Hoi An is a former trading port whose old merchant houses, temples and riverside lanes have survived almost intact. It rewards slow walking: early mornings, long lunches and lantern-lit evenings. Here are the best things to do in Hoi An and how to fit them into two or three days.
The best things to do in Hoi An
1. Walk the Ancient Town
The old center is a UNESCO-listed maze of yellow-walled merchant houses, assembly halls and shops. Foreign visitors buy a ticket that opens a set of heritage sites; one guide reports about 120,000 VND for five sites, valid for 24 hours, but check at the ticket booth. Go at first light, when the lanes are empty and the shops are still closed.
2. The Japanese Covered Bridge
Hoi An's best-known landmark was built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants and sits at the western end of the old town.
3. Lantern streets at night
After dark the old town glows with silk lanterns. It is especially busy on full-moon nights and during the mid-autumn festival. You can also take a lantern-making class in the old town.
4. Tra Que vegetable village
About 4 km from the center, this farming village grows herbs and greens that end up in Hoi An's kitchens. Visit by bike or on a sidecar tour, and join a farm-to-table cooking class. Go early, before the heat.
5. Bay Mau coconut forest
A water-palm forest about 3 km from the old town, where you ride a round basket boat along the channels. Entry has been reported at 30,000 VND plus a separate boat fee; confirm locally.
6. An Bang beach
A relaxed beach a short ride from town for a swim and a seafood lunch.
7. Day trips
Combine Hoi An with excursions around Hoi An, the My Son temple ruins, the Cham Islands, or a day in Da Nang (see Da Nang to Hoi An).
A simple Hoi An plan
- Day 1: early walk through the Ancient Town, a long lunch by the river, then lanterns at dusk.
- Day 2: morning at Tra Que and a cooking class, afternoon at An Bang beach.
- Day 3: coconut forest, a tailor fitting if you want one, and a day trip.
When to go
Hoi An is generally drier and sunnier from about February to August. Heavy rain and flooding are possible in the autumn months, and storm risk on the central coast peaks around September to November. See our best time to visit Vietnam guide.
Where to stay and how to plan
See where to stay in Hoi An. For hotels we feature, look at Anantara Hoi An Resort and Hotel Royal Hoi An. Read our Hoi An destination page, the where to go in Vietnam guide, and the Vietnam itinerary guide, then browse our Vietnam tours.
Things to do in Hoi An: FAQ
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
Two to three days is comfortable.
What is Hoi An famous for?
Its preserved old town, lanterns, tailors and food.
Do you need a ticket for the Ancient Town?
Visitors buy a ticket that opens a set of heritage sites; confirm the current price at the booth.
When are the lanterns at their best?
After dark, especially on full-moon nights.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Yes, for the atmosphere, food and countryside.
