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Hoi An

Discover Hoi An: Where Ancient Streets Meet River Life

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric destinations, where centuries of history come alive along narrow streets, ochre-coloured houses and the peaceful banks of the Thu Bon River. Once an important trading port, the town still reflects the influence of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European merchants who shaped its architecture, culture and traditions.

At the heart of the experience is the Old Town, where historic houses, ancient assembly halls and lantern-lit streets create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. Wander through the old streets in the early morning, discover local markets and riverside cafés, or explore the town after dark when colourful lanterns illuminate the water.

Beyond the historic centre, Hoi An reveals a quieter side of Central Vietnam. Cycle through rice fields and rural villages, visit traditional craft communities, relax on An Bang Beach or travel along the river towards the countryside.

Whether you come for history, food, culture, cycling or simply the pleasure of slowing down, Hoi An offers a deeply memorable way to experience Vietnam.

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Places to Discover in Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town
The heart of Hoi An is its beautifully preserved Old Town, where ochre-coloured buildings, wooden merchant houses and historic assembly halls reflect the town’s centuries as an international trading port. Wander through the narrow streets at your own pace, discover hidden courtyards and small workshops, and cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, one of Hoi An’s most recognisable landmarks.

Hoi An After Dark
As evening arrives, Hoi An takes on a completely different atmosphere. Lanterns illuminate the old streets and the Thu Bon River, while markets, cafés and riverside restaurants bring the historic centre to life. A walk through the Old Town after sunset is one of the most memorable ways to experience the character of Hoi An.

The Thu Bon River
The river has always been central to Hoi An’s identity. Traditional boats move between the town and surrounding villages, while the waterfront offers a glimpse into the everyday rhythm of life along the river. Boat trips can be combined with visits to nearby communities or simply enjoyed as a peaceful way to see Hoi An from a different perspective.

Crafts & Tailor-Made Experiences
Hoi An is renowned for its traditional crafts and skilled tailors. Browse colourful fabrics, visit local workshops and discover the techniques behind silk, lanterns, ceramics and other handmade products. For travellers looking for something personal to take home, the town’s tailoring tradition offers the opportunity to have clothing made to individual measurements and preferences.

Countryside & Cam Thanh
Just beyond the historic centre, the landscape changes to rice fields, waterways and quiet villages. Cycle through the countryside, meet local communities and explore Cam Thanh, known for its water coconut palms and traditional basket boats. These experiences offer a slower perspective on Hoi An and the rural life surrounding the town.

Hoi An’s Culinary Heritage
Food is an essential part of discovering Hoi An. Taste local specialities such as Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings and Hoi An-style Banh Mi, or explore the local market with a guide to discover the ingredients and flavours behind Central Vietnamese cuisine. Cooking classes can also be incorporated into a tailor-made journey for a more hands-on experience.

An Bang Beach
A short journey from the Old Town leads to An Bang Beach, where a long stretch of sand and the open sea provide a peaceful contrast to the historic centre. Spend a few hours by the water, enjoy a relaxed lunch or combine a beach stay with time exploring the town and countryside.

When to Travel

Hoi An can be visited throughout the year, although the experience changes with the seasons.

February to May is generally one of the most comfortable periods, with warm temperatures and relatively dry conditions. It is particularly well suited to walking through the Old Town, cycling in the countryside and enjoying outdoor experiences.

June to August brings hot, sunny weather and is a good period for travellers looking to combine cultural exploration with time at the beach. Temperatures can be high, so early mornings and late afternoons are often the most comfortable times for sightseeing.

September to January is the wetter period, with rainfall becoming more frequent towards the end of the year. The countryside becomes lush and green, while the Old Town takes on a quieter atmosphere between showers. During periods of heavy rain, river levels can rise and conditions in the historic centre may change.

Hoi An’s famous lantern atmosphere can be enjoyed throughout the year, making the town a rewarding stop whatever the season.

Imperial City and historic citadel in Hue, Vietnam Previous Hue

Practical Information

  • Best Seasons February to May
  • Location Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam
  • Main Experiences Heritage, food, crafts, cycling and river life
  • Highlights Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, Thu Bon River and Cam Thanh
  • Nearby Destinations Da Nang, Hue and My Son Sanctuary
  • Ideal For Culture lovers, couples, families and slow travellers

The best time to visit Vietnam

If you want to visit Vietnam, you might be wondering what the weather is like in different months. Well, it depends on where you go and what you want to do. Vietnam has a diverse climate, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, I’ll give you a general overview of what to expect in each month, based on the average weather patterns. You can also check out the holidays and events that happen in each month in Vietnam.

January
This is a good month to enjoy the dry and pleasant weather in most parts of Vietnam, except for the north. The north can get quite cold, especially in the morning and evening. You might need some warm clothes and jackets if you go to places like Sapa and Ha Giang. If you’re looking for some beach time, head to Phu Quoc, where the sun is always shining. Just be aware that Halong Bay can be foggy this month, so you might not see the best views.

February
The weather gets warmer in most of Vietnam, except for the north, which still feels chilly. This is a high season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices. But it’s also a great time to experience the TET festival, which is the Vietnamese New Year. It’s a big celebration with lots of food, fireworks, and fun. Just keep in mind that many shops, museums, and restaurants are closed for about a week during TET.

March
This is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as the weather is fantastic everywhere. You have more options for beach destinations, such as Mui Ne, Con Dao, and Nha Trang. Hoi An is also a lovely place to enjoy the beach and the old town. This is also a great time to visit Halong Bay, which should have clear blue skies and no fog.

April
Like March, April is another great month to visit Vietnam, with amazing weather everywhere. This is also a high season for tourism, so be prepared for more crowds and higher prices.

May
The weather gets hotter in May, but it’s still a good time to visit Vietnam before the rainy season starts. You might get some rain in the north and south by the end of the month, but nothing too serious. You can also take advantage of the lower prices after the high season.

June
You might get some rain in the north and south of Vietnam, but it’s usually not too bad. You can still enjoy the sunny days in Hanoi, Mai Chau, and Halong Bay. The best place to be is in central Vietnam, where the weather is still dry and sunny. You can relax on the beaches of Lang Co and Hoi An, or explore the countryside and culture. This is also a good time to travel before the school holidays start next month.

July
Central Vietnam is still the best place to be in July, with lots of sunshine and little rain. The rest of Vietnam might have some showers, but they won’t ruin your fun.

August
Central Vietnam is still a good place to visit in August, although you might get some more rain by the end of the month. The rest of Vietnam might also have some rain, but it’s not too bad. You can also enjoy some discounts on flights and hotels during the low season.

September
This is a good month to catch the last sun on the central coast of Vietnam before it gets too rainy. The north and south are usually very wet this month, but you can still find some bargains on hotels.

October
The weather gets better in the north of Vietnam in October, and this is a great time to visit places like Sapa or Ha Giang. You can admire the stunning scenery of rice terraces, valleys, and mountains that change color with the seasons. You can also hike, bike, or stay with the local people who live there. This is not a good month for beach lovers, but Vietnam has so much more to offer than just beaches. And traveling in October means you avoid the crowds.

November
The high season starts again in November, as many people come to Vietnam for the cooler winter months in the north. By the end of the month, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again, except for the central region, which might have some rain.

December
There is still a chance of rain in the central part of Vietnam in December; however, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again. The beach season starts again on Phu Quoc island. You should book early for Christmas time, as it can get very busy.