Hoi An - Ancient Town of Lanterns

Hoi An is a beautifully preserved ancient trading port that has become one of Vietnam's most enchanting destinations. With its lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, riverside cafés, and rich history, Hoi An offers a magical experience that captivates every visitor.

Why Visit Hoi An?

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Perfectly preserved ancient town
• Lantern Paradise: Thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the streets at night
• Tailor Capital: Get custom-made clothing at affordable prices
• Culinary Delights: Unique Central Vietnamese cuisine
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Pedestrian-friendly old town

Must-See Attractions

Old Town

The heart of Hoi An with its:

• Yellow colonial buildings
• Ornate Chinese assembly halls
• Ancient merchant houses
• Japanese Covered Bridge

Entry: Purchase a 5-ticket pass (120,000 VND) to visit 5 attractions of your choice.

Japanese Covered Bridge

Built in the 1590s by Japanese merchants, this iconic bridge is Hoi An's most photographed landmark.

Assembly Halls

• Fujian Assembly Hall: Impressive architecture and ornate decorations
• Cantonese Assembly Hall: Beautiful courtyard and intricate carvings
• Trieu Chau Assembly Hall: Colorful and well-preserved

Ancient Houses

• Tan Ky House: 200-year-old merchant house
• Phung Hung House: Ancient architecture spanning Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences

An Bang Beach

A beautiful, quieter alternative to nearby beaches. Perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean.

Unique Experiences

Lantern Festival

On the 14th day of each lunar month, the old town switches off electric lights and is illuminated solely by lanterns. Locals release lanterns onto the river for good luck.

Custom Tailoring

Hoi An is famous for its tailors. You can have custom suits, dresses, or shoes made in 24-48 hours at reasonable prices.

Tips:

• Visit multiple shops for quotes
• Bring pictures of designs you like
• Allow time for fittings (at least 2)
• Recommended shops: Bebe Tailor, Yaly Couture, A Dong Silk

Cooking Classes

Learn to make Vietnamese classics like:

• Fresh spring rolls
• Cao Lau (Hoi An specialty noodles)
• White rose dumplings
• Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes)

Many classes include market tours.

Bicycle Tours

Explore the countryside and rice paddies surrounding Hoi An. Morning tours are best to avoid the heat.

Culinary Specialties

Hoi An has several dishes you can't find anywhere else:

• Cao Lau: Thick noodles with pork and greens (water supposedly from a specific well)
• White Rose (Banh Bao Banh Vac): Steamed rice dumplings shaped like roses
• Banh Mi: Hoi An claims to have the best in Vietnam (try Banh Mi Phuong)
• Com Ga: Chicken rice with herbs
• Banh Xeo: Crispy savory pancake

Best Restaurants

• Morning Glory: Traditional Vietnamese cuisine
• Banh Mi Phuong: Famous banh mi shop
• Nu Eatery: Modern Vietnamese fusion
• Madam Khanh: The Banh Mi Queen
• Cargo Club: Riverside dining with sunset views

Where to Stay

Old Town

• Walking distance to everything
• More expensive
• Can be noisy at night
• Traffic restricted in the evening

An Bang Beach

• Relaxing beachside atmosphere
• More affordable
• 20-minute bike ride to old town
• Quieter at night

Countryside

• Peaceful rice paddy views
• Boutique resorts and homestays
• Requires transportation to town
• Most authentic local experience

Getting Around

• Walking: Best for old town
• Bicycle: Perfect for exploring (rentals 20,000-30,000 VND/day)
• Motorbike: For venturing further (80,000-100,000 VND/day)
• Grab: For specific destinations
• Taxi: Readily available but more expensive

Day Trips

My Son Sanctuary

Ancient Hindu temple ruins (UNESCO site) about 40km from Hoi An. Best visited early morning to avoid heat.

Marble Mountains

Five marble and limestone hills with caves, tunnels, and temples. 30 minutes from Hoi An.

Cham Islands

Snorkeling, diving, and beach relaxation. Boat trips available from Hoi An.

Da Nang

Modern city with beautiful beaches, just 30km away. Visit:

• Dragon Bridge
• Linh Ung Pagoda
• My Khe Beach

Best Time to Visit

• February to April: Dry and warm (25-30°C)
• May to August: Hot but manageable with beaches nearby
• September to January: Rainy season, possibility of floods
• Lantern Festival: 14th of each lunar month

Practical Tips

1. Old town at night: Most magical after 6 PM when lanterns are lit
2. Avoid midday heat: Explore early morning or late afternoon
3. Bargaining: Expected at markets and with street vendors
4. Entrance tickets: Buy the 5-ticket pass, valid for entire stay
5. Stay multiple nights: 2-3 days minimum to truly enjoy
6. Rent a bicycle: Best way to explore town and countryside
7. Book cooking classes: Popular ones fill up quickly

Photography Spots

• Japanese Covered Bridge at sunset
• Nguyen Hoang Night Market with lanterns reflected in the river
• Rice paddies at sunrise
• Colored lantern shops
• Riverside cafés
• Ancient assembly halls

Sustainable Tourism

Help preserve Hoi An's charm:

• Support local businesses over chains
• Dispose of trash properly
• Choose eco-friendly tour operators
• Learn a few Vietnamese phrases
• Respect local customs and quiet hours

Hoi An is a place where time seems to slow down. Whether you're cycling through rice paddies, having clothes custom-made, or simply watching the Thu Bon River flow by with a Vietnamese coffee in hand, you'll find yourself enchanted by this ancient town's timeless beauty.