hoi An is no exception. If you love your morning cup of Joe, make sure to enjoy Hoi An’s coffee scene during your 3-day Hoi An itinerary.

During my time in Hoi An, I visited three exceptional coffee shops: 92 Station, Faifo Coffee, and The Espresso Station. Both 92 Station and Faifo Coffee were 3-story shops with gorgeous rooftop views of Old Town from floor #3. The Espresso Station was a quaint and colorful little coffee shop with phenomenal espresso and a large garden seating area.

The outdoor patio of The Espresso Station coffee shop in Hoi An—the walls are bright yellow and the shutters are bright blue.

Get Custom Clothes Made

Hoi An is well-known in the traveling community as the place to order custom-made clothes. The city is dotted with tailor shops, and NONE of them are shy about wanting your business. Expect to be constantly harassed by shop owners as you walk down the street.

Although I had limited suitcase space, I wanted to get one piece made in Hoi An (you know—for the mems). A friend I met in the hostel suggested Peace Tailors , so we headed over to browse their designs.

I looked through a design book (that was mostly screenshots from Shein 😂) and settled on a simple dress with spaghetti straps (the red dress featured in the Chua Long Tuyen Pagoda shots below). I picked out my fabric and the tailor took my measurements. The next day, we stopped by for the first fitting and the tailor made a few changes. The following day, my dress was ready for pickup!

Although I enjoyed my overall experience with Peace Tailors, my advice would be to shop around before deciding on a shop. I realized (too late) that I wasn’t in love with any of the fabric options and should have browsed the nearby shops for fabric I liked more.

Coats made by Peace Tailors. Getting custom clothes made is a must-add to your Hoi An itinerary.

Have Lunch at Banh Mi Phuong

According to Anthony Bourdain, Hoi An’s Banh Mi Phuong is home to the best banh mi sandwich in Vietnam. Although, I wouldn’t go quite that far (my personal favorite is listed on my Ho Chi Minh City itinerary ), I did thoroughly enjoy my banh mi with avocado! With prices ranging from 15,000-35,000 VND ($0.65-$1.50), this is not a banh mi spot to be missed on your Hoi An itinerary.

A banh mi with avocado from Banh Mi Phuong—Anthony Bourdain's favorite banh mi in Vietnam.

Phuc Kien Assembly

Admiring the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (or Fukien Assembly Hall) is one of the best things to do in Hoi An—especially for solo travelers. Built in 1690, this assembly hall was originally built for a Chinese group from Fujian to socialize. Later, it was converted into a temple to the diety Thien Hau: the Goddess of the Sea. It was believed that she protected sailors from danger.

Conveniently, the Phuc Kien Assembly does not require an Old Town ticket. Entrance is free!

Me in a blue maxi dress outside of the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Be sure to add a stop here to your Hoi An itinerary.

Hainan Assembly Hall

The Hainan Assembly was built in 1851 as a memorial to the merchants traveling from Hainan to Hoi An who were killed in Quang Nam after being mistaken as pirates. The front hall, main hall and open air courtyard are all ornately decorated and stunningly beautiful. It’s clear why the Hainan Assembly Hall is one of the most visited structures in Hoi An!

To enter the hall during your 3 day Hoi An itinerary, you’ll need a valid Old Town Ticket.

Me sitting on a bench in the open air courtyard of the Hainan Assembly Hall in Hoi An.

The Japanese Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is a long-standing symbol of Hoi An. It was constructed way back in 1590 by the Japanese community as a link to the Chinese quarters.

Unfortunately, due to insane crowds, I wasn’t able to wander over the actual bridge. However, keep in mind that walking over the bridge does count as one of your five attractions on the Old Town Ticket.

Next to the Japanese Bridge is one of the cutest stores in town—Sunday in Hoi An. Stop by to browse their jewelry and home goods collection and enjoy their photo-worthy, pastel decor!

Morning Glory Restaurant

This street food-stye restaurant was the site of my favorite meal in Hoi An. The region is known for a dish that’s a little hard to find around the rest of the country: crispy pancakes. Morning Glory’s Hoi An Crispy Pancakes with Grilled Pork Skewers consisted of crispy rice flour pancakes filled with pork, shrimp and beansprouts. The dish is accompanied by barbecued pork skewers, salad, dipping sauce and fresh spring roll wrappers.

The waitress was kind enough to give me a quick lesson on how to eat this scrumptious dish. First, cut the crispy pancake into strips. Next, roll up the pancake, salad, and bean sprouts into the rice paper to make a DIY spring roll. Dip into the sauce, and you’ve got a delicious Vietnamese lunch!

If you make it to Morning Glory, I also suggest ordering the White Rose Dumplings. Consisting of rice flour dumplings filled with shrimp and mixed veggies, these are another delicious dish well-known around Hoi An.

Crispy pancakes and white rose dumplings from Morning Glory Restaurant in Hoi An.

Visit the Nguyen Hoang Night Market

One of Southeast Asia ‘s biggest appeals are the unique and exciting night markets that dot every city in every country. Hoi An’s famous night market, Nguyen Hoang, is a must-see on any Hoi An itinerary. From 5:00 -11:00 PM every day, the street in front of the Japanese Bridge comes alive with street vendors selling lanterns, local cuisine, and all sorts of trinkets and souvenirs.

Pro tip: after sunset, snap a pic with the light up lanterns at one of the many lantern vendor stalls!

Me walking through the Nguyen Hoang Night Market and posing in front of a wall of colorful lanterns.

Day Two: Cooking Class, Chua Long Tuyen, Heritage Museum, Banh Mis, and Nightlife

Hopefully you’re already head-over-heels in love with the city, because it’s time for day #2 on your Hoi An itinerary! Today will be filled with a traditional cooking class (one of my personal favorite activities in any new city), a visit to Chua Long Tuyen (one of the most stunning spots in Hoi An), a lap through the Precious Heritage Museum, and dabbling in Hoi An’s nightlife scene.

Don’t worry—I didn’t forget about the most important part. You’ll find another of my favorite Hoi An restaurants on day #2: appropriately named the Banh Mi Queen.

Take a Cooking Class

It’s no secret that I love an international cooking class. I signed up for a lovely cooking class in Hanoi which, since I visited on the tail end of the pandemic, ended up being a private class for the regular price. After a market tour, Chef Duyen taught me how to make traditional dishes like caramel pork, banana flower salad, and Vietnamese fried spring rolls.

If you love Vietnamese food, then I highly recommend adding a local cooking class to your 3-day Hoi An itinerary. This top-rated Vietnamese cooking class is bookable from both Hoi An and Da Nang and is only $22 for two and a half hours of instruction. You’ll learn how to make some of the most popular dishes in the Quang Nam Province like fresh spring rolls, beef noodle soup, and crispy pancakes (my personal favorite).

If you’re looking to check a couple of things off your bucket list, some cooking classes in Hoi An also include basket boat rides and fishing !

👉🏼 Click here to book your Hoi An Cooking Class !

Crispy spring rolls, banana flower salad, rice, and caramel pork made in my Hanoi cooking class.

Chùa Long Tuyên

The Chua Long Tuyen pagoda was one of my favorite spots I visited during my Hoi An 3-day itinerary. The temple’s bright colors and ornate details make it one of the most beautiful examples of old architecture in Hoi An (and a great spot for some Insta-worthy photos !).

Construction began on the temple in 1913 and it was named “Long Tuyen” because of the way the spring flows and is shaped like a dragon. No ticket is needed for this stunning temple, just bring your camera and plenty of water—the heat that day was a doozy.

Me in my red dress sitting on the steps of the Chua Long Tuyen pagoda in Hoi An. Add this beautiful temple to your Hoi An itinerary!

Precious Heritage Museum and Art Gallery

I stumbled upon the Precious Heritage Museum in Hoi An with a Dutch friend I met at the hostel. This fascinating and charming museum is the permanent home of Réhahn’s Precious Heritage Collection .

The five rooms in this 19th century French home feature hundreds of portraits, over 60 traditional costumes from ancient Vietnamese tribes and tribal songs. The museum is meant to document Réhahn’s decade-long journey to document and preserve traditions from 54 ethnic tribes left in Vietnam.

The museum is open daily from 8:00 AM-8:00 PM and entrance is free.

The front of the Precious Heritage Museum in Hoi An. Photographs of old Vietnamese women are displayed outside.

Wander the Hoi An Central Market: Cho Hoi An

The Cho Hoi An market can be summed up in two words: exciting and overwhelming. If you plan to visit this market during your 3 days in Hoi An, get ready to bargain! Here—everything is negotiable.

To get the most out of your visit, I suggest visiting a few stalls before buying anything. Especially when it comes to the food court at the intersection of Tran Phu St and Nguyen Hue. Open from 5:00 AM-6:00 PM daily, this food court is stocked with vendors selling fresh fruit smoothies, local Vietnamese dishes, coffees, and more delicious snacks!

You’ll also find tons of stalls selling handmade souvenirs, kitchen utensils, and accessories. And don’t forget the rows of fresh produce, fish, and meat—although this will probably interest you less if you’re not staying in an Airbnb.

Madam Khanh—The Banh Mi Queen

When you search “the best banh mi in Hoi An,” you get two hits: Banh Mi Queen and Banh Mi Phuong. Luckily for you, I tried both and I’m here to deliver my reviews 👏🏼

Between the two, I got the sense that the Banh Mi Queen might have been a bit more authentically Vietnamese. However, I would have to choose Banh Mi Phuong as my favorite based on taste. I did love the bread from the Banh Mi Queen, but the filling wasn’t my favorite.

I ordered the BBQ Banh Mi with veggies, BBQ pork, pate, egg sauce, papaya, cucumber and tomato. It’s hard to beat 30,000 VND ($1.20) for lunch!

A BBQ banh mi with veggies, BBQ pork, pate, egg sauce, papaya, cucumber, and tomato from Madam Khanh—The Banh Mi Queen.

Experience Hoi An’s Nightlife Scene

With Mad Monkey’s (my hostel’s) surplus of common areas and alcoholic drinks, I was guaranteed to meet fellow solo travelers to experience the Hoi An nightlife scene alongside. Although the bar scene in this ancient town isn’t on par with Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An has its fair share of nightclubs and bars. The hostel even offers its own pub crawl for only $8 !

If you’re looking to meet other solo travelers, backpackers, and an all-around fun crowd, then head to what they call the An Hoi Islet across from Old Town. This is where you’ll find bustling outdoor bars filled with travelers downing Saigons and very affordable cocktails. Most of the clubs and bars shut down early-ish, but if you’re a night owl, you’ll have better luck at Funky Monkey and King Tiger Tiger Bar .*

If upscale, sophisticated cocktails are more your vibe, head over to Mezcal Cocteleria ! And for those dance-floor-addicted travelers, the Velvet Night Club or the Hair of the Dog Bar will be more your scene.

*Stay safe! Unlicensed taxis hang out outside these bars and try to sell rides to drunk tourists. Never 🙅🏽‍♀️ accept a ride from a random car in Vietnam. Instead, order a safe and trackable ride on Grab or Gojek. However, although some bars and clubs stay open until around 3:00 AM, it can sometimes be impossible to find a taxi after midnight. My best advice is to use the buddy system and never let a friend (or yourself!) walk home alone.

Day Three: Take a Day Trip!

Unfortunately, the injury I sustained while living in Thailand lasted throughout my entire month in Vietnam (and my four months in Canggu ). The wound on the bottom of my right foot made it difficult to walk and impossible to swim or enjoy any water-adjacent activities.

Because of my injury, I didn’t have the mobility to embark on all the exciting day trips accessible from Hoi An. But that doesn’t mean you should miss them! Keep reading for a sneak peek of the best day trips from Hoi An—but first, get ready for a lil’ brunch…

Grab Breakfast at Buttercup by Rosie’s

Start day #3 on your Hoi An itinerary with a delicious brunch at Buttercup by Rosie’s ! This charming breakfast spot can be a little tough to find since it’s nestled in Hoi An’s winding alleyways. However, once you find it and grab a table, you’ll be surrounded by leafy plants, flowers, and minimalist decor.

I ordered the Avo Bagel with a fried egg on toasted sesame and an iced specialty coffee. Everything was delicious and it definitely won’t break the bank!

An iced coffee with lots of tasty foam from Buttercup by Rosie's in Hanoi.

Day Trip #1: My Son Sanctuary

The My Son Sanctuary is a 1,600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Champa Kingdom. The Cham Tower complex, featuring the 20 temple towers still standing, has vast cultural and historical significance in Vietnam, not to mention it’s stunningly beautiful. Picture the Cambodian temples of Angkor Wat but more spread out and framed by mountains.

Although you could visit the My Son Sanctuary on your own, I would recommend skipping the hassle and booking an extremely affordable and top-rated tour on Viator—like this tour which includes round-trip transportation, a dance show, and a boat cruise back to Hoi An for only $23. If you want to be a little bougie with it, this tour is completely private for only $68.

👉🏼 Click here to book your My Son Sanctuary tour from Hoi An for only $23!

Day Trip #2: Basket Boat Rides at Hoi An’s Coconut Village

Cam Thanh, or the Coconut Village, is located just a few kilometers east of Hoi An’s ancient town. This village is known worldwide for their “basket boats.” Legend says that the boats were a way for fisherman to get around paying taxes during the French Colonial rule. Others say the baskets were simply a more effective way of getting around. Whatever you believe, a basket boat ride in Cam Thanh would be a day to remember!

Although you could make your way to Cam Thanh on your own, I highly recommend booking a coconut village tour that includes pickup and drop off in an air-conditioned vehicle (a must-have in Hoi An) for only $20/person.

👉🏼 Click here to reserve your basket boat ride !

Day Trip #3: the Golden Hand Bridge

It’s been months and I’m still DEVASTATED I missed visiting the famous Vietnamese Golden Hand Bridge in the Ba Na Hills. Chances are, you’ve seen photos of this unique bridge on Instagram. If you get the chance, carve out some time in your Hoi An itinerary to experience this magical bridge and get some awesome IG shots in the process.

The bridge is almost a two-hour drive from Hoi An, so it’s easiest to book a spot on a tour. This top-rated tour offers round-trip transportation to the Ba Na Hills from Hoi An for $48/person. However, your park fees (roughly 36 USD each) are not included—so the cost quickly adds up. Instead, I recommend splurging on this more expensive tour that includes transportation, park fees, lunch, cable car tickets, and a stop at the famous Marble Mountains before heading back to Hoi An—all for $125.

👉🏼 Book your day trip to the Golden Hand Bridge and the Marble Mountains here!

Day Trip #4: An Bang Beach

Featured in CNN’s best 50 beaches in the world, a beach day on An Bang Beach is a perfect addition to your 3 days in Hoi An Vietnam—especially since it’s only three miles away from Old Town Hoi An.

Beach lovers can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply relaxing with a good book and soaking up the rays. If your three days in Hoi An have left you a bit tired (trust me—I feel that), a day trip to An Bang Beach might be exactly what the doctor (or the travel agent) prescribed. Pack a bag, lather up that sunscreen, and grab a Grab (haha) from your hotel to the beach.

Dinner at Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh Restaurant

Last, but definitely not least, is the Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh Restaurant ! This is the perfect spot to try one of Hoi An’s specialty dishes on your last night in town—cao lau. This dish consists of smoky, chewy rice noodles, sliced pork, crackling pork, bean sprouts, lettuce and herbs.

Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh serves some of the best Hoi An cao lau. The best part? This huge bowl of noodles only set me back 35,000 VND ($1.50). It’s the perfect meal to wrap up your 3 days in Hoi An itinerary.

A heaping bowl of cao lau from Cao Lau Khong Gian Xanh Restaurant in Hoi An.

How to Get to Hoi An from Around Vietnam

The easiest way to get to Hoi An is to fly to the nearby Da Nang International Airport (DAD) and hire a Grab taxi to Hoi An. Although you can book a train ticket from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi on 12Go, the ride will take you around 18-20 hours one way.

With flights around 90 USD, it seems worth it to save yourself 17 hours. However, if you’re already in Hue, you can easily grab a train to Hoi An for around 7 USD (the trip is around 2.5-3 hours).

Colorful lanterns hanging on the streets of Hoi An.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

📍 budget-friendly: mad monkey hoi an hostel.

Since I was visiting Hoi An as a solo female traveler , the hostel life was definitely the way to go. I booked four nights in the Mad Monkey Hoi An Hostel and it was the perfect accommodation for the best price. The hostel offered spacious and clean dorm rooms (with the option of all-female dorms) and included a bar, restaurant, and outdoor swimming pool.

The only downside of staying at the Mad Monkey Hostel is the location outside of Old Town. If you’re comfortable booking a Grab or Gojek scooter, you can get an easy ride to Old Town in 10 minutes for less than $1. If you’re not comfortable on a scooter, you can book a slightly more expensive (but still budget-friendly) Grab taxi. (OR—if you’re looking for something more in the center of things—check out the Imperfect Downtown Hoi An Hostel in the middle of Old Town Hoi An.)

For less than 7 USD per night, Mad Monkey is the perfect budget-friendly accommodation for solo travel to Vietnam.

The outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees at the Mad Monkey Hostel in Hoi An Vietnam.

📍 Mid-Level: Hoi An Nostalgia Hotel & Spa

If the hostel scene isn’t your thing (no judgment!), Hoi An has no shortage of quaint, boutique hotels that won’t break the bank. With rooms starting at only 25 USD per night, the Hoianese Hotel is the perfect spot for a solo female traveler who values her personal space.

For those spa-inclined travelers, check out the Hoi An Nostalgia Hotel & Spa ! Rooms start at only 21 USD per night and you can relax in style with the luxurious spa treatments.

📍 Luxury: Little Riverside Hoi An

If you’re a sucker for a rooftop bar and living a life of luxury for crazy low prices, then Little Riverside Hoi An is the accommodation for you. With 9.3 stars on Booking.com, a convenient location near Old Town, and tons of luxurious amenities, you’re never going to want to leave this Hoi An resort.

Take advantage of the resort’s free bicycles to explore the ancient town, book a relaxing massage in their on-site spa, or just relax on the rooftop bar with views of the Thu Bon River and a tasty cocktail in hand!

Visiting Hoi An FAQs:

Hoi An is definitely worth visiting. This charming city is located on the central coast of Vietnam and is known for its well-preserved ancient town, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and rich history. It’s a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. One of the main attractions in Hoi An is its UNESCO World Heritage Site ancient town. The narrow streets are lined with historic buildings dating back to the 15th century, showcasing a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural styles. Visitors can wander through the streets and admire the unique architecture or stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants for a taste of local cuisine.

The amount of time you should spend in Hoi An depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. If you only have a few days to spare, you can still see the highlights of the city and get a taste of its charm. I wouldn’t recommend staying for less than 3 days (2 at the absolute minimum) if you want to see all of the sights. However, if you have more time to spare, it’s worth staying longer to fully immerse yourself in the city’s culture and take some fun day trips. You can spend your days visiting ancient temples, taking cooking classes, cycling through rice fields, or relaxing at the spa. At night, Hoi An comes alive with colorful lanterns lining the streets and bustling night markets offering a variety of souvenirs and street food.

The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April and from August to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures and less rainfall compared to other times of the year. The peak tourist season is from May to July, but expect hotter temperatures and more crowds during this time. If you plan on visiting during this period, make sure to book your accommodations and activities in advance. The rainy season is from September to January, so if you don’t mind a little rain, this can also be a good time to visit as the city will be less crowded and prices may be lower.

Final Thoughts

Although I enjoyed everywhere on my Vietnam solo travel itinerary, I can honestly say that Hoi An was my favorite stop on the trip. I loved the colorful walls, the vibrant flowers, and the affordability of everyday life. I plan to come back one day when I’m not injured, but even with very low mobility, this was a trip to remember.

If you have extra time on your Hoi An itinerary, you could consider adding a day trip to Da Nang, the Cham Islands, or the Marble Mountains. There’s no shortage of exciting sites in this beautiful region of Vietnam.

If you enjoyed my Hoi An itinerary for solo female travelers, you might enjoy my related guides below! And don’t forget to follow along for the adventure on Instagram @madisonsfootsteps .

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Madison Krigbaum is the founder and sole contributor of Madison's Footsteps – a solo female travel blog started in 2017 with a focus on destinations in Honduras, Italy, and Thailand. Since her study abroad semester in Rome, Madison has traveled to 31 countries, many of which she visited as a solo traveler. She lived in Roatan, Honduras for one year, Thailand for three months, and spent over two years in Italy (in Florence and Rome). She just returned from three months in Lisbon, Portugal and is considering heading back to Central America next!

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The perfect holiday in Cape Town

An insider guide to Cape Town, the South African city that excels in natural splendour

You really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town . First, there’s the in-your-face beauty of a craggy mountain range that drops precipitously into a glittering sea, its flanks carpeted in greens and delicate florals. Then there’s the pristine white beaches lapped by – it must be said – a chilly Atlantic, their curves defined by giant granite boulders to bake on, and burbling mountain streams in dappled forests. And no visit is complete without at least one full day exploring some of the surrounding vine-carpeted valleys, their rich terroir spawning not only award-winning wines but superb produce.

Yet Cape Town has a cool urban edge, too: excellent art galleries, hip bars, world-rated restaurants, and design-savvy shops. It's also home to many of Africa's innovative artists and designers, drawn by the city's innate beauty, and with MOCAA the city is now home to the biggest repository of contemporary African art. In short, this pulsating city will leave you hungry for more.

For more Cape Town inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels , restaurants , bars and attractions . For further inspiration, read our expert's ultimate two-week holiday in South Africa.

In this guide

How to spend your weekend, insider tips.

When should I visit Cape Town?

Where to stay in Cape Town

What to bring home

Essential information: what to know before you go

Day one: Morning

Schedule Table Mountain for the morning, when the wind is least likely to blow. It’s a relatively easy two-hour walk up along Platteklip Gorge, the oldest, most direct route, following a well-constructed trail up the front face of the mountain, but the five-hour Skeleton Gorge route that starts from Kirstenbosch Gardens is far more scenic albeit challenging.

To ascend by cable car, purchase the ticket online , dated for the day of your arrival; this single-use ticket is valid for one week and can be refunded during that week if the cable car is unable to operate. If you are here during peak season it is definitely worth purchasing a Fast Track ticket for R950 return and skip the queues. Note that the cableway usually closes for maintenance from mid-July to end-August.

The cable car starts running at 8am in summer and 8.30am in winter. How long you spend exploring the top is entirely up to you but it can be done in an hour or you can combine it with several wonderful hikes that include burbling streams and a dam dips – best do this with a seasoned Table Mountain guide like Riaan Voster, owner of who will tailormake the walk around to your interest and fitness level.

If you want to see a different angle on how Table Mountain dwarfs the city, head to the Waterfront to visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of the 27 years he was imprisoned. Be sure to get to the Nelson Mandela Gateway , the Robben Island ferry departure point, 30 minutes before departure. Note that it is essential to prebook, and that you must take some form of identification with you. Tours depart 9am, 11am, 1pm and this is a three-hour trip (including an approximate one-hour round-trip by ferry).

Virtually next door to the Nelson Mandela Gateway is the MOCAA , worth a visit just to see how Thomas Heatherwick and his local team repurposed the 1930s grain silo that today houses Africa’s largest contemporary art collection. Great little museum shop too.

A plethora of lunch choices within easy strolling distance – opposite MOCAA is The Yard, or stroll over to Den Anker, with its marvellous view of Table Mountain and Belgian-inspired menu. Or try Cape Town’s new Time Out Market: a selection of 13 food stalls with signature dishes from some of the city’s top chefs – something for everyone, all good enough to consider coming back for more – enjoyed canteen-style at long shared tables in a historic dockyard building.

Freshen up, then head out to Camps Bay to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic Ocean from vibey Chinchilla. Or head directly to Salsify, where Chef Ryan Cole – awarded 2023 Chef of the Year at the Eat Out awards – serves up his delicate and delicious tasting menu in the 18th-century Round House, tucked into Camps Bay Glen, with tree-fringed views of the ocean. As the last rays bathe the walls in pink, sommelier Victor Okolo further delights the senses with an aptly named “gem” wine pairing to match Cole’s layered creations.

To fully grasp the natural splendour of the city, you need to go on a drive that loops around the peninsula, tooling along the west-facing coastal road that hugs the Atlantic to Cape Point, then exploring the village-like suburbs that look across False Bay, with its magnificent backdrop of craggy mountains like cardboard cutouts against a big blue sky. Note that you can choose to do the route described below in reverse, and enjoy new views from a different angle.

Make a start at 8am to get to Cape Point National Park before the crowds, winding your way along the coastal road that connects Camps Bay to Hout Bay. Stop to enjoy the view halfway up Chapman’s Peak Drive before paying the toll and traversing the narrow road carved into the perpendicular cliffs high above the Atlantic Ocean. Cross Noordhoek Valley, skirting Misty Cliffs and Scarborough, to get to Cape Point National Park, also known as the Cape of Good Hope.

Depending on time, take one of the detours, looking out for baboons, antelope and ostrich, or head to one of the beaches like Buffels Bay beach that the coaches can’t reach… or do as most and head straight to the Cape Point lighthouse to enjoy vertiginous views from the most southwesterly point of Africa.

Next stop is at Boulders Beach to visit the endangered colony of African Penguins – bring a costume and take a dip with the penguins if the weather’s fine.

There are no stand out restaurants in Simonstown, so time allowing push on to Harbour House or Live Bait in Kalk Bay mostly for the fabulous location, right above the sea on the edge of the quay. If you’d prefer something quick and casual, nearby Kalky’s for fish and chips, or Olympia Café on the high street, as popular with the local community as the visitors that flood this seaside village in season.

After lunch, stroll Kalk Bay’s high street, enjoying the village vibe, with quaint galleries – make time for Kalk Bay Modern – and an interesting array of clothing shops, from the eclectic selection at the aptly named Oh So Boho to elegant linens and pretty florals at Jane Valken , authentic African jewellery from Soul Design and statement pieces at Anpa .

End your peninsula tour with a walk around Kirstenbosch , or a winetasting or two in Constantia , the oldest wine-growing region in the New World. With beautiful 17th-century Cape Dutch buildings and a small wine museum, Groot Constantia has the history (it’s vineyards been producing wines for 332 years) but oenophiles should head to Klein Constantia, not least to sample the estate’s Vin De Constance, a dessert wine that Jane Austen described in Sense & Sensibility as a “balm for the broken heart”.

Tonight we serve up an equally stunning view, this time of Constantia’s vineyard-clad slopes from Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia . Executive chef Liam Tomlin elevates the concept of tapas-style sharing plates to fine dining without overly artsy presentation – alongside sister restaurant Chef’s Warehouse Tintswalo (located at the base of Chapmans’s Peak) with super oceanside setting) this is relaxed, unpretentious, delicious.

For an excellent city centre option, the tasting menu at excellent-value Belly of the Beast will not disappoint, nor will sister outlet Galjoen ... or if you prefer a more a la carte experience, book at table (preferably in the courtyard) at Elgr .

End the evening with a drink at The Athletic . Vintage cool and cosy, this artfully decorated Victorian attracts a wide variety of clientele, with live music or DJ in the basement, an excellent restaurant at street level, and a classy gentleman’s club-style bar on the second floor, with lovely nooks and doors opening onto a lacey wrought-iron balcony.

Neighbourhood watch

The East City – in and around Harrington Street – just gets cooler, mixing old stalwarts such as old-fashioned Portuguese diner-style dive Dias Tavern and Western-themed bar Dust and Dynamite with trendy creperie Swan and fine dining Belly of the Beast and Galjoen .

Panoramic city views

Hike Lion’s Head just before sunset, and you will be rewarded by the most spectacular 360-degree views: the huge horizon deepening to pink, burnishing the ocean, while below the city lights start to twinkle. That said it’s popular, and some days the hike can feel more like an on-foot commute rather than communing with nature – a quieter (and easier!) alternative is to head up to Kloof Corner.

Attractions

There are more plant species on Table Mountain than the entire British Isles, and the easiest introduction to this rich floral kingdom is a visit to Kirstenbosch . With terraced lawns that blend seamlessly into the steep indigenous forests that pelt the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it’s a spectacular botanical garden. Entrance is R220 but this includes access to one of the free guided walking tours, starting from Gate One on weekdays at 10am, 11am and 2pm. I’d also highly recommend arranging a walk with fynbos expert Dominic Chadbon aka the Fynbos Guy, who will tailor a walk somewhere in Table Mountain National Park taking into account your fitness level, the weather, what’s flowering and where you are based (R2400 for half day guiding, including transfers; +27 72 992 5636).

Restaurants

If you find the choice in restaurants overwhelming, browse the reviews in Eat Out for guidance and star ratings. Eat Out annual restaurant ratings are incidentally sponsored by Woolworths – while the retailer has relations with M&S this is the closest South Africa gets to a Waitrose; great for a one-stop gourmet picnic (fabulous cheese selection) or if you have access to a kitchen.

You can visit Cape Town pretty much any time of year. Summer is the most popular, with peak season falling between mid-December and early January.

Another surge of visitors descends during the hot months of February and March. In April, the temperatures are balmy, the light is softer, the Cape Doctor (the southeasterly wind that howls through the city) is dormant and the sunsets are spectacular.

The temperate winter sometimes starts in May, more often June/July. Sunny days alternate with downpours that bring verdant relief, the mountain streams gushing into rocky gullies and watering the winter-flowering fynbos, including proteas, lilies and aloes. This is the most exhilarating time of year to explore the slopes of Table Mountain on foot.

July to November is the time when the southern right whales migrate to calve and nurse, providing the best land-based whale-watching in the world – but be warned, July and August can be wet. October to November is when the Cape floral kingdom again wows with a new cycle of flowering species, while the beaches, still relatively empty, sparkle in the temperate sun. This is when some of the best deals of the summer season are to be had – especially if you book early.

Where to stay

Luxury living.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is a green oasis right in the centre of the city, with a palm-lined driveway leading to art-strewn lawns, magnificent flower beds, two pools and tennis courts. Cape Town's iconic pink lady originally opened her doors in 1899, and has attracted a well-heeled mix of loyal guests ever since. Service is impeccable, interiors are glamorous and the number of restaurants, bars and city sights within strolling distance of its doorstep are plentiful.

Designer digs

For absolutely jaw-dropping views of Table Mountain and the twinkling city below, fabulously quirky décor and an atmosphere that feels more like a gorgeous home than a hotel, check into Dorp . A Georgian-style compound edged with fairytale gardens, this hotel defies categorization. The work of the late creative maverick Gail Behr, it is both sumptuous salon – designed to attract local reprobates and playful misfits – and private hideaway, with gorgeous en suite rooms and self-catering apartments, and a decadent, impalpable nostalgia. You simply won’t want to leave.

Budget bolthole

For a great location, fantastic hosts and bargain rates, look no further than Hotel Lola . Creatively fashioned from a double-storey Victorian terrace home by owners Russel and Alan, the five en-suite bedrooms are each uniquely decorated; breakfasts are memorable breakfasts and service exceptional. The Waterfront or city are a 15 minutes stroll away (5 minutes by car); Alan and Russel can arrange tailormade trips in and around Cape Town and have their own in-house driver, Lino, at your disposal. Book soon.

Rooibos tea is probably South Africa’s best known export beverage but for a really unique drink, take home a box (or more – makes a great gift!) of loose-leaf Pinotage Rooibos from local tea merchants Enmasse Tea Merchants . Made from dried pinotage skins and Cederberg-picked rooibos, it’s alcohol- and caffeine-free, and utterly delicious, hot or cold.

For exquisite heirloom-quality woven goods (towels, linen, cushions, throws, wraps) made from high-quality natural fibres in stripey colour combinations to rival those of Paul Smith, head over to Mungo .

The South African Print Gallery specialises in fine art investment prints – so much easier to transport than canvas or sculpture. There is a great selection of celebrated South African artists, from Tinus de Jongh to William Kentridge, as well as selected new talent.

Know before you go

Essential information.

British High Commission: Cape Town; 00 27 21 461 7220
British Consulate: 021 405 2400; gov.uk
Emergency services: dial 082 911 or 084 911 (ambulance), 10111 (police and fire). To contact any emergency service from a mobile phone, dial 112
Medical care: to find the nearest private clinic, or to contact a specialist, see netcare.co.za . For travel-specific queries, see travelclinic.co.za
Tourism offices and information: Contact the centrally located Cape Town Tourism (0861 322 223) in Darling Street. Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-1pm.

Local laws and etiquette

As in any large city, crime is an ongoing concern, but note that most incidents occur away from tourist areas. That said, take the usual precautions: don’t flash your wealth, don’t visit no-go zones (your host or concierge will advise), don’t walk when there are no other people around, don’t leave anything in your car (if you leave something in the boot make sure it’s locked), and keep a close eye (and hand) on your belongings.
Cape Town’s dams have recovered after the 2023 wet winter but visitors are asked to remain mindful of how precious water is to the city.
Currency: South Africa Rand (R or ZAR)
Telephone code: From the UK, dial 00 27 for South Africa, followed by 21 for Cape Town. From within South Africa, dial 021 for Cape Town.
Wi-Fi: All hotels and guest lodges offer free Wi-Fi.
Time difference: +2 hours or +1 hour depending on time of year
Flight time: London to Cape Town is under 12 hours direct

About our expert

Pippa has been researching and writing about travel in Southern Africa for 25 years, author of seven editions of Frommer’s South Africa and The Hedonist Guide to Cape Town, and a regular reviewer and contributor on all things travel.

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The Official Hoi An Travel Guide (MUST READ)

An Introduction about Hoi An

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Location and How to Get to Hoi An

Flights to Hoi An

Car and Taxi

Bus to Hoi An

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Shuttle Bus

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Areas to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An Tourist Attractions: What to See in Hoi An?

Beaches in Hoi An

My Son Sanctuary

The Marble Mountains

The Golden Hands Bridge in Ba Na Hills

Hoi An’s Countryside and Villages

Hoi An Activities: Things to Do in Hoi An

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Basket Boat Ride in Coconut Forest

Go Diving and Snorkeling the Cham Islands

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The Hoi An Night Market

Hoi An Memories Show and Hoi An Impression Theme Park

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