Comprehensive Guide for First-timer to Hoi An, Vietnam

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April. This is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities because the weather is not too hot with less rain.

From April to August, the weather is hot and crowded due to summer break, children will be free from school time. 

Other times are not recommended because the weather is unpredictable with sudden rain even causing floods. 

How to Get to Hoi An

Traveling from South Africa to Hoi An requires at least one or two connecting flights, as there are no direct routes between the two destinations. The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (DAD). The most common journey begins with an international flight from Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to a major Asian hub such as Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (BKK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), or Doha (DOH). From there, you can connect to Da Nang via Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).

Once in Da Nang, you have three main options to reach Hoi An:

• Private Car or Taxi: The 30 km trip takes around 45 minutes. You can reserve through your hotel, local travel agencies, or ride-hailing apps like Grab.
• Shuttle Bus or Public Bus: A more budget-friendly choice, taking about 1 hour depending on stops. You can book online via operators such as Hoi An Express or through your hotel.
• Book a day tour that includes transportation: Prices range from USD 35–70 per person, often covering transport, guide services, entrance fees, and sometimes lunch.

Since flight schedules and fares can vary, it’s best to check all options ahead of time and consider booking your domestic Vietnam flights together with your international ticket for better connection times and pricing.

Must-see Attractions in Hoi An

Inside Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoai River and Lantern Boat Ride

• Location: Along Bach Dang Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam

The Hoai River in Hoi An is a small branch of the Thu Bon River that flows into the Cua Dai Sea. More than just an important waterway of the town, the Hoai River is known as a romantic destination for those seeking to experience the peaceful and slow-paced life of the locals. Many visitors choose to take a boat ride on the Hoai River at night, when the Ancient Town glows brightly and reflects on the water, creating a scene that is both mysterious and romantic. You can also release paper lanterns along with your wishes. Boat rides typically cost around 30,000–50,000 VND per person and last about 20–30 minutes.

Japanese Covered Bridge

• Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam

The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Hoi An. Built in the 17th century by the Japanese community, it connects two parts of the Ancient Town across a small canal. The bridge is made of wood with a beautiful curved roof, decorated with carvings and statues. At each end, you will find guardian statues of a dog and a monkey. Inside, there is a small temple dedicated to a Taoist deity. It is especially charming when lit up at night, making it a perfect place for photos and a peaceful walk.

Tan Ky Ancient House

• Location: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam 

Tan Ky Ancient House was first built in 1741, during the 18th century, by a Chinese merchant named Le Cong. Today, the house is more than 200 years old and is still preserved by the seventh generation of the family. In 1990, Tan Ky Ancient House was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. From the outside, Tan Ky Ancient House stands out with its narrow tube-shaped design and yin-yang tiled roof, harmoniously blending Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. A notable feature is the wooden signboard with Chinese characters above and the Vietnamese name displayed below.

Phung Hung Ancient House

• Location: 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam

Phung Hung Old House, with a history of up to 442 years, is considered a shining symbol of Hoi An’s prosperous past. Through the ups and downs of time, the house still stands today, preserving its original beauty as it was in the early days of construction. From the outside, the house is designed in a tube shape but with a relatively wide façade. Its main construction materials are ironwood and various other rare hardwoods. Located next to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the house once occupied one of the most bustling and prime locations in Hoi An. In the past, it was a frequent meeting place for foreign merchants to conduct trade and business.

Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien)

• Location: 46 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam

The Fujian Assembly Hall in Hoi An was built in 1690 by Chinese settlers. Its strong Chinese architectural style has left a lasting impression on many visitors. The spacious courtyard is decorated with potted plants and miniature landscapes, highlighted by the image of a carp transforming into a dragon. The entrance gate bears the marks of time, with its tiled roof adorned by gracefully curved dragons, creating a grand and solemn look that captivates visitors from the very first sight. Every year, the hall hosts numerous festive events and traditional celebrations.

Hoi An Central Market

• Location: The central area of the Ancient Town, at the intersection of Tran Phu, Bach Dang, and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets.

Hoi An Market also carries the distinctive architectural features of the Ancient Town, with its rustic charm reflected in moss-covered tiled roofs and yellow walls weathered by time. The market is divided into various sections such as fresh seafood, vegetables and fruits, souvenirs, and a food court, making it easy for visitors to find what they want to buy or eat. Some local specialties worth trying include cao lau, mi quang, rice crackers with baby clams, and sweet soups.

Museum of Trade Ceramics

• Location: 80 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province

The Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics is remembered for its simple two-story wooden house located right in the central street of the Ancient Town. Its rustic design exudes the quiet and peaceful charm of the local people. Built in 1920 and restored in 1994, the house now serves as Hoi An’s historical museum dedicated to ceramics. It preserves hundreds of ancient ceramic artifacts dating from the 8th to 18th centuries, including pieces from Vietnam as well as from China, Japan, and Thailand. Visitors come here to hear stories of Hoi An’s bustling trading port in the past. The collection also stands as evidence of Vietnam’s long history of cultural and economic exchange with the world.

Museum of History and Culture

• Location: 10B Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province.

The museum preserves and showcases the development of the people, culture, and history of Hoi An Ancient Town from its early days. It displays images of Hoi An during the period from after the country’s liberation in 1975 to before the national renovation era. True to its name, “Hoi An from Hardship to Prosperity” reflects the faith, effort, unity, and hard work of the local people as they strived to rebuild and develop the country after the war. With over 100 documents and artifacts, visitors can vividly witness the tireless dedication and industrious spirit of the community during those challenging yet hopeful years.

Near Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Night Market

• Location: Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Hoi An has several night markets, but Nguyen Hoang Night Market is the most famous. Located right opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge, the market stretches only about 300–500 meters but features around 50 stalls of various sizes. Here, you can shop, explore, and enjoy the charming night views of Hoi An. Nguyen Hoang Night Market offers a wide range of unique souvenirs such as brocade fabric bags, to he, bracelets, clothes, handbags, and more. Most of these items are handmade, often decorated with traditional Vietnamese symbols like the conical hat (non la) or ao dai, showcasing the distinctive beauty of Vietnamese culture.

An Bang Beach

• Location: Cam An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

Just 3 km east of Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach is like a jade gem with cool, crystal-clear waters, long stretches of white sand, and gentle waves lapping the shore. It has even been ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. An Bang is a perfect place to rest and relax, offering visitors peace and a way to melt away stress. Besides swimming, visitors to An Bang Beach can enjoy a variety of fun seaside activities. It is also one of the best spots to watch a stunning sunset, giving you unforgettable moments during your time in Hoi An.

Tra Que Vegetable Village

• Location: Tra Que Village, Cam Ha Commune, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province.

Tra Que Vegetable Village has a history of more than 300 years. In the 19th century, Emperor Gia Long visited and was impressed by the unique flavor of the vegetables here, so he named the village. In 2022, Tra Que Vegetable Village was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Since then, it has become a fascinating destination, attracting both domestic and international tourists. A day as a Tra Que farmer is an unmissable experience, where you can join local farmers in planting, watering, fertilizing, and taking care of the vegetables. You will also be guided on how to prepare delicious dishes using the fresh produce grown in the village.

My Son Sanctuary

• Location: Duy Phu Commune, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province.

Located about 40 km from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary covers an area about 2 km in diameter and features more than 70 temples and towers, showcasing distinctive architectural styles of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Dating back to around the 4th century during the reign of King Bhadravarman I, the sanctuary was dedicated to worshiping the deities Linga and Shiva. Its design is unique and intricate, marked by impressive carvings of stone statues, depictions of the god Shiva, and images of Apsara dancers in Cham style. During the war, parts of the site were damaged by U.S. bombings. However, many towers remain intact, preserving their striking architecture and continuing to attract visitors from around the world.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

• Location: Duy Tan street, Hoi An Tay commune, Quang Nam province

Thanh Ha Pottery Village, over 500 years old, was established in the 16th century and has witnessed the many ups and downs of history alongside the Hoi An trading port. The late 17th to early 18th century marked its golden era, when its products were offered to the royal court and it was renowned as a “national specialty.” Here, you can watch skillful pottery-shaping techniques performed vividly and precisely by the artisans’ talented hands. Visitors can also try their hand at creating their own unique pottery pieces under the guidance of local craftsmen, making for a memorable and hands-on cultural experience.

Top Dishes in Hoi An

Influenced by Vietnamese traditions and international trade history, the food here is diverse, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Below are some must-try dishes when visiting Hoi An.

Cao Lau

Cao Lau is the most iconic dish of Hoi An, known for its thick, chewy noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons. The water used to prepare Cao Lau is traditionally drawn from Ba Le Well, giving the dish its unique texture and flavor.

Mi Quang (Quang-style Noodles)

This noodle dish from Quang Nam Province features wide yellow noodles served with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and a small amount of broth. It is garnished with fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and crispy rice crackers.

White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao – Banh Vac)

These delicate dumplings are made from translucent rice flour dough and filled with minced shrimp or pork. They are arranged beautifully like a bouquet and served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.

Banh Mi Hoi An

Hoi An’s Banh Mi has been praised internationally, with famous shops like Banh Mi Phuong attracting long queues. The sandwich is filled with a mix of meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, herbs, and special sauces.

Com Ga (Hoi An Chicken Rice)

This fragrant yellow rice is cooked in chicken broth and served with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and chili sauce. The chicken is tender, and the rice is full of flavor, making it a local favorite.

Grilled Pork Skewers with Rice Paper

Marinated pork skewers are grilled over charcoal and served with fresh vegetables, rice paper, and dipping sauce. Diners wrap the ingredients themselves for a fresh and flavorful bite.

Sweet Corn Pudding (Che Bap)

A local dessert made from fresh corn, coconut milk, and sugar. It is light, sweet, and perfect for a hot day.