Hoi An is always ranked in the list of attractive places of Vietnam. Not only domestic tourists but also international tourists are very impressed with the peaceful beauty along with the East-West cultural interference of the old town. Coming here, whether long or short, is enough for you to feel its special charm. And all of my self-sufficient Hoi An travel experiences below will help you explore every corner and famous place.
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HOI AN TOURISM EXPERIENCE
It is no coincidence that Hoi An Ancient Town was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1998. To achieve this noble title, UNESCO evaluated Hoi An based on two criteria as follows:
- Hoi An is an outstanding physical expression of the combination of cultures through the ages in an international trading port.
- Hoi An is a typical example of a traditional Asian port town perfectly preserved.
With all cultural, human and architectural values, Hoi An Ancient Town still retains a rich and diverse intangible culture. Hoi An tourism is trying to develop tourism associated with preserving old values, interweaving more types of tourism and entertainment to refresh Hoi An in the eyes of tourists. The people’s daily life with customs, beliefs, folk art, and cultural festivals is still being preserved and developed.
Not only a World Heritage site, this place is also known as the “city of titles” when it is continuously voted with many titles such as: 2005 Hoi An Saigon Marketing Newspaper voted as the most popular destination. heart. In 2008, National Geographic magazine (USA) ranked this city as one of 110 destinations of historical value in the world. In June 2013, website Trip Advisor voted as the most attractive tourist city in the world. Hoi An is the most unique and attractive tourist destination in Vietnam (according to Wanderlust – UK January 31, 2013).
And there are many other titles such as: top 50 cities to visit once in a lifetime, 10 most romantic destinations for dating, etc. And most recently, in May 2020, Hoi An continued to be in the top 3 cities. The best tourist city in the world. That is why Hoi An is a place that everyone wants to visit even once. For what? To see its full romantic beauty.
PERFECT TIME TO TRAVEL HOI AN
Hoi An from February to April
According to my Hoi An travel experience, this is the time when the weather in the old town is extremely cool and pleasant. The weather is less rainy, dry and not too hot, very suitable for those who need to rest and relax. However, March is probably the most beautiful, because at this time the whole city is surrounded with light sunshine and cool wind. It is really ideal for sightseeing, visiting landmarks and admiring the scenery of this ancient city.
Hoi An from May to July
This time is near the end of the dry season in Hoi An, which is considered the season of sea tourism. Although the temperature can be a bit high, if you intend to visit the old town in combination with traveling to Cu Lao Cham or the beaches, this is a great time. But May – July is also the peak season, so the number of visitors will be very crowded. Families, groups of friends intend to plan ahead and book services in advance.
Hoi An from October to December
At this time, Hoi An is entering the rainy season, making your trip may be interrupted, difficult to move… However, there is a very interesting point that there are a few days when the water of the Thu Bon River rises, The whole old town was flooded with water for several days, people had to travel by boat. If you want to try the feeling of swimming by boat in the rain, flanked by old houses, ancient landscapes, … romantic, then this is an opportunity and a unique memory for you.
Hoi An tourism on the 14th of the lunar calendar every month
Hoi An is most beautiful at night and especially on the full moon night (the 14th day of the lunar calendar every month). Every 7 – 9 pm on the 14th, the whole old town will turn off all electricity and be replaced by colorful lanterns, making this place extremely shimmering and poetic. On this occasion, you will admire the full beauty of the lantern street, participate in releasing lanterns, singing folk songs, etc., very interesting.
HOI AN TOURISM EXPERIENCE SHOULD CHOOSE?
Not only Da Nang tourism combined with Hoi An, you can combine tourism with other provinces such as Hue. However, according to my observations, you should travel to Da Nang in combination with going to Hoi An in the same trip. Because both these locations are quite close to each other, only about 30 minutes by car. Most tourists will also book flight tickets to Da Nang airport first, then schedule a trip to Hoi An later.
Hoi An tourism moves from Da Nang
From Da Nang, if you want to move to Hoi An ancient town, there are 4 most popular means of transport that you can choose:
Motorcycle
This is the most maneuverable vehicle, also very economical and active. Hoi An is just over 30km from Da Nang, with many beautiful routes, very easy to go. In which, the most beautiful and easiest route in my opinion is from My Khe beach along the road along Vo Nguyen Giap street. Run about 25km, you will see an intersection, go straight to Cua Dai beach, turn left to An Bang beach, and turn right will enter Hoi An ancient town.
Bus
An extremely economical means of transport, but not necessarily the most convenient. From Da Nang, there is a bus route that runs directly to Hoi An, the bus runs continuously every 10 minutes. But around 5:30 pm, the car will run out of Hoi An, so if you plan to return to Da Nang in the evening, you need to pay special attention to this. Moreover, Hoi An bus station is more than 1km from the center of Hoi An ancient town, so you still have to take a taxi or motorbike taxi to go to the old town or from the old town back to the bus station. From Da Nang, visitors can also choose to take a bus.
Private Transfer Service – Professional Chauffeur-Driven Car Rental
Renting a private car with a driver is an excellent choice if you are traveling with family or a group of friends. The cost of a 4-seater car from Da Nang to Hoi An is approximately 350,000 VND per trip, offering maximum comfort and privacy.
To ensure the most convenient and memorable trip, book the private car rental service from Da Nang to Hoi An with VnCarRentals.com today. We are committed to providing modern vehicles, professional drivers, and flexible itineraries tailored to your needs.
Transportation in Hoi An
Just like in Da Nang, you can plan to rent a motorbike, taxi or rent a car to go to famous places in Hoi An.
Cyclo
A popular means of exploring Hoi An’s ancient town among tourists is the cyclo. The old town features long streets and many narrow alleys, making the cyclo a convenient choice to avoid getting tired from walking. Additionally, cyclos are equipped with canopies, ensuring you’re shielded from the sun. However, a downside to traveling around Hoi An by cyclo is the relatively high cost of this service. Therefore, you should consider your budget before making a decision.
Bicycles
Bicycles are the most popular means of transportation when traveling in Hoi An. Cycling through the streets and alleys of the ancient town, you can admire the old yellow walls and timeless architectural structures. You’ll also experience the peaceful rhythm of life in the old town and feel the gentle breeze brushing your skin. A helpful tip is that many hotels, homestays, and villas offer free bicycle rentals. If they don’t, you can easily rent one from nearby bike rental shops.
Motorbike
The first mode of transportation you can choose when traveling in Hoi An is the motorbike. However, motorbikes are typically used for visiting places outside of Hoi An’s ancient town. You can rent a motorbike directly from your hotel or from various rental shops.
Motorbike rental price: 120,000 – 150,000 VND per day, depending on the type of bike.
Boats
Boats are a very convenient mode of transportation in Hoi An. Within the ancient town, you can travel along the Hoai River with fares ranging from 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND. According to Phượt’s travel experience, it’s recommended to negotiate the price with the boatman before boarding.
Additionally, you can take a boat trip to Cu Lao Cham from Hoi An. The journey takes about 20 minutes if you depart from the Cua Dai pier. You can check out Cu Lao Cham tours that pick up and drop off passengers from Cua Dai or your hotel.
If you’re planning to visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Bay Mau Coconut Forest, or the My Son Sanctuary, it’s better to rent a small boat with a capacity of up to 20 people for convenience, especially when navigating narrow or shallow river routes.
Note: Phượt advises you to avoid traveling by boat during rainy or stormy days to ensure safety.
WHAT POINTS SHOULD HOI AN TRAVEL EXPERIENCE?
As a prominent name on the tourist map of Vietnam, Hoi An owns many places from ancient architectures to beaches, traditional craft villages… If you only come here once, it’s hard to go. over. Here, I will suggest you the spots that you can combine to explore in a 3 day 2 night itinerary!
Sightseeing in Hoi An Ancient Town
On the first day, you can spend time exploring a few highlights in the old town center first, such as:
Tan Ky ancient house here
This is an old house over 200 years old and is known as the oldest house in Hoi An. Up to now, it seems that it is still fully preserved the unique architectural features as well as the ancient beauty of the time it was built. Tan Ky Ancient House was formerly the residence of the noble Le family, the house is very large with lots of space suitable for displaying ancient artifacts. This is a house of great historical, architectural and cultural value.
Phung Hung ancient house
Although it is more than 100 years old and not as famous as Tan Ky ancient house, but Phung Hung Ancient House also has its own beauty and is extremely attractive to tourists. This is also the house of the richest merchant in Hoi An in the past. With the structure of the house made of high-class wood and the beauty of East Asia, it creates a luxury, combining the ancient features to give the house a harmonious and impressive overall feature. That is what makes each visitor admire and admire when coming here.
Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quang Dong)
- Address: 176 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam
Guangdong was built at the end of 1885. With a very beautiful architecture, the combination of wood, stone and cement materials creates an elaborate and sophisticated work. Along with that are the delicate motifs, bringing the beauty of a bold Chinese style. Now, the assembly hall still stores a lot of artifacts produced by very beautiful and sharp ceramics.
Hoi An Bridge Pagoda
Also known as Japanese Bridge Temple. This is a tourist destination that everyone has probably seen or at least heard of. The honor of being the symbol printed on the 20,000 VND Polymer bill is enough to understand how important its meaning is. The image of Covered Bridge has long reached the world. It is located right in the center of Hoi An ancient town, crossing a small tributary of Hoai river, which seems to be the first stop of tourists on every occasion to visit the old town.
Hoi An Market
This is the largest market in Hoi An, specializing in trading consumer goods and food for all people in the old town. In addition, this place also concentrates a variety of specialty items such as souvenirs, lanterns, conical hats to serve the shopping needs of tourists. If you want to learn more about Hoi An’s “market” culture, you should visit here to buy yourself some items and enjoy some specialties.
Places to visit far from the Old Town
On the second day, when you have gone through the Old Quarter and the nearby places, take the time to visit the more distant places. You can travel to Cu Lao Cham first, in the afternoon combine with going to the beach or some other spots.
Cu Lao Cham Island
If compared to Phu Quoc island, Cu Lao Cham is still quite wild but still has enough services to create an experience like a great resort trip. What do you think you will be like when sitting on speedboats, crossing the white waves, enjoying the feeling of high to your mind. Then, when you arrive, you will be overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery, with the fresh and fresh space on Cu Lao island?
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Located about 2km from the center of Hoi An ancient town, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a small, extremely peaceful village located along the Thu Bon River. This is a pottery village specializing in the production of popular products to serve daily life, so when you come here, you will easily feel an extremely rustic, ancient idyllic feature. To get to Thanh Ha pottery village, from Hoi An ancient town, you just go along the banks of the Thu Bon river towards National Highway 1A, through the Thanh Ha fish market.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Although there is not much impression about this place, Tra Que vegetable village is indeed an attractive destination, especially for city friends, who love the peaceful beauty of nature. Just like many other vegetable villages, but when it comes to Tra Que vegetable village, I feel something very special. Maybe it’s the cool space, along with up to 40 kinds of vegetables creating a cool green scene, mainly herbs.
Cua Dai Beach
The thing in Cua Dai beach that makes me feel the most impressive is probably the rows of coconut trees stretching, soaring in the sea breeze. Many years ago, Cua Dai beach was very beautiful, the long white sand beaches, plus the turquoise color of the sea water made this place become more poetic and romantic. Almost tourists or locals love it, so much so that when it comes to Hoi An, only Cua Dai beach is found.
An Bang Beach
This beach is more suitable for those of you who like a place with many services such as sun loungers, restaurants… It is also because of this attraction that not only people but also tourists still flock here every afternoon.” cooling”. If you are looking for a pristine beach, a quiet space to watch the sea, you should go to Cua Dai beach. On the contrary, if you are looking for a place to both relax and eat and entertain, An Bang Beach is the number 1 choice.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest
In the past, when the sea encroached on the mainland a lot, the water flow started to turn brackish, quite a lot of nipa trees grew like the second U Minh forest. Taking advantage of this beauty, Hoi An people have renovated the coconut forest to become a tourist attraction in Hoi An, naming it Bay Mau Tam Thanh coconut forest. If you have a love for the scenery of the western region of the river, like the fresh air and want to admire the art of basket dance, you must come here.
Exciting and Must-Try Experiences When Visiting Hoi An
Take Photos with the Old Yellow Walls and Bougainvillea Vines
Any tourist visiting Hoi An cannot miss the opportunity to take photos with its iconic old yellow walls and vibrant red bougainvillea vines. These are two of the most attractive “specialties” that draw visitors to the town. As you stroll through the ancient streets, you’ll surely encounter these beautiful sights everywhere. Don’t forget to capture these charming scenes!
Boat Ride and Releasing Lanterns on the Hoai River
It would be a missed opportunity on your journey to Hoi An if you don’t experience a boat ride on the dreamy Hoai River. The cost for a leisurely ride along the river is only about 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND. A trip drifting along the Hoai River will certainly give you a chance to admire the ancient town illuminated by beautiful lights. One essential experience you shouldn’t miss while riding on the Hoai River is capturing moments with photos of floating lanterns on the water. This could be the most beautiful moment of your visit to Hoi An.
Stroll Through the Ancient Town at Night and Enjoy Hoi An’s Local Delicacies
A stroll through the ancient town at night may seem like a simple activity, but it’s a truly special experience. As night falls, Hoi An becomes more vibrant than ever with its shimmering and enchanting lantern lights.
Try combining a nighttime exploration of Hoi An’s ancient town with tasting the delicious local specialties. Enjoy a bowl of tào phớ (tofu dessert), a cup of chè đậu (bean dessert), or sip on a cold beer while savoring delicious food and admiring Hoi An by night. The busy streets are filled with people, the Hoai River glows with lights, and the lively sounds fill the air. Meanwhile, you can sit back, relax, and quietly take in this beautiful scene.
Watch the “Hoi An Memories” Outdoor Art Show
The “Hoi An Memories” show is an outdoor art performance that many visitors choose as their favorite experience. This artistic show represents the soul and cultural heritage of Hoi An. It vividly recreates the city of Faifo (the former name of Hoi An) 400 years ago with five highly impressive acts: Life – Wedding – Boat and Sea – Pier – Ao Dai. The show also attracts audiences with its grand stage setup and the performances by professional dancers with stunning physiques.
Performance Schedule: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays
Ticket Price: From 400,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND
What Festivals Are Attracting Visitors in Hoi An?
- Full Moon Festival (Lantern Festival): Held on the 14th day of every lunar month.
- Hoi An Lantern Festival: Celebrated on the full moon of each lunar month or during the Lunar New Year.
- Fishing Village Festival: Held at Thanh Nam fishing village, located by the Cua Dai Beach.
- Vía Ba Thiên Hậu Festival: Organized at Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Ngũ Bang Assembly Hall on the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month each year.
- Long Chu Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month annually.
- Yen Craftsmanship Ancestor’s Day: Held at Tien Hiep Commune, Cu Lao Cham Island on the 9th and 10th days of the 3rd lunar month.
- Flower Offering Festival (Cầu Bông Festival): Held at Tra Que vegetable village, Cam Ha Commune, Hoi An on the 7th day of the 1st lunar month each year.
- Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival: Celebrated on the 10th day of the 1st lunar month annually.
- Thu Bon River Goddess Festival: Held in Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province on the 12th day of the 2nd lunar month.
WHAT SPECIALISTS TO EAT AND WHERE TO EAT?
Cao Lau
A special dish only available in Quang Nam region, and only the well water in Hoi An is suitable to make the sauce for authentic Cao Lau. This dish looks quite similar to Quang noodles, but the Cao Lau fiber is tougher, the sauce is also created differently. Cao Lau’s deliciousness is all thanks to the rich full-flavoured Cao Lau sauce, which accounts for 80% of the deliciousness of this dish. The remaining 20% is in the accompanying ingredients such as meat, raw vegetables.
Hoi An Chicken Rice
In addition to Tam Ky chicken rice, chicken rice is also very famous in Hoi An, so much so that it has become a specialty. When traveling to Hoi An, you definitely have to try this chicken rice dish to not regret it. Although it is just a familiar and rustic dish, the recipe for chicken rice here is quite different, creating a fragrant aroma from near and far. The chicken rice in Hoi An is very fragrant, soft, the chicken is firm and chewy with the taste of garden chicken, the sauce is super delicious, they create a harmonious whole, very delicious and the taste is not easy to forget.
Mot Water Hoi An
- Address: 150 Tran Phu, Hoi An ancient town.
Mot Hoi An is the name of a herbal drink, which is made from many healthy herbs such as ginger, tea, cinnamon, … for sweet, sour, and refreshing drink. A pretty little cup of tea, with cool water inside, and a lotus petal attached to it, making me want to enjoy it even more. I also went back to Hoi An once recently, and found that this guy has rented a fairly large space right in the old town. Customers keep calling to order continuously.
Hoi An Tea
The tea in Hoi An is the typical tea flavor of Quang country, there are many types such as corn tea, lotus tea, black bean tea, black sesame tea, bean curd tea, bean curd tea, water drifting tea… You can order 1 A cup of mixed tea has all kinds, but if you like any type, just ask the salesgirls for that type. Personally, I find that the water-dried tea is very flexible and fragrant, on hot summer days, having a cup of tea with water is the coolest.
Tau Pho
Tofu, also known as tofu – a hot, fragrant snack that will surely attract you with its flavor that flies to the tip of your nose. As a traditional gift of Hoi An, the image of a ferry boat weaving through the small alleys of the old town seems to have become a memory imprinted in the minds of many people in Hoi An. The cool, sweet taste of tofu dish just once enjoyed will make many people remember forever.
Spring rolls, meat skewers rolled with rice paper
If anyone has had the opportunity to come to Hoi An once, it will be easy to see that in the area where the Bai Choi folk game took place, there used to be a small burden selling spring rolls, grilled skewers of a restaurant owner. A taste of the delicious skewers here is enough of an excuse for me to come back to Hoi An many more times, just to order a plate of grilled spring rolls to eat for life. Each skewer of grilled meat is marinated with eye-catching red chili peppers, and when grilled, it’s even more delicious and attractive.
Some Tips and Notes for Self-guided Travel in Hoi An
- Plan and Prepare a Detailed Itinerary: First, make sure to organize your time and prepare a detailed itinerary for your trip to Hoi An.
- Choose the Right Time to Visit: You should visit during the full moon to experience the Lantern Festival. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat if you’re traveling during the rainy season.
- Essential Accessories for Your Trip: Sunscreen, hats, and jackets are necessary for your Hoi An trip.
- Sun Protection for Motorcycle Travelers: If you’re traveling by motorbike, it’s advisable to bring sun protection gloves when driving.
- Pack Light: Pack only what’s necessary for your trip. Bringing too much luggage could make your movement around Hoi An inconvenient.
- Follow Hoi An’s Regulations: Make sure to follow the rules of the ancient town. Pay attention to keeping the environment clean and avoid littering.
- Negotiate Prices: When buying souvenirs or taking a boat ride on the river, make sure to negotiate the price with vendors for a more reasonable deal.
- Renting Vehicles: If you’re traveling by motorbike or bicycle, it’s recommended to rent from the hotel or homestay where you’re staying, as some places offer free rentals. Be sure to confirm this service before booking your accommodation.
- Dress Appropriately for Photos: The main color theme of the ancient town is the yellow walls combined with the red rooftops. Choose your outfit wisely for the perfect photos.
- Respectful Clothing for Religious Sites: When visiting temples or sacred places, make sure to dress modestly and respectfully.
- Rent a Car with a Driver: If you have a set itinerary, consider renting a car with a driver to make traveling around Hoi An more convenient and comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling Independently to Hoi An
We will answer some common questions about traveling to the ancient town of Hoi An:
Do I need to buy tickets for tourist attractions in Hoi An?
Hoi An has many interesting historical sites waiting for visitors to explore. However, not all tourist attractions here are free. To help you plan your upcoming independent trip to Hoi An, this article provides some basic information about ticket prices for some popular attractions:
- Ancient Town of Hoi An: Free.
- Japanese Covered Bridge: Free.
- Tra Que Vegetable Village: Ticket price is 35,000 VND/person.
- Tan Ky Old House: Ticket price is 35,000 VND/person for a 20-minute visit.
- Hoi An Memories Show: Ticket prices range from 650,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND, depending on the seating category.
What time does the Ancient Town of Hoi An close?
Visitors to Hoi An might assume the Ancient Town is open all day, but its operating hours vary by area. In areas with heavy tourist traffic and business activity, the operating hours are from 7 AM to 11 PM, although some shops may close earlier, around 9:30 PM. Since the Ancient Town still has many residential homes, activities are limited late at night to respect the quiet environment.
Do I need to book a hotel in advance in Hoi An?
Booking a hotel in advance is very necessary when traveling to Hoi An independently, as it is a famous tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors each year.
During peak tourist seasons, hotel rooms are quickly booked up, so travelers should book in advance to ensure they have a suitable place to stay that meets their travel needs in Hoi An.
Are there any interesting festivals in Hoi An?
The ancient town of Hoi An hosts many unique traditional festivals, such as the Thu Bon River Worship Festival, held on the 25th day of the 3rd lunar month each year to pray for a good harvest, and the Flower Offering Festival held in the 8th lunar month to pray for favorable weather. Each festival has its own unique features, contributing to the rich cultural and spiritual life of the people of Quang Nam.
Conclusion
The article above has provided super-detailed information to help you prepare for your self-guided trip to Hoi An in 2025. More than just useful tips, this post is a warm welcome to Hoi An, a place that promises unforgettable experiences for you and your loved ones.
Feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance with planning your trip!
