Vietnam

Top 12 Places to Visit in Hoi An

Nov 25, 2025

5 mins Read

By Samridhi Puri

Starting with an unusual slice-of-life moment: Imagine stepping into a place where the lights on the streets are completely turned off, and the entire town flickers to life with the glow of thousands of floating lanterns drifting gently down a river. Welcome to Hoi An, a vibrant city in Vietnam’s central coast, where history whispers from every building and the nights shine with magic – not from electricity but from the soft light of colourful lanterns. Whether you’re planning your first visit or already wandering its charming streets, here’s everything you want to know about the top 12 places to visit in Hoi An, sprinkled with insider tips and up-to-date practical info.

Why visit Hoi An? The mix of history, culture, and vibrant life

Hoi An's charm lies in its well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like stepping into a living museum. This former South-East Asian trading port has seen centuries of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences, which you'll spot in its architecture and streetscape. But Hoi An isn’t just about history—it’s about the buzz of night markets, the relaxation of nearby beaches, and unique cultural experiences like its famous Lantern Festival. The town attracts solo travellers from Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) thanks to its friendly vibe and manageable size, making it a great base for exploring central Vietnam.

How to reach Hoi An: Getting there made simple

Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport, but it’s just a 30-minute drive from Da Nang International Airport, which welcomes direct flights from major hubs in Asia and Europe, as well as seasonal routes popular with GCC travellers. From Da Nang, taxis, shuttle buses, or motorbike rentals can get you to Hoi An easily. Train travellers can alight at Da Nang and continue via bus or taxi. For the truly adventurous, a scenic motorbike ride or bicycle trip from Da Nang offers beautiful coastal and rice field views.

Top places to visit in Hoi An - your essential list

1. Hoi An Ancient Town: Where time slows down

The heart and soul of Hoi An tourism is its Ancient Town, known for narrow, pedestrian-only streets lined with yellow-painted walls, traditional wooden houses, and hanging lanterns that light up the evenings. Explore landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge—an 18th-century wooden bridge with a small pagoda—and marvel at Chinese assembly halls such as the Fujian Assembly Hall with its intricate carvings and incense-filled halls. Entry to five major heritage sites requires a ticket costing 120,000 VND (£3.80/₹390, current price as of Nov 2025). Don’t miss the Tan Ky Old House, a beautifully preserved merchant home over 200 years old that offers a glimpse into the life of early traders.

Insider tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.

2. Nguyen Hoang Night Market: Food, fun and lantern-lit shopping

When the sun sets, the Nguyen Hoang Night Market comes alive. With over 50 vendors selling everything from tasty street food like cao lau noodles and banh mi to colourful lanterns and handmade crafts, this market bustles with energy. It runs from 5 PM to 11 PM daily, peaking around 7-10 PM. The market sits along the Thu Bon River and provides a perfect chance to enjoy Hoi An’s vibrant nightlife. Be ready to haggle smartly and enjoy some friendly banter with local vendors.

Insider tip: Try a serving of local treats like white rose dumplings and grab a lantern to light your own wishes on the river.

3. An Bang Beach: The chill-out coastal retreat

Just a 10-minute drive from the Ancient Town, An Bang Beach offers soft sands, palm-fringed shores, and a mellow vibe. Unlike the busier Cua Dai Beach, An Bang pairs relaxation with some lively beach bars playing live music in the evenings. Expect to pay around 100,000 VND (£3.20/₹320) for sunbed rental and modest prices for fresh seafood dishes nearby. It’s a favourite spot for visitors looking to unwind after city explorations.

Insider tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot and watch local fishermen head out at sunrise.

4. Cam Thanh Village and coconut boat tours: A slice of life on water

One local experience many seasoned travellers rave about is the Cam Thanh Village coconut boat tours. These round basket boats navigate the tranquil coconut forests, giving you a rare chance to see local fishermen at work and the traditional way of life close-up. Tours typically start from around 150,000 VND (£4.80/₹480). Be prepared to get a little wet if you try steering!

5. Hoi An Lantern Festival: Light and magic on the river

Held on every 14th day of the lunar month, the Lantern Festival turns off electric lights and celebrates ancient traditions with thousands of handmade lanterns illuminating the streets and the Thu Bon River. The next festival dates include November 3rd and December 3rd, 2025. Visitors buy paper lanterns to release on the river, accompanied by traditional performances and a peaceful atmosphere unlike any other. It’s a highly photogenic event, so bring your camera or phone fully charged.

Insider tip: Book accommodation early if your trip coincides with the festival, as places fill up fast.

6. Tra Que Vegetable Village: Discover Hoi An’s green heart

A short bike ride from town, Tra Que is an organic farming village where locals grow fresh herbs and vegetables using natural methods. Visitors can join in farming activities, enjoy local cooking classes, or simply walk around the lush fields for a break from city life. Entrance is free, but tours and classes start at about 200,000 VND (£6.40/₹640).

7. Japanese Covered Bridge: A symbol of cultural fusion

This iconic bridge, dating from the 18th century, links the Japanese and Chinese quarters. Its small temple pagoda honors the Taoist god of weather, reflecting how architecture and spirituality fused in Hoi An’s trading past. It’s quieter in the early morning—perfect for peaceful photos.

8. Museums of Hoi An: Dive into history and culture

Hoi An Museum of History & Culture and the Museum of Trade Ceramics offer rich insights into the town’s evolution as a trading port, with displays of pottery, photographs, and artefacts. Entrance fees are around 30,000 VND (£1/₹95). These museums might be less crowded, offering a deep dive into local heritage.

Insider tip: Combine museum visits with a stop at a local café for a traditional Vietnamese drip coffee.

9. Marble Mountains and temples: Explore the spiritual hilltop

A short trip from Hoi An, the Marble Mountains are a cluster of limestone hills with caves, pagodas and panoramic views. Thuy Son, the main mountain, has temples and is accessible via stairways. Entrance is about 40,000 VND (£1.30/₹130). It’s a wonderful spot for photography and a change of scene from town and beach.

10. Historic houses and assembly halls: Step into past lifestyles

Hoi An’s historic houses and assembly halls are like time capsules that reveal the town’s rich merchant history and cultural diversity. Besides the well-known Tan Ky Old House and Duc An Old House, don’t miss the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, which showcases Southern Chinese architectural styles with its vivid red walls, dragon motifs, and intricate wooden carvings. These halls were once gathering places for community members from specific regions in China, used for meetings, celebrations, and worship. Most of these sites require the same ticket as the Ancient Town heritage sites (120,000 VND/£3.80/₹390), and visiting them in the early mornings ensures a more peaceful experience before crowds arrive.

11. Cycling the rice fields around Hoi An: A scenic and peaceful escape

Venturing beyond the Ancient Town by renting a bicycle (about 50,000 VND per hour / £1.60 / ₹160) opens up a quieter, greener side of Hoi An. The surrounding rice fields are a patchwork of vibrant greens, extending as far as the eye can see. Cycle paths gently weave through small rural villages where you can observe traditional farming practices, chat with friendly locals, and perhaps stop at simple tea houses to refresh. This relaxed pace is especially appealing to solo travellers and those looking to unplug. Just be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and bottled water for a comfortable ride.

12. Vu Dai Beach and less crowded coastal spots: Peaceful seaside days

For those who want a beach day away from the busier An Bang or Cua Dai beaches, Vu Dai Beach and Ha My Beach provide serene settings with cleaner sands and fewer visitors. Despite being less developed, you’ll find local vendors selling fresh seafood and simple refreshments, and small beachside shacks offering sunbeds for around 100,000 VND (£3.20/₹320). Arriving before noon is ideal to enjoy cooler temperatures and a calm sea. These locations are accessible by motorbike, taxi, or tuk-tuk in about a 15- to 25-minute drive from Hoi An’s town centre, making them perfect for a half-day getaway.

Practical info for visitors to Hoi An

Topic	Details
Currency	Vietnamese Dong (VND); £1 = approx 31,000 VND; ₹1 = approx 48 VND
Best time to visit	February to August (dry season); Lantern Festival monthly on full moon nights.
Entry to Ancient Town	120,000 VND (£3.80 / ₹390) for 5 heritage sites ticket
Night market hours	5 PM - 11 PM; peak time 7-10 PM
Transport in town	Walking and cycling preferred; taxis and motorbike rentals available
Typical street food cost	VND 20,000 - 50,000 (£0.60 - £1.60 / ₹95 - ₹240) per dish
Accommodation range	Hostels: from 150,000 VND (£4.80/₹480); mid-range hotels: 500,000 VND (£16/₹770) to luxury resorts at 1,500,000 VND (£47/₹2300)

Insider tips for savvy travellers

Hoi An is generally safe for solo travellers, including women, with a welcoming community and low crime rates.
Avoid motorbike taxis late at night and always agree on a fare beforehand to avoid tourist scams.
Dress modestly when visiting temples and assembly halls; remove shoes before entering.
Peak tourist hours in the Ancient Town are around late morning and afternoon; early mornings are best for quiet exploration.
Use local SIM cards for better internet access; these are available at the airport or local stores and can be ordered via Alike’s trip planner services.

What to eat in Hoi An: Local flavours to try

Hoi An’s food scene is rich with traditional dishes. Don't miss cao lau, a noodle dish with pork and fresh greens; white rose dumplings; and banh mi sandwiches. Many street food vendors and eateries also cater to dietary preferences, perfect for all tastes.

Hoi An is a dazzling blend of history, local culture, and seaside charm. From ancient temples to bustling night markets, from tranquil river tours to beach days under palm trees, it offers a variety of experiences for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re there for the lantern glow, the rich heritage, or the fresh seafood, Hoi An invites you to explore, taste, and soak in a unique atmosphere that stays with you long after you leave.

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