Hoi An at a glance
Hoi An's Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved trading ports in Southeast Asia, with buildings that reflect centuries of Chinese, Japanese and French influence side by side — wooden Chinese shophouses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and colonial-era French facades along the same short streets.
The old town sits on the Thu Bon River, about 45 minutes south of Da Nang, and has no international airport of its own — every itinerary that includes Hoi An routes arrivals and departures through Da Nang. That makes Hoi An easy to sell either as a full-day excursion from a Da Nang base or as a 1-2 night stay for groups who want the old-town atmosphere in the evening, when the whole quarter is lit by paper lanterns.
Hoi An is also Vietnam's best-known destination for made-to-measure tailoring — many hotels and shops offer next-day suits, dresses and shoes — and on the 14th day of each lunar month the town holds a Lantern Festival, switching off electric lights in favour of candles and lanterns across the old quarter.
Top experiences
Ancient Town evening walk
Lantern-lit streets, the Japanese Covered Bridge and riverside cafes, best seen after dark.
Tailor shopping
Same-day and next-day made-to-measure clothing, a signature Hoi An activity for most groups.
Thu Bon River lantern boat ride
Floating paper lanterns downriver at dusk, a popular couples' activity.
An Bang Beach
A quieter beach alternative a short ride from the old town.
Hoi An Night Market
Street food, lanterns and souvenirs along the riverside each evening.
Cooking classes
Half-day classes combining a market visit with hands-on Vietnamese cooking.
Practical information
| Best time to visit | February to April (dry, mild); October-December brings the rainy season and occasional Old Town flooding |
| Getting there | Via Da Nang International Airport, about 45 minutes by road |
| Getting around | Walking and bicycle within the pedestrianised Old Town, taxi or Grab elsewhere |
| Best evening activity | Ancient Town after dark, when lanterns are lit along the river |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
Our packages featuring Hoi An
Any Da Nang-based itinerary can add an overnight in Hoi An instead of a day trip — share your client's dates and group size and we will return a day-by-day plan with hotel options.