City guide

    Hoi An

    Explore Hoi An, Vietnam

    Overview

    UNESCO-listed Ancient Town with weathered wooden shophouses, colorful lanterns, tailor shops, and some of Vietnam's most beloved local dishes.
    At a glanceHoi An · City guide
    Country
    Vietnam
    Region
    Central Vietnam
    Recommended stay
    2-3 days
    Daily cost
    ≈ $35 / day
    Best time to visit
    Sep - Oct, Feb - May
    hoi-an · Guide
    Good to know

    Before you go to Hoi An

    When to go

    Climate through the year

    Rainfall mm/inchesTemperature °C/°F0/0.015/59100/3.920/68200/7.925/77300/11.830/86400/15.735/95500/19.740/104JFMAMJJASOND
    Monthly temperature and rainfall
    MonthMin °CMax °CRainfall mm
    J192590
    F202640
    M222930
    A243140
    M2633100
    J2734110
    J2734100
    A2734130
    S2531300
    O2329500
    N2127400
    D1925200

    Spring (Feb-Apr)

    Warm, mostly dry weather; February to April is generally one of the best windows for Hoi An, with March especially pleasant and fresh after the rains. April is often highlighted as an especially good month to visit.

    Comfortable for walking and cycling, good visibility, lively lantern-town atmosphere, and strong conditions for beach and rice-paddy day trips.
    Can still be busy around Lunar New Year and spring holidays; occasional showers early in the season.

    Ideal for: Ancient Town sightseeing, cycling, beach trips, lantern nights, cultural events.

    Pack: Light layers, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, compact umbrella.

    Summer (May-Aug)

    Hot, sunny, and humid; Hoi An can get quite warm from May to August, with beach weather and clear skies common.

    Good for beach time, longer daylight, and often better value than peak dry-season travel in some periods.
    Heat and humidity can be intense; midday sightseeing can be tiring.

    Ideal for: Beaches, early-morning sightseeing, cafes, indoor breaks, river evenings.

    Pack: Breathable clothing, hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, rain protection for sudden showers.

    Autumn (Sep-Nov)

    Rainy, cooler, and cloudier; this is Hoi An’s wet season, and tropical storms or flooding can occur, especially from September to November.

    Fewer crowds, greener scenery, and lower prices are often possible.
    Heavy rain, possible flooding, and disrupted outdoor plans.

    Ideal for: Flexible travelers, food-focused trips, spa/cafe time, short heritage visits between showers.

    Pack: Waterproof shoes, rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, dry bag, flexible itinerary.

    Winter (Dec-Jan)

    Cooler, cloudy, and often damp; January is typically the coolest month, with mist and drizzle possible.

    Quieter atmosphere and better chances of lower-season deals.
    Can feel chilly and overcast; some days may be wet.

    Ideal for: Street food, relaxed town walks, tailoring, indoor cultural stops.

    Pack: Light jacket, long pants, closed shoes, scarf or extra layer.

    Daily budget

    Low season / day
    25-45 USD (rainy season, excluding accommodation)
    Peak season / day
    35-60 USD (dry season, excluding accommodation)
    Cash
    Carry 500,000-1,000,000 VND in small bills for street food, taxis, markets, and small shops.
    Exchange
    Use banks or reputable exchange counters; the VND/USD rate moves, but around mid-2025 the central rate was about 25,121 VND/USD, so 1 USD is roughly 25,000 VND.
    ATMs
    Widely available in tourist areas; expect a local ATM fee and possible foreign-card fee from your bank.
    Cards
    Moderate to good in hotels, tour operators, and nicer restaurants; cash is still preferred at markets, street vendors, and many small businesses.

    Events & festivals

    • Tet (Lunar New Year)Late January or February (varies by lunar calendar)

      Flower displays, family celebrations, festive decorations, and a very lively holiday atmosphere.

      Tip: Book transport and accommodation early; many businesses close for several days, so keep cash and backup food options.

    • Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Night14th day of every lunar month

      Electric lights are reduced in the Ancient Town, lanterns glow along the streets and river, and the atmosphere is especially photogenic.

      Tip: Arrive early for the best walking experience and expect crowds around the Old Town and riverfront.

    • Mid-Autumn FestivalSeptember or October (15th day of the 8th lunar month)

      Lanterns, lion dances, mooncakes, and family-friendly celebrations; Hoi An is especially famous for its lantern-filled Mid-Autumn atmosphere.

      Tip: Best experienced in the Ancient Town and along the Thu Bồn River; plan ahead because it can be very busy.

    Getting there

    How to reach Hoi An from abroad or within Vietnam.

    Arriving internationally

    • Hoi An is not served by its own airport; the nearest major airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), about 28-30 km north of Hoi An, typically a 40-60 minute drive depending on traffic. Chu Lai International Airport is another option farther south, but Da Nang is the main gateway. ([vietnam.travel](https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/central-vietnam/hoi-an?utm_source=openai))
    • Hoi An can be reached from regional hubs by flying into Da Nang, then continuing by taxi, ride-hailing app, shuttle van, or pre-booked transfer. Vietnam Tourism notes that Hoi An is also reachable by bus or shuttle van from nearby destinations such as Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang. ([vietnam.travel](https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/central-vietnam/hoi-an?utm_source=openai))
    • From Da Nang airport, the most convenient options are Grab, taxi, or hotel transfer; for budget travel, public buses and shared shuttles are available on the Da Nang-Hoi An corridor. ([visitdanang.travel](https://visitdanang.travel/en/how-to-get-from-da-nang-to-hoi-an-quickly-and-conveniently-5517?utm_source=openai))

    From within the country

    • Hoi An is well connected to other Vietnamese cities through Da Nang by air, rail, and bus. Da Nang is the regional transport hub for Central Vietnam. ([vietnam.travel](https://www.vietnam.travel/places-to-go/central-vietnam/da-nang?utm_source=openai))
    • Domestic flights to Da Nang are frequent from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making Hoi An easy to combine with a wider Vietnam itinerary. ([vietnam.travel](https://www.vietnam.travel/places-to-go/central-vietnam/da-nang?utm_source=openai))
    • Intercity buses and shuttle vans connect Hoi An with Da Nang, Hue, and other central Vietnam destinations. ([vietnam.travel](https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/central-vietnam/hoi-an?utm_source=openai))
    • If arriving by train, the usual route is to Da Nang Railway Station, then continue to Hoi An by taxi, shuttle, or bus. ([vietnam.travel](https://www.vietnam.travel/places-to-go/central-vietnam/da-nang?utm_source=openai))

    Booking & arrival tips

    • Book airport transfers in advance if arriving late at night or with heavy luggage.
    • Use Grab or a reputable taxi brand for transparent pricing and easier communication.
    • For solo travelers, shared shuttle vans can be a good balance of cost and convenience.
    • Hoi An Ancient Town is highly walkable, and bicycles are one of the best low-cost ways to explore the surrounding countryside. ([vietnamtourism.gov.vn](https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en/post/20051?utm_source=openai))
    • Avoid peak traffic times when traveling between Da Nang and Hoi An, especially around morning and evening commute hours.
    • Carry some cash in Vietnamese dong for buses, small taxis, and local purchases.

    Getting around

    Grab / be / Xanh SM

    About 2-8 USD for short city rides; airport transfers cost more depending on distance and demand

    App-based motorbike and car rides; best for solo travelers and airport transfers.

    Taxi

    About 5-15 USD for local trips depending on distance

    Metered taxis from reputable companies; good for luggage or late-night arrivals.

    Bus / shuttle van

    Low-cost public or shared transport

    Budget option between Da Nang and Hoi An; useful for travelers with flexible schedules.

    Bicycle

    About 1-4 USD per day rental

    Best for exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, rice fields, and nearby villages.

    Motorbike rental

    About 5-10 USD per day

    Flexible for experienced riders; useful for countryside trips and beach access.

    Walking

    Free

    Ideal inside the Ancient Town, where pedestrian-friendly streets make walking the easiest option.

    Good to know. Hoi An is best explored on foot or by bicycle inside the old town; for trips to Da Nang or the airport, use Grab, a taxi, or a pre-booked shuttle. ([vietnamtourism.gov.vn](https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en/post/10719?utm_source=openai))

    Handy apps

    GGoogle Maps

    Navigation and route planning.

    Download offline maps before arrival for narrow streets and patchy data in some areas.

    GGrab

    Transportation, food delivery, and cashless rides.

    Use motorbike rides for faster solo travel in traffic; car rides are better with luggage.

    XXanh SM

    Electric taxi and ride-hailing.

    Good for quieter rides and airport transfers when available.

    bbe

    Ride-hailing and delivery.

    Compare fares with Grab before booking; prices can vary by time of day.

    SShopeeFood

    Food delivery.

    Useful for solo travelers who want local food delivered to their hotel.

    Backup. Ask your hotel for a paper map, local shuttle schedule, or a trusted taxi number.

    Where to stay

    Nightly rates: 15-40 USD/night for hostels and simple hotels, 50+ USD for boutique stays and resorts

    Hoi An Ancient Town

    First-time visitorsSightseeingCulture enthusiasts

    UNESCO-listed historic core with lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, tailor shops, and easy walking access to the Japanese Covered Bridge and night market.

    Cam Pho

    Solo travelersCouplesValue seekers

    Quiet central ward just west of the old town, convenient for walking to the heritage area while staying slightly away from the busiest streets.

    Minh An

    Short staysNight photographyWalkability

    The heart of the old town on the riverfront side, ideal for staying close to lantern streets, cafés, and evening atmosphere.

    Cam Chau

    Budget travelersLong staysDigital nomads

    Popular residential area south of the old town with homestays, boutique hotels, and easier bike access to beaches and rice fields.

    Cam An / An Bang Beach

    RelaxationBeach loversFamilies

    Beachside area east of the old town with relaxed guesthouses, cafés, and a quieter pace than the heritage center.

    Cua Dai

    Resort staysCouplesQuiet retreats

    Coastal area south of the old town with resort-style stays and quick access to the beach and river mouth.

    Booking tip: Book early for the lantern festival periods, Vietnamese holidays, and peak dry-season weekends; solo travelers often save by choosing a homestay or small guesthouse with free bike rental.

    Health & safety

    Emergency numbers

    ambulance
    115
    fire
    114
    police
    113
    national emergency/disaster hotline
    112

    Medical facilities

    • Hoi An Hospital0967101919

      Trần Hưng Đạo, Cẩm Phô, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

      Local public hospital in Hoi An; useful for urgent care and referrals.

    • Family Medical Practice Da Nang+84 236 3582 699

      96-98 Nguyen Van Linh, Hai Chau, Da Nang, Vietnam

      International clinic with English-speaking staff; good option for travelers needing Western-style care.

    • Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital+84 236 3711 111

      30 Thang 4 Street, Hai Chau, Da Nang, Vietnam

      Private hospital with international-standard services; suitable for emergencies and specialist care.

    Staying safe

    General safety
    Watch for pickpockets and bag snatching in crowded tourist areas, markets, and around the Ancient Town, especially at night.
    Notes
    Avoid drinking tap water; use sealed bottled or properly treated water. Be extra careful crossing roads and when riding motorbikes or bicycles. Hoi An can be hot and humid, so pace yourself and take shade breaks.
    What to carry
    Comfy walking shoes, refillable water bottle, basic meds (painkillers, antidiarrheal, oral rehydration salts), mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat, and a small first-aid kit.
    Lost items
    Nearest local police station in Hoi An
    • Carry hand sanitizer for street food and market visits.
    • Use sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing in the summer heat.
    • Rest and hydrate if you feel dizzy, overheated, or overwhelmed by crowds.
    • Carry your travel insurance details and passport copy for faster registration.
    • Call ahead or have your hotel contact the clinic/hospital to save time in an emergency.
    • If you lose a passport or valuables, report it to local police as soon as possible and keep a copy of the report for insurance or embassy use.
    • In crowded areas, keep your phone and wallet in a zipped front pocket or crossbody bag.

    Local customs

    Etiquette & local habits

    • Dress modestly when visiting temples, pagodas, and ancestral houses; cover shoulders and knees.
    • Remove shoes when entering homes, some temples, and certain family-run businesses.
    • Use polite bargaining at markets, but avoid haggling in cafés, restaurants, and fixed-price shops.
    • Cross streets slowly and steadily; scooters usually flow around pedestrians rather than stopping completely.
    • Carry small cash for street food, tailors, and market purchases; many small vendors prefer cash.
    • Lantern-lit evenings are busiest in the old town, so book dinner early if you want a quieter solo meal.

    When the city is open

    Most heritage attractions and museums close around 5-6 PM; the old town stays lively into the evening, and night markets, bars, and riverside cafés run later.