Hoi An Holidays & Travel Guide
Hoi An is one of Vietnam's most enchanting towns, with its lovely lanterns, markets and timeless charm. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's known for its beautifully preserved blend of architecture, culture, and history. Being listed as a World Heritage Site means the town is considered of outstanding universal value to humanity, protected for its cultural significance and unique charm. Hoi An earned this recognition in 1999 thanks to its well-preserved ancient town, where influences from Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European traders can still be seen today.
By day, its streets are lined with mustard-yellow shop houses, tailor boutiques, and riverside cafés. By night, the town glows with colourful lanterns, transforming it into a magical setting that feels almost frozen in time.
What Makes Hoi An Unique?
Walking Tour of the Old Town
The best way to experience Hoi An is on foot. Stroll through narrow lanes filled with centuries-old shop houses, Chinese temples, and French colonial buildings. Many streets are pedestrian-only, creating a relaxed pace that invites you to explore hidden courtyards, tea houses, and local galleries.
Japanese Covered Bridge
An iconic symbol of Hoi An, this 400-year-old bridge was built by the Japanese community and is decorated with carvings of dogs and monkeys. It is both a historical landmark and a favourite photo stop, especially when lit up at night.
Tailor-Made Clothes
Hoi An is world-famous for its skilled tailors, who can create custom suits, dresses, and shoes in just a few days. Whether you are after a traditional ao dai or a modern outfit, having something tailored here is a unique and practical souvenir.
Night Market
As the sun sets, Hoi An's night market comes alive with food stalls, handicrafts, and glowing lanterns for sale. It's the perfect place to sample local street food, pick up handmade souvenirs, and soak up the festive atmosphere by the Thu Bon River.
Cooking Classes
Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine by joining a local cooking class. Many classes begin with a trip to the market to choose fresh ingredients before teaching you how to prepare iconic dishes such as pho, cao lau, or spring rolls. It's a hands-on way to experience the town's culinary heritage.
Where To Stay in Hoi An
Hoi An accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in restored heritage houses to riverside resorts just outside the centre. Staying in or near the old town means you are within walking distance of Hoi An's markets, restaurants, and lantern-lit streets. Browse our Vietnam holiday deals to find the perfect package for Hoi An.
Travel Tips for Visiting Hoi An
Best time to visit Hoi An
The most pleasant months are February to April, when the weather is warm and dry. Lantern festivals take place on the full moon each month, when the town turns off its electric lights and glows with hundreds of colourful lanterns - a magical time to visit. For seasonal details across Vietnam, see our Best Time to Visit Vietnam guide.
Getting around
The old town is pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot or by bicycle. Boats also operate along the Thu Bon River, offering a different perspective of the lantern-lit town. For practical travel tips, see our Getting Around Vietnam guide, and for more inspiration, browse our Tours and Attractions in Vietnam.
Why Travellers Love Hoi An
Hoi An feels like stepping into another time. With its glowing lanterns, bustling markets, tailor shops, and riverside charm, it is a town that invites slow exploration and leaves travellers with memories as beautiful as its streets.