I first wandered through Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets back in 2017, and I just came back this past week to see if it still lived up to my memories. Spoiler alert: it does. Hoi An is still one of the best destinations in all of Vietnam, a charming little old town draped in mustard-yellow walls, bougainvillea, and strings of glowing silk lanterns that make it feel like you’ve walked straight into a postcard.

A lot has changed in the past decade — that goes for both me and Hoi An — and a lot hasn’t. The lantern-lit streets at night still feel like a dash of magic. The street food vendors still charge the same prices for a plate of com ga. Tiger Tiger Bar’s backpacker clientele still spills out onto the streets late every night, although I could only drag myself out for one evening of debauchery. That Vietnam happy water hits harder once you’ve left your early 20s. Fortunately, there was still plenty to keep this geriatric backpacker falling more in love with Hoi An the second time around.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Hoi An, from how to get there and where to stay, to the best things to do once you’ve arrived.

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Table of Contents

• Is Hoi An Still Worth Visiting?
• Things To Know Before Going to Hoi An
• How To Get To Hoi An
• Where To Stay in Hoi An
• How To Get Around Hoi An
• The Best Things To Do in Hoi An
• The Best Day Trips From Hoi An
• What To Eat in Hoi An
• Nightlife in Hoi An
• Final Thoughts on Hoi An
• More on Vietnam

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Is Hoi An Still Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Hoi An has changed a lot since my first visit, and it’s definitely more touristy than it used to be. But it’s still incredibly cute, very budget-friendly, and the lanterns still make for one of the most magical old town experiences in the world.

It’s also perfectly situated right in the center of the Vietnam backpacking trail, halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. And it’s just a convenient hop from Da Nang, which is quickly becoming a major flight hub for international visitors. Whether you’re working your way down the coast or flying in for a shorter trip, Hoi An is easy to fit into almost any Vietnam itinerary.

What’s changed most is the Old Town itself — it feels cleaner, more renovated, and more polished than I remember. Nicer cafés, tidier streets, and the fact that most of it is now pedestrian-only makes it a genuinely lovely place to wander at night. What hasn’t changed is the soul of it. The local aunties still run their stalls, still remember your face, and still make you feel like a regular. As a backpacker in 2017, I loved Hoi An for its nightlife and checklist of sights. Coming back in 2026, I found myself seeking out hole-in-the-wall spots and striking up friendships instead of ticking boxes. Hoi An has range — it can be enjoyed no matter your travel style.

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Things To Know Before Going to Hoi An

The Old Town ticket – To enter Hoi An’s Ancient Town, foreign visitors need a ticket that costs 120,000 VND (about $5 USD). You can buy it at one of the ticket booths at the entrances around the Old Town. It covers access to the Old Town plus entry into a few of its heritage sites, like the Japanese Covered Bridge. Hold onto it, because staff may ask to see it.

On my most recent visit, they were very lax about enforcing this. They had booths where you could purchase the tickets, but no one was stopping anyone from coming in and out or checking anyone’s tickets. Entering the individual historic sites and temples will likely be enforced, however. Many of them require separate tickets.

Watch the weather. The rainy season in central Vietnam runs roughly from September to December, and the Old Town is famous for flooding during heavy storms. Some of the businesses I frequented along the river told me about how their shops and homes were flooded up to nearly the second floor not long before I visited. The best time to visit is roughly February to May, when it’s warm and dry but not yet scorching.

If possible, plan your trip around the full moon. Once a month, on the full moon, the Old Town dims its electric lights and runs on lanterns and candlelight alone. It’s the most magical night to be in town.

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How To Get To Hoi An

By plane: The easiest way to reach Hoi An is to fly into Da Nang International Airport, which has direct domestic flights from all over Vietnam and a growing list of international routes. From the airport, it’s a 45-minute Grab or taxi ride to Hoi An, costing around 250,000 to 400,000 dong.

By bus: Hoi An sits right on the backpacker trail, so there are direct buses (including overnight sleeper buses) from all over the country. From Hue it’s about 3–4 hours (around 100,000–150,000 dong); from Da Nang, just 45 minutes for as little as 30,000 dong; from Nha Trang, expect around 6–7 hours. If you can’t find a direct route, take a bus to Da Nang, then catch a local bus or a Grab the rest of the way.

By train: Although Hoi An isn’t directly serviced by train, Da Nang is. Vietnam’s coastal railway connects Da Nang to cities across the country — from Hue it’s about 2.5 hours, and from Hanoi around 14–16 hours. Get yourself to Da Nang, and then take a local bus or Grab to Hoi An from there.

By motorbike: If you’re feeling brave, ride the legendary Hai Van Pass from Hue, one of the most scenic motorbike routes in Southeast Asia. This was the motorbike journey in Vietnam back when I first visited, years before the Ha Giang Loop skyrocketed to backpacker fame. Many easy rider companies will even ship your bags ahead for you, so don’t write this option off if you’re traveling with two bulky backpacks or a suitcase.

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Where To Stay in Hoi An

Budget shouldn’t be an issue in Hoi An. The town is filled with hostels and hotels at competitive prices. Because of the Old Town’s historic status, there aren’t many places to stay within the Old Town itself. Instead, you’ll find plenty of hostels for under $10 a night within a 10-minute walk.

Even hotels are incredibly affordable, with private rooms going for as low as $10, and nicer hotels costing just $20 to $40 a night. Back in 2017, I stayed at Sunflower Hostel, now known as Bed Station, perfect as a solo traveler looking for a social atmosphere and plenty of party people to befriend. This time around, I stayed at Vi Khoa Villa, a much shorter walk to Old Town and An Hoi island. Dig around a little bit and even nice hotel rooms can be as cheap as a dorm bed.

An Hoi Island is where backpackers will want to be. It’s just across the bridge from the Old Town, home to the night market, and right next to the party strip, so you’re never more than a few minutes’ walk from the action.

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How To Get Around Hoi An

• Bicycle – This is the best way to get around Hoi An, hands down. Bike rentals cost around 50,000 dong a day, and many hotels and hostels lend them out for free. The town is flat and compact, and pedaling through the rice paddies to the beach is half the fun.
• Motorbike – Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to explore further afield, from the beaches to the Marble Mountains. Just know that the Old Town itself is closed to motorbikes during certain hours, so you’ll need to park on the outskirts.
• Grab and taxis – Grab works great in Hoi An and is the easiest option for trips to the beach, Da Nang, or the airport. Sometimes, it’s also cheaper to arrange transportation through your hotel or an agency in town. For example, an airport transfer cost 250,000 when booked through my hotel, but could reach upwards of 400,000 during peak Grab hours.
• Walking – and of course, my personal favorite way to take on Hoi An is on two legs. Wander slowly and see what you find. Grab an iced tea from Mot and let your eyes and nose do the leading.

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The Best Things To Do in Hoi An

Hoi An is an excellent destination because it fits both the aimless wanderer and go-go-go traveler archetypes. Whether your plan is to tick off as much as possible, or simply take what Hoi An throws at you, this should set you off on the right foot. Here are some of my favorite things to do in Hoi An.

Wander the Old Town

The Old Town is the reason you came, and it’s best enjoyed with no plan at all. Stroll past rows of mustard-yellow merchant houses draped in bougainvillea, pop into tiny galleries and tailor shops, and stop for a coffee whenever you feel like it. Come back in the evening, when thousands of silk lanterns light up the streets and the whole town glows. It’s one of those places that looks just as good in real life as it does on Instagram.

Visit the Temples and Historical Sites of the Old Town

Beneath the cuteness, Hoi An has centuries of history as one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports, with Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants all leaving their mark. Your Old Town ticket gets you into some of its heritage sites. The most famous is the Japanese Covered Bridge, the symbol of Hoi An, but the colorful Chinese assembly halls and the centuries-old merchant houses are just as worth a visit.

Explore the Markets of Hoi An

For a dose of local life, head to Chợ Hội An (Hoi An Central Market) on the riverfront. In the morning it buzzes with locals shopping for fresh produce, seafood, and spices, while the food stalls inside serve some of the best cheap eats in town. In the evening, the night market on An Hoi Island takes over with lanterns, souvenirs, and street food.

Rent a Bicycle and Soak in the Countryside Vibes

Some of my favorite moments in Hoi An came from aimlessly pedaling around. Rent a bicycle (or borrow one from your hotel) and ride out through the rice paddies, past water buffalo and tiny villages, all the way to the beach. It’s the best way to see how quickly Hoi An turns from tourist town to countryside.

Go on an Evening Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River

As the sun sets, hop on a little wooden boat for a ride along the Thu Bon River. A boat costs around 170,000 dong for 1 to 3 people. Light a paper lantern and set it adrift on the water for good luck as you float past the glowing Old Town. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also undeniably magical.

Take A Food Tour of Hoi An

The best way to dive into Hoi An’s food scene is with someone who knows it inside out. We booked this food tour online, but you can also contact her directly at @HoiAnTourGuide on Instagram. I can’t recommend Quin enough. Highlights included bánh bèo (little steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp), Hoi An’s famous white rose dumplings, a silky black sesame dessert, a big bowl of cao lầu, and cơm gà, Hoi An-style chicken rice. You’ll leave stuffed and with a list of spots to come back to for the rest of your trip.

And although every bite was memorable and delicious, the highlight wasn’t the food. Meeting the aunties who make Hoi An’s street food scene run is what I’ll truly remember from the trip. There’s Co Tu, the auntie who runs a locally-famous bánh bèo stall. Her stall is tiny, intimate, and completely unhurried, and when we came back a few days later to give her a polaroid of a photo she had posed for, she recognized us immediately before we even took the photos out. Same with Co Hai, and she’s had the honor of having Bourdain dine at his restaurant. But hey, it’s our picture that’s hanging up at her stall, not Tony’s. Then, there’s the man behind the black sesame pudding who worked his craft until his recent passing at 108 years old. Each person has an incredible story to tell, and Hoi An’s food scene is filled with these little-konwn legends of cuisine.

Learn How To Make Your Own Lantern

After a few nights admiring the lanterns, why not make your own? Lantern-making classes are all over town — you’ll find them at stalls near the market for under $10 — and walk you through bending the bamboo frame and stretching the silk over it. You’ll walk away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir that folds flat for your backpack.

Take A Leather-Making Class

For something a little more hands-on, try a leather-making class. You’ll cut, stitch, and stamp your own wallet, keychain, or bag, guided by a local craftsman. Classes cost around $30 to $60, depending on the size of what you’re making. We made wallets at Redwood, and it was genuinely fun — though longer than you’d expect. You do everything from scratch: cutting the leather strips, hammering the holes for thread, stitching it all together by hand. It’s a slow, satisfying process that makes you appreciate the time that goes into every handmade piece you’ve ever bought.

Embrace Vietnam’s Coffee Culture

Vietnam has one of the best coffee cultures in the world, and Hoi An’s cafés are some of the cutest in the country. Hidden courtyards, riverside balconies, and rooftop terraces overlooking the Old Town are all perfect for an afternoon of people-watching. Try a cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk), a coconut coffee, or an egg coffee, and settle in. For atmosphere and views, Faifo is hard to beat. For the most local experience, keep an eye out for the unnamed street stalls selling coffee for as little as 10,000–20,000 dong a cup — no frills, no Instagram aesthetic, just excellent coffee on a plastic stool. And Cong Ca Phe along the river is a classic for a reason.

There are even coffee-making classes offered in Hoi An, giving you a hands-on experience on how to make the perfect Vietnamese egg coffee.

Play Bài Chòi, Hoi An’s Folk Bingo

In the evenings along the river, you might stumble on a crowd gathered around singers in traditional dress calling out cards. This is bài chòi, a centuries-old folk game from central Vietnam that’s part bingo, part musical performance. Grab a card for a few thousand dong and play along. You won’t understand the songs, but the locals will happily help you out, and it’s a ton of fun. We lost. Honestly, it was a relief. We were the only foreigners in the crowd, and we had already spotted a little girl nearby who shrieked and jumped every time her symbol was called, and agreed between ourselves that we’d hand the prize to her if either of us won. We didn’t need to. She ended up winning the goodie bag on her own, to absolutely no one’s disappointment.

Do Some Shopping

Hoi An is famous for its custom clothes and tailoring, and you can get a suit, dress, or pair of shoes made in as little as a day or two. Prices and quality vary wildly, so shop around, read reviews, and plan for at least one fitting. Beyond the tailors, the Old Town is packed with shops selling lanterns, leather goods, ceramics, and art, so leave some room in your backpack.

Rehahn’s Art Gallery (Precious Heritage Art Gallery)

A free-to-enter museum that can’t be missed. Rehahn is a photogrpaher who has trekked and motorcycled his way through every corner of Vietnam, collecting portraits, trinkets, and traditional costumes everywhere he went. While small, it covers a lot of Vietnamese culture, including many tribes and traditions that rarely get any attention. And unlike most photographers who make their name snapping portraits, he gives back to his subjects, from boats to healthcare. The stories he tells are fascinating, and it’s well worth checking the Precious Heritage Art Gallery out while in Old Town.

Hit the Beach at An Bang

When the Old Town heat gets to be too much, bike or Grab to An Bang Beach, about 15 minutes away. It’s far from the most stunning beach in Southeast Asia, or even Vietnam, but it definitely does the trick. Grab a beach chair at one of the beach bars, order a cold beer, and spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing.

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The Best Day Trips From Hoi An

The Ruins of My Son Sanctuary

About an hour inland, My Son is a jungle valley filled with red-brick Hindu temples built by the ancient Cham Kingdom, many of them damaged by bombing during the Vietnam War. Go early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. Entry is 150,000 dong.

Tours from Hoi An and Da Nang are pretty affordable. They’ll usually only cover transportation for the group, but at around $15 for the trip, it’s worth it. Otherwise, Grab is about $15 each way. As a solo traveler, joining the group tour will be the more budget-friendly option.

The Marble Mountains: Caves and Temples

It takes about 30–45 minutes by car to reach from Hoi An’s old town. First, visit the Am Phu cave at its base, home to hundreds of Buddha statues and a short climb to a viewpoint of the city. Lots of beautiful caverns and high ceilings that make you feel like you’re in an opera house rather than spelunking through a cramped, moist tunnel. Afterwards, hike up (or take the elevator) to the top of the mountain. Here, you’ll find temples, pagodas, and several caves of varying sizes. It’s a fascinating place to visit.

The Beach in Da Nang

Just 45 minutes away, Da Nang has miles of long, sandy beaches, with My Khe Beach being the most popular. Spend the day in the sun, then stick around for the bar scene in An Thuong. This hub for travelers and digital nomads is also home to the Dragon Bridge, an iconic landmark which breathes fire and water on weekend nights. While Hoi An’s old town is the more interesting travel destination, An Thoung’s relaxed vibe and low cost of living makes it popular for remote workers and longer-term travelers.

Ba Na Hills

Ride one of the world’s longest cable cars up to this mountaintop theme park, home to the famous Golden Bridge, held up by two giant stone hands. It’s kitschy and crowded, but the bridge is something you have to see to believe. There’s a reason why it’s one of Vietnam’s most recognizable views. Tours from Da Nang and Hoi An are plentiful.

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What To Eat in Hoi An

Hoi An is one of the best food towns in Vietnam. I feel like I say that about every city in Vietnam, but do you detect any lies? Vietnamese food slaps, and Hoi An is home to many delectable dishes you won’t find done quite as well anywhere else. Here are a few of my favorite bites in Hoi An.

• Cao lầu: Hoi An’s signature dish. Chewy noodles with slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons in a light broth. Once a dish for the upper class — hence the name, translating to “higher seating” — and now a staple for locals and travelers alike.
• White rose dumplings (bánh bao bánh vạc): delicate shrimp dumplings shaped like little roses, found only in Hoi An. White Rose restaurant’s got their secret recipe locked down. Be warned. They only make 2,000 a day, so get ’em before they’re gone.
• Cơm gà: Hoi An-style chicken rice, cooked in chicken broth and turmeric. Simple but delicious.
• Bánh bèo: bite-sized steamed rice cakes topped with dried shrimp and crispy pork skin. Be sure to stop at Co Tu’s shop for some delicious bites and even sweeter company. She is the best.
• Black sesame dessert: a warm, silky sweet soup that’s a perfect end to any meal.
• Bánh mì: Hoi An is famous for having some of the best bánh mì in the country. There are too many great spots to name just one — the fun is in finding your own secret best. That said, Ty’s, right next to the hotel, was a personal favorite of mine.
• Mì Quảng: the region’s turmeric noodle dish, served with just a little broth, pork or shrimp, and a crunchy rice cracker.

The cheapest and best meals are at the stalls inside Chợ Hội An — do like Bourdain did and visit my girl Co Hai — and on tiny plastic stools along the side streets.

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Nightlife in Hoi An

Hoi An isn’t a full-blown party town, but it definitely knows how to have a good time. Most of the nightlife is concentrated on An Hoi Island, just across the river from the Old Town, where a pub street along the river pumps out cheap drinks and loud music every night.

Tiger Tiger Bar is an institution, and it’s been going strong since my first visit back in 2017. Their happy hour lasts like half the day up until 11 PM, so be sure to take advantage. Mr. Bean Bar is another favorite among backpackers. When you’re ready for proper dancing and clubbing vibes, most people end up at Why Not Bar, the go-to spot once everything else starts winding down.

The banana pancake and banh mi vendors know the drill, so they’ll be set up outside the clubs waiting for you to stumble out and right into the jaws of their metal carts. The bar strip is also right along the river, allowing for some fresh evening air in between stints of dancing in a cramped, smoky dive bar. Honestly, perfect set up for a night out. The best plan is no plan. Just wander the pub street along the river and follow the party.

For more of Vietnam’s best nights out, check out my guide to the best party destinations in Vietnam.

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Where To Go After Hoi An

Since Hoi An sits right in the middle of the country, you can head either way along the backpacker trail. Da Nang’s airport about an hour away also makes it easy to avoid those long bus rides across the country, or to fly onwards to other Southeast Asian destinations and beyond.

Heading north? The most sensible next stop is Hue, Vietnam’s old imperial capital, just a few hours away over the Hai Van Pass. Hue is more about history and culture than nature or backpacker vibes, though. If imperial citadels and royal tombs aren’t your thing, skip ahead to the caves and jungles of Phong Nha or the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh.

Heading south? Your next stops are the beach city of Nha Trang, the cool mountain air of Da Lat, or the big-city chaos of Saigon.

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Final Thoughts on Hoi An

Nearly a decade after my first visit, Hoi An still holds up as one of the best destinations in Vietnam. Sure, it’s busier, a little more polished, and there are more tour groups than there used to be. But the lanterns still glow, the bánh mì is still cheap, and pedaling through the rice paddies at sunset still feels like a dream. Whether you stay two nights or two weeks, Hoi An is a place you’ll want to come back to. I know I did.

Some places are touristy for a reason. Hoi An is as warm as its faded yellow facades. The lanterns make it feel like a fairy tale. The locals are friendly, the aunties are unforgettable, and the whole place has this timeless quality that makes it feel like home, even on the first visit. Go. You won’t regret it.

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More on Vietnam

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• Can’t-Miss Travel Destinations in Vietnam
• The Best Party Destinations in Vietnam
• The Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Ninh Binh