Hoi An travel guide: The ultimate guide for 2025

Located approximately 30 km south of Da Nang, the serene beauty and ancient history of Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province have made it a highly desirable destination for both domestic and international tourists.

In July 2019, the well-known travel magazine Travel and Leisure named Hoi An the best city in the world, surpassing Tokyo, Japan, and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

1. Where is Hoi An?

Hoi An, located in the heart of Quang Nam Province in central Vietnam, is approximately 860 km from Hanoi to the north and 865 km from Ho Chi Minh City to the south. Its strategic location along the North-South axis has made it a culturally rich and diverse town, where cultures from the two regions intersect. The architectural and cultural values of the Hoi An Ancient Town gained recognition on the travel map in the 1980s and were officially designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. As a result, Hoi An has become a must-visit destination for international travelers visiting Vietnam.

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Having a detailed map can save you from any hassles and allow you to fully enjoy your visit. We have provided one for you that includes information on destinations, restaurants, cafes, bars, and other public services. You can easily download it to your phone for offline use or print it out.

2. When you should travel to Hoi An?

Hoi An is situated in a tropical climate with only two seasons: the dry season from February to August and the rainy season from September to January of the following year. Despite its location in the central region near the South Central Coast, Hoi An’s weather is still impacted by the cold winter in the North. The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when the weather is agreeable and there is less chance of rain and flooding.

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Hoi An can be visited all year round, and each month offers a unique experience. To help you plan, check our detailed monthly guides:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

3. How to get to Hoi An?

As a popular tourist destination, Hoi An is very accessible from all parts of the country.

1. Getting to Hoi An from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City

Flights

To reach Hoi An from either of the two major cities, you will first have to land in Da Nang, which is located 30 km away from Hoi An, as there is no airport in the ancient town. You can book flights with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, and Vietjet Air, which operate routes from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang.

Trains

Another way to get to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is by train, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $50 (470,000 to 1,200,000 VND). You have several options for train carriages, including 4-bed rooms and clean and comfortable V.I.P 2-bed rooms. The travel time varies from 14 to 20 hours, depending on the type of train you choose. If you have time and want to explore the country on the move, taking the train is a great option. You can book train tickets on the official website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation.

Buses

Buses are also an option for getting to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $30 (470,000 to 700,000 VND). However, keep in mind that this mode of travel can be tiring and take a long time. Some recommended bus companies are Futabus, Phuc Thuan Thao Bus, and Quoc Hung Bus.

2. Getting to Hoi An from Da Nang

As soon as you arrive in Da Nang, there is a wide range of options for getting to Hoi An.

Travel by bus

Bus number LK02 from Da Nang can take you directly to Hoi An. You can refer to the bus route below to find the nearest bus stop.

• Advantages: inexpensive
• Disadvantages: long travel time (70-80 minutes), often crowded with limited space for luggage
• Cost: 35,000 VND ($1.4)
• Timing: buses run every 30 minutes from 5:45 AM to 6 PM
• Route: UDN Vietnam – Korea University Bus Station – DT607 Street – Nguyen Tat Thanh – Hoi An Bus Station – Ly Thuong Kiet – Tran Nhan Tong – Cua Dai – Au Co – Cua Dai Port Parking.

Travel by taxi

Travelers can book a taxi to go directly to Hoi An upon arrival in Da Nang City or the airport.

• Advantages: convenient, comfortable, and flexible
• Disadvantages: slightly expensive
• Cost: 400,000 VND – 500,000 VND ($17 – $21) for a 4-seat car or 500,000 VND – 600,000 VND ($21 – $25) for a 7-seater
• Timing: unlimited, with a one-way trip taking about 45-55 minutes (depending on traffic conditions).

Travel by motorbike

Riding a motorcycle can be a great option if you’re comfortable with it. Note that a motorcycle license is required. The route from Da Nang to Hoi An is scenic with good road conditions.

• Advantages: flexible and interactive, with a great local experience of riding a motorbike
• Disadvantages: a motorcycle license is required
• Cost: 100,000 VND – 120,000 VND ($5) to rent a bike for one day
• Timing: a one-way trip takes about 45-55 minutes (the time may vary depending on the number of stops along the way, which you may make due to the stunning views along the route).

Generally, there are many cost-effective and comfortable options for traveling from Da Nang to Hoi An. The choice will depend on your budget, time availability, and desired experience. Regardless of your method of transportation, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience and when you reach the historic town of Hoi An, you’ll find that it was worth the journey.

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4. Where to Stay (By Budget)

Luxury

• La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa: Riverside resort with spa, pools, and serene ambiance.
• Anantara Hoi An: Elegant rooms overlooking the river—perfect for relaxing after exploring.

Mid-Range

• Allegro Hoi An Little Luxury Hotel & Spa: Great location near the Old Town, comfy rooms, and excellent breakfast.
• Lantana Boutique Hotel Hoi An: Quiet and green, located in Cam Chau—ideal for a peaceful base.

Budget

• Mad Monkey Hoi An: Lively hostel with social vibe and affordable rates in Cam Chau.

5. Where to Eat & Nightlife

• Sample specialties like cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and cơm gà in the atmospheric streets or at local markets.
• For a modern twist, try Mango Mango (creative Vietnamese-fusion with river views) or Mezcal Coctelería for intimate cocktails.
• Lantern-lit evenings are pure magic—wander the night market, take a boat ride, and sip herbal tea or local beer beside glowing lanterns.

Here’s a quick recommendation for restaurant: (Western/Veggie/Viet)

• Dingo Deli – W V Vi
• Cargo Club – W V Vi
• Ngua Horse – W V Vi
• Madame Khanh – Banh Mi
• Kayo Coffee
• Morning Glory Signature
• Firefly Restaurant & Bar
• Les Artisans de l’indochine – cheese and wind
• Le petit bistro

6. Top 5 exciting activities in Hoi An

Aside from exploring Hoi An’s attractions and culinary offerings, there are several recommended activities to fully experience the town.

Watch the Hoi An Memories Show

The “Memories of Hoi An” is a stunning outdoor art performance featuring over 500 professional actors. It takes place on a massive stage measuring up to 25,000 square meters, and presents the history and cultural beauty of Hoi An through its costumes, dances, and props. This show will give you a breathtaking experience of light, sound, and movement.

Release paper flower lanterns

Hoi An takes on a mysterious beauty, particularly at night. One of the most profound experiences for visitors here is releasing lanterns on the tranquil Hoai River. You can purchase a lantern for approximately 20,000 VND and join the local community in this peaceful and sacred tradition.

Take an evening boat ride on the Hoai River

The Hoai River is a branch of the Thu Bon River that runs through Hoi An and is a symbol of the historic ancient town. Young people, particularly couples in love, enjoy rowing on the river at night and releasing flower lanterns as they believe the lanterns are witnesses to their commitment and carry their wishes. The best time to take a boat ride is from 4 PM to 5 PM, just before sunset, allowing you to take in the sunset view before being captivated by the magical lights along the river at night. A boat ride can accommodate 2 to 5 passengers and typically costs 150,000 VND ($7) per person for a 30-minute ride.

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Join in traditional games

Every night, Hoi An attracts thousands of tourists for a stroll through the heart of the old town. In addition to sightseeing and trying the town’s specialties, visitors can also participate in the traditional folk games of the Vietnamese people. Games such as bingo and chess are hosted by a passionate team of locals, who use traditional costumes and instruments, making the experience exciting and entertaining.

Savor the coffee

While it may be a familiar refrain that you should try coffee when visiting Vietnam, this is especially true in Hoi An. The coffee here is not just a drink but an experience, with atmospheric coffeehouses featuring iconic yellow color themes. Each coffeehouse exudes a nostalgic and vintage ambiance that is difficult to describe in words. You must visit, sit on one of the small bamboo chairs, and savor a rich coffee or chocolate drink while immersing yourself in the peaceful and ancient atmosphere to truly capture the essence of this charming town.

Here are some recommended coffee shops to try:

• Reaching Out Tea House: 131 Tran Phu Street
• Hoi An Roastery: 135 Tran Phu Street
• Cocobana: 16 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
• Chu Chu: 74 Tran Phu Street
• Cocobox: 94 Le Loi Street
• Mot Hoi An: 150 Tran Phu Street
• The Chef: 166 Tran Phu Street.

7. Handy Tips

• Early mornings are magical and less crowded, see the Old Town in its authentic state, walk around before 8:00 AM
• Bring cash for small shops, vendors, and local eateries, cards are often not accepted.
• Comfortable shoes are a must.
• Rent a bike and ride around Hoi An, it’s the best way to see the town.
• Watch out for pick-pocketers when crossing the famous bridge or in dense crowds