Hoi An
The timeless lantern-lit port town.
π₯ Best of Vietnam
Introduction
Hoi An (Hα»i An) is a historic destination on Vietnam's central coast, situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River. It is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Ancient Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects its history as a Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This heritage is visible in its unique blend of architectural styles, from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colorful French colonial buildings and the emblematic Japanese Covered Bridge.
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What you'll love about Hoi An
Drifting down the lantern-lit river at dusk, the scent of incense in the air. Cycling past vibrant green rice paddies on the way to An Bang beach. The satisfying first bite of a crispy bÑnh mì. Feeling the fine silk and linen in a tailor shop while designing a custom outfit. These moments define the unique, slow-paced charm of the ancient town.
When to visit
Hoi An has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.
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βοΈ Dry Season: February - August | 21Β°C - 35Β°C (70Β°F - 95Β°F)
This is the best time to visit, with clear skies, low humidity, and plenty of sunshine, ideal for the beach and exploring the town.
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π§οΈ Rainy Season: September - January | 20Β°C - 30Β°C (68Β°F - 86Β°F)
Expect frequent rain, cooler temperatures, and high humidity.
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πͺοΈ Typhoons: the risk of typhoons and significant flooding is highest from October to December.
Getting there & around
1. Getting to Hoi An:
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From Da Nang International Airport (DAD) to Hoi An Ancient Town (approx. 30 km):
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π Taxi: 45-60 mins | 400,000 - 550,000 VND ~ $16 - $22 USD
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π Ride-Hailing Car (Grab): 40-50 mins | 300,000 - 450,000 VND ~ $12 - $18 USD
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π Shuttle Bus / Private Transfer: 45-60 mins | From 150,000 VND/person ~ $6 USD (often pre-booked online or through hotels)
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2. Getting around Hoi An:
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π² Bicycle: The quintessential Hoi An experience. Most hotels offer free or cheap rentals for exploring the town, countryside, and beaches.
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πΆβοΈ Walking: The Ancient Town is a pedestrian-friendly zone, making walking the best way to soak in its unique atmosphere.
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π΅ Scooter/Motorbike: Ideal for independent exploration of the surrounding craft villages, rice paddies, and the coastline.
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π Grab / Taxi: Readily available for longer trips, such as to An Bang beach or back to Da Nang.
Tips from locals
π« The Ancient Town entrance ticket is a multi-pass that is valid for the duration of your stay. Keep it handy as you'll need it to enter the specific heritage sites within the pedestrianized zone.
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π² Renting a bicycle is the best way to explore beyond the old town, including the surrounding rice paddies and the route to An Bang beach. Most hotels offer them for free or a very small fee, making it both an authentic and economical choice.
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𧡠Be cautious with tailors who promise a 24-hour turnaround for complex items like a full suit. Quality work requires time and at least one or two fittings, so be clear about your departure date and manage your expectations to avoid rushed, poor-quality work.
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πΆ Along the riverfront, boat operators and lantern sellers can be very persistent. If you do want a boat ride, always agree on the total price, duration, and route before getting into the boat.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Hoi An?
Two to three full days is ideal. This gives you one day to explore the Ancient Town, another for the beach and countryside, and time for a cooking class or tailor fittings.
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Do I really need to buy the Ancient Town ticket?
Yes, it is officially required and gives you access to historic houses and temples. The revenue is used for the preservation of this UNESCO site, and it's valid for your entire stay.
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What is the best way to get from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An?
The easiest and most popular method is using a ride-hailing app like Grab, which takes about 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a private car in advance or take a slightly more expensive metered taxi.
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Is Hoi An walkable?
The Ancient Town is extremely walkable and is largely pedestrian-only, especially in the evenings. For destinations like the beach, renting a bicycle is the preferred and most scenic option.
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What's the best beach near Hoi An, An Bang or Cua Dai?
An Bang Beach is currently the most popular choice. It has a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants and bars, whereas Cua Dai Beach has unfortunately suffered from significant coastal erosion.
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When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The festival takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month. On this night, the town's electric lights are turned off, and the streets are illuminated solely by silk lanterns.
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Is it worth getting clothes made in Hoi An?
Absolutely, it's a signature Hoi An experience. The town is famous for its skilled and affordable tailors who can create custom suits, dresses, and shirts in just a few days.
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Can I do a day trip to My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An?
Yes, My Son Sanctuary is a very popular half-day or full-day trip from Hoi An. It's located about an hour's drive away, and many tour operators in town offer guided excursions.
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Is Grab/Xanh SM available in Hoi An?
Yes, both Grab & Xanh SM are widely available and are a convenient way to get around, especially for trips outside the Ancient Town.
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What should I do in Hoi An if it floods?
Flooding typically occurs between October and December. If the Ancient Town floods, locals often offer boat rides through the submerged streets, which can be a unique experience. However, be prepared for travel disruptions and check weather forecasts carefully.
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