Hoi An Ancient Town Travel Guide: 1-3 days in Hoi an

Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Dawn breaks over ancient terracotta rooftops as I position my camera for that perfect golden hour shot of the Japanese Bridge. Three days in Hoi An taught me this โ€” Vietnam’s most atmospheric ancient port isn’t just about lantern-lit streets and tailored clothes. It’s about timing, patience, and knowing exactly where to be when the tour buses aren’t.

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My meticulously curated Google Maps Location Pins was born from countless hours wandering these ancient streets. I’ve mapped every must-visit spot from this guide (plus dozens of hidden gems I couldn’t squeeze into the article), pinpointing precise locations of those easy-to-miss temple entrances and local-favorite restaurants. After testing this across multiple trips, I swear by this digital companionโ€”simply tap any pin and let Google Maps guide you seamlessly between Vietnam layers. Skip the typical first-timer frustrations and navigate like an insider, with all my hard-won research right in your pocket.

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The magic of Hoi An lies not just in its preserved architecture but in the stories woven into its fabric. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a centuries-old merchant’s house or cycling through misty rice paddies at dawn, you’re experiencing a piece of Vietnam that somehow manages to feel both frozen in time and vitally alive.

In This Guide:

  • Why Hoi An deserves your time
  • When to visit (and when to avoid)
  • Where to stay based on your travel style
  • Hidden gems beyond the tourist trail
  • Personal tips from my November visit

Hoi An Ancient Town Travel Guide: 1-3 days in Hoi an

What is special about Hoi An Ancient Town?

Standing in the pre-dawn quiet of an empty street, watching elderly women sweep their storefronts just as their ancestors did centuries ago, I understood why UNESCO deemed this place special. Hoi An isn’t just another heritage site โ€” it’s a living museum where Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles create a harmony you won’t find anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

Why It Matters: While Da Nang races toward the future with gleaming skyscrapers, Hoi An’s Ancient Town remains deliberately frozen in time. Those wooden-fronted shophouses and weathered temples? They’re not movie sets โ€” they’re family homes and businesses passed down through generations.

Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

where is hoi an ancient town located

Standing on An Hoi Bridge at sunrise, watching fishing boats drift along the Thu Bon River, I couldn’t help but marvel at how perfectly positioned Hoi An is. This UNESCO-protected gem sits in Vietnam’s sweet spot โ€” 30 kilometers south of Da Nang’s international hub and nestled in the heart of Quang Nam Province.

The Geographic Sweet Spot

Hoi An occupies what I’d call Vietnam’s perfect middle ground:

  • 30km south of Da Nang International Airport
  • 4km inland from Cua Dai Beach
  • Positioned along the fertile Thu Bon River Delta
  • 850km south of Hanoi
  • 850km north of Ho Chi Minh City

The Modern Context

Today’s Hoi An straddles three distinct zones:

  1. Ancient Town Core
    • UNESCO protected area
    • Traditional architecture
    • Main tourist district
  2. New Town
    • Modern developments
    • Local residential areas
    • Contemporary shopping
  3. Coastal Strip
    • An Bang Beach
    • Cua Dai Beach
    • Resort developments

Getting Your Bearings in hoi An

First-time visitors should note these key markers:

  • Japanese Covered Bridge (Old Town center)
  • Central Market (riverside)
  • An Hoi Bridge (nightlife hub)
  • Tran Phu Street (main heritage street)

Navigation Tip: Download an offline map โ€” Hoi An’s winding streets can be confusing, and GPS signals can be spotty in the Ancient Town’s narrow alleys.

What does Hoi An mean in Vietnamese?

Hoi An’s Hidden Story โ€” More Than Just Pretty Lanterns

The name “Hoi An” carries a poetry that perfectly captures its essence โ€” “Hoi” meaning meeting or gathering, and “An” translating to peace or quiet. It’s literally a “peaceful meeting place,” a name that whispers its centuries-old role as a melting pot of cultures.

I spent hours chatting with Mr. Tuan, my homestay host whose family has lived here for seven generations, and his stories painted a picture far richer than any guidebook could offer.

Best Time to Visit Ancient Town Hoi An

November in Hoi An taught me a crucial lesson about timing. While I lucked out with minimal rain, the humidity had me changing clothes twice daily. Here’s what I discovered about this ancient port’s seasonal moods:

The sweet spot for visiting Hoi An is between February and April. The weather is mild, rainfall is minimal, and humidity hasn’t yet reached its peak. However, each season offers its own charm:

The Sweet Spot (February-April)

  • Temperature hovers at a perfect 24-28ยฐC
  • Morning mist creates ethereal photo opportunities
  • Tailors aren’t swamped with orders
  • Hotel rates drop to shoulder-season levels

Peak Season Reality (December-February) I watched countless travelers arrive unprepared for peak season’s hidden challenges:

  • Hotel prices spike 30-40% (book three months ahead)
  • Ancient Town reaches capacity by 9 AM
  • Three-day minimum for quality tailoring
  • Insider Tip: Book morning heritage toursโ€”afternoons see tour bus crowds

Rainy Season Insights (September-January) My November visit revealed both challenges and opportunities:

  • Streets can flood within hours
  • Dramatic skies for photographers
  • Fewer tourists
  • Unexpectedly magical reflections in puddles
  • Photography Tip: Pack a rain cover for your cameraโ€”the most stunning shots happen during light drizzles

Personal Experience: I visited in Novemberโ€”admittedly not the best choice. While I got lucky with minimal rain, the humidity was intense. Still, the moody skies made for dramatic photos of the ancient architecture.

Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Weather in hoi an

A month-by-month breakdown based on local insights:

Peak Season (December-February):

  • Temperature: 20-25ยฐC
  • Minimal rain
  • Highest tourist numbers
  • Premium prices

Shoulder Season (March-April):

  • Temperature: 25-28ยฐC
  • Occasional showers
  • Perfect for photography
  • Reasonable rates

Low Season (September-November):

  • Temperature: 25-30ยฐC
  • Heavy rainfall potential
  • Flooding risk in Ancient Town
  • Best hotel deals

 How long to spend in Hoi An Ancient Town?

The eternal question: how many days do you need in Hoi An? Here’s my honest takeโ€”2-3 days is perfect for most travelers. Here’s why:

Personal Experience: I stayed three days, split between Hoi An Historic Hotel and Hoianese Heritage Hotel. While some might find three days too long, I used the extra time for a Ba Na Hills excursion to see the Golden Bridge.

Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Do You Have to Pay to Enter Hoi An Old Town?

Yes and no. Walking around the streets is free, but you’ll need a ticket (120,000 VND / ~$5 USD) to enter heritage sites. The ticket includes access to five heritage spotsโ€”worth every dong for history buffs.

Where to Stay in hoi an

Best Areas to stay in hoi an

  1. Ancient Town: Best for first-timers, walking distance to everything
    • Pros: Heart of the action
    • Cons: Higher prices, can be noisy
  2. Cam Nam Island: Perfect for peace-seekers
    • Pros: Quiet, local vibe
    • Cons: Need to cross bridge to reach Ancient Town
  3. An Bang Beach: Ideal for beach lovers
    • Pros: Beautiful coastline, relaxed atmosphere
    • Cons: 15-minute drive to Ancient Town

Recommended Hotels in Hoi An 

hotel in hoi an old town

Luxury:

  • Anantara Hoi An Resort
    • River-facing colonial architecture
    • Impeccable service
    • Worth It For: Sunrise yoga on their deck
  • Hotel Royal Hoi An
    • Art deco meets Vietnamese design
    • Rooftop infinity pool
    • Insider Tip: Book river-view rooms ending in ’08’
Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Mid-range:

  • Hoi An Historic Hotel (where I stayed)
    • Traditional architecture
    • Spacious rooms
    • Central location
    • Reality Check: Pool needs updating but location compensates
  • Hoianese Heritage (my second stay)
    • Boutique vibe
    • Excellent breakfast
    • Why I Moved Here: Better air conditioning and quieter rooms

where to stay outside of ancient town hoi an 

An Bang Beach Area

  1. Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An
    • Modern amenities
    • Private beach
    • Worth Noting: 15-minute drive to Ancient Town
  2. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
    • Rice field views
    • Excellent spa
    • Smart Move: Book their shuttle service

Location Strategy: where should you stay in hoi an 

Stay in Ancient Town if:

  • It’s your first visit
  • You prioritize atmosphere over comfort
  • You’re planning early morning photography
  • You want to experience night markets

Stay at An Bang Beach if:

  • You need modern amenities
  • You want quiet nights
  • You’re staying longer than 3 days
  • You prefer resort facilities

Hoi An ancient town history: The Trading Port That Changed Asia

1st-2nd Centuries:

  • Champas controlled the harbor
  • Called Lam Ap Pho (Champa City)
  • Trade mainly with Java and India

15th-19th Centuries (The Golden Era):

  • Japanese quarter emerged north of the bridge
  • Chinese merchants built their assembly halls
  • Europeans arrived seeking silk and spices
  • Historical Insight: The Japanese actually built their famous bridge in 1593 to connect their quarter with the Chinese area

The Decline:

  • 1835: Emperor ordered coastal trade through Da Nang
  • Hoi An’s harbor gradually silted up
  • Merchant families stayed, preserving their homes
  • Silver Lining: This decline preserved the town’s architectur

Getting to Hoi An: how to get to hoi an 

After multiple trips through Vietnam, I’ve tried nearly every route to Hoi An. Here’s the unvarnished truth about your options:

My Route from Hanoi to hoi an 

I snagged a Vietnam Airlines flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes) โ€” paying about $80 for a one-way ticket. Here’s what you need to know about this route:

Vietnam airline Hanoi to Hoi An Flight Experience:

  • Smooth check-in process at Hanoi’s Terminal 1
  • On-time departure (rare for domestic flights in Vietnam)
  • Decent legroom even in economy
  • Quick bag delivery in Da Nang
  • you can bring water through the security

Pro Tip: Book the morning flights โ€” they’re less likely to face delays and you’ll catch the golden afternoon light in Hoi An.

Alternative Routes to Hoi an Consider

From Hanoi:

  • Train: 15-17 hours to Da Nang (from $35)
  • Sleeper bus: 16-18 hours (from $25)
  • Flight: 1h20m (from $60)

From Ho Chi Minh City:

From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An:

  • Private transfer: 400,000 VND ($17)
  • Grab: 320,000-380,000 VND ($14-16)
  • Shared shuttle: 120,000 VND ($5)

how to get around in Hoi an Vietnam

Da Nang to Hoi An:

  • Taxi: 30-40 minutes, 300,000-400,000 VND ($12-16)
  • Grab: Available and cheaper than traditional taxis
  • Private transfer: Most reliable, book through hotel or from Viator
  • Shuttle bus: Budget option, 120,000 VND ($5)

Local hoi an Transportation Guide

Getting Around

Unlike my experience in other Vietnamese cities, Hoi An presents unique transport challenges:

Grab in Hoi An: Yes, but with limitations

  • Works well for longer trips
  • Limited availability in Ancient Town
  • Average wait time: 10-15 minutes

Traditional Taxis:

  • Mai Linh (green taxis): Most reliable
  • Fixed rates to popular destinations
  • Airport transfer: 350,000 VND

Bicycle Rental:

  • Daily rate: 40,000 VND
  • Best for Ancient Town exploration
  • Local rental shops better than hotels
Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Essential hoi an Experiences

Early morning  (5:30-7:00 AM):

I discovered a completely different Hoi An before sunrise:

  • Local markets spring to life at 5:30 AM
  • Empty Japanese Bridge for photos
  • Morning prayers at assembly halls
  • Camera Settings: f/8, ISO 100 for perfect morning light

The Authentic South Side Skip the tourist-heavy center and head south of the market:

  • Family-run cao lau spots
  • Traditional carpentry workshops
  • Local coffee shops where Vietnamese is the only language you’ll hear
  • Morning Move: Start at 89 Tran Phu for the best local breakfast

Back Alley Treasures Those tiny lanes behind the main streets? They’re where real life happens:

  • Family shrines hidden in courtyards
  • Traditional medicine shops
  • Impromptu street food stands
  • Access Tip: Most homeowners welcome respectful photographersโ€”a smile and nod go a long way

Hoi AN Cultural Immersion:

  • Japanese Covered Bridge
  • Assembly Halls
  • Old merchant houses
  • Local markets

Hands-on Activities:

  • Lantern making workshops
  • Cooking classes
  • Tailoring (allow 24-48 hours)
Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Making the Most of Old Town Access

hoi an ancient town Ticket System:

  • Cost: 120,000 VND
  • Validity: Multiple days
  • Includes: 5 heritage site visits
  • Strategy: Buy early morning, use over 2 days

Hoi An ancient town tour :

Heritage Site Combinations I Recommend:

  1. Morning Route:
    • Japanese Bridge
    • Tan Ky House
    • Fujian Assembly Hall
  2. Afternoon Route:
    • Museum of Folk Culture
    • Phung Hung House
    • Cantonese Assembly Hall

Skip-the-Line Strategy:

  • Purchase ticket at Tran Phu Street booth
  • Start at less popular sites
  • Visit major attractions during lunch hours

Hoi An Attractions: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Having explored every corner of Hoi An over three days, here’s my curated list of must-see spots, ranked by actual impact rather than Instagram fame:

HOI AN Ancient Town Attractions

Japanese Covered Bridge

  • Best time: 6:30 AM for photos without crowds
  • Entrance: Included in Old Town ticket
  • Historical significance: Built in 1590s
  • Personal Take: Skip the daytime crowds โ€” the bridge is magical at dawn when the morning mist creates an ethereal atmosphere

Hoi an Assembly Halls

  1. Fujian Assembly Hall
    • Most impressive architecture
    • Stunning incense coils
    • Allow 45 minutes
  2. Cantonese Assembly Hall
    • Less crowded
    • Beautiful garden
    • 30 minutes needed

Hoi An Ancient Houses My top picks after visiting several:

  1. Tan Ky House
    • Best preserved
    • Most informative tour
    • Worth the entrance ticket
  2. Phung Hung House
    • Fascinating architecture blend
    • Less touristy
    • Great photo opportunities
Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Beyond the Hoi an Old Quarter

Hidden Gems I Discovered:

Precious Heritage Museum

  • Free entrance
  • Stunning portrait collection
  • Often overlooked by tourists
  • Personal highlight: The ethnic minority costume display

Hoi An Handicraft Workshop

  • Local artisans at work
  • Interactive demonstrations
  • Skip the tourist shops
  • Tip: Go in the morning when craftsmen are most active

Day trip to Marble Mountain

Markets in hoi an Worth Your Time

Central Market

  • Early morning: 6-8 AM for best experience
  • Food section: Brilliant local breakfast options
  • Insider tip: The food court at the back serves the most authentic cao lau in town

Hoi An Night Market

  • Operating hours: 5 PM – 11 PM
  • Best for: Atmosphere rather than shopping
  • Personal take: More about photos than purchases

Lesser-Known Spots in hoi an

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

  • 15-minute boat ride
  • Watch master craftsmen
  • Fewer tourists
  • Worth it: For authentic craft demonstrations

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

  • 3km from Ancient Town
  • Hands-on pottery classes
  • Local family workshops
  • Tip: Book a morning workshop to avoid heat

Time-Based Experiences

Dawn:

  • Local market activity
  • Empty ancient streets
  • Perfect photography light

Sunset:

Evening:

  • Night market exploration
  • Lantern-lit streets
  • Live music venues
Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

best hoi an food Deep Dive

in my opinion– hoi an has very limited restaurants and menu, they do have a few regional specialties but compared to the rest of vietnam — hoi an is not somewhere you go for the food per see. With that in mind, here are some exceptional and yet limited restaurants and food you need to experience. 

Morning Glory Restaurant

  • Yes, it’s in every guide
  • Yes, it’s tourist-heavy
  • Yes, you still need to go
  • Order This: Their cao lau offers a refined take on the street version

My personal favorite after three visits:

  • Must-try: White rose dumplings
  • Price range: 80,000-200,000 VND
  • Booking essential after 6 PM

hoi an Hidden Local food Spots

  1. Banh Mi 115
    • Crispier bread than the famous Phuong
    • More generous filling
    • Local crowd tells the real story
  2. Com Ga Ba Buoi
    • Original chicken rice recipe
    • No English menu (point confidently)
    • Worth the hunt
  3. Banh Canh (street vendor)
    • This old grandma had the most delicious crab udon noodles. But she is elusive and you may catch her or not depending on her schedule. (best chance of getting her is early in the morning)
  4. Go On an a Food
    • See the local food markets
    • taste street food you wouln’t have known about
    • [BOOK HERE]

Related: [ Best restaurants in hoi An}

hoi an Street Food Adventures

Based on local recommendations and personal testing:

Morning:

  • Banh Mi Phuong (as seen on Anthony Bourdain)
  • Com Ga Ba Buoi for chicken rice
  • Local coffee at Hoa Hung

Evening:

  • Night market food stalls
  • Seafood at Dong Bien
  • Cao lau at stall 43 in the central market
Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Hoi An Festival and Cultural Calendar

Full Moon Festival

Monthly celebration worth planning around:

  • Dates: 14th day of lunar month
  • Activities: Lantern lighting, ancestral worship
  • Best viewing: An Hoi Bridge

Tet Holiday

If visiting during Vietnamese New Year:

  • Many businesses close
  • Special celebrations and performances
  • Higher prices, advance booking essential

Da Nang vs. Hoi An: Where to Base Yourself?

Each city offers distinct experiences:

Choose Hoi An if you want:

  • Cultural immersion
  • Walkable historic center
  • Peaceful atmosphere
  • Traditional charm

Choose Da Nang if you prefer:

  • Modern amenities
  • Better beaches
  • Nightlife
  • Contemporary Vietnam
Coco Tran โ€ข Curated Travel Journal โ€ข Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hoi-an-ancient-town-travel-guide/

Shopping in hoi An & Crafts

Tailoring Tips

Having commissioned two suits and a dress during my stay, here’s the unvarnished truth about Hoi An’s famous tailoring scene:

  • Expect to spend at least 2-3 days for quality work
  • Best shops: Bebe, A Dong Silk, Yaly Couture
  • Price range: $50-300 depending on fabric and complexity
  • Insider Tip: Book your first fitting immediately upon arrival

Local Markets

Beyond the tourist-heavy central market:

  • Tiger Market (4:00-8:00 AM): Where locals actually shop
  • Tan An Market: Fresh produce, local life
  • Night Market: More about atmosphere than authentic shopping

Day Trips from Hoi an Worth Your Time

My Son Sanctuary

  • Distance: 1 hour
  • Best time: 6:30 AM departure
  • Cost: 150,000 VND entry
  • Personal Take: Skip the organized toursโ€”hire a private driver and arrive before the tour buses
  • [BOOK TOUR HERE]

Ba Na Hills

Based on my November visit:

  • Journey time: 2 hours each way
  • Golden Bridge photos: Best before 9 AM
  • Cost: ~$30 USD entrance
  • Worth it? Yes, but prepare for crowds
  • [BOOK TOUR HERE]

Beaches in hoi an

An Bang Beach

Though I missed it during my stay (a decision I regret), reliable sources and locals suggest:

  • Best time: 7-10 AM for swimming
  • Beach clubs: Soul Beach for sophistication, Salt Pub for casual vibes
  • Seafood: Directly on the beach at sunset

Cua Dai Beach

Currently recovering from erosion but offers:

  • Quieter atmosphere
  • Better prices
  • More local experience

hoi an Insider Tips

  • Morning Magic: Visit heritage houses early (7-9 AM) to avoid tour groups
  • Photography: Golden hour (5-6 PM) creates magical light on yellow walls
  • Bargaining: Standard practice, but keep it friendly
  • Transport: Download Grab app for reliable transportation
  • Flooding: Check weather forecasts during rainy season (September-January)

Practical Matters traveling to hoi an

Money Matters

  • ATMs: Abundant but 2M VND withdrawal limit
  • Cards: Accepted at higher-end establishments
  • Best exchange rates: Gold shops near market

Internet & Connectivity

  • Free WiFi: Widespread but unreliable
  • Local SIM: 100,000 VND for 30GB/month
  • Best coverage: Viettel or Vinaphone

hoi an Photography Guide

Having photographed Hoi An at all hours (early morning being my favorite), here are my prime spots:

Sunrise:

  • Central Market (4:30-6:00 AM)
  • Japanese Bridge (empty before 7 AM)
  • Thu Bon River’s edge

Sunset:

  • An Hoi Bridge
  • Riverside cafes
  • Rice fields near Tra Que

Night Photography:

  • Lantern-lit streets after 6 PM
  • Reflection shots on rainy evenings
  • Long exposures from Cam Nam Bridge

The Verdict

Is Hoi An touristy? Absolutely. Is it still worth visiting? Without a doubt. The key is timing your visits to heritage sites (early morning or late afternoon), wandering the back alleys, and embracing the slower pace of life.

While three days might feel long for some, it allows you to experience the town at different times of day and venture beyond the tourist center. Whether you’re photographing the misty morning streets, cycling through nearby rice paddies, or losing yourself in the lantern-lit evening ambiance, Hoi An has a way of making time feel wonderfully irrelevant.

[ READY TO dIVE DEEPER ?]

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