The travel experiences of previous visitors to Hoi An provide useful information to help us navigate our journey in exploring the ancient town,craft villages, and cuisine of Hoi An. Let’s gather essential information from DanangPrivateCar.com that you must know before setting foot in this heritage site in Vietnam.
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When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
According to the experience of many travel enthusiasts, Hoi An is beautiful in any season. However, the most ideal time to visit the ancient town is from February to April. Specifically, the weather in Hoi An during different times of the year is as follows:
Dry Season (February to August):
- February to April: This is the most ideal time for a trip to Hoi An. The early spring weather is cool, the sun is gentle, and there is little rain.
- May to August: The summer months in Hoi An are always sunny and rain-free. However, some days can be quite hot, which may cause some discomfort.
Rainy Season (September to January): This period usually experiences prolonged rains. You need to follow weather forecasts and consider carefully when planning a trip to Hoi An.
Traveling to Hoi An
Since Hoi An does not have an international airport, you typically fly to Da Nang International Airport and then take a taxi, bus, or tourist car to Hoi An. You can also book a private car service with a driver from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An through DanangPrivateCar.com.
Additionally, if you are in Vietnam and in major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can consider the following options:
- Airplane: This is the fastest way to get to Hoi An. From Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you can buy a ticket to Da Nang and then continue your journey to Hoi An by bus or taxi. The flight takes about 1 hour and the ticket prices range from 400,000 to 1,600,000 VND per trip.
- Apart from airplanes, there are various modes of transportation to Hoi An. You can choose from the following:
- Train: A self-guided journey to Hoi An by train can start from Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi and stop at Da Nang Station or Tra Kieu Station (Quang Nam). The travel time is about 15-20 hours with ticket prices ranging from 230,000 to 2,224,000 VND per trip, depending on the journey and seat type.
- Coach: You can reach Hoi An by taking a coach running on the Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An or Hanoi – Hoi An routes with ticket prices ranging from 320,000 to 480,000 VND per trip.
- Personal vehicle (car, motorbike): Using a private car in Hoi An or motorbike is an interesting option if you are an adventurous traveler or live in provinces near Hoi An such as Da Nang, Quang Ngai, etc.
Means of Transportation in Hoi An
- Bicycle: This is the best way to explore the ancient town, enjoy the breeze, and experience the peaceful life here. Some hotels in Hoi An offer free bicycles for guests, or you can rent one for about 40,000 VND per day.
- Motorbike: You can easily rent a motorbike to conveniently travel to various attractions in Hoi An for 120,000 – 150,000 VND per day.
- Cyclo: Cyclos are a characteristic image of the ancient town, offering visitors delightful and memorable experiences. According to the travel experiences of previous visitors to Hoi An, you can catch a cyclo on Phan Chau Trinh or Tran Phu streets for around 150,000 VND per hour per cyclo.
- Taxi: To travel between tourist spots in Hoi An, you can use familiar and reputable taxi companies. However, a useful tip for traveling in Hoi An is to research taxi fares in advance. For example, a 4-seater taxi in Hoi An costs around 11,000 – 15,000 VND per km for the first 30 km, and 9,000 – 12,000 VND per km for distances over 31 km.
- Boat: Taking a boat trip on the Hoai River or the Thu Bon River offers a rich experience of Hoi An that you shouldn’t miss. You can easily catch a boat at the river dock in the center of the ancient town. The boat fare in Hoi An is 50,000 VND for 2 people for a small boat on weekdays when it’s less crowded. During peak times, a boat for 4 people costs around 200,000 VND for a 20-minute ride.
Top 23 Beautiful Tourist Spots in Hoi An
Tourist Spots in the Ancient Town of Hoi An
Quang Dong Assembly Hall
- Address: 176 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
Quang Dong Assembly Hall is a unique tourist spot in Hoi An, built at the end of 1885 with elaborate and intricate architecture. This place preserves many beautiful and exquisite ceramic artifacts. The entire architectural space and interior here depict everyday life of the people from Guangdong in the past.
Trieu Chau Assembly Hall
- Address: 157 Tran Phu, Hoi An City
Trieu Chau Assembly Hall was built around the mid-19th century as a place for the Chinese community to worship General Ma Yuan, known for protecting sailors and fishermen.
Tan Ky Ancient House
- Address: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
This is the oldest house in Hoi An, over 200 years old, and was originally the residence of the noble Le family. Tan Ky Ancient House retains its unique ancient architecture with a display space for many antiques.
Tran Family Chapel, Hoi An
- Address: 21 Le Loi, Ancient Town of Hoi An
The Tran Family Chapel is another popular tourist spot. It represents typical architecture for ancestral chapels in the ancient town, combining Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles. The chapel was built by Tran Tu Nhac, an official under King Gia Long, to worship his ancestors.
Phung Hung Ancient House
- Address: 04 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
Phung Hung Ancient House stands out with its rustic and ancient charm. The structure is made entirely of high-quality wood, adding elegance and harmonizing with the ancient beauty of the heritage area.
Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau Hoi An)
- Address: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
According to many travel enthusiasts, this is a must-visit spot. The Japanese Covered Bridge is considered a symbol of the ancient town and a testament to the cultural fusion in Hoi An. Inside the bridge, there is a temple dedicated to Bac De Tran Vo, the deity protecting the land and bringing good fortune to the people.
Fujian Assembly Hall
- Address: 46 Tran Phu, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City
Fujian Assembly Hall is dedicated to Thien Hau Holy Mother, where merchants come to pray for favorable weather on their journeys. The hall still retains its distinctive architecture with a three-entrance gate, altar, and large incense coils creating a sacred atmosphere.
Hoi An Market
- Address: Tran Quy Cap Street, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City
This is the largest Market in Hoi An, selling various consumer goods, food, and unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and more. A tip for self-guided travelers is to visit Hoi An Market to buy souvenirs and learn more about the customs and culture of the local people. You can also capture beautiful photos here!
Tourist Spots Near the Ancient Town of Hoi An
My Son Sanctuary
Address: My Son Village, Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province
Ticket Prices:
- Vietnamese visitors: 100,000 VND/person
- Foreign visitors: 150,000 VND/person
My Son Sanctuary is located about 40 km from the ancient town of Hoi An. This is a famous historical site, notable for its unique temple complex situated in a valley with a diameter of about 2 km surrounded by mountains and forests. If you love history and want to learn about the Cham culture, My Son Sanctuary is a must-visit.
VinWonders Nam Hoi An
Address: Binh Minh Commune, Thang Binh District, Quang Nam Province
Ticket Prices:
- Guests over 140 cm: 600,000 VND/person
- Guests between 100 cm – under 140 cm and guests over 60 years old: 450,000 VND/person
VinWonders Nam Hoi An is about 15 km from the center of the ancient town, featuring 5 zones with unique themes. It promises to offer you and your family fascinating experiences such as playing and entertaining in Adventure Land, the Water Park, and taking a boat tour on the river to visit the animal sanctuary at River Safari.
Cu Lao Cham (Cham Island)
Address: Tan Hiep, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
Canoe Ticket Prices to Cu Lao Cham:
- Children (round trip): 225,000 VND/person for a day trip
- Adults (round trip): 400,000 VND/person for a day trip
Wooden Boat Ticket Prices to Cu Lao Cham:
- Bach Dang Wharf (Hoi An) – Cu Lao Cham: 100,000 VND/one way/domestic visitor
- Bach Dang Wharf (Hoi An) – Cu Lao Cham: 150,000 VND/one way/international visitor
Motorbike parking fee on Cu Lao Cham: 30,000 VND/bike
Cham Island is about 15 km east of the mainland, consisting of 8 small islands in a crescent shape with lush landscapes and a rich ecosystem. You will be impressed by the white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and the friendly, honest locals. Based on the experiences of previous travelers, besides sightseeing and swimming, you can enjoy many interesting services here such as snorkeling, walking under the sea, and renting a boat to explore the islands.
An Bang Beach
- Address: Hai Ba Trung Street, Cam An Ward, Hoi An City
Located about 7 km southeast of the ancient town center, An Bang Beach is a popular destination for many visitors. It is ideal for those who visit Hoi An to relax, swim, entertain, and enjoy food.
Cua Dai Beach
- Address: Cua Dai, Cam Chau Ward, Hoi An City
Cua Dai Beach is a beautiful beach in Hoi An, impressive with rows of tall coconut trees swaying in the wind, white sand, and emerald green waters. Although its beauty has diminished somewhat due to the sandbags used as breakwaters, it remains a suitable place for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the cool breeze in the late afternoon.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
- Address: Pham Phan, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province
- Ticket Price: 30,000 VND/person, including a pottery product as a gift
Thanh Ha Pottery Village is about 3 km from the center of Hoi An. It is a great place to learn about the craft of pottery and admire unique pottery works. The village is divided into two areas: the traditional craft village and the terracotta park. Any scene here can provide you with memorable “check-in” photos.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Address: Cam Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam Province
- Ticket Price: 10,000 VND/person
What does Hoi An have to offer? For many visitors, Hoi An travel means exploring, feeling, and understanding local life and culture. Therefore, the travel tip for you is not to hesitate to go and explore. Just a few kilometers from the ancient town, Tra Que Vegetable Village attracts visitors with its lush green gardens grown organically. This is a perfect destination for those who love eco-tourism.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village
- Address: Nong Thon Street, Trung Ha Village, Cam Kim Commune, Hoi An City
Kim Bong Carpentry Village offers a simple environment with activities such as wood carving and furniture making, ranging from decorative items to large-scale shipbuilding. The village is open for free tours, allowing visitors to understand more about traditional crafts and witness the process of creating artistic wooden works.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest
- Address: DX18, Cam Thanh, Hoi An
- Boat Ride Price: 150,000 VND/boat/2 people
At Bay Mau Coconut Forest, you can explore the rich water coconut forest by basket boat, enjoy traditional folk singing, and watch fascinating boat performances. This is one of the most wonderful experiences during a trip to Hoi An that you shouldn’t miss.
Tam Thanh Mural Village
- Address: Tam Thanh Commune, Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province
A famous spot in Tam Ky City, Tam Thanh Mural Village is known for its colorful murals and meaningful stories depicted in the paintings. It is also an interesting check-in spot where visitors can have fun and meaningful moments with their loved ones.
Stunning “Check-In” Spots in Hoi An
Hoang Van Thu Street Wall
- Address: 1-9 Hoang Van Thu Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
The old wall on Hoang Van Thu Street is a famous check-in spot that attracts many young people. This is the wall of an ancient house with faded, mottled colors, creating a unique beauty marked by the passage of time.
Hoai River
- Address: The river flowing through the ancient town of Hoi An
Hoai River is located right in the center of the ancient town and possesses a unique charm at different times of the day. Particularly, you can enjoy a boat ride on Hoai River at dusk, watching the town light up along the riverbanks with floating lanterns, creating a shimmering, magical scene perfect for memorable photos.
Bougainvillea Trellises
- Address: Along the streets around the ancient town, by the Hoai River
The vibrant pink bougainvillea on the old yellow walls along the Hoai River is a prime check-in spot for many young people. According to the experiences of photography enthusiasts, the picture will be perfect with a combination of soft sunlight, wooden window frames, and a simple xích lô (cycle rickshaw).
Faifo Coffee
- Address: 130 Tran Phu, Minh An Ward, Hoi An City
Not only a place to enjoy a cup of coffee and delicious snacks, Faifo Coffee also offers an ideal spot for sightseeing with a rooftop view of the ancient town. It’s a picturesque check-in location in Hoi An with many unique photo angles.
Tre Coffee – Lounge & Dining
- Address: Casamia Hoi An, near Vo Chi Cong Road
Although a relatively new name, Tre Coffee is becoming popular among young people due to its blend of traditional and modern space. TRE is a tranquil, gentle cafe by day and transforms into a lively, alluring lounge by night. Here, besides enjoying great food and ambiance, visitors can also take beautiful “check-in” photos.
The gate of Ba Mu Temple in Hoi An
- Address: 675a Hai Ba Trung Street, Tam Quan, Hoi An City
The Tam Quan Ba Mu Pagoda Gate is a unique cultural structure in the ancient town. It attracts many visitors with its beautiful pink hues, offering a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos characteristic of this heritage region.
What to eat in Hoi An? Experience enjoying specialties in the ancient town
Not only attracting tourists with its ancient beauty and tranquility, the specialties of Hoi An are also a highlight that visitors should not miss when coming here.
Cao lau
Cao lau in Hoi An is an extremely attractive specialty dish. This dish looks quite similar to Quang noodles but with chewier noodles and a distinctive, rich, and flavorful sauce.
- Cao lầu Liên: 09 Thái Phiên
- Cao lầu Bà Bé: in Hoi An market
- Cao lầu Thanh: 26 Thái Phiên
Hoi An Chicken Rice
According to the culinary experiences of food-savvy travelers in Hoi An, chicken rice is a dish you must try when visiting Hoi An. The recipe for Hoi An chicken rice is very different, with fragrant and tender rice, firm and chewy chicken, served with a delicious black pepper sauce.
- Bà Buội Chicken Rice: 22 Phan Chu Trinh
- A Tý Chicken Rice: 25 – 27 Phan Chu Trinh
Phú Chiêm Quang Noodles
This is a signature dish of Hoi An with white noodles, authentic broth, rich sweetness from fresh shrimp and crab. It is served with crispy golden rice crackers.
- Dì Hát Quang Noodles: 4 Phan Châu Trinh Street
- Chú Hai Quang Noodles: 6A Trương Minh Lượng Street
Banh Mi Phuong
Banh mi Phượng has been voted the best bread in the world. Its taste is delicious and rich, with all ingredients from the filling to the crust harmoniously blended.
- Banh Mi Phượng: 2B Phan Chu Trinh, Cẩm Châu, Hoi An
Madam Khánh Bread
Banh Mi Madam Khánh’s shop attracts many tourists, both domestic and international, with its uniquely flavorful bread.
- Madam Khánh Bread: 115 Trần Cao Vân Street, Hoi An
Mót Water
Mot Water is made from various beneficial herbs such as tea, ginger, cinnamon, with a sweet and sour taste, refreshing and cooling.
- Address: 150 Trần Phú, Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Sweet Soup
When it comes to what to eat in Hoi An, you cannot miss the sweet soups. These sweet soups carry the distinctive flavor of Quang region with various types such as corn sweet soup, black sesame sweet soup, black bean sweet soup, green bean sweet soup, sweet soup with floating cakes, etc. You can choose to eat each type separately or ask the seller to mix them all for a diverse experience.
Tofu Pudding
Tofu pudding, also known as tofu custard, is a light and fragrant dish with a rustic, refreshing, and sweet taste. The taste of tofu pudding in Hoi An’s ancient town will surely leave a lasting impression.
Snail Sucking
This is also a famous dish in Quang Nam, Da Nang region. Among them, Điện Phương snail sucking restaurant, about 30 minutes drive from the ancient town, is extremely crowded and famous for its delicious and aromatic snail sucking dish. This is a Hoi An travel experience that you should pocket right away.
Banh Tai Vac (White Rose Dumplings)
These dumplings resemble delicate white rose petals with a chewy, translucent outer layer. Inside is a rich flavor of ingredients such as meat, shrimp, mushrooms marinated with onions, fish sauce to create an irresistible taste.
Clam Stir-Fry with Smashed Rice Cake
Clam stir-fry is a famous specialty of the heritage land. Clams are stir-fried with onions, spices, and served with crispy rice cakes. Smashed rice cake is a simpler dish with a layer of wet rice paper topped with a grilled rice paper layer, served with spicy and salty fish sauce.
Skewered Meat – Grilled Sausage
Skewered meat, grilled sausage in Hoi An is marinated with red chili, extremely eye-catching with a highly attractive aroma. This is also one of the snacks that you shouldn’t miss according to the culinary experiences of travelers with “hungry stomachs” in Hoi An.
Steamed Rice Cakes in Small Bowls
Steamed rice cakes are a familiar breakfast dish for people in Hoi An with a delicious and attractive flavor. To enjoy this dish, you should go in the morning because it’s rarely available in the afternoon and evening.
What to buy as gifts when visiting Hoi An?
- Green bean cake
Hoi An’s green bean cake has a unique flavor with a slightly salty-sweet taste that is quite intriguing. The sweet and fragrant outer layer complements the savory filling of crispy fried fat. The cakes are beautifully packaged, suitable for gifts.
- Lanterns
Lanterns are impressive souvenir gifts that you can send to loved ones after your trip. From the travel experiences of those who have been to Hoi An before, you should choose collapsible lanterns for easy transport.
- Silk
This is one of the precious gifts from the ancient town with natural silk material, embodying the beauty of the history and culture of Quang region.
- Tò he (Toy figurines made from glutinous rice powder)
Tò he is a simple gift with unique shapes that evoke childhood memories. You can buy this gift when visiting Thanh Ha pottery village.
- Souvenirs
You can choose from a variety of souvenirs at tourist spots or Hoi An markets such as bronze statues, bronze drums, bells, gongs, paper fans, etc.
Pocket these travel tips for Hoi An
- In addition to the travel experiences in Hoi An that I’ve shared, keep in mind these 4 things during your travel journey to explore the ancient town for the most fulfilling experiences!
- Hoi An is particularly serene in the morning because only local residents are preparing for their new day’s activities. So, don’t hesitate to wake up early to enjoy this tranquil beauty.
- Traditional full moon festivals and Tet are the most beautiful times in Hoi An and also attract a lot of tourists. Therefore, you should book your hotel in advance to ensure accommodation for your trip. If you plan to have clothes tailored in Hoi An, you should allocate time for fittings to get the best outfit.
- Although the weather is not too harsh, Hoi An is prone to the effects of floods and storms. Therefore, you should monitor the weather forecast when planning to visit the ancient town.
These independent travel experiences in Hoi An shared here will somewhat help you better prepare for your sightseeing journey in Hoi An. Don’t forget to use the private car rental service with drivers in Danang at DanangPrivateCar.com for the best trip in central Vietnam.
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