Travel to Hoi An, Vietnam with Keytours Vacations

Discover Hoi An's Wonders

Hoi An is the kind of place where every street feels like a postcard. Yellow-walled shophouses, vibrant silk lanterns swaying in the breeze, and a slow-moving river reflecting the glow of candlelit boats—it’s pure magic. Spend your days wandering the ancient alleyways, getting a custom-tailored outfit made in record time, or learning the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine in a cooking class. And when the sun sets? Head to the river, release a lantern, and watch your wishes float away on the water.

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Description

The former trading port of Hoi An has risen to prominence as one of Vietnam's foremost travel destinations over the last few years, lagging only slightly behind the iconic Ha Long Bay – for now, that is. The compact city of just over 100,000 inhabitants continues to transform rapidly, with service businesses scurrying to meet the ever-increasing demand for Hoi An's atmospheric, UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, all this despite the introduction of a tourist entry fee a few years back. This rising popularity has miraculously not been too detrimental to the unspoiled old-time atmosphere so many visitors are after Hoi An remains traffic-free for most of the day, and much of the heritage left by Chinese and Japanese communities once inhabiting the city is well looked after and kept in excellent condition — the Japanese Covered Bridge built to connect the two enclaves remains one of the most popular sights.

Useful information

Population:

121,716 (2022)

Currency:

Vietnamese dong (VND)

Emergency Info:

Police: 113
Fire: 114
Ambulance: 115
Search & Rescue: 112

Opening Hours:

Do & See

Beaches Close to Hoi An

If time allows to squeeze in a trip to the seaside, An Bang Beach is the best stretch of sand within easy reach from Hoi An. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas and is reachable by bicycle. There are multiple cafés and restaurants peppered along the coast, as well as a few locales that offer water sports equipment rental. Another option is Cua Dai Beach, which is less busy and less convenient to swim at due to significant soil erosion, but the rapid development of nearby An Bang has helped Cua Dai become increasingly re-discovered by those looking for more privacy.

Chinese Assembly Halls

The Chinese who settled in Hoi An identified themselves according to their province of origin. Each community built its own assembly hall, known as 'hoi quan' in Vietnamese, for social gatherings, meetings and celebrations. The Fujian Assembly Hall is, perhaps, the best-known one; the Cantonese Assembly Hall stands out for its beauty and contains a tranquil inner courtyard, while the 19th-century Hainan Assembly Hall functions, in part, as a memorial to the 108 merchants from Hainan who met a tragic fate being mistaken for pirates – the entire story is narrated via wall posters.

Coconut Boat & Hoi an Ancient Town Tour

Join this fun tour for a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and culinary exploration. Begin with a visit to the Bay Mau coconut forest, exploring its waters on traditional bamboo basket boats. As night falls, witness the Old Town of Hoi An come alive. End your adventure with a dinner featuring unique local dishes like 'cao lau', 'hoanh thanh', 'banh bao', and 'banh vac'.

Cycling in Hoi An

Although Hoi An is perfectly walkable, cycling is an easy way of getting around, if your itinerary extends beyond the Old Town (including An Bang Beach). The Hoi An Old Town is closed off to all motorised traffic (including motorbikes) on most days, between 8.30 and 11.00 and then again 15.00 to 21.30, which means streets can be comfortably navigated by cyclists and pedestrians. Many hotels and guest houses offer bike rental services (or even complimentary bicycle use in some cases), but multiple bike rental shops operate throughout town as well. Prices are normally very reasonable and can be as low as 1 USD per day (depending on the bike). Single-gear bikes will suffice for cycling through town, but mountain bikes are recommended for those who wish to venture into the countryside. While locals will often be seen riding without helmets on, we recommend asking for one at your bike hire provider to ensure safety.

Đường Phan Bội Châu (Rue des Arts)

Formerly the main street of Hoi An's French Quarter, Phan Bội Châu is currently going through a renaissance: art galleries, exhibition spaces and sophisticated craft boutiques have opened here, bringing the street to the forefront of the town's cultural life. If you only have time for one gallery visit, make it the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum. Brainchild of the acclaimed travel photographer Réhahn, the space contains an exhibition of his finest work – photographs taken across Vietnam that seemingly lay bare the souls of their subjects – as well as an impressive collection of authentic garments worn by various ethnic groups across the country. There is a printed guide to the area's venues that can be picked up free of charge at many locations across town.

Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng)

Cầu Vàng is a footbridge extending through Ba Na Hills that allows you to enjoy the surrounding natural landscape. The way it is structured may make you think that it is supported by the two massive stone hands, but they're actually decorative fibreglass structures that remain nonetheless a spectacle of their own.

Hoi An Ancient Town

The part of Hoi An most sought-after by visitors is its incredibly photogenic mustard-coloured Old Town, a UNESCO-listed collection of beautifully preserved buildings; some of these still function as private homes, while a total of 22 are open to the public and operate largely as museums. Of particular interest are historic merchant residences, some of which offer short guided tours (the Old House of Tan Ky is among the most interesting), and Chinese assembly halls used for gatherings and celebrations by individual ethnic groups. Visiting each attraction will require one of the 5 admission slips that come with a general Hoi An Ancient Town entry ticket.

Hoi An Central Market

The bustling Hoi An market takes a little getting used to: it's distinctly more hectic than the downtown area and teems with local vendors and shoppers as much as it does with tourists. Abundant Asian herbs, souvenirs like lacquered coconut shell bowls, Vietnamese coffee-makers and traditional cone hats are some of the wares on sale. Of particular interest are the indoor food stands serving up scrumptious snacks at some of the lowest prices in town.

Dining

Good morning Vietnam

If you're craving a break from Vietnamese cuisine and longing for the Italian food you love back home, Good Morning Vietnam is your go-to spot. This Italian-owned trattoria offers homemade and authentic dishes, from classic pizza and pasta to other Italian fare. The restaurant exudes rustic charm, with decor reminiscent of a traditional Italian eatery and black and white movie star photos on the walls painted in Hoi An's iconic mustard yellow.

Miss Ly

Come outside of rush hour (prepare for a wait otherwise) at this genuine restaurant serving up traditional local specialities in a (traditionally) non-air-conditioned space. The restaurant enjoys great popularity: no wonder, for the 'cao lau', white rose dumplings, 'bahn mi' and spring rolls it serves up could go for much more than their price tag.

Morning Glory

A wildly popular, longstanding restaurant smack in the heart of Hoi An that serves up dishes most commonly eaten in central Vietnam. Special emphasis is placed on authenticity of flavours and cooking methods, plus street food dishes.

Nu Eatery

Hidden in plain sight (turn right after crossing the Japanese Bridge from east to west), this compact restaurant serves up beautiful Asian Fusion cuisine without pretence, with a few imaginative takes on Vietnamese staples unique to the establishment. Come for lunch to enjoy the place nearly all to yourself. Their daughter establishment Sea Shell just off Trang Hung Dao has also gained a loyal following in recent years.

Vy's Market Restaurant

Vy's is an exciting delve into Vietnamese street food, its many varieties served at several open-kitchen style indoor stands. The entire experience is carefully manicured and completely sanitary, which takes away possible worry associated with eating off the side of the roads. There are plenty of options to choose from, including 'classics' such as bahn mi to more peculiar delights such as half-hatched duck eggs, silkworm and jellyfish salad, or braised pig brain; one can even choose to have a typical local worker's meal.

Cafés

Hoi An Roastery Espresso & Coffee House

A reliable local coffee shop chain, Hoi An Roastery is one you can safely rely on for a good cup. They offer both Italian-style and Vietnamese coffees, from potent espresso and siphon to egg-yolk coffee, plus a selection of light breakfast and lunch foods.

Ly Thuong Kiet Street

Ly Thuong Kiet runs parallel to the river, a few blocks north of Hoi An's Ancient Town. The street is well-known to coffee lovers for the incredible variety of coffee shops that line it.

Mia Coffee

An expat favourite, Mia Coffee is loved for its shaded outdoor terrace, air-conditioned second floor and illy espressos prepared Italian-style (for those mornings when a traditional Vietnamese drip simply won't cut it).

Reaching Out Teahouse

There's beauty in every detail at Reaching Out Teahouse, from the exquisite ornate tableware to the establishment's mission: to offer employment to people with speech and hearing impediments, who make up the staff almost exclusively. Each table is served wooden blocks with various handy expressions inscribed on them (words like 'thank you' or 'bill') which aid in communication, and orders are placed by filling out a form. Guests are encouraged to keep their voices down to a whisper (or even refrain from talking entirely). The Vietnamese tea and coffee tasting sets are very reasonably priced and highly recommended; the cookie sampler can be shared by two.

The Espresso Station

The Espresso Station dazzles with creativity and innovation: their menu features some of the most whimsical drinks around, from their signature 'dark soul latte' with activated charcoal (which makes the drink appear black) to coffee served in frozen cubes, with hot creamy milk on the side. You can still get Vietnamese classics, such as the 'phin' drip or expertly crafted egg coffee. There's a beetroot latte for those who don't favour caffeine.

Bars & Nightlife

7 Bridges

7 Bridges, an award-winning craft beer brewery from Da Nang, offers a delightful taproom experience in the heart of Hoi An's Old Town. Featuring over 30 draft taps of locally brewed craft beers and tasty bar food in a beautiful, quiet beer garden, this oasis of calm in bustling downtown comes alive with live music towards the end of the night, making it a perfect spot to unwind.

Barconcú Classic Bar

Tucked away on a side street near the centre of Hoi An, Barconcú is a laid-back spot perfect for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. It offers quality cocktails and a good selection of wine in a quaint, tastefully designed space with comfy chairs and chilled background music.

Hoi An Night Market

From 6 to 9 pm daily, Hoi An's Nguyen Hoang Street transforms into a 300-metre long bustling night market, unfolding underneath a myriad colourful lanterns. It's a great place to stock up on souvenirs: prices are low and can get even lower for those with haggling skills.

Soul Kitchen

This An Bang Beach fixture has gained popularity in recent years, not so much as a restaurant, which it is by day, but more of a venue for a great night out. The key ingredients to its success are the breezy waterfront location (and a pleasantly relaxed vibe, by extension), regular live music shows, and a drink list that includes craft beers.

Shopping

Artbook

Artbook is a cute little store to browse through for fun Vietnam-themed gifts and souvenirs that aren't your typical Chinese imports. Some of their best buys include wallets made from recycled storage bags, high-quality retro posters on rice paper, and unique postcard collections. They also stock a fantastic selection of books on all things Vietnam (in English).

Đường Phan Bội Châu (Rue des Arts)

Hoi An Central Market

Hoi An Night Market

Reaching Out Arts & Crafts

This ethical craft and souvenir shop supports artists with disabilities, selling their original designs while making a tangible impact on the lives of disadvantaged local creators. The wares themselves are of excellent quality and range from silver jewellery (which is a great buy here) to linens, tableware, and home decor pieces.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

The 14th day of each lunar month sees Hoi An celebrate a Full Moon Festival, wherein streets get flooded with lit paper lanterns, food stalls, and souvenir vendors, with traditional performances of song and dance held throughout town. The two best months to visit Hoi An are February and March when temperatures are at their most comfortable. Heat starts to set in the following April, and it gets progressively hotter until July when the rainy season begins.

Passport / Visa

Travellers to Vietnam generally need a visa to enter the country, although some countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN member states, are exempt for short stays. For longer stays, visitors typically require a visa, which can be obtained from Vietnamese embassies or consulates. Another convenient option is to apply online for an e-visa, available for citizens of over 80 countries.

Da Nang International Airport (DAD)

Da Nang International Airport is the air hub closest to Hoi An, located around 40km from town, which makes for just under an hour's drive. The best options for reaching Hoi An from here include a pre-arranged transfer (some hotels offer this service), getting a taxi upon arrival (make sure to agree on the fare prior to starting the journey), or a shared shuttle bus offered by several local operators, such as Hoi An Express.

Electricity

In Vietnam, electrical outlets typically operate at 220V/50Hz and commonly use plug types A and C. Type A features two flat parallel pins, while type C has two round pins. Travellers are advised to carry a power plug adapter to ensure compatibility with local sockets when visiting the country.

Getting Around Hoi An

Hoi An is a very walkable town. Its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy for visitors to explore the ancient town on foot. Most of the attractions, shops, restaurants, and cafés are located within a relatively small area, allowing travellers to wander around and immerse themselves in the charm of Hoi An at their own pace. Cycling is another option for getting around Hoi An. If your destination is not within walking distance (although this is rarely the case within town limits), you might want to consider ordering a Grab, the local equivalent of Uber, or a 'xich lo' pedicab, although these are much better suited for leisurely sightseeing tours rather than a functional way of getting from point A to B. This last one is exclusively used by tourists.

Hoi An Ancient Town Entrance Ticket

A ticket is required to enter Hoi An's Ancient Town. This ticket grants access to several of the town's historic sites, museums, and traditional houses. Kiosks selling such tickets are spread through the Old Town and are yellow in colour, with a red sign. Each ticket is valid for 24 hours.

Pharmacy

In Hoi An, the main pharmacy chains are generally smaller and more locally focused compared to the major cities. However, you can still find a few well-known chains and reliable pharmacies, such as Pharmacity. If you require medical attention or medication that isn't available locally, your best bet is nearby Da Nang.

Post

Packages can be shipped worldwide via Vietnam Post, which is relatively reliable but can take up to several months to deliver parcels (3-4 weeks by air mail). Dai Nam postal service is another alternative local shipping provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Hoi An?

The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April when the weather is warm and dry, making it perfect for exploring the town and nearby beaches.

What are the must-see attractions in Hoi An?

Must-see attractions include the Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the vibrant night market along the Thu Bon River.

How many days should I spend in Hoi An?

Spending 2 to 3 days in Hoi An is ideal to explore the Ancient Town, enjoy the beaches, and take part in activities like cooking classes or lantern-making workshops.

What local dishes should I try in Hoi An?

Be sure to try Cao Lau, a noodle dish unique to Hoi An, as well as White Rose dumplings and Banh Mi, which are popular local street foods.

What is the best way to get around Hoi An?

Hoi An is best explored on foot or by bicycle, especially in the pedestrian-friendly Ancient Town. Motorbikes and taxis are also available for longer distances.

Are there any day trips I can take from Hoi An?

Yes, popular day trips include visiting the My Son Sanctuary, exploring the Marble Mountains, or taking a boat trip to the Cham Islands for snorkeling.

Where should I stay in Hoi An?

Consider staying in the Ancient Town for easy access to attractions, or choose a beachside resort in An Bang or Cua Dai for a more relaxing experience.

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