Is Hoi An worth visiting in Vietnam? Honest Travel Guide (2025).
I finally got to see the famous lanterns glowing up in Hoi An at night… And it was awesome!
However, I couldn’t believe the history of the ancient town… Fascinating!
So yes, Hoi An is worth visiting!
But before I came, I had questions…
Is it just an Instagram town?
Will it feel overcrowded or too touristy?
Is there more to do than tailors and lantern photos?
After exploring the town’s hidden courtyards, cycling past quiet rice fields, eating cao lầu in riverside restaurants, and catching golden hour in the UNESCO-listed Old Town…
I can honestly say Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most special places.
In this honest guide, I’ll break down exactly why Hoi An is worth visiting, when to go, what to do, and how to experience it on any budget (including solo travel tips, day trip ideas, and my favourite food spots).
Let’s dive in.
An awesome basket boat tour.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
3 top-rated hotels near Hoi An Ancient Old Town:
Where to stay:
Lantern Boutique Hoi An (best hotel in Hoi An near lanterns) - My Number One Pick!
Lantana Riverside Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa (Top Hoi An boutique hotel with pool).
The Saga Hotel Hoi An (Solid mid-tier choice).
Why visit Hoi An? (what makes it special?).
Hoi An was one of the true highlights of not only my Vietnam trip, but of all of the destinations on my South East Asia backpacking trip.
This UNESCO-listed town feels like a step back in time, where ancient merchant houses sit beside colourful tailors…
And life definitely felt a little slower than my time in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
This UNESCO-listed town feels like a step back in time, where ancient merchant houses sit beside colourful tailors, and life definitely felt a little slower than my time in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
From its photogenic streets to riverside cafés, and wonderful locals, Hoi An is the kind of place that rewards slow travel.
I came for a couple of days… But the lantern lit magic captured me, and I stayed longer!
Whether you're planning a beach break in Da Nang or exploring Vietnam’s cultural heartlands, Hoi An deserves a top spot on your itinerary.
Now let’s break down exactly what makes this ancient town so special…
👉 Planning a Vietnam itinerary? Don’t miss my 10-day Vietnam route… Including exactly how to fit Hoi An in!
Expect to see lanterns everywhere.
UNESCO-listed Ancient Town — preserved history & architecture.
Hoi An’s Old Town is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, like I did, you’ll feel the charm as soon as you arrive.
I could instantly see why the town has been protected, as it is truly unique!
I loved wandering the quiet streets surrounded by mustard-yellow shop houses, wooden merchant halls, and moss-covered temples.
Unlike other Vietnamese cities, the buildings here are preserved, not modernised.
It was inscribed in 1999, recognising it as ‘an exceptionally well‑preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port’ from the 15th to 19th centuries
One day isn’t enough time to explore the 844 UNESCO sites.
Entry to the Old Town requires a small ticket (~120,000 VND), which includes access to a few key sights: ancient houses, museums, and the Japanese Bridge.
👉 Personal tip: Visit early morning or at golden hour to avoid the crowds and get the best light for photos.
It’s no wonder Hoi An is one of the top Instagram spots in Vietnam.
The iconic Japanese Bridge.
Vibrant street life: tailors, lantern stalls, market vendors.
Hoi An is also one of the best places in Southeast Asia for custom tailoring. Many international tourists get well fitted linen-shirt and shorts sets made within 24 hours, for a very cheap cost.
I found it weird exploring Hoi An, as although it feels like an Instagram Town, it is thriving with local life.
Every street in the Old Town buzzes with life: lantern shops, silk vendors, coconut sellers, and street food carts around every corner.
The locals are awesome also…
Two fruit sellers let me pose for a photo with their straw hats and fruit, which made my day!
The night market on An Hoi Island is also a must-see, as it comes to life as the sun goes down, with that typical organised Vietnamese chaos.
A local tailor.
Colourful architecture.
As I kept finding beautiful buildings and hidden spots, I couldn’t help but compare the town’s quirks to Phuket Old Town…
As both are very picturesque towns!
The unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and French architectural styles is one of Hoi An’s standout features.
From the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge to ornate Chinese assembly halls, every corner of the Old Town tells a different story.
I especially loved the hidden courtyards behind cafés and tailor shops.. Nice and peaceful, a world away from Hanoi.
But an equally fun spot to enjoy an egg coffee!
👉 Craving more culture? Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels for a deeper dive into Vietnam’s complex history.
A typical building in Hoi An.
Slower pace than Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Hoi An felt like a breath of fresh air after the chaotic buzz of Hanoi or Bui Vien Street in Ho Chi Minh.
There’s no honking traffic, no scooter mayhem. Just bicycles, lantern-lit streets, and calm riverside walks.
It’s an ideal place to slow down and actually feel Vietnam, perfect for solo travellers or couples looking to get away from the cities.
Enjoying the slower pace of life.
Staying in the Ancient Town.
If you want the full Hoi An experience, I recommend staying right in the heart of the Ancient Town.
I loved being able to step straight out of my guesthouse into the colourful streets, with lanterns overhead, charming cafés, and hidden courtyards just around the corner.
Hoi An is one of my favourite places to just step out of my hotel, and wander aimlessly.
Waking up early is a travel hack in Hoi An, as I had the old town almost to myself….
Remember it gets hectic and busy in places once the crowds and tour groups arrive.
Everything’s also walkable….
Tailors, street food stalls, riverfront bars, most of the historical sites are just minutes away on foot.
It is one of the unique accommodation experiences I have enjoyed, and definitely the Vietnam I was expecting
Picture perfect.
Looking for the best places to stay in Hoi An?
Whether you’re after a charming boutique hotel, budget homestay, or luxury retreat with a pool, I’ve rounded up the top-rated options below:
✅ Best value stay in the ancient town - Lantern Boutique Hoi An.
✅ Luxury riverside boutique with lantern views - Lantana Riverside Hoi An Boutique Hotel & Spa.
✅ Budget homestay with free bicycles - HY Local Budget Hotel.
✅ Mid-Range hotel with pool + breakfast - The Saga Hotel Hoi An.
👉 Browse top-rated Hoi An hotels on Booking.com.
👉 Compare Hoi An stays on Agoda.
Personal Tip: Book early if visiting in peak season (Feb–April or July–August), as the best ones always fill fast.
Local life in Hoi An.
The lantern-lit magic of Hoi An at night.
Although it is fun, wandering through charming streets and famous relics throughout the day.
Hoi An transforms after sunset.
I honestly think nighttime is when the Ancient Town is at its most enchanting.
The streets glow with thousands of colourful lanterns, and the river lights up with reflections, floating candles, and boats gently gliding past.
It’s no surprise this is one of the most photographed spots in Vietnam.
A special town at night.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere in and around the lantern shops as I explored.
It is a unique travel experience, and one that I couldn’t recommend enough!
👉 Want to experience it like a local?
Join a guided Hoi An lantern boat ride and walking tour… I found it to be the perfect way to learn about the lantern tradition, enjoy a boat trip at sunset, and get beautiful photos without the stress of crowds.
✅ Compare top-rated night tours and boat rides here.
Famous lanterns.
The food scene in Hoi An.
Before visiting Vietnam I’d heard that the food in Hoi An is some of the best… And I can confirm this is correct!
One minute I was eating tasty street food snacks, then the next, I was eating in a family-run restaurant tucked away in a small alleys.
It felt like a good introduction to Vietnamese cuisine and local culture.
The town has its own unique dishes that you have to try:
Cao lầu – chewy noodles, crispy pork, and fresh herbs, only made with water from a specific local well.
White rose dumplings – delicate, flower-shaped shrimp dumplings you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam.
Bánh mì Hoi An – yes, the famous Vietnamese sandwich, and Hoi An makes a good one.
Enjoy some fun with a local.
My favourite place to eat was Morning Glory in the Ancient Town, although it is a little pricier than street food, it is perfect for a first-timer wanting authentic dishes in a beautiful setting.
I also loved snacking my way through the Hoi An Night Market, where you can try everything from grilled skewers and mango cake, and Vietnamese pizza.
Booking a Hoi An street food walking tour is the best way to experience it.
A local will guide you to the best hidden bites, and you’ll learn the stories behind each dish.
✅ See top-rated food tours in Hoi An here.
An authentic restaurant.
Delicious.
Beautiful nature neaby.
If you get sick of the queues, crowds, or heat of the Old Ancient Town, you can quickly escape to some beautiful settings.
One of my favourite things about Hoi An, which surprised me, was how it is surrounded by such beautfiul nature.
Just a 10-minute bike ride from the Old Town, you’ll reach peaceful rice paddies, and quiet village life. It reminded me of Pai in Thailand, and some areas of Bali.
I actually found this sort of contrast common in Vietnam, with Hanoi and Ha Long Bay being a perfect example of stunning nature offering an escape from the crowds.
The Cam Thanh coconut palm area is especially fun to explore.
I joined a basket boat tour through the canals, where locals showed off their paddling skills and taught us how these boats were once used during the war.
An experience that offers the perfect break from the crowds, and a very fun twist at the end!
👉 Hoi An basket boat + cooking class combo here — it’s one of the best cultural day tours in town.
Enjoying the basket boat tour.
An awesome beach near Hoi An.
If you’re craving both culture and coast, Hoi An is the perfect destination in Vietnam, and An Bàng Beach is a big reason why.
Just a 10–15 minute bike ride (or 5–10 minutes by taxi) from the Ancient Town, this laid-back beach offers the perfect escape from the midday heat and the tourist crowds.
I was honestly surprised how quick and easy my day changed…
One minute sipping egg coffee, and looking at lanterns, and the next I sipping a beer by the sea.
Why is An Bàng Beach so special?
Unlike the high-rise development you’ll see along Da Nang’s coastline, An Bàng feels way more chilled and rustic.
It feels more like a British seaside town, rather than Miami!
You should think of small seafood shacks, chilled reggae bars, and beautiful sand.
It’s swimmable all year round, although the sea can get a little rough in the rainy season (Oct–Dec). There are also plenty of water sports and surf lessons available too.
A windy day at the beach.
I found an awesome Italian restaurant just back from the seafront also, which made one of my lunchtimes down at An Bang extra special.
Tip for first-timers: Head to An Bang in the late afternoon, so you can swim, watch the sunset, and enjoy live music or happy hour at beach bars like Soul Kitchen or The DeckHouse.
More basket boats.
Is Hoi An just an Instagram Town?
It might be one of the most photographed places in Vietnam…
And yes, the lanterns, yellow walls, and tailor shops are incredibly aesthetic.
But Hoi An is far more than just a backdrop for your feed.
Behind the visuals, there’s deep history, vibrant local culture, and some of the warmest people I met in Vietnam.
I recommend that you visit The Hoi An Museum of History and Museum to learn more about the history of the region, along with the precious heritage art gallery museum.
A quirky corner.
Two top day trips in Hoi An.
While Hoi An itself is amazing, a couple of short day trips really helped me see the area’s variety…
From riverside villages to cultural deep-dives with a local guide.
If you’re building your Vietnam itinerary, I definitely recommend checking out these two experiences while in town.
👉 For even more ideas, have a look at my full guide to [The Best Vietnam Day Trips for First Timers].
Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide.
This was one of my favourite mornings in Hoi An.
I booked on a private tour with a local guide, and we wandered through the Old Town while learning about its merchant roots, Chinese and Japanese influences, and hidden shrines.
It is honestly surprising by how much history is linked to such a small colourful town.
We stopped at a traditional house where multiple generations still live, tasted local snacks at the market, and even discussed the history behind some of the colourful assembly halls.
👉 This is a brilliant intro if it’s your first time in Hoi An… personal, in-depth, and very affordable.
✅ Compare the best-rated walking tours in Hoi An here.
Tours are an awesome way to learn about Hoi An’s rich history.
Coconut Basket Boat Tour.
This one’s a must for something fun and totally unique.
About 15 minutes outside of Hoi An’s centre is Cam Thanh Village, where the iconic circular basket boats are used in the coconut palm waterways.
I hopped on one, and it was surprisingly peaceful… until our guide started spinning the boat like crazy!
It’s fun, cultural, and offers a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen… This one feels like authentic Vietnam.
Some tours even include a crab-catching demo and a home-cooked meal.
👉 I booked mine on the same day, but you’ll often get a better rate by booking in advance online.
✅ See the best basket boat tours with free hotel pickup.
A typical tourist shot.
A very fun tour.
Is Hoi An budget-friendly or expensive?
Honestly, I found Hoi An to be very affordable with the way I travel, however, your costs can also add up quickly.
I got a lot for my money here…
Especially compared to big cities like Hanoi, or beach resorts like Da Nang.
I had street food most days for around 30,000 VND (£1). I enjoyed cao lầu, banh mi, and grilled pork skewers, which were all made fresh for me in front of me.
Beers were less than £1, as with many places in Vietnam, and even the daily Old Town entry ticket was only about 120,000 VND (£4) and includes access to 5 museums and relics.
I did treat myself to a nice dinner at Morning Glory one night, and that was closer to £15 with a drink. I found this still to be of incredible value, but definitely more upscale for Vietnam.
What costs more in Hoi An?
Tailoring custom clothes (but still cheaper than the West).
Dining at popular restaurants, especially by the river.
Staying in lantern-lit riverside hotels in the Ancient Town.
What’s cheap or free?
Street food, fresh fruit, and local iced coffees.
Exploring the town by bike or on foot.
Visiting local relics with the daily pass.
Chilling at An Bang Beach (free entry, just rent a lounger).
An interesting corner.
Is Hoi An overrated? (honest thoughts).
Some destinations are hyped up far too much on social media, so they can be underwhelming when you arrive.
Hoi An wasn’t like this in my experience…
It still feels pretty authentic despite the large crowds, and influx of international tourists.
I noticed everyday life, with kids playing and local older guys playing chess in the street.. In Typical Vietnamese fashion.
The Instagram curated spots are actually awesome as well, with lanterns, bright colours, and unreal food being the perfect antidote to crowds and queues.
Hoi An in a nutshell.
It’s that balance between preservation and popularity that makes Hoi An special for me.
Yes, it’s busy, especially in the evenings… But it has earned the hype.
The blend of culture, history, food, and aesthetic beauty is something I didn’t find anywhere else in Vietnam.
A great spot for deep dive into the local history.
Essential tips for visiting Hoi An.
Planning your first trip to Hoi An?
Here are some quick, practical tips to help you make the most of it:
Buy the Old Town ticket.
It costs around 120,000 VND (£3.50) and gives you access to five historical sites. You’ll need it to explore key attractions like ancient houses, museums, and assembly halls. I found buying this ticket saved me nearly half the total cost if I paid for the places individually.
Rent a bicycle.
Hoi An is very flat and bike-friendly. Even though it gets very hot and humid outside of the most popular Vietnam months, a nice relaxed cycle is perfect.
I pedalled through the rice fields to An Bang Beach, and then the nearby Tra Que village for a peaceful break from the crowds.
Avoid midday heat.
I suggest you explore the Old Town early in the morning or after 4pm, when it's cooler and the golden light is perfect for photo opportunities.
Be aware of lantern boat scams.
I found that the prices in Vietnam can vary massively, especially in the tourist places like Train Street in Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay. Hoi An also falls into this category.
Agree on the cost before hopping in, or sometimes it is best to skip it entirely if it feels too touristy. I prefer to skip it then heavily overpay, as it puts a downer on the experience.
Dress modestly for temples.
Shoulders and knees covered, especially if visiting pagodas or ancestral halls.
👉 Planning a longer trip? Don’t miss my 10-day Vietnam itinerary or 2-day Da Nang guide — both pair perfectly with Hoi An!
A beautiful place.
Is it Hoi An worth visiting from Da Nang?
100%.
Hoi An is one of the best day trips from Da Nang, and many travellers end up staying longer than they planned.
It’s only 30–45 minutes away by car, motorbike, or shuttle bus, making it an easy escape from the beaches and big-city feel of Da Nang.
I loved riding my scooter along the coast between Da Nang and Hoi An, passing Marble Mountain on the way!
I found the contrast to be fascinating.
Skyskrapers, modern cafes, and a really wide beach road in Da Nang, compared to tight cobblestone streets, glowing lanterns, quiet riverside walks, and centuries of preserved culture in Hoi An.
I based myself in Da Nang for a few days but found myself drawn to Hoi An several times. It’s that kind of place!
Combining them is the best way to experience Central Vietnam!
Start with a few days by the beach, then head to Hoi An for a deeper dive into culture, history, and the iconic Ancient Town experience.
Lanterns and bright colours everywhere.
Hoi An travel questions answered.
Here are some important questions answered from my first hand experience of exploring Hoi An.
Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Absolutely… Hoi An is one of the most enchanting places in Vietnam.
With its preserved Old Town, lantern-lit nights, tailor shops, riverside cafés, and street food stalls, it offers a slower, more photogenic vibe compared to the chaos of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
3 days is ideal. That gives you time to:
Wander the Ancient Town
Get a tailored outfit made
Cycle to An Bang Beach
Try a cooking class
Take a day trip to the My Son ruins or Da Nang
If you're tight on time, even 2 days in Hoi An lets you soak in the highlights.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April when the weather is dry, warm, and perfect for walking or biking.
Avoid October and November, which is flood season, as the Ancient Town often goes underwater (literally).
👉 I break it all down in my guide to the Best Time to Visit Vietnam & Cambodia.
Is Hoi An safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Hoi An is one of the safest towns in Vietnam.
I found the locals to be friendly, the vibe is laid-back, and the Old Town is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. I travelled solo and felt completely comfortable walking around at night or exploring early mornings.
👉 For more solo travel tips, see my Vietnam itinerary for first timers, which includes safety advice and best routes.
How do I get to Hoi An?
The closest airport is in Da Nang, about 45 minutes away by car or shuttle.
From Da Nang, you can book a private transfer, shared shuttle, or local bus. I recommend booking a direct transfer if you’re arriving late or carrying luggage. If you are visiting for a day, I highly recommend renting a scooter in Da Nang, as the journey is fun and adds to the adventure.
There are smiling fruit sellers all over town.
Final verdict: Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Without a doubt, Hoi An is 100% worth visiting.
It just felt like the Vietnam I was searching for when planning my latest 3 month South East Asia backpacking trip.
The town has got that rare mix: history, culture, beach life, foodie heaven, and chilled-out vibe…
All wrapped up in one compact, walkable town.
It literally ticked every box for me!
Even though it’s one of Vietnam’s most visited destinations, it still manages to feel authentic, welcoming, and genuinely peaceful, especially compared to the constant buzz of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Whether you’re spending 3 weeks backpacking Vietnam, planning a quick stop between Da Nang and Hue, or just want to slow down and enjoy a more romantic or relaxed side of Vietnam — Hoi An delivers.
✅ Charming Old Town.
✅ Tailor-made clothes.
✅ Sunset river cruises.
✅ Nearby beaches.
✅ Delicious local eats like cao lau and white rose dumplings.
✅ … and photo spots on every corner.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.