Hoi An — A harbour fairy tale lit by lanterns.
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Vietnam

Hoi An Travel Guide

A harbour fairy tale lit by lanterns.

BEST TIME: February–April CURRENCY: VND COORDINATES: 15.88°, 108.34°

Yellow merchant houses, silk lanterns, tailors and candles floating on the river — Vietnam's most romantic town.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

PRACTICAL INFO

What to know before you go.

Tourist traps, SIM cards, cash vs card, taxis and safety — the city's reality in five questions.

Biggest tourist mistake

Picking the cheapest tailor and skipping the fabric check and fitting — the result disappoints.

SIM card & internet

Viettel coverage is good; buy a SIM in Da Nang or at the airport.

Cash or card?

Mostly cash dong; the Ancient Town combo ticket is sold at booths, keep cash.

Taxi & transport apps

Grab works but the town is small; a bike (free at most hotels) is the joy.

Safety

Very safe; in rainy season (Oct-Nov) mind river flooding and slippery lantern bridges.

CITY PULSE

The city's 24-hour rhythm.

Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.

12:00
0006121823
BUDGET

What will it cost me?

Pull the day dial; the estimated per-person cost is calculated instantly.

Total Estimated Budget
$231
$77 / day · 3 gün
1 day7 days14 days

Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.

Hoi An budget in detail: daily costs & calculator →

TRAVEL GUIDE

Insider knowledge.

Things you won't find on the first page of a search engine.

Must Do

  • See the night lanterns; on the 14th (full moon) it's traffic-free, lanterns only.
  • Have clothes made by a tailor — the value is incredible.
  • Take a morning tour to My Son Sanctuary (Cham temples).

Avoid These

  • Going for the cheapest tailor; ask about fabric, don't skip the fitting.
  • Midday heat in the Ancient Town; morning and evening are cooler and prettier.
  • Trying to enter sites without the combo ticket.

Tips

  • Da Nang airport is 45 minutes; arrange the transfer via your hotel.
  • Bikes are free at most hotels — ideal between town and beach.
  • Rainy season (Oct-Nov) can flood; check river levels.

Hidden Gems

  • Tra Que vegetable village: a walk through organic gardens plus a cooking class.
  • Cam Thanh coconut forest: a basket-boat tour of the canals.
  • Ancient Town at 6am: a photographer's paradise while tourists sleep.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Hoi An: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
The best time for Hoi An is February–April. Weather and crowd levels are most favourable for travellers then.
How many days are enough in Hoi An?
2-3 days is a good start for Hoi An's highlights; extend to 4-5 to explore the surroundings and nearby routes. Our hour-by-hour City Pulse plan helps you organise each day.
Is Hoi An expensive? What is the daily budget?
For a mid-range traveller, the estimated daily cost in Hoi An is about $77 per person (food, local transport, accommodation and activities; flights excluded). Budget travellers can spend less; use the budget calculator in the guide to see your own figure.
Is Hoi An safe?
Very safe; in rainy season (Oct-Nov) mind river flooding and slippery lantern bridges.
How is internet and SIM in Hoi An?
Viettel coverage is good; buy a SIM in Da Nang or at the airport.
Cash or card in Hoi An?
Mostly cash dong; the Ancient Town combo ticket is sold at booths, keep cash.
How is transport and taxi in Hoi An?
Grab works but the town is small; a bike (free at most hotels) is the joy.

Nearby routes