Hoi An Travel Guide —
The Ancient Lantern

The scent of sandalwood incense and sizzling pork skewers drifts through narrow alleys framed by mustard-yellow merchant houses. At dusk, the Thu Bon River transforms into a mirror of gold and crimson as thousands of silk lanterns flicker to life. Cyclos hum past century-old temples, while the distant crash of waves at An Bang beach promises a tropical escape.

Miraculously unscathed by the wars of the 20th century, Hoi An is a beautifully preserved melting pot of wooden Chinese shophouses, Japanese bridges, and French colonial architecture. Unlike sprawling Southeast Asian metropolises, this pedestrian-friendly ancient port operates at a soothing, bicycle-paced rhythm. Best of all, it offers world-class culinary and bespoke tailoring experiences that easily fit within a €50-a-day budget.

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Your Hoi An itinerary — choisissez votre style

Pourquoi Hoi An mérite sa place sur votre liste

Hoi An balances profound historical immersion with immediate accessibility to nature. You can spend the morning getting fitted for a bespoke silk suit, the afternoon cycling through emerald rice paddies, and the evening eating Anthony Bourdain-approved banh mi for under two euros.

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Les quartiers de Hoi An — par où commencer

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Les incontournables à Hoi An

1. Order Custom Clothing

Hoi An is world-renowned for its incredibly fast and affordable tailors. Do your research and avoid street touts; instead, head to established shops like BeBe Tailor or Yaly Couture. Bring reference photos of what you want, negotiate the fabric and price, and plan for at least two follow-up fittings to get the drape just right.

2. Evening Lantern Boat Ride

As the sun sets, the Thu Bon River fills with traditional wooden boats illuminated by colorful silk lanterns. For about €6, you can hire a rower for a 20-minute journey to float a paper lantern on the water. To avoid the massive crowds, head slightly away from the Japanese Covered Bridge to negotiate directly with the rowers.

3. Explore Tra Que Vegetable Village

Rent a bicycle for €1 a day and pedal out to this organic farming community. The farmers here use no chemicals, relying instead on algae from the local lagoon to fertilize their crops. You can join a half-day cooking class, learn traditional farming techniques, and enjoy an incredibly fresh lunch right next to the herb gardens.

4. Beach Hopping at An Bang

Escape the midday heat by cycling or taking a cheap Grab out to An Bang Beach. Rather than paying a flat fee for a sun lounger, head to one of the local beachfront seafood shacks—most will let you use their loungers for free as long as you buy a drink or a plate of garlic butter morning glory.

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Que manger en Hoi An — la liste essentielle

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Où manger à Hoi An — nos 4 adresses

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La culture café à Hoi An — nos 3 adresses

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Quand visiter Hoi An

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Événements & festivals à Hoi An en 2026

Whether you're planning around a specific celebration or simply want to know what's happening, this guide covers the best events and festivals in Hoi An — from major annual traditions to cultural highlights worth timing your trip around.

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Guide budget Hoi An

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Comment se rendre à Hoi An et s\'y déplacer

By air: Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Well-connected globally via short layovers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or direct flights from major hubs like Singapore and Seoul.

From the airport: A pre-booked private car or Grab from Da Nang airport to Hoi An takes 45 minutes and costs roughly 300,000–400,000 VND (€11-15).

Getting around: The Ancient Town is strictly pedestrian and bicycle-only during key hours. For exploring the outskirts or beaches, use a bicycle (often free at homestays) or order a cheap Grab motorbike/car.

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Faut-il un visa pour Hoi An ?

Visa requirements for Hoi An depend on your nationality. Select your passport below for an instant answer — based on the Passport Index dataset for entry into Vietnam.