Hoi An
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Tips
5 places on the map
Free things to do
- 1
Riverside promenade for lantern boats at night
3 tips
- Hire a lantern boat after dark
- Best views from the Cam Nam bridge
- Cafes line the bank
📷 Photos
- 2
Lantern-lit market of crafts, snacks and souvenirs
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Opens in the evening
- Cash is preferred
- Bargain politely
📷 Photos
- 3
Busy riverside market of produce, street food and tailors
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Try cao lau noodles
- Bargain politely
📷 Photos
- 4
Relaxed beach with seafood restaurants and sunbeds
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Rent a bicycle to get there
- Go for sunset
- Lifeguards are on duty in season
📷 Photos
- 5
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Before you go: Hoi An tips
Transportation
- Rent a bicycle: Bikes are the best way to get around Hoi An and out to the rice paddies and An Bang beach.
- Use Grab from Da Nang: Ride-hailing cars from Da Nang airport to Hoi An are easy and usually cheaper than airport taxis.
- Walk the Ancient Town: The old town center restricts motor vehicles at certain hours, making it pleasant to explore on foot.
Security
- Check tailor deals carefully: Get clear quotes, fabrics and delivery dates in writing before ordering clothes.
- Watch for overpriced boat rides: Agree prices for lantern boat rides before boarding.
- Mind floods in rainy season: October and November can bring flooding to the old town; follow local advice.
Saving
- Buy the Ancient Town ticket wisely: The entrance ticket includes access to a set number of heritage sites; choose the ones that interest you most.
- Eat at the central market: Food stalls at Hoi An's central market serve cao lau and banh mi at low prices.
- Stay outside the old town: Homestays in Cam Thanh or near An Bang are often cheaper and quieter.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect a hot dry season: February to August is hot and sunny; pack light breathable clothes and sunscreen.
- Bring rain gear in autumn: September to December brings heavy rains and possible storms.
- Dress for temples: Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas and assembly halls.
Cultural
- Try cao lau: This noodle dish is a Hoi An specialty and hard to find elsewhere in Vietnam.
- Join the lantern evenings: On full moon nights the town dims lights and lanterns float on the Thu Bon river.
- Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge: The historic bridge symbolizes the town's trading past.
Local Hacks
- Explore early morning: The Ancient Town is quiet and beautiful at sunrise before tour groups arrive.
- Try a basket boat in the coconut forest: Cam Thanh's coconut palm waterways offer fun round-boat rides; agree on the price first.
- Get to An Bang beach: The beach is a short bike ride away and less crowded than the town center.
1-day itineraries in Hoi An
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.