Hoi An Travel Guide 2025: Ultimate Tips for First-Time Visitors

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Elderly man wearing a conical hat smiling on a boat in Hội An, Vietnam.

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Welcome to Hoi An: Vietnam’s Timeless Treasure

Wander through lantern-lit streets where ancient yellow houses and ornate temples whisper tales of a 15th-century trading port. Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivates with its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and French influences, earning it the title of “Best City in the World” by Travel+Leisure in 2019. This Hoi An travel guide for 2025 is your ultimate companion, offering first-time visitors insights into attractions, dining, and insider tips for an unforgettable trip. Start with our Hoi An Attractions or Da Nang to Hoi An guide.

With events like the Hoi An International Lantern Festival and new attractions in 2025, Hoi An is a must-visit for global travelers and locals. Whether you seek history, culture, or a beach escape, this guide ensures a seamless experience.

Hoi An Silk Shop At Night

How to Get to Hoi An

Hoi An is best reached via Da Nang International Airport (DAD), 30 km away, serving 11 million passengers yearly. Domestic flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (~1.5 hours, VND 500,000-2,000,000) are frequent, operated by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. International routes include Singapore, Bangkok, and Seoul. From DAD, taxis or private transfers to Hoi An cost ~VND 300,000-500,000, taking 45-60 minutes. Track flights on Flightradar24.

For a scenic route, take the Reunification Express train to Da Nang (16-18 hours from Hanoi, ~VND 600,000-1,200,000), then transfer to Hoi An by taxi or bus (~VND 100,000). Long-distance buses from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (12-19 hours) are budget-friendly. Check our Da Nang to Hoi An page or Transportation category.

Getting Around Hoi An

Hoi An’s compact Ancient Town is best explored on foot, with car-free hours (8:30 AM-11:00 AM, 3:00 PM-9:30 PM) creating a serene atmosphere. Rent bicycles (~VND 20,000-50,000/day) to explore rice paddies or nearby villages. For quicker trips, use Grab for taxis or motorbikes (~VND 50,000-100,000).

Cyclos (pedicab rickshaws) offer a charming way to see the town, especially for those with mobility needs. For day trips to An Bang Beach or My Son Sanctuary, taxis or private transfers are convenient. Explore more on our Activities page or Transportation category.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

February to April is the best time to visit Hoi An, with mild temperatures (18-23°C) and low rainfall, perfect for exploring the Ancient Town or biking to An Bang Beach. May to August brings warmer weather (up to 38°C), ideal for swimming and beach activities.

September to January can see heavy rain and occasional flooding, but fewer crowds and lower prices make it appealing for budget travelers. The Hoi An International Lantern Festival (August 21–24, 2025) and monthly Full Moon Festivals light up the town with lanterns (Hoi An Travel). Check our Events and Festivals category for updates.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Hoi An offers accommodations for every taste. In the Ancient Town, Anantara Hoi An (~VND 4,000,000+/night) provides luxury along the Thu Bon River. Cam Chau, surrounded by rice paddies, is perfect for homestays like Nem’s House (~VND 300,000-500,000/night).

An Bang Beach offers boutique hotels like Dechiu (~VND 1,000,000/night), a short ride from the town center. Cam Nam Island provides budget guesthouses for a local vibe. Book via Booking.com or explore our Hoi An Hotels page and Accommodation category.

Things to Do in Hoi An

Hoi An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of the city, featuring landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge and Fukian Assembly Hall. A ticket (~VND 120,000) grants access to five attractions. Take a sunset boat ride on the Thu Bon River for lantern-lit views.

Visit tailors like Yaly Couture for custom clothing, or join a cooking class to master cao lau. Relax at An Bang Beach, cycle through rice paddies, or explore My Son Sanctuary, a Cham temple complex. Discover more on our Attractions page, Attractions category, or Tripadvisor.

Top Attractions

  • Hoi An Ancient Town: UNESCO site, ticket ~VND 120,000.
  • Japanese Covered Bridge: Iconic bridge with temple, included in ticket.
  • An Bang Beach: Pristine beach, free entry.

3-Day Itinerary

This 3-day itinerary blends Hoi An’s cultural riches, culinary delights, and natural beauty, perfect for first-time visitors.

Your Perfect Trip Plan

  • Day 1: Ancient Town Exploration
    – Morning: Wander Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge.
    – Afternoon: Get custom clothing at Yaly Couture.
    – Evening: Dine at Morning Glory (~VND 200,000, Restaurants).
  • Day 2: Culture and Nature
    – Morning: Join a cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School.
    – Afternoon: Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village.
    – Evening: Enjoy a Thu Bon River boat ride.
  • Day 3: Beach and Sanctuary
    – Morning: Relax at An Bang Beach.
    – Afternoon: Visit My Son Sanctuary (Activities).

This itinerary balances history, relaxation, and adventure. Explore more plans in our Travel Guides category.

Where to Eat in Hoi An

Hoi An’s dining scene is a culinary delight, blending local specialties with global flavors. Morning Glory serves iconic cao lau (~VND 100,000), a noodle dish unique to Hoi An. Banh Mi Phuong, famous for its banh mi (~VND 30,000), is a must-visit for street food lovers (Tripadvisor).

For upscale dining, Mango Mango offers fusion cuisine by the river. Explore Hoi An Night Market for snacks like banh xeo. Discover more on our Restaurants page or Dining category.

Major Events in 2025

Hoi An’s 2025 calendar shines with cultural events. The Hoi An International Lantern Festival (August 21–24, 2025) lights up the town with thousands of lanterns, music, and performances (Vietnam News). Monthly Full Moon Festivals on the 14th lunar day feature lanterns and cultural shows.

Tet (January 29-February 2, 2025) brings vibrant street celebrations and markets. The International Jet Ski Race, a new 2025 event, adds excitement to the waterfront (Hoi An Creative City). Stay updated via our Events and Festivals category.

Lanterns Hoi An

What’s New in Hoi An 2025

Hoi An is set to dazzle in 2025 with new events and enhancements. The International Jet Ski Race will bring thrilling water sports to the Thu Bon River, while expanded cultural workshops at Hoi An Creative City offer hands-on lantern-making and weaving experiences (Hoi An Creative City).

New eco-friendly initiatives, like guided cycling tours through rural villages, highlight Hoi An’s commitment to sustainable tourism. These additions make 2025 an exciting time to visit. Check our Activities page or News category for updates.

Insider Tips for Hoi An

Grab a local SIM card at Da Nang Airport (~VND 100,000-200,000) for easy navigation. Carry Vietnamese Dong (VND), as USD is rarely accepted outside hotels. Visit Hoi An Night Market early (5-6 PM) to avoid crowds and snag unique souvenirs.

Dress modestly in the Ancient Town, covering shoulders and knees. Book cooking classes or tailor appointments in advance, especially during peak season. For the Lantern Festival, arrive early to secure a riverside spot. More tips in our Local Tips category.

Quick Tips

  • Get a SIM card at Da Nang Airport.
  • Carry VND for markets and vendors.
  • Visit Hoi An Night Market early.
  • Dress modestly in the Ancient Town.
  • Book cooking classes in advance.
  • Secure a riverside spot for the Lantern Festival.

Practical Information

Most nationalities need a visa for Vietnam, available online via e-Visa (~USD 25, 30 days) or through an embassy (Vietnam Travel). The currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND), with ATMs widely available; exchange at banks for better rates.

Hoi An is safe, but watch valuables in crowded markets. Tap water isn’t potable; buy bottled water (~VND 10,000). English is common in tourist areas, but learning “xin chào” (hello) enhances interactions. More advice in our Local Tips category.

Dive deeper into Hoi An and Da Nang with these guides:

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