What happens when a centuries-old trading town turns into a sea of lanterns every evening?

You get Hoi An, one of the most atmospheric destinations in Vietnam.

As the sun sets, hundreds of colorful lanterns glow across narrow streets, historic yellow houses, and the Thu Bon River. Street food stalls begin to buzz, wooden boats drift along the water and the Old Town transforms into one of the most magical places to explore in Southeast Asia.

Located just outside Da Nang on Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An is famous for its preserved architecture, custom tailoring, night markets and relaxed pace of life. Travelers come here to wander lantern streets, cycle through rice fields and enjoy some of the best food in central Vietnam. In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Hoi An, along with travel tips, food spots, and experiences that make the town unforgettable.

Why Visit Hoi An

Hoi An is widely considered one of the most beautiful and atmospheric towns in Vietnam. Travelers visit the town for:

lantern-lit streets and historic architecture
custom tailoring and handmade clothing
Riverside cafés and markets
famous Vietnamese street food
nearby beaches and countryside

Because of its atmosphere and preserved buildings, Hoi An is often described as the most romantic town in Vietnam.

Best Things to Do in Hoi An

Explore Hoi An Old Town

The heart of the city is the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Old Town, known for its yellow colonial buildings, lanterns, and historic streets. Walking through the Old Town is the highlight of any visit, especially in the evening when lanterns illuminate the entire area.

Visitors can explore:

historic merchant houses
temples and assembly halls
Riverside cafés and markets

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Hoi An.

Built in the 16th century by Japanese merchants, the bridge connects two sections of the Old Town and features a small temple inside.

Old Town Sightseeing Ticket

While walking through the Old Town streets is free, many historic attractions require a Hoi An Old Town sightseeing ticket.

The ticket costs about 120,000 VND and allows visitors to enter several heritage sites, including:

The Japanese Covered Bridge
historic merchant houses
traditional assembly halls

This ticket helps support the preservation of Hoi An’s historic architecture.

Get Custom Clothing from Hoi An Tailors

Hoi An is world-famous for its custom tailoring. Visitors can order suits, dresses, shirts, and shoes from skilled local tailors.

While some shops advertise 24-hour tailoring, allowing two to three days for fittings usually results in better-quality clothing.

Popular tailoring experiences include:

custom suits and dresses
handmade leather shoes
tailored linen clothing

Take a Lantern Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River

One of the most memorable experiences in Hoi An is a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River.

At night, the river fills with small wooden boats carrying colorful lanterns, creating one of the most magical scenes in Vietnam. Many visitors also release floating lanterns into the river as a traditional wish for good luck.

Watch the Hoi An Memories Show

The Hoi An Memories Show is a large outdoor performance that tells the story of the town’s history through music, dance and visual effects. With hundreds of performers on a massive stage, the show has become one of the most popular evening activities in the area.

Many travelers combine the show with a visit to the nearby Hoi An Night Market.

Try Hoi An’s Famous Banh Mi

Hoi An is famous for its Vietnamese sandwiches known as banh mi.

Two shops are especially popular among travelers:

Banh Mi Phuong, made famous by Anthony Bourdain
Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen

Both serve delicious baguettes filled with meats, herbs, and Vietnamese sauces.

Relax at An Bang Beach

Just a short ride from the Old Town, An Bang Beach offers a relaxing escape from the busy streets.

The beach is known for:

soft sand and calm water
beach cafés and seafood restaurants
sunset views over the sea

Explore the Countryside by Bicycle

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the countryside around Hoi An.

Quiet roads lead through:

rice paddies
small villages
vegetable farms

Many travelers cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where local farmers grow herbs used in traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

The best time to visit Hoi An is between February and May, when the weather is warm and relatively dry.

Season overview:

Spring (Feb–May) – pleasant weather and clear skies
Summer (Jun–Aug) – hot but ideal for beach visits
Autumn (Sep–Oct) – occasional rain
Winter (Nov–Jan) – cooler temperatures