You'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped back in time during a stroll through Hoi An, a coastal city in central Vietnam. The former port, which saw trading between China, Europe and Japan between the 15th and 19th centuries, is as atmospheric as ever. In the pedestrian-only Ancient Town, lanterns illuminate close-knit buildings, merchant shop-houses and pagodas, all of which are extremely well-preserved.
Nearly every corner of UNESCO-listed Hoi An seems picture-worthy, but a few landmarks stand out, including the city's Japanese Covered Bridge. The Hoi An Museum of History & Culture is worth a few hours' time to see pre-Cham artefacts and ceramics, as are the handful of assembly halls – places where expat Chinese communities could gather – built here in the 1700s. Stop by the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation to take in intricate wooden carvings and stone sculptures.
Crafts are among Hoi An's greatest exports. During a visit to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, you can witness artisans firing earthenware in kilns and sample My Quang noodles – the neighbourhood's signature dish. At Kim Bong woodworking village, carpenters craft furniture, boats and housewares. Hoi An is perhaps most famous for its textiles and the local tailors that have been sewing and selling bespoke clothes here for centuries.
While exploring Hoi An, don't miss a visit to one of its famous nearby landmarks. The My Son ruins, a collection of Hindu temples dating back to the 13th century, offer a unique glimpse into early Vietnam's past.
Tonight
From £8 per night
Next weekend
From £16 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | US$10 = £7.87 |
| Language | Vietnamese |
| Average weekend price | £42 per night |
| Average weekday price | £40 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
Beautiful City
2 November 2024
Beautiful City There is a lot to do, so prioritise what you like and don't fall prey to Instagram hype. Alsahar Villa was an amazing stay. The Lantern Boat ride was stunning, there are a lot of places to eat around that. Avoid shopping in that area though, it's costly. do take a 2-wheeler and drive down to Danang. It was fun.
We stayed in Hoi An for three nights which was exactly the...
26 October 2024
We stayed in Hoi An for three nights which was exactly the right amount of time, perhaps even slightly too long. Though it is beautiful, we found it a bit too touristy. The same shops offer the same kinds of merchandise and it feels really focused on selling, selling, selling, rather than having any kind of authentic, interesting experience. It is still worth seeing for the lovely river views and to have a chance to experience the world-class tailoring!
The Culture, History, People, Sights, Food.
19 October 2024
The Culture, History, People, Sights, Food. So much history!! Need at least 4 to 5 days here to experience it all. Have a beautiful meal by the river & watch the colourful lanterns & candles light up the night Absolutely beautiful experience. A must see for anyone.
It's a nice place.
19 October 2024
It's a nice place. People usually do not highlight Vinwonders Theme Park, but it's a great place for kids, mainly for the river safari, Giraffe, and bird feeding. Take the buggy option at Vinwonders, as it is a long walk; buy tickets from the official counters. Add a day or two extra to relax and do nothing but stroll the cute restaurants, cafes, beaches and markets. Do not miss the Memories show (closed on Tuesdays; try sitting in the theatre in the English section and the top row of the front zone). Try to be in Hoi An at the time of the full moon; the entire place is more magical.
Hoi An is a small city that has a great ambience, especially...
17 October 2024
Hoi An is a small city that has a great ambience, especially at night in the old town where hundreds of lanterns light up boats, cafes, shops and surrounds. Food is varied and tasty with many cafes and restaurants throughout the city and old town. It is easy to hire and ride by cycles around and beyond the city as traffic is usually not too busy. A visit to the Coconut village and a trip on the river in a round boat is a must. Hoi Ans old buildings, especially the French- styled, are impressive. Shopping is also worthwhile as you can have lanterns, shoes and clothing made to order and completed very quickly! Hoi An is a great place to visit!
We absolutely loved staying in Hoi An and wished we could...
8 October 2024
We absolutely loved staying in Hoi An and wished we could have stayed longer. As someone who is working in Hanoi for several months, it was so nice to get out of the city. Hoi An is truly enchanting! We did a family-run tour with Mr. Cu, which was phenomenal. We also enjoyed making our own lanterns in a class. So many good food options and lots of fun shopping to be had. Definitely add Hoi An to your Vietnam itinerary!
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