Things to do in Hoi An

  • Stroll the old town in the morning before the crowds, then in the evening for the lanterns.
  • Have a garment made by a tailor: allow one to two days for fittings and compare several workshops.
  • A cooking class or a bowl of cao lau, the town's own noodle dish.
  • An Bang beach, a few kilometres away, for half a day.
  • On full-moon nights the town celebrates its lanterns; check the lunar calendar.

Day trips

The most booked from Hoi An is the day at Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge: Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge small-group tour from Da Nang or Hoi An. Also see the My Son sanctuary, about 40 km away.

When to go and risks

See also: Travel insurance for Vietnam 2026: compulsory? cost, motorbikes, what to buy

February to May is the safest window. In autumn floods regularly hit the Centre: read typhoons and floods in Vietnam and when to go to Vietnam.

Getting there

See Hanoi to Hoi An and Da Nang, then Da Nang and Hue to round off the Centre. Full route: Vietnam itinerary.

FAQ

How many days in Hoi An? Two days are enough for the old town; three with the beach and a day trip.

Does Hoi An have an airport? No, the airport is Da Nang's, about 30 km away.

Hoi An or Da Nang? Hoi An for charm and food; Da Nang for the beach and modern hotels.

The Hanoi Authority editorial team, 29 October 2026.