A complete, honest guide to Hoi An, Vietnam — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. Lantern-lit ancient port, tailors & central Vietnam beaches..
Hoi An is a highlight of Southeast Asia, and Hoi An is Vietnam's lantern-lit former trading port — a UNESCO old town of tailors, temples and riverside glow. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Hoi An
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Hoi An
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — Ancient Town and Japanese Covered Bridge. Break for lunch and try cao lầu, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Ancient Town.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Lantern-lit riverfront and An Bang Beach, then explore An Hoi at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — My Son Sanctuary (ancient Cham temple ruins) is the easy favourite, or swap in Da Nang (beaches and the Marble Mountains).
Ready to book? Turn your Hoi An shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Hoi An experiences →Hoi An on a budget — costs & money tips
Hoi An is very affordable by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Hoi An
- Accommodation£8–£45 / night
- Food£6–£20 / day
- Local transport£2–£8 / day
- Typical attraction£3–£12 / entry
See how Hoi An compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Hoi An
- Street food and local markets are both the cheapest and often the best meals — eat where locals queue.
- Trains and shared local transport cost a fraction of taxis; agree fares before you ride where meters aren’t used.
- Many of the best experiences here are low-cost — temples, markets, walking the old quarters.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Hoi An at a glance
A quick orientation for Hoi An. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Hoi An
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Hoi An specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Hoi An
Hoi An is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Ancient Town
The historic core (largely car-free).
An Hoi
Night market across the river.
An Bang
The beach strip.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Hoi An further down the page.
Food & drink in Hoi An
Hoi An has its own specialities — cao lầu noodles, white rose dumplings and bánh mì from famous carts.
Build your Hoi An food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Hoi An
The old town is best on foot or by bicycle; it's closed to cars at peak times.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Hoi An. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Hoi An is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Hoi An that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Hoi An
February–May is dry and pleasant; the lanterns are magical year-round. Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Hoi An.
Day trips from Hoi An
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- My Son Sanctuary — ancient Cham temple ruins
- Da Nang — beaches and the Marble Mountains
Practical tips for Hoi An
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Ancient Town is a smart base — the historic core (largely car-free). If that’s not your style, An Hoi works well too (night market across the river).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Hoi An without trying cao lầu, white rose dumplings, bánh mì or mì Quảng. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for Ancient Town and Japanese Covered Bridge. With a spare day, My Son Sanctuary (ancient Cham temple ruins) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Hoi An, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Hoi An — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Hoi An, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
Three to four days is enough for Hoi An’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Ancient Town — with an extra day for a trip to My Son Sanctuary if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Hoi An?
February–May is dry and pleasant; the lanterns are magical year-round.
What food is Hoi An known for?
Hoi An has its own specialities — cao lầu noodles, white rose dumplings and bánh mì from famous carts.
Where should I stay in Hoi An?
Ancient Town is a great first-time base (the historic core (largely car-free)). An Hoi is another good option for night market across the river.
What are the best day trips from Hoi An?
Two rewarding day trips are My Son Sanctuary (ancient Cham temple ruins) and Da Nang (beaches and the Marble Mountains).
How do you get around Hoi An?
The old town is best on foot or by bicycle; it's closed to cars at peak times.
