Located 900 kilometres south of Hanoi, Hoi An is considerably less westernised than the rest of Vietnam and is a great spot to visit if you’re looking to delve a little deeper into the country’s history.Top of the “must-see” list is Hoi An Ancient Town. This ancient trading port has origins dating back in the 15th Century. Its atmosphere is vibrant and captivating with a plethora of narrow alleyways lined with rickety buildings. Fish traders have been coming here for centuries and can still be seen working from their boats on the dock. The Japanese Bridge in the Ancient Town is a reminder of the city’s multicultural history and pays homage to the skilled craftspeople who once lived here.This multicultural legacy continues with the Chinese Quan Cong Temple, an elaborate shrine dedicated to a great military general. Inside you’ll find gilt statues and incandescent tiles accompanied by the familiar heady scent of burning incense.Hoi An is probably best explored on foot or hiring a bike is another good option. Bikes are cheap to rent, and worth it if you’re considering a daytrip out to the surrounding countryside or the coast. If you choose to stay in the city, head down to the ancient docks and onto the Central Market, which has all the atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese market. For a welcome distraction from the city, go to Cua Dai Beach, a beautiful stretch of palm-fringed golden sand leading onto the ocean. Here, there are plenty of good restaurants and eateries. From Cua Dai Beach you can also catch a boat to the protected marine life and forests of the nearby Cham Islands. Hoi An has a tropical climate and feels pretty hot all year round. Bear in mind that the monsoon sweeps through the area between September and January, with a lot of rainfall particularly during October and November.
Hoi An Travel Guide
Where to stay in Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town
Travellers to Hoi An Ancient Town praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Quan Cong Temple and Hoi An Market.
Hoi An City Centre
Hoi An City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Quan Cong Temple and Hoi An Market.
Cam An
Cam An is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach.
Minh An
Minh An is known for its beautiful river views, and you can make a stop by Hoi An Night Market and Hoi An Market while in the area.
Cam Pho
The stunning river views and relaxing spas are top of the list for many visitors to Cam Pho. A stop by Chua Cau or Cam Pho Temple might round out your trip.
Cam Chau
Spas, historical sites and cocktail bars highlight some of the notable features of Cam Chau. Make a stop by Ba Le Market while you're exploring.
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Popular places to visit
My Khe Beach
Enjoy many hours of relaxation on a beautiful white sandy beach where you can swim, sunbathe and stroll through a forest.
Ba Na Hills
Find out about the history of Da Nang when you take a trip to Ba Na Hills. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.
Hoi An Night Market
During your trip to Hoi An, you can do some window-shopping at Hoi An Night Market. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.
An Bang Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at An Bang Beach during your travels in Da Nang? Amble around this relaxing area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Dragon Bridge
Watch the mythological beast breathe fire and spit water. Enjoy the dazzling light displays on one of the longest bridges in Vietnam.
Cua Dai Beach
Hoi An’s local beach is the place to head when the heat gets too much. From here, take a day trip to the nearby Cham Islands.