Nestled along the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An Ancient Town feels like a page out of a history book brought to life.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Hoi An offers more than just picturesque beauty. It’s a town where cultures meet, where each lantern tells a story, and where walking down a quiet alley feels like discovering a secret from centuries past.

🏮 Why Hoi An Is Unlike Anywhere Else

Once a thriving international port between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a crossroads for traders from Japan, China, Portugal, and France. You can still see these cultural influences in the town’s architecture, cuisine, and spiritual life.

Today, Hoi An is known not only for its historical charm but also for its peaceful lifestyle, culinary richness, and craft traditions.

Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or part of a longer Vietnam adventure, Hoi An will steal your heart in more ways than one.

Step Back in Time in Hoi An – Vietnam’s Most Charming Town

🌆 Unmissable Experiences in Hoi An

🎏 1. Wander the Lantern-Lit Streets by Night

As the sun sets, Hoi An transforms into a glowing wonderland. Its signature silk lanterns bathe the cobbled streets in warm hues of red, gold, and blue.

• Don’t miss: the Hoi An Lantern Festival (held on the 14th day of every lunar month), when the town turns off electric lights and floats candles down the river.

📸 Insider tip: Capture the best lantern shots near the Japanese Covered Bridge or along Bach Dang Street.

🧵 2. Get a Custom Outfit Tailored in 24 Hours

Hoi An is known as the tailoring capital of Southeast Asia. With hundreds of skilled tailors and fabric shops, you can design a dress, suit, or even shoes—made to fit you perfectly.

• Average price: $30–$80 USD depending on material and complexity.

• Turnaround time: 1–2 days (some offer same-day delivery!)

✂️ Tip: Bring a reference photo, or choose from catalogs available at each shop. Ask for fittings to ensure top quality.

🍲 3. Taste Hoi An’s Unique Local Dishes

Hoi An’s cuisine is a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese flavors. Don’t leave without trying:

• Cao Lau – chewy noodles with pork, greens, and crispy rice crackers.

• White Rose Dumplings – delicate shrimp dumplings shaped like flowers.

• Banh Mi Hoi An – a famous version of the Vietnamese sandwich, praised by Anthony Bourdain.

🍴 Best food experience? Take a cooking class with a local chef and start with a market visit!

Step Back in Time in Hoi An – Vietnam’s Most Charming Town

Step Back in Time in Hoi An – Vietnam’s Most Charming Town

⛩️ 4. Visit the Iconic Japanese Covered Bridge

This 18th-century bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Vietnam. Built by the Japanese community in the 1590s, it symbolizes Hoi An’s historical blend of East and West.

• Location: Tran Phu Street, near the Old Town center

• Open: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (ticket required for full access)

🌉 Look for the statues of a monkey and a dog at the two ends—they represent the years construction began and ended.

🚲 5. Cycle Through Rice Paddies to Tra Que Village

Escape the crowds and explore the countryside by bicycle. A short 15-minute ride from the Old Town takes you to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where locals grow herbs the traditional way.

• Join a half-day tour to plant, water, and harvest herbs like mint and perilla.

• End with a cooking session or a relaxing herbal foot bath.

🚴 Ideal in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

🛶 6. Take a Sunset Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River

Nothing captures the romance of Hoi An like a gentle boat ride at golden hour. Glide past fishermen, floating lanterns, and temples glowing in the twilight.

• Private sampan boats available for as low as 100,000 VND (~$4 USD)

• Some boats offer drinks, lanterns, and even live music

💡 For an unforgettable moment, light your own candle lantern and release it into the water with a wish.

Step Back in Time in Hoi An – Vietnam’s Most Charming Town

🛌 Where to Stay in Hoi An

• Old Town Stays: For those who want to be close to everything (but expect more noise).

• Riverside Retreats: For quiet, romantic settings with sunset views.

• Countryside Homestays: Perfect for families or travelers seeking local life and nature.

Top picks:

• Little Riverside Hoi An

• Anantara Hoi An Resort

• Red Flower Homestay

📅 When to Visit Hoi An

• Best months: February to May (cooler, dry weather)

• Avoid: October–November (rainy season and occasional flooding)

Even in the rainy season, Hoi An has its own cozy charm—with quiet cafés, traditional music, and steaming bowls of cao lau waiting for you.

❗ What to Know Before You Go

• No vehicles in the Old Town after 3 PM – walking and bicycles only!

• Entrance fee: 120,000 VND (~$5 USD) includes 5 historical sites of your choice.

• Local respect: Dress modestly in temples, and always ask before taking portraits of locals.

• Tipping: Not required, but always appreciated (especially for small vendors or boat rowers).

🌐 Discover Hoi An with Vietnam Beyond Travel

At Vietnam Beyond Travel, we offer handcrafted experiences in Hoi An that go beyond the typical tour. Whether you want to join a lantern-making workshop, meet traditional artisans, or cycle to hidden countryside temples—we’ll help you connect deeper.

📍 Explore Hoi An Tours
📞 WhatsApp: +84 342 988 013
📧 Email: vietnambeyondtravel@gmail.com

Hoi An isn’t a place you just visit. It’s a feeling that stays with you long after the lanterns fade.
So take your time. Wander slowly. Let the old town tell its story.