Recently updated on August 11th, 2022 at 10:19 am
Hoi An is a city in Quang Nam province, about 30 km south of Danang. With favorable geographic and climatic factors, Hoi An was a busy international port, which served as a trading hub for merchant ships from Japan, China, and the West during the 17th and 18th centuries. Hoi An is on the rise and becomes a major tourist attraction in Vietnam.
Located beside the Thu Bon River, this is one of the famous tourist destinations and attracts many domestic and foreign tourists to come here to Central.
Coming to Hoi An, you will discover the architectural space – the traditional culture of this city. Not only that, but it also preserves many intangible values recognized by UNESCO.
And in 2019, US travel site CNN Travel recently introduced the ancient town of Hoi An in Vietnam as one of the 13 most beautiful cities in Asia.
Best time to travel to Hoi An
January to March: This is a good time for tourists to explore. The weather these days is dry, cool, and very pleasant. Especially in January – this is the time to prepare for the Lunar New Year, if you come here on this occasion, you will be immersed in the exciting atmosphere, and vibrant lantern festival. This is also a traditional cultural symbol of Hoi An ancient town.
April – June: The temperature in the range of 26 – 31 degrees should also be easy for visitors to visit this place. However, you need to book your hotel in advance to make sure your trip is a pleasant one as these months are a lot of tourists coming here.
July – September: The climate is cool and intermittent with occasional rain
October to December: bad weather at this stage, heavy rain, cold, and sometimes storms will cause floods around the old town. You should check the weather carefully to travel here during this time.
How to get to Hoi An
Come to Hoi An
Plane
The closest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (IATA: DAD, ICAO: VVDN) about 30km, is an international airport so there will be many international and domestic airlines (Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar) with the flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang airport you can take a taxi, private car … for about 300,000 – 500,000 VND / transfer to Hoi An.
Trains
For tourists who want to travel by train and want to go to Hoi An ancient town by train, it will be very easy. Hoi An is located between 2 train stations which are Da Nang Station (30km distance to Hoi An) and Tam Ky Station (50km distance to Hoi An).
If you take the train from the northern provinces or Hanoi station, you should stop in Da Nang, but if you take the train from the southern provinces or Saigon station, it is better to stop at Tam Ky station, it will be more convenient for the move to the ancient town of Hoi An.
From Hanoi daily there are 6 trains to Da Nang that are SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, and SE19. For ease of transportation, you should choose the Thong Nhat trains departing in the evening and going to Da Nang station at noon the next day. Some trains departing in the evening are:
- The SE1 train departs at 22.20 from Hanoi and arrives at Da Nang station at 13.22 the next day.
- The SE3 train departs at 19.25 from Hanoi, and arrives at Da Nang station at 11.03 the next day.
- The SE19 train departs at 20.00 from Hanoi, and arrives at Da Nang station at 12.25 noon the next day.
From Saigon Railway Station, there are 5 daily trains passing through Tam Ky Station: SE2, SE4, SE8, SE10, and SE22. Similar to the way from Hanoi, we recommend departing in the evening for convenient transportation for the next day when arriving at Tam Ky station.
Some trains departing in the evening are:
- The SE2 train departs at 21.55 from Saigon and arrives at Tam Ky station at 12.22 noon the next day.
- The SE4 train departs at 19.25 from Saigon and arrives at Tam Ky station at 10.54 the next day.
- The SE10 train departs at 14.30 from Saigon and arrives at Tam Ky station at 07.48 noon the next day.
From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there are trains to Da Nang, the fare is about 400,000 – 1,200,000 VND / person depending on the seating class, and the running time is about 14h – 20h. And also from Da Nang station, you can call a taxi, private car … for about 300,000 – 500,000 VND / transfer to Hoi An.
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Moving around
The central town of Hoi An is quite small, so walking or a bicycle is the most suitable way for tourists to explore this place.
With bicycles, you can also cycle to explore the suburbs of Hoi An, as well as to some other famous tourist destinations such as 7 acres of coconut forest, the famous beaches of Hoi An such as An Bang, Cua Dai, the vegetable village …
Most hotels, motels, and resorts in Hoi An have prepared bikes for guests to borrow. If you want to go further, rent yourself a motorbike or taxi. Renting a motorbike here is also very easy and suitable for tourists.
Rent of motorcycles from 120,000 to 150,000 VND / day.
Rent a bike from 30.000VND / day.
Where to stay? Nice and good Homestay & Hotels in Hoi An
In Hoi An from the homestay to the high-end hotel, there are many options for you. If you go on holiday, you are recommended to book accommodation 2-3 weeks before to avoid room unavailability or high prices.
Right in the center of the town, there are many homestays and hotels at very reasonable prices and you can book directly or through the travel company so you get better prices a lot more than you book directly with that hotel.
This is an experience when traveling here you should pay attention.
In addition, Booking.com is a very reasonable choice we would like to advise you with information and photos, very detailed service, as well as reviews of the people who have booked here.
Places to visit in Hoi An
Cau Pagoda
It is one of the famous attractions and symbols of Hoi An ancient town.
The bridge was built in the late 16th century and is called the Japanese Bridge. In the middle of the bridge, there is a small shrine worshiping the Great Emperor.
The bridge is quite unique with the structure, and decorative motifs showing the harmonious combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Western architectural styles.
Tan Ky Ancient House
Built in the late 18th century, this is one of the oldest sites in Hoi An. It is nearly 200 years old. Almost the old house retains its unique architectural style.
The Ancient House is one of the ancient houses honored as the national cultural heritage and is the only place in Hoi An welcoming heads of state and abroad to visit.
Assembly of the Trieu Chau
Trieu Chau is one of the Hoi An tourist spots always mentioned in the list of destinations in Hoi An. It is considered one of the oldest architectural buildings in the city.
Phung Hung Ancient House
Phung Hung ancient house is more than 100 years old, built in the XIX century. The architecture of three cultures: Japan – China – Vietnam. The house carries a bold mark on the cultural life of the street merchants. This is a place of trade exchange, purchase many items such as silk, salt, pepper …
Guangdong Assembly Hall
Guangdong Assembly Hall started construction in 1885. It is still keeping many ceramic artifacts, the image simulation … describes the everyday life of the people of Guangdong in old Hoi An
Tran Family Worship hall
Tran Family Worship hall in Hoi An is one of the famous tourist spots here with its ancient features and unique architecture. Located at No. 21 Le Loi, Hoi An City, this is considered one of the oldest and oldest churches hundreds of years old.
Hoi An Market
Hoi An Market is one of the tourist spots which attracts many visitors to visit and shop.
You can find many specialties, arts, and crafts as well as enjoy delicious food here. Coming to Hoi An market, you will also exchange, talk with local people, and have more experience in the everyday life of people here.
Hoi An handicraft workshop
Visitors to this tourist site in Hoi An will enjoy the beautiful, exquisite products created by the artists here. Not only that, but visitors can also participate in the process of making a product to have the experience of real interest in the arts and crafts.
Hoi An Museum
The Museum is displaying over 434 artifacts and is arranged in different themes, reflecting many typical features of the development of this Ancient Town over the years.
Fujian Assembly Hall Hoi An (Phuc Kien)
Fujian Assembly Hall Hoi An (Phuc Kien)is a tourist attraction in this ancient town and started construction in 1679.
Through many restorations, with the contribution of ethnic Chinese, today Fujian is becoming more spacious, and splendid, contributing to the beautiful appearance of the ancient town.
Here, you will admire the close-up of the sculptured sculptures extremely sophisticated in a space of unique Chinese architectural art.
Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai is a beautiful beach, with fine white sand, clear blue water, small waves, and fresh seafood available at low prices.
An Bang Beach
Selected in the top 25 most beautiful beaches in Asia with clear blue waters and stretches of sand.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Thanh Ha pottery village is one of the famous traditional villages in Hoi An.
Here you can admire the fine arts pottery art is extremely sophisticated from the skillful hands and talents of artisans Thanh Ha.
In addition, you can also make your own products to make memories or bring back to relatives and friends.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Just about 4km from Hoi An ancient town, Tra Que Vegetable Village is a traditional vegetable village that attracts many visitors to visit and experience.
Here, you will be involved in the process of growing vegetables like a real farmer and have more knowledge and understanding of the working life of the people in the village.
This will definitely be a real experience that you can not forget!
Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Come to this village, visitors have a chance to admire the process of making many fine art handicraft products.
Cham Island
Cham Island consists of 7 small islands: Hon Lao, Hon Khoi, Hon Con, Hon Tai, Hon Dai, Hon Mo, Hon La, and Hon Ong.
Cu Lao Cham (Cham Island) features biodiversity with natural forests, beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and many valuable aquatic species.
Lantern streets
Lantern Street seems to have become a familiar image for anyone who has ever visited Hoi An. Each porch, shop, and public place … is decorated with lanterns of all colors and sizes.
This lantern street is located in the heart of the ancient town of Hoi An, next to the Hoai River (this is a tributary of the Thu Bon River before flowing into the East Sea).
Hoi An Museum History and Culture
This museum, which was formed in 1989, displays many artifacts made of different materials such as ceramics, porcelain, and copper … related to the formation and development of Hoi An from the 2nd century AD.
Museum of Folk Culture
This museum is located in an old house with typical architecture of Hoi An located at 33 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward. Exhibits a lot of artifacts and is divided into topics such as Folk Art, Folk Performing Arts, Traditional occupations, and Folklore.
Coming to this museum, you will discover and learn more about intangible cultural values, creativity in art, and the contributions of the local people to create a unique identity during the construction and development process of this old town.
Museum of Sa Huynh Culture
The Sa Huynh Culture Museum established in 1994, located at 149 Tran Phu Street, Minh An Ward, displays a complete and unique collection of 946 artifacts related to the ancient inhabitants of the Sa Huynh cultural system (dating from now 2000 years).
These residents are considered to be the founders of Hoi An who used to have relationships and exchanges with Southeast Asia, South India, and China.
Museum of Trading Ceramic in Hoi An
The museum is located at No. 80 Tran Phu Street, formed with the help of Japanese experts in 1995. With 368 artifacts dating from the IX-X century to the 19th century found in archaeological sites in Hoi An, vividly reflect the trade path of ceramic trade on the sea in previous centuries, when Hoi An was an important place in the sea trade exchange of merchants coming from East-West-Asia-Europe continents.
7 acres of coconut forest
From Hoi An ancient town, go southeast along the Hoai river about 3 km to a 7-acre coconut forest resort.
During the war, this area was a revolutionary base. Nowadays, the coconut forest becomes an attractive eco-tourism site.
My Son Sanctuary
Located about 70 km from Da Nang city, in the territory of Duy Phu commune, Duy Xuyen district, Quang Nam province, My Son Sanctuary appears with an architectural complex of many Champa temples and extremely unique architecture.
In 1999 this place was selected by UNESCO as a world heritage as the only evidence that Asian civilization has disappeared. If you are a tourist who likes to explore and learn about ancient culture, this is a place worth exploring.
The experiences you should try when coming here
Take a boat trip on the Hoai River
Hoai River is a branch of the Thu Bon River running through the ancient town of Hoi An so you can rent boats of the people here to take boats on the Hoai River and admire the old town.
Drop a lantern on the Hoai River
On the full moon days of the month or on the weekends, visitors can participate in the activity of dropping a lantern on the Hoai River.
You can buy the lanterns sold by the locals along this river and drop them into the river in the hope of bringing good luck to yourself and your family.
Enjoy art shows
Coming to Hoi An, visitors not only learn about the culture through famous landmarks but also through the unique art shows bearing the cultural essence to get closer to the Vietnamese people.
The reenactment of the old rhythms thanks to the sound effects, lighting, and professional performances of the artists will take visitors from surprise to full satisfaction and enjoyment.
These art shows are very popular with domestic and foreign tourists.
We would like to introduce to you the art shows that are currently attracting a lot of visitors here to enjoy:
A O Show
This show only uses props that are unique to Vietnam made from bamboo, to bring a sophisticated story about life from the countryside to the city through circus techniques combined with endless music.
This show has been performed in 15 countries around the world, but in Vietnam, you can watch this show in Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
Venue: Lune Hoi An Performance Center, Dong Hiep Park, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Ticket price:
- AAH tickets! Zone [A] Zone: 700,000 VND
- OOH tickets! Zone [O] Zone: 1,150,000 VND
- WOW tickets! Zone [W] Zone: 1,600,000 VND
Teh Dar Show
Like the A O Show, the Teh Dar Show is also a form of circus performing arts combined with props made of bamboo but with the influence of the Central Highlands culture.
This show is really a cultural experience that is hard to miss if visitors come to Hoi An. This show is only performed in Hoi An.
Venue: Lune Hoi An Performance Center, Dong Hiep Park, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
Ticket price:
- AAH tickets! Zone [A] Zone: 700,000 VND
- OOH tickets! Zone [O] Zone: 1,150,000 VND
- WOW tickets! Zone [W] Zone: VND 1,600,000
Hoian Memories Show
The Hoi An Memories Show is the largest-scale outdoor reality show ever with a cast of up to 500 people, combined with a thorough investment in sound and light systems at international standards and operated by top engineers in the world.
Through a variety of elaborate storytelling, the Hoi An Memories show depicts the process of formation and development of Faifo – a place once known as the busiest port in Southeast Asia.
The audience can enjoy the successive stories of humanity, romance, and full of the temperament of the people of Quang Nam. Currently, the show does not only perform in Hoi An but also in other countries and received a very positive response.
Daily performance, except Tuesday.
Venues: Hoi An Impression Theme Park, Con Hen, Cam Nam, Hoi An.
Ticket price:
- Adult Eco: 500,000 VND , High: 600,000 VND , VIP: 800,000 VND
- Children from 1m-1.4m: 50% of adult fare
- Children under 1m: free (accompanied by adults)
Vinpearl Land Nam Hoi An
Located in Vinpearl tourism, resort, and entertainment complex, Vinpearl Land Nam Hoi An is the largest, newest, and most fascinating entertainment and cultural experience in Vietnam, bringing to the world’s leading entertainment products, models, and technologies.
