Hoi An Travel Guide

Introduction

Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric town. A UNESCO World Heritage trading port preserved almost intact — yellow-washed walls, wooden merchant houses, lanterns across every alley. At night with only lanterns burning, it’s genuinely magical.

Top Experiences

Ancient Town Walking

Simply walk and get lost. The Ancient Town ticket (150,000 VND) includes 5 heritage sites.

Lantern Festival

Every full moon (14th lunar month) — electric lights off, only lanterns. Floating lanterns on the river. Plan your visit around it.

Tailoring

Hundreds of shops make custom clothing in 24–48 hours. Allow 2 fittings. Prices: 300,000–1,500,000 VND for shirts.

Cooking Classes

Market visit + river trip to herb garden + cooking 4–6 dishes. Hoi An’s best experience.

An Bang Beach

8km from town. Long, uncrowded, beautiful. Rent a bicycle (30 minutes).

Hoi An’s Unique Dishes

Cao lau: Thick noodles with pork and crispy rice crackers. Authentic only in Hoi An.

White rose dumplings: Delicate shrimp dumplings in white rice flour.

Banh mi Phuong: Widely considered Vietnam’s best banh mi.

Hoi An cooking classes and lantern festival tours are the highlights of central Vietnam — book ahead, especially around full moon dates.

Book Hoi An cooking classes on Klook →

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