Explore the absolute best of Hoi An with our expertly curated guide to Vietnam’s most enchanting ancient town. From iconic lantern-lit streets to hidden gems and authentic local experiences, hoianscootersrental.com helps you discover must-do activities, unforgettable photo spots, and insider tips for exploring this UNESCO gem. Ready to experience Hoi An like a local? Our convenient scooter rentals make accessing Ancient Town highlights, nearby beaches, and countryside adventures effortless for the ultimate Vietnam travel experience.
Introduction to Hoi An’s Timeless Beauty
Nestled along Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An captivates visitors with its perfectly preserved ancient architecture, vibrant culture, and magical atmosphere. Once a bustling trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, today it stands as UNESCO World Heritage site where time seems to stand still. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, experiencing the best of Hoi An should be at the top of your itinerary.
What makes Hoi An truly special is its unique blend of influences—Chinese temples sit alongside Japanese merchant houses, Vietnamese tube houses, and European colonial buildings, all bathed in a warm yellow glow that feels like stepping into another era. Add to this mix world-class cuisine, stunning nearby beaches, and some of the friendliest locals in Vietnam, and you have a destination that consistently ranks among Southeast Asia’s most beloved towns.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making the most of your visit to this enchanting destination.
Ancient Town Highlights
The heart of any Hoi An experience lies in its exceptionally preserved Ancient Town. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Japanese Covered Bridge
Dating back to the 1590s, this ornate wooden bridge with its distinctive Japanese design serves as Hoi An’s unofficial symbol. The bridge was built by Japanese merchants to connect their community with the Chinese quarter across the stream. Look for the weathered statues of monkeys and dogs guarding each end—they represent the years when construction began and finished.
Old Town Houses
Several beautifully preserved merchant houses offer glimpses into Hoi An’s prosperous trading past:
- Tan Ky House: One of the most authentic old houses, featuring an intriguing mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural elements
- Phung Hung House: Notable for its blend of Vietnamese and Chinese styles across two stories
- Quan Thang House: Showcasing intricately carved wooden panels and columns
Assembly Halls
The Chinese community established impressive assembly halls that remain some of the town’s most ornate structures:
- Fujian Assembly Hall: Known for its ornate gate and impressive temple dedicated to Thien Hau
- Cantonese Assembly Hall: Features stunning architecture and gardens
- Hainan Assembly Hall: Smaller but equally impressive with beautiful details
Lantern-Lit Streets
While beautiful by day, Hoi An truly transforms after sunset when thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets. The warm glow reflecting off the Thu Bon River creates a magical, almost dreamlike atmosphere that has become synonymous with the best of Hoi An experiences.
Must-Do Activities in Hoi An
Beyond sightseeing, Hoi An offers unique experiences that create lasting memories:
Lantern Making Workshop
Learn the centuries-old craft of making Hoi An’s iconic silk lanterns. Local artisans guide you through selecting bamboo frames, silk fabrics, and assembly techniques. You’ll leave with a beautiful souvenir and appreciation for this traditional art form. Workshops typically last 1-2 hours and can be found throughout the Ancient Town.
Vietnamese Cooking Class
Hoi An’s distinctive cuisine makes it the perfect place to learn Vietnamese cooking. Many classes begin with a market tour where you’ll select fresh ingredients before preparing dishes like Cao Lau (Hoi An’s signature noodle dish), White Rose dumplings, and crispy Banh Xeo pancakes. Popular options include:
- Morning Glory Cooking School
- Red Bridge Cooking School (includes a scenic boat ride)
- Tra Que Vegetable Village cooking classes (using herbs you harvest yourself)
Cycling to Tra Que Herb Village
Just a 15-minute bike ride from the Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village offers a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. This organic herb garden supplies many local restaurants with distinctive flavors. Join a tour to try your hand at traditional farming methods, enjoy fresh juice made from the garden’s produce, and participate in cooking demonstrations.
Tailor-Made Clothing
Hoi An built its reputation on custom tailoring, with hundreds of shops offering made-to-measure clothing at reasonable prices. From traditional Vietnamese ao dai to business suits and evening gowns, skilled tailors can produce quality garments in just 24-48 hours. Bring photos of styles you like or choose from shop catalogs.
What to Do in Hoi An at Night
As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into a magical wonderland with plenty to experience:
Night Market
Spanning Nguyen Hoang Street, the night market comes alive with hundreds of colorful lanterns and stalls selling everything from souvenirs to street food. While some items are tourist-oriented, the atmosphere alone makes it worth exploring.
Lantern Festival
If your visit coincides with the full moon (14th day of each lunar month), you’ll witness the enchanting lantern festival when the town turns off electric lights and illuminates solely by lanterns. Visitors can purchase small paper lanterns with candles to float down the Thu Bon River while making wishes—a truly magical experience.
Riverside Bars and Cafes
The riverfront transforms at night with numerous cafes and bars offering perfect vantage points to watch traditional wooden boats glide by with the illuminated Ancient Town as a backdrop. Many venues feature live music and excellent cocktails, with some favorite spots including:
- Reaching Out Tea House (for a uniquely silent experience)
- Mango Mango (for cocktails with a view)
- Hoi An Roastery (for excellent Vietnamese coffee)
See more: Hoi An at Night: A Luminous Journey Through Vietnam’s Ancient City
Culinary Experiences: Best Things to Do in Hoi An for Food Lovers
Hoi An’s distinctive cuisine alone makes it worth visiting. Don’t miss these culinary highlights:
Must-Try Local Specialties
- Cao Lau: Only authentic in Hoi An, these chewy noodles with sliced pork, herbs, and croutons get their unique texture from being mixed with water from ancient Ba Le well
- White Rose Dumplings (Banh Vac): Delicate shrimp dumplings made to resemble flowers, traditionally crafted by just one family in town
- Mi Quang: Turmeric-infused noodles with pork, shrimp, herbs, and a small amount of broth
- Com Ga Hoi An: Flavorful chicken rice that showcases Vietnamese herbs
Where to Eat
- Banh Mi Phuong: Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, this tiny shop serves Vietnam’s best banh mi sandwiches
- Morning Glory: Chef Ms. Vy’s restaurant featuring traditional family recipes
- Market stalls: The Central Market food section offers authentic local dishes at unbeatable prices
Coffee Culture
Vietnam’s coffee culture thrives in Hoi An. Try the rich Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da) or the unique egg coffee (ca phe trung) at:
- Hoi An Roastery
- Reaching Out Tea House
- Faifo Coffee
Photo Spots & Hidden Gems
While the Ancient Town gets most attention, these lesser-known spots offer unique experiences:
Perfect Photo Locations
- An Bang Beach at sunset: Just 4km from town, this relaxed beach offers stunning golden hour views
- Cam Nam Island: Cross the footbridge for quiet streets and authentic local life
- Faifo Coffee’s rooftop: Providing a bird’s eye view of the Ancient Town
- Fields between Ancient Town and An Bang Beach: Particularly beautiful in early morning light
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Observe traditional pottery techniques passed down through generations
- Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Watch skilled woodworkers create everything from furniture to boat models
- Cam Thanh Coconut Village: Explore waterways on traditional basket boats through water coconut palms
2-Day Itinerary: Best of Hoi An Experience
Day 1
- Morning: Explore Ancient Town highlights (Japanese Bridge, old houses)
- Noon: Lunch at Central Market food stalls
- Afternoon: Cooking class or lantern-making workshop
- Evening: Dinner at Morning Glory, followed by night market exploration
Day 2
- Morning: Bicycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Noon: Lunch at a beachside restaurant at An Bang Beach
- Afternoon: Swimming and relaxation at the beach
- Evening: Riverside dinner and boat ride with floating lanterns
Conclusion
From wandering lantern-lit streets to savoring unique local cuisine, the best of Hoi An offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxed enjoyment. Unlike Vietnam’s bustling cities, Hoi An invites you to slow down and appreciate the small details—the way morning light hits ancient yellow walls, the rhythmic sound of tailors’ sewing machines, or the fragrant steam rising from a perfect bowl of Cao Lau.
Whether you’re seeking photogenic settings, authentic cultural experiences, or simply a charming place to unwind, Hoi An delivers on all fronts. This ancient trading port may have transformed into a tourist destination, but it manages to maintain its soul and distinctive character in ways few places can match.
Book your scooter online before arrival to secure availability during peak seasons and receive our exclusive “Hidden Hoi An” digital guide—featuring season-specific recommendations from local experts.
FAQ about Visiting Hoi An
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
February to April offers the most pleasant weather with minimal rain and moderate temperatures. Avoid October-November when flooding is common.
Do I need to purchase an Ancient Town ticket?
Yes, a ticket (120,000 VND) is required to enter the Ancient Town’s attractions. It includes entry to five heritage sites of your choice.
How far is An Bang Beach from the Ancient Town?
An Bang Beach is approximately 4km (2.5 miles) from the Ancient Town, a 15-minute taxi ride or 25-30 minutes by bicycle.
Is Hoi An safe for tourists?
Hoi An is considered one of Vietnam’s safest destinations for tourists. Exercise normal precautions regarding belongings in crowded areas.
Can I drink the tap water in Hoi An?
No, stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.