Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Old Town Hoi An is an outstandingly well-preserved illustration of a Southeast Asian trading port that dates back to the 15th to 19th centuries. The name itself, “peaceful meeting place,” paints a picture of rustic simplicity and poetry for this locale. Whether it is day or night, Hoi An tourism offers a wide range of alluring sights and experiences that are sure to captivate any traveler. Let’s explore Hoi An Travel Guide below with Asia Legend Travel and get ready for your upcoming trip right away!

Hoi An Travel Guide: Overview of Hoi An

Hoi An’s location is in central Vietnam, 795 km south of Hanoi, 940 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 122 km from Hue, and 30 km southeast of Danang. Situated along the northern bank of the Thu Bon River in Vietnam, Hoi An was once a thriving international trade port from the 15th to the 19th century, attracting merchants from all over the world.

Recognized as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO since 1999, Hoi An ancient town is famous for its architectural heritage that dates back hundreds of years. Despite the challenges of history, the town’s ancient beauty endures in every tile, brick, and tree, just like the simple and honest nature of the local people.

A corner of ancient streets in Hoi An illuminated with the light of lanterns

The most common type of house in Hoi An is a narrow, tube-shaped house with one or two floors. These houses’ construction materials can endure the harsh climate in the region. Each house in Hoi An achieves a perfect balance between living space and nature, featuring a stone-tiled courtyard and decorative items such as garden fountains and ornamental plants, contributing to the overall beautiful aesthetic. With its distinctive architecture, the houses in Hoi An are always spacious, filled with sunlight, and blend effortlessly with nature and their surroundings.

Hoi An's tube-shaped houses line both sides of the winding street — Hoi An’s tube-shaped houses line both sides of the winding street

In Hoi An, the streets are arranged in a chessboard pattern with beautiful, winding, and short streets. Walking through each of these small and peaceful streets, tourists not only enjoy delicious food but also witness a part of the peaceful daily life of Hoi An’s people. Travelers to Hoi An will realize that time seems to have stopped here, with each tile-roofed house covered in mossy colors and the old, moldy gray walls still present from ancient times to this day.

Hoi An Travel Guide: Must-Go Destinations

When visiting Hoi An, visitors will have the incredible opportunity to marvel at the seamless blend of multicultural architecture and breathtaking natural landscape. Check out some Hoi An must-go destinations with Hoi An Travel Guide right away!

Hoi An ancient town

The Hoi An ancient town features a unique blend of Western and Eastern architecture that will transport visitors back to the splendid 16th century. As the sun sets, the colorful lanterns illuminate the wooden bridges and streets, creating an unforgettable memory that will undoubtedly make your journey truly memorable.

Bridge Pagoda

The Bridge Pagoda, also known as the Japanese Bridge, is the only structure of its kind built by Japanese merchants in Hoi An in the annals of history. However, it still retains the unique features of Vietnamese design. As the symbol of Hoi An, visiting the Bridge Pagoda is an absolute must during your travels in Hoi An.

Fujian Assembly Hall

Constructed around 1690, the Fujian Assembly Hall stands as a proud symbol of Hoi An architecture and the exceptional craftsmanship of Fujian artists. Originally serving as a gathering and socializing place for overseas Chinese in Hoi An, the hall has later become a temple dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess who provides safe passage for sailors at sea.

Cua Dai Beach

Cua Dai beach is the ideal destination for beach-lovers visiting Hoi An. In just a short 15-minute drive from Hoi An ancient town, you’ll uncover a breathtaking three-kilometer stretch of white sandy beach with gentle waves and crystal-clear water.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest

The Bay Mau coconut forest, located just a 10-minute drive from Hoi An ancient town, is a truly unique ecological area with a waterlogged forest system. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the locals while taking in the stunning scenery. This forest is a must-visit destination that is sure to leave you captivated.

Hoi An Travel Guide: Must-try Local Food

Hoi An’s local gastronomy is a must-try for visitors, offering a wide range of finger-licking dishes. Some popular examples include Cao Lau, chicken rice, crispy pancake, banh my, and more. Each dish has its own distinctive flavor and presentation. Locals use fresh ingredients sourced from their gardens, rivers, and oceans. These traditional recipes, passed down through generations, have made Hoi An renowned as “The Kitchen of the World.”

And don’t forget the region’s most beloved and iconic beverage, Nuoc Mot (“Nước Mót” in Vietnamese). This delightful drink is made with a combination of monk fruit, liquorice, lime, ginger, lemongrass, chrysanthemum flowers, dried lotus leaves, green tea leaves, honey, and other wonderful ingredients. Nuoc Mot has a refreshing taste and helps detoxify your body, making it perfect for those hot sunny days.

Hoi An Travel Guide: Must-try Local Food - Nuoc Mot — Hoi An Travel Guide: Must-try Local Food – Nuoc Mot

Hoi An Travel Guide: Best Things to Do

Hoi An offers a wide range of activities that will make your trip unforgettable. Let’s explore some of exciting things to do in Hoi An with the Hoi An Travel Guide below!

Explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An

Take your time to stroll through the ancient town of Hoi An and admire the beautifully preserved buildings, narrow streets, and lantern-lined alleys. Everything in this world heritage site will astound you.

Witness the vibrant Lantern Festival

If you visit Hoi An during a full moon, don’t miss the Lantern Festival. The town is illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns, creating an enchanting atmosphere that will leave any visitor in awe.

Take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River

Enjoying a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River is truly worth trying. It’s an amazing opportunity to appreciate the breathtaking riverside views, witness the skilled local fishermen in action, and if you’re feeling adventurous, give paddle-boarding a shot.

Get tailor-made clothing

Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors. So, why not get measured and have custom-made clothing created just for you? You’ll be spoilt for choice with a wide range of options available, from stylish suits to elegant dresses.

Experience the lively Hoi An Night Market

And make sure to check out the lively Night Market, which takes place every evening along Nguyen Hoang Street. It’s a great place to discover a wide selection of handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and enjoy some delicious local street food.

Unwind on the beautiful beaches

Not only is Hoi An famous for its enchanting ancient town, but it also boasts a plethora of stunning beaches, including Cua Dai, An Bang, and Cu Lao Cham Island. Take a moment to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and make your way to these nearby beaches. Here, you can bask in the glorious sunshine, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, and treat yourself to delectable seafood at the charming beachfront restaurants.

Please note that these are just a few of the many amazing things to do in Hoi An. There are even more things waiting for you to explore. Enjoy your time discovering this charming Vietnamese town!

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

The ideal time to visit Hoi An is during the months of February to April when the weather is pleasant and not rainy. However, if you are planning a beach vacation, it is a good choice to visit from May to July when the temperature rises, perfect for enjoying the beautiful beaches of Hoi An.

A trip to Hoi An at different times of the year offers a variety of perspectives of this town

A trip to Hoi An during the rainy season (October to December) offers a different perspective of this town. While there may be occasional flooding, it typically lasts within a day or two. Despite the rain, this season brings cooler weather, allowing you to savor a cup of hot coffee or tea while enjoying the city’s charming atmosphere.

How Long to Spend in Hoi An

In general, it takes about 3 days to fully explore the enchanting Ancient Town of Hoi An and enjoy a few excursions in the beautiful surrounding area. However, if you have more time, why not simply relax and immerse yourself in the city’s delightful atmosphere? Spending 5 days in Hoi An will provide a delightful experience that will keep you entertained throughout your stay.

With its well-preserved ancient town, enchanting lantern-lit streets, and stunning beaches, it is no wonder that Hoi An has become a must-visit location in Vietnam. Whether you are delving into the architectural marvels of the old town, immersing yourself in the local culinary delights, or simply indulging in the serene atmosphere, Hoi An is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler. We hope that the Hoi An Travel Guide provided above will assist you in having the most memorable travel experiences in this historic city.