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If you want to experience Vietnam beyond its big cities, Hoi An Ancient Town is an easy place to start.

Compact, walkable, and carefully preserved, Hoi An offers a clear snapshot of Vietnam’s trading history without the noise and traffic found elsewhere. It’s a destination that suits travellers who prefer wandering on foot, eating well, and staying long enough to notice daily rhythms rather than rushing through highlights.

We spent six days in Hoi An, which allowed time to explore both the ancient town and the surrounding countryside. That extra time made all the difference.

Hoi An fits easily into a wider Vietnam itinerary, particularly for travellers moving through the country at a relaxed pace. Vietnam rewards slower travel, with each region offering a different rhythm — from historic towns and imperial cities to beaches and countryside.

If you’re still planning your route, our Vietnam travel guide explains how to structure a journey through the country and decide where to spend the most time.

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Why Visit Hoi An?

Hoi An was once an important trading port on the Thu Bon River, welcoming merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. When the river silted up, trade declined — and the town was largely left untouched.

Today, the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with well-preserved Chinese shophouses, Japanese merchant homes, French-influenced buildings, and traditional Vietnamese houses. Distances are short, traffic is restricted, and the town is easy to navigate without a map.

Hoi An works especially well if you enjoy:

• Exploring cities on foot

• Cycling through rural areas

• Cafés, local food, and markets

• Staying in one place for several days

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Getting to Hoi An

Hoi An doesn’t have its own airport. Most travellers fly into Da Nang, about 30 minutes away by car.

Flying is the most efficient way to travel around Vietnam, particularly if you’re short on time. We flew with Vietnam Airlines, which was affordable and straightforward when booked in advance.

From Da Nang Airport, you can arrange:

• Hotel transfers

• Private drivers

• Transfers through tour companies or Hoi An Tourism

How We Travel in Vietnam

We usually combine:

• Airport pickup

• One guided day tour with a local guide

• Independent exploration for the rest of the stay

This combination leaves space to explore at your own pace. It’s also cheaper than joining multi-day tour groups.

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Where to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An has a wide range of accommodation, but staying just outside the old town can be more comfortable and quieter.

We stayed at Ancient House Resort and Spa, about 1.5 km from the old town. The rooms were spacious, the grounds quiet, and the facilities practical for a longer stay.

Notable features:

• Free shuttle to the old town

• Bicycles for local riding

• Shuttle to the beach

• An original 200-year-old family house on the property

Being slightly removed from the old town helped with sleep while still allowing easy access.

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Visiting Hoi An Ancient Town

There is an entrance ticket for the ancient town (around USD5). The fee helps fund building maintenance and preservation.

Your ticket:

• Is valid for the duration of your stay

• Allows entry to selected houses, temples, and museums

• Is required to access some landmarks

Tip: Keep the ticket with you — checks are common at historic sites.

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What to See in the Old Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is small enough to explore in a day, but it’s worth spreading visits over several days.

Cars and motorbikes are banned, making walking easy and relaxed. Cyclos are also available if you prefer not to walk far.

Focus on:

• Side streets and laneways away from the main roads

• Historic houses passed down through generations

• Small temples and assembly halls

• The riverfront at different times of day

Cafés, restaurants, and small shops are everywhere, making it easy to take breaks without planning ahead.

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Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is the most recognisable structure in Hoi An.

Built in the early 17th century by the Japanese community, the bridge includes a small temple dedicated to Tran Vo Bac De, the god of weather — important in a former port town.

Statues of a dog and a monkey mark the years construction began and ended. Crossing the bridge requires an ancient town ticket.

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Shopping and Tailoring

Hoi An is well known for tailoring, with everything from custom-made suits to ready-to-wear clothing.

You’ll also find:

• Silk and textile shops

• Art galleries

• Lantern workshops

If ordering custom clothing, allow several days for fittings and adjustments.

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Eating and Drinking in Hoi An

Hoi An is easy to eat your way through.

Coffee is a highlight, often locally roasted. Rooftop cafés are common and provide good views over the old town, especially in the evening when lanterns are lit.

Across the river, smaller restaurants serve affordable set menus of Vietnamese dishes designed for sharing. Prices are low, even by Vietnamese standards.

Local dishes to try:

• Cao Lầu – thick noodles with pork and greens (Hoi An’s speciality)

• Fresh spring rolls

• Bánh mì from local bakeries

Evenings are well spent sitting by the river, eating simply, and watching the town slow down.

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Full Moon Lantern Festival

Hoi An’s Full Moon Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of each lunar month.

During the festival:

• Streetlights are turned off

• Lanterns provide the main source of light

• The area between the Japanese Covered Bridge and Cau An Hoi Bridge becomes pedestrian-only

It’s visually impressive but very busy. If you prefer quieter experiences, visit on a non-festival evening. If you want to see Hoi An at its most photogenic, plan your visit around the full moon and expect crowds.

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Visiting More Than Once a Day

Hoi An feels different depending on the time of day.

• Early morning: quiet streets, ideal for photos

• Midday: lively, colourful, and busy

• Evening: lantern-lit and social

Returning at different times helps you appreciate the town without feeling rushed.

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Where Hoi An Fits in a Vietnam Itinerary

Hoi An works particularly well as part of a central Vietnam route, especially if you’re travelling north from Ho Chi Minh City or south from Hanoi.

A natural next stop is Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Where Hoi An focuses on merchant history and daily life, Hue offers a deeper look at royal architecture, dynasties, and Vietnam’s imperial past. If Hue is your next destination, our Hue guide for first-time visitors helps you decide how long to stay and which historic sites are worth prioritising.

Planning the journey between the two cities is straightforward, and there are several good options depending on your budget and time. We’ve outlined the best ways to travel from Hoi An to Hue, including the scenic Hai Van Pass, train routes, and private transfers, so you can choose what suits your style of travel.

Hoi An is a destination that benefits from time. Whether you’re stopping briefly or staying for several days, it offers an easy introduction to central Vietnam and pairs naturally with nearby cities and coastal routes. As part of a longer Vietnam journey, it provides a calm, walkable contrast to the country’s larger and faster-paced cities.

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Final Thoughts

Hoi An Ancient Town is not about major attractions or fast sightseeing. It’s about ease, walkability, and staying long enough to slow down.

If you enjoy compact historic towns, good food, and travel without constant movement, Hoi An is well worth several days — not just a quick stop.

Vietnam offers enormous variety, and Hoi An provides a calm counterbalance to the country’s larger, faster-paced cities.