Hoi An Ancient Town: A Detailed Travel Guide

Hoi An Ancient Town enchants visitors with its timeless architecture, glowing lanterns, and charming narrow streets. This historic destination is also renowned for its vibrant traditional festivals, unique cuisine, and must-visit check-in spots. Join Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in exploring the historic beauty and magical charm of Hoi An through this guide, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

The History and Development of Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town dates back to 1527, when Japanese and Chinese merchants arrived for trade. From a bustling commercial port, Hoi An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Hoi An serves as a living testament to Vietnam’s trading history. The Japanese Quarter in Hoi An flourished in the early 17th century, with over 1,000 Japanese merchants residing there, creating a rich multicultural community. This cultural exchange left a lasting mark on the town’s architectural heritage, including ancient houses, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu), and other historical structures.

From the 17th to 19th centuries, Hoi An continued to thrive under the influence of various cultures, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Western traditions. However, as Da Nang’s port gained prominence, Hoi An gradually lost its commercial importance but managed to preserve its original architectural charm.

Today, Hoi An still retains more than 1,000 architectural relics, from ancient houses, assembly halls, and temples to its charming narrow streets, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s golden era of maritime trade.

Hoi An Ancient Town from Above

How to Get to Hoi An

Visitors can reach Hoi An by plane, train, or intercity bus, followed by a short transfer. The best option depends on budget and travel time.

By Plane:

The most convenient way is to fly to Da Nang International Airport, about 30 km from Hoi An. From the airport, you can choose:

Taxi: Costs around 350,000–400,000 VND, travel time 45–50 minutes.

Ride-hailing services (Grab): Slightly cheaper than taxis, around 300,000–350,000 VND.

Public bus: Bus Route No. 1 from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An costs 30,000 VND.

By Train:

There is no direct train to Hoi An, so travelers must arrive at Da Nang Railway Station and transfer to Hoi An.

From Hanoi: Travel time 15–16 hours, ticket price 700,000–1,300,000 VND, depending on seat class.

From Ho Chi Minh City: Travel time 17–18 hours, ticket price 650,000–1,200,000 VND.

From Da Nang Railway Station to Hoi An:

Taxi: Costs 300,000–350,000 VND, travel time 45–60 minutes.

Public bus: Costs 20,000 VND per person.

By Bus:

Long-distance buses connect Hoi An with major cities.

From Hanoi: Travel time 16–18 hours, tickets 350,000–500,000 VND (seats), 500,000–700,000 VND (sleeping bus).

From Ho Chi Minh City: Travel time 20–22 hours, ticket price 400,000–650,000 VND.

From Hue: Travel time 3–4 hours, ticket price 100,000–150,000 VND.

From Da Nang:

Public bus (Route No. 1): 20,000 VND per person.

Intercity bus: 50,000–70,000 VND, travel time 45–60 minutes.

Getting Around Hoi An:

Hoi An offers multiple transportation options for easy exploration.

Walking: The best way to experience the charming ancient streets.

Bicycle: Rentals cost 20,000–40,000 VND/day, ideal for visiting nearby villages.

Motorbike: Costs 100,000–150,000 VND/day, perfect for exploring the countryside.

Cyclo (pedicab): A unique cultural experience, 150,000 VND/hour.

Top 5 Must-Visit Check-in Spots in Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town enchants visitors with a variety of must-visit check-in spots, including the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the vibrant lantern street of Nguyen Phuc Chu, the well-preserved Tan Ky Ancient House, the romantic Bach Dang Wharf, and the lively Nguyen Hoang Night Market famous for its local delicacies and beautifully crafted souvenirs.

Chua Cau

This iconic landmark blends a bridge and a temple, built by Japanese merchants in the early 17th century. It connects Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. The curved roof, intricate carvings, and red-brick tones create a perfect backdrop for breathtaking photos.

Chua Cau, Hoi An

Nguyen Phuc Chu Lantern Street

The street bursts with color, lined on both sides with thousands of lanterns in all shapes and sizes. At night, when hundreds of lanterns are lit, the entire street transforms into a magical wonderland. It’s a must-visit “million-like” check-in spot especially when standing in the center of the street, surrounded by rows of lanterns that create a stunning sense of depth and visual charm.

Hoi An Lantern Street

Tan Ky Ancient House

Tan Ky Ancient House (101 Nguyen Thai Hoc) is one of the most authentically preserved heritage homes in Hoi An, showcasing a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles. With a history spanning over 200 years, the house captivates visitors with its traditional courtyard, intricately carved wooden pillars, and a priceless collection of antiques. The most photogenic spots are from the inner courtyard looking outward or beside the elegant, timeworn skylight.

Tấn Ký Ancient House

Hoai River Boat Wharf (Bach Dang)

Located along the banks of the Hoai River, Bach Dang Wharf offers a peaceful setting with rows of green coconut trees and small boats docked side by side. In the evening, the area becomes even more romantic as lantern lights shimmer across the water. Visitors can rent a boat to release floating lanterns, an experience that blends cultural tradition with the chance to capture stunning, memorable photos.

Hoai River Boat Dock

Nguyen Hoang Night Market

The night market comes alive every evening with hundreds of stalls offering souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialties. More than just a shopping haven, it’s also a fantastic check-in spot, filled with vibrant lights, a lively atmosphere, and colorful displays. The street food area, in particular, adds to the scene’s charm with dozens of tempting dishes, creating a bustling and flavorful experience.

Nguyen Hoang Night Market Scenery

What to Eat in Hoi An? Top 5 Famous and Delicious Restaurants

Hoi An captivates food lovers with its authentic local cuisine, featuring specialties such as Banh Mi Phuong with its secret recipe, Ba Mua Mi Quang full of rich Quang-style flavors, Ba Be Cao Lau with its signature broth, Ba Dau Banh Dap known for its crispy texture, and Morning Glory Restaurant, which serves the best of Hoi An’s traditional delicacies in an elegant setting.

Banh Mi Phuong

Banh Mi Phuong, famously praised by Anthony Bourdain as “the best banh mi in the world,” is a must-visit culinary stop in Hoi An. The shop is renowned for its crispy baguettes filled generously with cold cuts, pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and house-marinated seasonings perfected over more than 30 years. The star ingredient is their homemade chili sauce, which gives each sandwich an unforgettable kick. In addition to the classic pork banh mi, the menu also features delicious variations with chicken, meatballs, and fish cake.

• Address: 2B Phan Chau Trinh
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Price range: 20,000 – 50,000 VND

Phuong’s Banh Mi in Hoi An

Ba Mua My Quang

Mi Quang Ba Mua is a popular local eatery with over 20 years of experience serving authentic flavors. The signature dish features golden flat noodles in a rich, thick broth made from slow-simmered bones, topped with fresh meats like pork, chicken, or shrimp. It’s accompanied by a generous portion of fresh herbs and crispy sesame rice crackers, adding both texture and aroma. Loved by locals, the restaurant is often busy, a testament to its truly traditional taste. In addition to Mi Quang, it also serves other local favorites such as banh dap and banh beo, which are well worth trying.

• Address: 6A Truong Minh Luong
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM
• Price range: 30,000 – 50,000 VND

Ba Be Cao Lau

Cao Lau is a culinary icon unique to Hoi An, and Cao Lau Ba Be is widely regarded as the place that preserves its most authentic flavor. The signature golden noodles are made from rice soaked in ash water and drawn from the ancient Ba Le well. Combined with savory char siu-style pork, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a special broth, this dish offers a taste experience you won’t find anywhere else. The shop is small and simply decorated, yet always bustling especially with locals who appreciate its genuine flavor.

• Address: 16 Thai Phien
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Price range: 35,000 – 65,000 VND

Ba Be Cao Lau Eatery

Ba Dau Banh Dap

This eatery is famous for its traditional banh dap a delicious combination of crispy grilled rice paper and soft steamed rice sheets, layered and gently smashed together. It’s served with a special fermented anchovy dipping sauce and a variety of fresh herbs. Ba Dau also offers other local specialties such as ram cuon cai, banh xeo, and hoanh thanh. The space is simple yet clean, with affordable prices and authentic flavors that make it a favorite stop for both locals and travelers.

• Address: 8 Hoang Van Thu
• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Price range: 15,000 – 40,000 VND

Image of Banh Dap

Morning Glory Restaurant

Founded by renowned chef Trinh Diem Vy (Ms. Vy), Morning Glory is a more upscale destination to experience the culinary essence of Hoi An. The restaurant offers a wide variety of local specialties such as cao lau, chicken rice, banh xeo, white rose dumplings (banh vac), and wontons, all crafted with premium ingredients and refined techniques. Set within a beautifully preserved ancient house, the space provides a unique and immersive dining atmosphere. It’s the perfect choice for a sophisticated dinner showcasing the best of Hoi An cuisine.

• Address: 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Price range: 70,000 – 250,000 VND

Morning Glory Restaurant

Unmissable Experiences in Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is a charming and peaceful destination, filled with glowing lanterns and a strong Vietnamese cultural essence. Here are some must-try activities during your visit:

Hoi An Lantern Festival

The Hoi An Lantern Festival takes place on the 14th day of the lunar month, when the town turns off its electric lights and is illuminated solely by thousands of colorful lanterns. Visitors can release floating lanterns on the Hoai River, enjoy traditional music performances, and participate in folk games, creating a mystical and nostalgic atmosphere.

Festival Schedule:

• Time: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• The event begins at dusk and continues until late at night.
• During major celebrations like Tet (Lunar New Year) and Mid-Autumn Festival, the festival lasts for a full week with grander festivities.

Main Activities During the Lantern Festival:

• All modern lighting is switched off, leaving only lanterns and candles.
• Local homes and shops hang multicolored lanterns, creating a breathtaking display.
• Releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River (5,000–10,000 VND per lantern).
• Traditional performances at riverfront stages, featuring folk music, dance, and theater.
• Cultural activities, including Bai Choi card games, Hat Boi opera, and lion dance shows.

Cultural Significance:

Beyond being a tourist attraction, the festival holds deep spiritual meaning. Locals believe that releasing lanterns brings good luck and wards off misfortune, while lantern lights symbolize prosperity, happiness, and peace. The event also helps preserve Hoi An’s traditional culture, recreating the ambiance of the 17th-century town.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

Lantern-Making Workshop

In the heart of Hoi An, visitors can join a lantern-making class under the guidance of skilled artisans. Participants will learn how to choose materials, cut, and assemble their own lanterns. At the end of the workshop, you’ll get to take home your handmade lantern as a memorable souvenir. This activity is creative, immersive, and ideal for families or groups wanting to explore local craftsmanship.

Lantern-Making Workshop

Cooking Classes in Hoi An

Most Hoi An cooking classes begin with a market tour, where participants select the freshest ingredients. A local chef then guides you through the process of preparing signature dishes like Cao Lau, Banh Bao, and Mi Quang. Cooking and tasting your own dishes make this a unique, hands-on experience for anyone passionate about Vietnamese cuisine.

Cooking Class in Hoi An

Exploring the Lush Rice Fields

Just 3 km from the ancient town, Tra Que Village is a perfect getaway to admire endless green rice paddies. Visitors can rent a bicycle and ride through narrow village paths, enjoying the serene countryside and traditional farming life. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when the scenery becomes even more breathtaking. This tranquil experience offers a refreshing escape from the bustling town.

Exploring the Lush Green Rice Fields

What to Buy in Hoi An as Souvenirs?

Hoi An is renowned for its unique local specialties, including rich and fragrant mung bean cakes, crispy coconut cookies, and sweet yet tangy Hong Dao rice wine. Don’t miss out on exquisite handcrafted lanterns, quick and high-quality tailor-made clothing, and Thanh Ha village paintings—all perfect souvenirs that capture the essence of Hoi An’s heritage.

Hoi An Mung Bean Cakes

Unlike traditional versions, Hoi An’s mung bean cakes have a thin outer layer, a smooth filling, and a rich coconut flavor. They come in beautifully designed paper or tin boxes featuring images of Hoi An Ancient Town.

• Where to buy: Bich Chi (35 Tran Phu) or Ba Lieu (31 Tran Phu)
• Price: 80,000–150,000 VND per box, depending on size.

Hoi An Mung Bean Cake

Coconut Cookies

These crispy, sweet, and creamy cookies are made from rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. They have a long shelf life (around two weeks) and are easy to carry.

• Where to buy: Hoi An Market or specialty stores on Tran Phu Street
• Price: 50,000–70,000 VND per box

Quang Nam Grilled Coconut Cake

Hong Dao Rice Wine

A specialty rice wine made from a unique variety of peaches found only in Hoi An. It has a balanced sweet-sour taste, a beautiful pink hue, and an alcohol content of 15-18%. The wine is packaged in elegant glass bottles, making it a great gift option.

• Where to buy: Specialty shops at 57 Le Loi or 49 Bach Dang
• Price: 120,000–200,000 VND per bottle

Hong Dao Wine

Handcrafted Lanterns

Hoi An’s iconic lanterns come in various sizes, colors, and materials, including silk, Do paper, and bamboo. They are foldable and easy to transport.

• Where to buy: Nguyen Hoang Lantern Street or Hoi An Lantern Village
• Price: 50,000–300,000 VND, depending on size and material.

Handmade Lanterns

Tailor-Made Clothing

Hoi An is famous for its fast and high-quality tailoring services, where a custom-made outfit can be completed within just 24 hours. The fabric selection includes silk, cotton, and premium linen, catering to various styles and preferences.

Top tailor shops: A Dong Silk (40 Le Loi), Yaly Couture (47 Nguyen Thai Hoc).

Estimated prices: Shirts from 300,000 VND, Dresses from 400,000 VND, Traditional Ao Dai from 700,000 VND.

Custom Tailored Clothing in Hoi An

Thanh Ha Village Paintings

These handmade artworks come in ceramic, embroidery, or Do paper, depicting Hoi An’s ancient streets and cultural scenes. They are lightweight, easy to transport, and perfect for home decoration.

• Where to buy: Art shops on Nguyen Thai Hoc and Tran Phu Streets
• Price: Small paintings from 150,000 VND, large paintings from 500,000 VND

Paintings from Thanh Ha Village

Why Choose Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery?

Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery stands out with its prime location near the ancient town and a blend of Eastern and Western architectural elegance. The hotel offers a refined dining experience, a tranquil atmosphere, and 5-star services with multilingual staff, ensuring a luxurious stay for sophisticated travelers.

For fast support and reservations, contact Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery via Hotline: +84(0)235 3950 888.