Hoi An is a small ancient town in Central Vietnam, just about 30 kilometers from Da Nang City. It’s famous for its golden houses, colorful lanterns, and peaceful riverside views. The town is full of charm, where every street feels like a piece of art.
If you’re planning your first trip here, this complete DIY Hoi An travel guide for first-timers will help you explore it with ease. You’ll find tips on when to visit, what to pack, where to stay, what to eat, and how to enjoy Hoi An like a local.
The soul of Hoi An – Where Past meets Present
Hoi An is a small town on Vietnam’s central coast, but it has a warm and peaceful soul. Life here moves slowly, with the sound of bicycle bells and boats gliding gently along the river. Once a busy trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An welcomed merchants from Japan, China, and Europe. That mix of cultures can still be seen today in its Japanese bridge, Chinese temples, and old French-style houses.
Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll see golden walls glowing in the sunlight, families enjoying coffee, and local tailors sewing clothes by hand. Every corner feels alive with stories from the past and the present. Even now, on every full moon night, locals light colorful lanterns along the river — a simple tradition that keeps the town’s soul shining bright.
Entrance Fee to Hoi An Ancient Town
Before exploring the charming Ancient Town, it’s important to know that visitors are required to buy an entrance ticket.
The ticket costs 120,000 VND (around 5 USD) for foreign visitors aged 15 and above, while Vietnamese adults pay 80,000 VND per ticket. Children under 15 can enter free of charge, and seniors aged 60 and above are eligible for discounts according to national policy.
The ticket grants access to five heritage attractions of your choice from a list of over 20 sites, including iconic spots such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Cantonese Assembly Hall, Museum of Trade Ceramics, and Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House. These places beautifully reflect Hoi An’s cultural blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences.
Visitors should keep a photo of their passport or ID handy, as ticket staff may check your age or nationality. Locals born and living in Hoi An can enter freely — a small privilege for those who continue to keep the town’s spirit alive.
Other nearby attractions and fees:
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village: 35,000 VND (adults), 15,000 VND (kids) — includes Terracotta Park.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village: 35,000 VND (adults), free under 1.2 m, 20,000 VND over 1.2 m — optional farming experience.
- Bay Mau Coconut Forest: 150,000 – 200,000 VND — varies by basket boat tour; kids under 1 m free.
Planning Your Hoi An Trip Like a Local
Choose the right time to travel for your adventure
If it’s your first time in Hoi An, planning your trip around the seasons makes a big difference. The dry season (February to August) is perfect for beach lovers and outdoor activities, while the rainy season (September to January) gives the town a romantic, misty feel — especially during the Lantern Festival.
Personally, I love visiting around March or April when the weather is sunny but not too hot. It’s also when the bougainvillea trees bloom, painting the Old Town in pink and purple.
How Long Should You Stay?
I’d say three full days is ideal for first-timers. Spend one day exploring the Old Town, one day cycling through the countryside or taking a basket boat ride, and one more day relaxing at An Bang Beach or joining a cooking class. If you have more time, you can take day trips to My Son Sanctuary or Cham Islands — both are worth it.
Essentials to Pack for a Smooth Trip
What you bring to Hoi An depends on the time of year. In the dry season, you should pack light clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay cool under the sun. During the rainy months, it is better to bring a raincoat and sandals that dry quickly. When visiting temples or old buildings, wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
From my own trip, I also suggest bringing insect repellent if you plan to sit by the river in the evening.
Sleeping Under the Lantern Light — Where to Stay
Hidden Corners of Old Town
If you want to feel the old-world charm, stay inside or near the Ancient Town. I once stayed in a small homestay with a balcony overlooking the lantern-lit streets, and it makes me feel like living inside a postcard.
Between Beach and Paddy Fields
For peace and fresh air, check out stays near An Bang or Cua Dai Beach. You can rent a bicycle and ride through rice paddies in the morning, then head to the beach for sunset.
Booking Tips from Repeat Travelers
After several trips to Hoi An, I’ve learned that timing and a bit of planning can make a big difference. The low season usually falls between May and July and again from September to November. During these months, the weather is mostly sunny and pleasant, and prices for hotels and services are much lower than in the peak season. However, since this is also the stormy period in Central Vietnam, it’s wise to check the forecast before you go.
To save money, I always book early since many hotels and homestays offer discounts for advance reservations. Checking Booking.com, Agoda, or Traveloka regularly also helps me spot great promotions. Before confirming, I make sure to compare prices, read guest reviews, and sometimes contact the hotel directly. You’d be surprised how often they offer a better rate that way.
If you travel solo, a small room or dorm can be cozy and budget-friendly. For families or friends, booking a shared suite often turns out cheaper than separate rooms.
Tasting Hoi An — From Street Eats to Riverside Dining
Local Flavors You Can’t Miss
It’s the best idea to start with Cao Lau, a special noodle dish you can only find in Hoi An. It has soft noodles, tasty pork, fresh herbs, and crispy rice crackers. You should also try White Rose Dumplings. They are small, light, and look as beautiful as their name. Before you leave, eat a Banh Mi Phuong. It is very famous and was once praised by Anthony Bourdain as “a symphony in a sandwich.”
Where to Eat Like a Local
One of my favorite parts about Hoi An is the food — simple, flavorful, and made with love. Each dish has its own story, and trying them where locals eat makes the experience even more special.
Cao Lau
- Cao Lau is Hoi An’s most famous noodle dish. The noodles are thick and chewy, served with slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons. It tastes different from any other noodle dish in Vietnam. You can try it at Cao Lau Ong Lau on 28 Thai Phien Street or Khong Gian Xanh on 687 Hai Ba Trung Street. Both places have a quiet, local vibe.
Mi Quang
- Mi Quang is a bright yellow noodle dish made with shrimp, pork, and roasted peanuts. It has just a little broth and is often eaten for breakfast. Locals love Mi Quang Ong Hai on 6A Truong Minh Luong Street for its rich flavor and fresh herbs.
Banh Mi
- Hoi An is known for its delicious Banh Mi sandwiches. The bread is crispy on the outside and soft inside, filled with meat, herbs, and pate. I love Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen on 115 Tran Cao Van Street because the owner always greets you with a smile. Banh Mi Phuong on 2B Phan Chu Trinh Street is also a must-try.
Com Ga (Chicken Rice)
- Hoi An chicken rice is simple but tasty. The rice is cooked with chicken broth and served with shredded chicken and herbs. A great place to try it is Com Ga Hoa Vien on 149 Ly Thuong Kiet Street.
White Rose Dumplings
- White rose dumplings are small, steamed rice cakes shaped like flowers. They are soft, delicate, and topped with crispy shallots. You can enjoy them at White Rose Restaurant on 533 Hai Ba Trung Street, where you can also watch how they’re made.
Dive Into Culture and Craft
Traditions Still Alive Today
You can join a lantern-making workshop, where locals will teach you how to shape bamboo and silk into your own lantern. It’s fun, creative, and you get to keep your handmade souvenir.
Meet the Artisans
Visiting Hoi An’s craft villages is a wonderful way to see how traditional skills are still alive today.
At Thanh Ha Pottery Village, about 3 km from the Old Town, locals have been making pottery for over 400 years. You can watch how they shape clay into pots and toys, and even try molding your own piece. I once joined a class there, and although my pot looked funny, the craftsman patiently helped me finish it.
Across the river, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is known for its handmade boats and wooden carvings. Walking through the small workshops, you can see how each item is carefully crafted by hand.
If you have time, visit Cam Kim Mat Weaving Village to watch women weaving colorful mats from dried reeds. They are always friendly and often invite visitors to try weaving a few lines.
Hands-On Experiences
If you love Vietnamese food, taking a cooking class in Hoi An is something you shouldn’t miss. Most classes start with a trip to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a small farming community about 3 km from the Old Town. The village is famous for its organic herbs and vegetables, grown without chemicals using traditional methods. You can walk between green fields, smell the fresh herbs, and even try planting or watering the crops like a farmer.
Then, under the guidance of friendly local chefs, you’ll learn how to make dishes like spring rolls, pho, or grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves.
Outdoor Activities for Tourists
Basket Boat Ride at Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Located in Cam Thanh Village, Bay Mau Coconut Forest is one of the most exciting places in Hoi An. Locals will take you on a round bamboo basket boat through quiet waterways surrounded by green coconut palms. It starts off calm but quickly turns into laughter when the boatmen begin to spin the boats or perform fun tricks. It’s a joyful, one-of-a-kind experience you shouldn’t miss.
Cycling Through the Countryside
Hoi An is perfect for cycling thanks to its flat roads and peaceful views. You can rent a bike and ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village or along the Thu Bon River to see fishermen at work. Early mornings are the best time to go when the air is cool and the sunlight touches the rice fields. It’s a simple but beautiful way to see local life up close.
ATV Adventure in My Son Sanctuary
If you’re looking for something more exciting, try an ATV quad bike tour around My Son Sanctuary, about an hour from Hoi An. The ride takes you through quiet countryside roads, muddy trails, and small villages surrounded by rice paddies. It’s a thrilling way to see rural Vietnam while heading toward the ancient Hindu temple ruins.
Take a Piece of Hoi An Home
What’s Worth Buying
Hoi An was once a bustling trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, where merchants from Japan, China, and Europe exchanged silk, spices, and ceramics. Today, that spirit of craftsmanship lives on in its tailor-made shops like Yaly Couture (358 Nguyen Duy Hieu), Golden Silk Tailor Hoi An (649 Hai Ba Trung) and A Dong Silk (62 Tran Hung Dao). Those are all famous for creating beautiful custom clothing within days.
Where to Find Authentic Souvenirs
Hoi An is full of charming shops for local gifts. For handmade crafts, visit Reaching Out Crafts (131 Tran Phu) for eco-friendly souvenirs, Ha Linh Lanterns (72 Tran Nhan Tong) for beautiful silk lanterns, or Thanh Ha Pottery Village for traditional ceramics. Skip the big stalls and explore the small boutiques in quiet streets for more authentic finds.
How to Get to Hoi An
Hoi An is located in Quang Nam Province (now is Da Nang City), about 30 km from Da Nang Airport or train station and 135 km from Hue. Its location makes it easy to reach by car, shuttle, or motorbike from nearby cities.
From Da Nang to Hoi An
Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An is simple and convenient. The most comfortable option is booking a private car through trusted services like Hura Cars or Hoi An Taxi. The trip takes around 45 minutes and gives you a scenic view of the countryside.
Check out our service to tranfer Da Nang to Hoi An.
Getting Around Town
Once you arrive, walking or cycling is the best way to explore. The Ancient Town is pedestrian-only, so be sure to park your bike outside the walking zone. Many hotels offer free bicycles, making it easy to wander around at your own pace.
Nearby Destinations Worth Visiting
Hoi An’s location makes it perfect for short side trips.
- Da Nang – Relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy modern cafes, or visit the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills. Check out the way how to get to Ba Na Hills from Hoi An.
- Hue – Discover the Imperial Citadel and cruise along the Perfume River for a taste of royal heritage.
- My Son Sanctuary – Explore the ancient Champa ruins, about an hour away by car.
Each destination offers a different glimpse into Vietnam’s rich culture and history.
Travel Tips
ATMs, convenience stores, and SIM cards are easy to find. Locals are friendly and always willing to help if you need directions or travel advice.
Recharging Your Spirit — Spa, Yoga & Calm Escapes
After a few busy days, it’s time to slow down. Hoi An has wonderful spas that blend traditional Vietnamese massage with natural oils. Some resorts offer yoga by the beach or herbal steam treatments — perfect for ending your trip feeling refreshed.
I spent an afternoon at a small riverside spa, listening to gentle music and the sound of rain. It was the calmest I’d felt in months.
Picture-Perfect Hoi An
Whether you love taking photos or just enjoy beautiful places, Hoi An will spoil you. The town is full of picture-perfect corners waiting for your camera. Don’t miss the Japanese Covered Bridge, the yellow walls of the Old Town, and the peaceful temples hidden in the narrow streets. The colorful Hoi An lanterns glow beautifully at night, and a coffee break at Faifo Coffee gives you one of the best rooftop views of the town.
The best time to take photos is early morning, around 6 AM, when the streets are quiet and covered in soft light. At night, capture the reflections of lanterns on the river or light a candle in a paper boat and make a wish.
Quick Answers for Curious Travelers
Is Hoi An walkable?
Hoi An is oriented to become an area without vehicle smoke and engine noise. Experience a day in Hoi An, through the small streets, or the lantern streets hanging all over the street. And you can find everything such as: restaurants, bars, coffee shops, tailor shops, lantern workshops… just a few steps away.
Can I swim in Hoi An?
Absolutely! You can head to An Bang or Cua Dai Beach, about 2–4 km from Hoi An Ancient Town. Taking a quick cab or riding a bike is a great option.
What things to do for kids?
Hoi An is full of fun for kids. They can make colorful lanterns, join a cooking class, or take a basket boat ride in the coconut forest. Cycling around the countryside or relaxing at An Bang Beach are also great family activities.
We hope this guide helps you plan your trip and enjoy every moment exploring the charm of Hoi An.