The heritage town of Hoi An in Vietnam possessed a vintage charm dating back to the fifteenth century. Punctuated by well-preserved structures that shaped the storied past of that former Southeast Asian trading hub, it stood as a major tourist draw in Central Vietnam. Stepping back in time did not require a time machine; a stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An achieved this beautifully. As I boarded my bus from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An, I had already pictured a beautiful, age-old town awaiting me.
Hoi An Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Food, Hotels & Travel Tips
To make the journey into the past more rewarding, here were the essential things to do in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An.
Hoi An at a Glance
Stroll the Old Streets of Hoi An
During the day, one was instantly enchanted by the quaint ambiance, thanks to a fusion of classical architecture enriched with local and foreign influences. Small, two-story wooden homes had been transformed into souvenir shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants, flanking historical residential houses and museums.
At night, a stroll through the ancient town's streets became significantly more romantic as colorful lanterns of various shapes and designs lit up the narrow pathways. A walk through history filled with visual feasts at every turn made the Hoi An experience truly unforgettable.
Cross the Japanese Bridge of Hoi An
Constructed centuries ago as a symbol of integration, the bridge historically connected the local Japanese and Chinese merchant quarters. Since then, the bridge had not only fostered deep cultural connections, but it had also become one of the most photographed landmarks in Hoi An.
How to Get to Hoi An
From Da Nang Airport:
• Taxi / Grab: Forty-five to sixty minutes ride
• Shuttle Bus / Private Transfer options via Klook
From Hue:
• Train + Taxi connection
• Tourist Bus / Private Car via the scenic Hai Van Pass
Daytrip to the UNESCO Site of My Son Sanctuary
Ruins from a cluster of Hindu temples built from the fourth century until the fourteenth century could be found at the UNESCO World Heritage site of My Son Ancient Sanctuary. Although American carpet bombing during the Vietnam War damaged most of the remaining structures, it remained a magnificent site, made more fascinating when listening to the history shared by a local tour guide.
Located a little over an hour from Hoi An, Mỹ SÆ¡n was a rewarding day trip destination that added profound layers to one's understanding of Vietnam’s heritage.
Food Tripping in Hoi An
A trip to Vietnam was incomplete without diving into the local cuisine. In Hoi An, culinary choices were abundant, with rows of vibrant cafés and restaurants dotting both sides of the ancient streets and stretching across the river banks. From open-air food markets to intimate dining spaces, travelers could enjoy a beautifully varied gastronomic landscape.
Beyond traditional pho, one discovered unique regional dishes that left a lasting impression.
Shop, Shop, Shopping in Hoi An
The streets of the Hoi An old quarter far surpassed modern strip malls. Ornate shops housed within heritage buildings added an extra layer of allure; combined with unique items like silk lanterns, local artwork, vibrant textiles, and handmade crafts, visitors enjoyed a memorable shopping excursion.
Have a Drink and Have a Good Time
When our legs grew weary from walking, unwinding with a cup of robust Vietnamese coffee, local tea, or a cold beer on a second-story balcony of the many cafés flanking the old pathways was the perfect retreat.
Sipping a hot drink and people-watching offered a front-row view of the daily rhythms within that historic trading hub. We made sure to enjoy a quiet afternoon at the Reaching Out Teahouse.
Where to Stay
Backpacker hostels & local homestays near the rim of Old Town.
Charming villa properties featuring pool gardens along the river channels.
Premium high-end beach resorts lining the coast towards An Bang.
Daytrip to the Beaches of Da Nang
If one sought a brief break from cultural immersion, unwinding under the sun along the expansive beaches of Da Nang was ideal. Located an hour away, it was a bustling, modern metropolis that stood in complete contrast to the throwback atmosphere of Hoi An. While in Da Nang, one could also explore the Marble Mountains or rent a motorcycle to traverse the scenic Hai Van Pass.
Nearby Day Trips
Make New Friends
Connecting with others was a fundamental part of the journey. The welcoming atmosphere throughout Hoi An created a beautiful harmony between travelers and local residents alike.
A simple nod or a warm smile could easily spark a connection. Sharing a flavorful plate of authentic Vietnamese street food and a cup of robust coffee over a fascinating conversation was one of the most rewarding aspects of the road.
🗓️ Suggested 3-Day Hoi An Itinerary
Explore Ancient Town architecture / Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge / Check out the Night Market / Take a classic lantern boat ride.
Cycle out to Tra Que Vegetable Village / Participate in a local cooking class / Book a trip to My Son in the afternoon / Relax at riverside cafés.
Unwind at An Bang Beach / Take a spinning basket boat ride at the Coconut Village / Catch sunset across the Thu Bon River currents.
The Hoi An Bucket List
Frequently Asked Questions
Without a doubt. Its exceptionally well-preserved commercial structures and romantic atmospheric qualities make it an absolute jewel of Central Vietnam.
A standard stay of three to four days provides a satisfying balance, ensuring ample runtime to discover internal heritage assets as well as take day trips to external ruins or beaches.
Extremely. The core Ancient Town zone restricts motorized vehicular movement during specific periods, ensuring an ideal environment for walking or bicycle tracking.
No, it is remarkably budget-friendly, aligning with Vietnam's generally competitive tourism rates. Local street food items and standard homestays are exceptionally accessible.
It is globally celebrated for its atmospheric yellow-walled trading architectures, custom-tailored apparel industries, and the magical, flickering illumination of thousands of silk lanterns.
The famous celebration aligns with the full moon phase of each lunar cycle, occurring on the fourteenth day of every lunar month when the old quarter powers down standard modern light sources.
Cebu Pacific Air flies directly from Manila to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam. Hoi An sits an hour and a half away from the nearest domestic transit terminal in Da Nang. Travelers can catch a short connecting flight to Da Nang or book a sleeper bus option from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An.
Nomadic Experiences Take
Hoi An wasn't a city that demanded a checklist. It was one that rewarded slowing down. Some of my favorite moments weren't inside museums or heritage houses, but while people-watching over Vietnamese coffee beside the Thu Bon River or wandering lantern-lit alleys with no destination in mind. That was the kind of place Hoi An had always been.
