Few places in Vietnam charm visitors as quickly as Hoi An, a beautifully preserved trading port where lantern-lit lanes, tailor shops and riverside cafes create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Its compact, walkable Old Town is made for slow, unhurried days. Getting there is straightforward when you book your trip via Traveloka and fly into nearby Da Nang. With its blend of history, craft, food and nearby beaches, Hoi An rewards travellers who linger, soaking up the magic of an evening when thousands of colourful silk lanterns flicker to life along the water.
The Ancient Old Town
At the heart of Hoi An is its UNESCO-listed Old Town, a remarkably intact merchant quarter of mustard-yellow shophouses, ornate assembly halls and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Wandering its pedestrian lanes by day reveals temples, museums and craft shops, while the absence of traffic makes exploring a pleasure. A heritage ticket grants access to a selection of the historic buildings. The town is small enough to cover on foot or by bicycle, and getting happily lost among its lanes is the best way to experience it.
Lanterns and the River
Hoi An truly comes alive after dark, when its famous silk lanterns glow in every colour and reflect on the Thu Bon River. Releasing a small floating candle lantern onto the water is a cherished local tradition, especially during the monthly full-moon lantern festival when electric lights give way entirely to lanterns and candlelight. A short boat ride at dusk offers a magical view of the illuminated waterfront. These golden, glowing evenings are, for many visitors, the lasting memory of a trip to Hoi An.
Tailors, Crafts and Shopping
Hoi An is famous throughout Vietnam for its tailors, who can craft custom clothing, suits and shoes within a day or two at very reasonable prices. Choosing fabrics and being measured for a bespoke piece is a quintessential Hoi An experience, so allow time for fittings. Beyond tailoring, the town’s lantern makers, leatherworkers and artists offer beautiful handmade souvenirs. Browsing the workshops and markets, and perhaps commissioning something made just for you, adds a personal and rewarding dimension to the visit.
Food and Cooking Classes
The local cuisine is a highlight in its own right, with specialities such as cao lau noodles, white rose dumplings and crispy banh mi that many rate among the best in the country. Riverside restaurants and humble street stalls alike serve memorable meals at gentle prices. Joining a cooking class, often beginning with a trip to the local market or a boat ride to a herb village, is a fun way to understand the flavours. Eating your way around Hoi An is as much a pleasure as the sightseeing.
Beaches and Day Trips
Just a short bicycle or taxi ride from the Old Town, the sandy beaches of An Bang and Cua Dai offer a relaxing counterpoint with deck chairs, seafood shacks and gentle swimming. Further afield, the ancient Hindu ruins of My Son make a worthwhile half-day trip into history. Renting a bicycle to pedal through the surrounding rice paddies and fishing villages is a peaceful pleasure. With its mix of heritage, beaches and countryside, Hoi An easily fills several relaxed and rewarding days.