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Former provincial city in Quảng Nam province, Vietnam
Photo: Steffen Schmitz (more photos), CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hoi An (Vietnamese: Hội An) is a beautiful city in Vietnam about 30 km to the south of Da Nang. The Old Town of Hoi An is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An is also commonly used as the base for half-day trips to a cluster of abandoned and partially ruins of My Son, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the west of the Central Highlands.
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Chua Cau or Lai Vien Kieu
The bridge was constructed in the early 1600s by the Japanese community, roughly 40 years before they left the city to return to Japan under the strict policy of sakoku enforced by the Tokugawa Shogunate, and renovated in 1986. Today, it's the symbol of Hoi An. Entry is one coupon, but it's possible to cross back and forth several times without meeting a ticket-checker. If your scruples bother you, leave a tribute for the pig statue or the dog statue standing guard at opposite ends of the bridge.
Founded in the 15th century, this temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, a Chinese general who is remembered and worshipped for his qualities of loyalty, integrity and justice. Statues of him and several others are inside the temple.
Formed in the sixteenth century, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is one of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam. This village is located right on the banks of Thu Bon River, about 3 km from Hoi An ancient town. Over five centuries, Thanh Ha pottery village still preserves its traditional pottery-making process, which manually shapes pottery by hand and foot pedal without using molds. This method creates a unique feature in this village’s ceramic products. Nowadays, Thanh Ha ceramic products are mainly used for decoration and display purposes.
The museum contains some old black and white photos of Hoi An taken in the early 20th century. It also houses an old cannon, some two-thousand year old pots from the Sa Huynh period, and a case full of 9th-century bricks and tiles from the Champa period.
Some may be put off by the bizarre-looking plaster sculptures of Vietnamese peasants, but this museum documents the dress and culture of rural Vietnam.
The museum's main collection consists of pottery and urns from the 1st and 2nd centuries. Upstairs is another museum, the Museum of the Revolution. Its main collection consists of pictures from war heroes and a collection of weapons such as grenade launchers, machine guns and AK 47s.
The dusty, unlabeled displays of broken pottery are eminently forgettable, but the house itself is nice enough, and it provides a good opportunity to explore the shape and layout of an old Hoi An home.
Traditional two-story wooden house, inhabited over 100 years by eight generations; and the current one guides you around in hope of a tip.
As above, a younger member of the family will provide a cup of tea and a "tour" that doesn't stray from the front room of the house, as you'd need to step over sleeping members of the older generation to go anywhere else. The design of the house shows how local architecture incorporated Japanese and Chinese influences. Japanese elements include the crab shell-shaped ceiling supported by three beams in the living room. Chinese poems written in mother-of-pearl are hanging from a number of the columns that hold up the roof.
Dinh Cam Pho
Pan-Chinese assembly hall jointly built by the Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien (Fujian), Hainanese and Hakka communities.
Built in 1885 for the Cantonese community, it has a calm courtyard with ornate statuary. Take a peek at the half-hidden back yard and its kitschy pastel dragon statues.
Hokien (Fujian) meeting hall built in 1757.
Teochew community meeting hall built in 1887. It's near the Fujian hall, also occupying the block.
Hainanese community meeting hall built in 1875.
Built by the Minh Huong, Chinese Ming Dynasty loyalists who were given refuge in Vietnam after refusing to submit to the new Manchu Qing rulers of China. Their descendants are today assimilated into the ethnic Vietnamese and no longer identify as ethnic Chinese.
Folk music performances are offered Tu-Su at 10:15 and 15:15.
Lune Center for the Performing Arts
A small-scale Cirque du Soleil-style show of acrobatics and dance with traditional and modern Vietnamese themes in a 300-seat theatre. Excellent visuals and choreography, enthusiastic young performers. Buy tickets online, at the theatre, or at many hotels. It's a small theatre, so the cheap seats still have a good view.
Hoi An memories land, Hoi An Impression Theme Park
A big musical-esque show on the history of Hoi An, from early settlers until the golden era as an important trading port. Huge stage, very good lighting effects and several hundred actors active at the same time. Situated on an island in the river. The whole island area surrounding the stage is a renaissance theme park with the same topic of the history of Hoi An. Leading up to the main show, there are mini-shows with reenactments and dance performances in different places around the theme park. Tickets can be bought when entering the island via the two bridges, or online (sometimes cheaper at Getyourguide or Klook due to promotions). Eco seats have a perfectly good view, no need for the higher classes. If possible, arrive at the main stage before 19:30 to queue for choosing a good seat.
Revived 300-year-old Champa silk traditions. Half day tours encompassing the entire silk process, from silkworms to dressmaking. Showroom in a converted Quang Nam-style house with 100 different ao dai, representing all of the 54 different minority groups in Vietnam. Also a spacious colonial-style restaurant serving local dishes and a silk showroom where professional tailors custom design and make garments for visitors.
An Bang Beach is a relaxed stretch of coastline just a few kilometres north of Hoi An’s ancient town. Known for its soft white sand and relatively calm waters, it offers a quieter alternative to the busier nearby beaches, with a laid-back village atmosphere.
Opposite the Marble Mountains and accessible by motorbike. There are beaches closer to Hoi An accessible by bicycle or motorbike, with parking near the beach. A Grab should be 50,000 dong one way.
Ruined Cham tower, the sole major remnant of a large Buddhist Cham period (9th century, 875-915 under Indravarman II) temple-complex that was originally 155x326 m. Other minor remnants are also visible.
Twelfth-century Cham octagonal tower dedicated to Shiva. By motorbike, about 30 minutes northwest of Hoi An. There may be a someone on the site who will sell you a ticket for 10,000 dong. Can be combined with a day trip to Tháp Khương Mỹ.
Three Cham towers, contemporaneous with Bagan in Burma. Small museum on premises. There may be someone at the site who will sell you a ticket for 10,000 dong. By motorbike, a half hour south of Hoi An. Can be combined in a day trip with Tháp Bằng An for about 120,000 dong.
Hoi An Market (Chợ Hội An)
Has a food court with several stands serving Hoi An specialities and typical Vietnamese food like pho, and spring rolls. It has a few stands catering to tourists with English-speaking staff and menus, and stands catering mostly to Vietnamese which serve rice and side dishes.
Delicious banana fritters in dough. They squish the banana, then dip it into liquid dough and finally fry it. Freshly made, and not lying around the whole day like you often see in the center — many locals stop by with the motorbike, so they are constantly making new ones.
Serves the probably most inexpensive Bánh Xèo in all Vietnam, and is very authentic in addition. It actually seems to be vegan, but they also serve meat sticks if you are looking for additional taste. You won't find any fancy lighting or comfortable Western sized chairs here, just the regular tiny plastic chairs and tables. But the experience rolling the wrap parts, and dipping it into the delicious gravy is well worth the trip here.
They serve Cao lầu, Hoành Thánh Mỳ (Wonton), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (White Rose) and Cơm Gà. However, the portion size can be disappointing and they are very pushy about ordering drinks.
Great vegan Vietnamese food selection, there are so many options to choose from. The vegetarian Pho is amazing. Family restaurant hidden in an alley. Very friendly staff.
They serve super nice Pho Bo, for many who may not know how to eat their side dish vegetable, the boss can teach you how to blend with the sauce prepared for it. The owners are super lovely.
How they prepared the meat is different to elsewhere. The chili sauce and pate are so unique. Delicious and fresh. The vegetarian option is fire.
The shop that makes most of the "white rose" dumplings served all around town.
Besides Mì Quảng, they also serve delicious Cao lầu.
They offer Mì Quảng and Mì Ga. Watch out though, they might claim that eggs are extra, which they are not — just point to the picture of the menu.
Set menu: bánh xèo, pork savoury pancakes; barbecued satay pork loin, wrapped in a lettuce leaf, with side salad. Steep price for a few rice pancakes.
New in town, serves the best Vietnamese and Mediterranean barbeque in the garden. Comfortable lounge, cocktails and shisha inside the traditional wooden house.
This delicatessen offers an extensive selection of gourmet foods through the restaurant and European grocery store. Attractive ambience, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A wooden constructed adventure play ground for children to play on overlooks paddocks with buffalo and the Thu Bon River.
Next to the Thu Bon River within 2 acres of tropical gardens. Offers a wide range of Vietnamese Food, in an open air restaurant. Cooking Classes begin around 08:00 at the Hai Scout Cafe for an Italian-style coffee then a tour of the market to shop for fruit & veg. Booking for dinner is essential. They sometimes close early if there are no customers. They offer cocktails as well as the usual beers and a wine list.
Very popular stopping point for those cycling back from the beach.
Authentic Japanese cuisine from the Kobe area, using high-quality ingredients.
Tiny Vietnamese restaurant where everything is delicious.
Great Vietnamese and Western food. Excellent grilled fished in banana leaf and nice river view.
You're definitely paying a premium for the location, but this atmospheric restaurant serves excellent renditions of Hoi An and central Vietnamese favorites, and the river views and people watching from the wraparound balcony on the 2nd floor are hard to beat. Air-con seating available as well. Live music on the 1st floor on weekends.
The new bar, lounge and club in town, located on the third floor above Bamboo Buddha restaurant. Nice selection of cocktails, rum shooters and tapas. Live music and regular DJs, dance floor. Sky balcony, open late.
Great bar in a traditional house with a back garden, pool table, Wi-Fi. Plays many kinds of music on request, with music once a week. Great choice of cocktails and beers, wine by bottle or by glass. Food: small tapas, Vietnamese salads, pasta, lasagne, hamburgers, seafood, rice salads.
A lovely cafe tucked in a peaceful alley of Nguyen Thi Minh Khai. Signature drink is cold-brew coffee which is less acid than hot brewing and cold pressed juice. Not only the food and drink, but also the space to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Hoi An old townal.
Late night bar near old town. Not to be confused with the much different bar/club of the same name in Nha Trang. This very small 3-storey bar advertises free drinks and cheap all-you-can drink specials. Patrons do not come to this bar until at least midnight, when the rest of the town has closed down. Open until late.
4-bed dorms (though no curtains), clean sheets, swimming pool, free bicycles, and Wi-Fi of course. Flood-safe. Many inexpensive eateries and markets around.
Average value hot. Great hotel in good location and scenic setting. Well furnished en suite rooms with cable TV with excellent reception, air-con, ceiling fan, fridge, Wi-Fi and balcony restaurant with an impressive view. Has bicycles for hire for 15,000 dong next door and motorbikes also. The staff are friendly, and they provide complimentary small snacks as well as a welcome dinner.
Very nice family run hotel with swimming pool 5 minutes walking from the center but in a quiet area even at night. Large and well furnished rooms with terrace, comfy beds, air-con, fan, Wi-Fi. Breakfast on request for 50.000 dong. Bicycles are free. The friendly lady speaks very good English, can organize transport from/to the airport and tours with a driver around the area.
A bit out of the city centre and a beautifully landscaped garden with several species of areca and betel trees, complete with songbirds and fish in small ponds. Staff are incredibly friendly and try to make you feel at home, including complementary fruit in your room each day and the free bicycles. Their area also offers a nicely laid out secluded pool area, as well as two covered dining areas the 20 guests. The Vuon Trau Family organises a complimentary dinner together with their guests twice a week, offering free beverages (including beer) and excellent food.
A beautiful small hotel with modern marble baths and the added bonus of in-room Wi-Fi. The deluxe rooms even have computers. The room service menu is packed full of local delicacies and the hotel features the only rooftop swimming pool in Hoi An. Breakfast is included in the price. What really makes this hotel are the staff, welcoming, helpful and professional, with excellent English.
Affordable, nice rooms and swimming pool. Near a local market but a bit far from tourist sites. Bargain to get good price. Normally price doesn't include breakfast.
The name Orchid Garden originates from the owner's long held passion for orchids, with more than 30 varieties of orchid in the garden. The homestay has four secluded bungalows built in traditional Vietnamese architecture, surrounded by a variety of tropical trees, and equipped with modern convenient facilities. Each bungalow is named after a type of orchid found around the garden. Orchid Garden also has a traditional sanctuary for worshiping ancestors and for family activities.
A charming beachfront resort with 216 rooms and bungalows. It is 30 km from Danang International Airport and 5 km to Hoi An Ancient town.
A French colonial style boutique hotel with Japanese architecture influence in the quiet area 5 minutes of walk from the Ancient Town of Hoi An. 119 rooms are of MGallery standard by Accor hotels, overlooking Thu Bon river, pool and Hoi An town. There are one outdoor pool, two restaurants, one chic bar, one spa, complimentary bikes and gym.
French colonial style architecture with rooms overlooking the Thu Bon River at the east end of Hoi An, a short walk from the Old Town but just far enough away that a quiet night's sleep is practically assured. Rooms are large, many are bi-level with a sitting area, and have air-con, but the restaurant and bar are open to the breezes.
The have a great variety, generally quite competitive prices, often reduced items near the cashier, 0.9L beer for 18,000 dong as of 2023.
Produce and other stuff. Beware of the more touristy prices.
Produce, fish, and meat at local prices.
Selling what night markets sell, overpriced finger food and local handiwork.
Owner-operated by Linda, who trained at Blue Eye Tailor before opening her own shop. Men's and women's tailoring; she handles measurements and fittings personally. Suits from US$129, shirts from US$49. Walk-ins accepted, same-day for shirts and 2-3 days for suits. Also accepts remote orders for customers who want to re-order after returning home.
The owner is the 6th generation in the family business. Her grandmother learned to make silk by hand as a young girl. She continued for 50 years. Then mass-produced imported silk became the norm and the village women mostly dropped the craft. Reasoning that traditional techniques of making hand-produced silk resulted in a superior product, she kept the business of using time-worn techniques going. Nearly all the garments in the store are made by this method. Only women's clothing is available in hand-crafted fabrics.
Men's and ladies' tailoring. 2-piece suits start about US$100. Many similar in nearby Le Loi St.
Mr. Xe is an older gentleman who does the measurements and fitting himself. Everything is carried out with high precision. 2-piece suits for about US$120.
Tourist trap. Read the bad reviews on TripAdvisor before considering. Hotels earn 30% commission by recommending this shop.
By train
The nearest railway station is Trà Kiệu, 15 km from Hoi An by road. Train tickets can be booked online.
By bus
As of Nov 2023, you can take Bus 16 from downtown Da Nang to its most southern stop (6,000 dong), Việt Hàn "bus station".
By taxi
Fixed price for taxi from Da Nang is 500,000 dong (2022), passing one of the stone handicraft shops on the way.
By bicycle
Pedal bicycles can be rented quickly and easily for as low as 20,000 dong per day, and is one of the best ways to get around town.
By boat
Near the river, especially in the evening, Western faces will be besieged by touts offering boat rides.
By motorbike
Traffic in Hoi An is minimal, so if you've been avoiding getting on a bike in the big cities, Hoi An and the surrounding countryside like is ideal to get used to the road rules.
By shuttle bus
Go E-buses are the taxis for the center. Their prices are pinned against the front window and they can be reserved via +84 905 633 616 or just stop one.
By taxi
Motorbike taxis or Grab, of course, are always also an option especially if you are on your own.
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