Is Hoi An worth visiting?
Yes, there are many reasons to visit Hoi An. Everyone should experience this amazing town, and we loved our stay here. During our first trip to Hoi An in 2009, we fell in love with its unique and amazing cuisine, charming old town, and fun custom tailors. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great food and amazing historical sights.
Hoi An is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Tripadvisor's Best Places to Visit in 2023.
Hội An is a charming town on the central coast of Vietnam. The old town is filled with yellow buildings and in the evening it lights up with lanterns. The town's local cuisine can only be found in this setting, so don't miss out on the truly unique dishes. Tailor made clothing is also a local specialty.
Hoi An, Vietnam
6 Reasons to Visit Hoi An
1. Food
The local cuisine is truly unique from the rest of Vietnam. It's considered to be a culinary city with interesting recipes that depend on local ingredients that can't be found outside of the region. Specialty dishes of the city include Cao Lầu (pork and rice noodles), Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc (white rose dumplings), and Cơm Gà Hoi An (Hoi An chicken rice).
Hoi An Lantern Market is known for its colorful traditional lanterns and lively night market atmosphere. (Free)
Hoi An Night Market is known for its colorful lantern displays, local street food, and handicrafts in a lively nighttime setting. (Free)
Central Market Hoi An is known for its wide range of local food, fresh produce, traditional crafts, and vibrant atmosphere offering an authentic Hoi An experience. (Free)
2. Historical Sights
The charming old town is recognizable for its striking yellow color and its many tailor shops. It feels like a living museum, and the evening hours are particularly special with the town's lanterns lighting the way.
Tan Ky Old House is known for its well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and rich cultural heritage. (₫80,000)
My Son Sanctuary is known for its ancient Champa temple ruins and UNESCO World Heritage religious complex surrounded by lush jungle. (₫150000)
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is known for its beautiful traditional Chinese architecture and significance to the Fujian Chinese community in Hoi An. (₫30000)
Hoi An Lantern Market is known for its colorful traditional lanterns and lively night market atmosphere. (Free)
Hoi An Night Market is known for its colorful lantern displays, local street food, and handicrafts in a lively nighttime setting. (Free)
Central Market Hoi An is known for its wide range of local food, fresh produce, traditional crafts, and vibrant atmosphere offering an authentic Hoi An experience. (Free)
3. Shopping
It is considered to be one of the best and most affordable cities in the world for tailor made clothing. Pop in a shop and have your measurements made. You can pick out a design and in a day or two return for your custom made outfit. It's a truly unique shopping experience.
Hoi An Lantern Market is known for its colorful traditional lanterns and lively night market atmosphere. (Free)
Hoi An Night Market is known for its colorful lantern displays, local street food, and handicrafts in a lively nighttime setting. (Free)
Central Market Hoi An is known for its wide range of local food, fresh produce, traditional crafts, and vibrant atmosphere offering an authentic Hoi An experience. (Free)
4. Museums and Attractions
The old town is like a living museum. It's pedestrian-friendly and filled with beautiful yellow buildings. Highlights of the town include the Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall, and the Hoi An Museum.
Museum of Trade Ceramics is known for its extensive collection of maritime trade ceramics and its insight into Hoi An's historical role as a trading port. (₫30000)
Thu Bon River is known for its beautiful boat rides, traditional wooden boats, and enchanting lantern-lit evenings during festivals. (Free)
Quan Cong Temple is known for its traditional Vietnamese temple architecture and dedication to the revered General Quan Cong. (Free)
5. Beaches
There is a long stretch of sandy beach in the area, that can be broken into five different sections. Some areas are privately owned, but there is still plenty of public beach to choose from. An Bang Beach is the most developed and popular beach in the area. Coconut Beach is the most luxurious, and Ha My Beach is similar to An Bang, but smaller.
An Bang Beach is known for its clean sandy shores, relaxed atmosphere, and proximity to Hoi An's historic town. (Free)
Cua Dai Beach is known for its white sandy shores, calm waters, and proximity to the charming town of Hoi An. (Free)
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Hoi An might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Hoi An here or see if Hoi An is expensive here.
Is Hoi An worth visiting in the Summer?
This is the low season for travel in Hoi An. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 29°C (85°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the museums and landmarks, and the historic old town. Also, you can check out the beautiful scenery.
Summer Weather in Hoi An
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
Is Hoi An worth visiting in the Autumn?
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 25°C (78°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Hoi An, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, admire the historic sights, and wander through the museums. Also, you'll be able to relax at the beach.
Autumn Weather in Hoi An
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) |
| November | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) |
Is Hoi An worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the high season for travel in Hoi An, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 22°C (71°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and browse around the old town. Also, you can experience the beaches and the beautiful scenery.
Winter Weather in Hoi An
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| February | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Is Hoi An worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Hoi An. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 26°C (80°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the famous sights and museums, and the gorgeous scenery. Also, you can learn about the history of the town and swim at the beach.
Spring Weather in Hoi An
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| June | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Hoi An
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Hoi An with a lively nightlife scene. It's definitely not your typical backpacker party town, and the city is quietly beautiful in the evening. Many of the bars in the old town close before midnight, but there are some places outside of the area if you're looking for something more lively.
Lots of Tourists
Hoi An sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Related
What is Hoi An most famous for?
Hoi An is most famous for its peaceful and traditional old town, its unique culinary traditions, and its affordable custom made clothing. People visit this impressive town for its great food, historical sights, and shopping. It is also known for its great museums and attractions. And many visitors also come to this town for its beaches. It is often described as peaceful, beautiful, traditional, and quaint.
What is the most famous sight in Hoi An?
The most popular sight in Hoi An is the Fukian Assembly Hall. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hoi An on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Fukian Assembly Hall and other attractions here.
How touristy is Hoi An? Is it a popular town to visit?
Hoi An is a very touristy town that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- My Son Sanctuary Private Tour - Early Morning or Half Day Tour: $50
- Hoi An Experience 3 Hours Wood Carving Class with Local Artist: $47
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & HOI AN City: $154
- My Son - Hoi An Full Day Private Tour With Meals: $75
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $150
- Cruiseship Trip from TIEN SA or CHAN MAY Port to MY SON HOLYLAND & DA NANG City: $154
- Cruiseship Tour to MY SON HOLYLAND - DA NANG CITY From Chan May or Tien Sa Port: $179
- My Son - Danang from Tien Sa cruise harbor: $180
How long should I spend in Hoi An?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Hoi An is two to three days. Since Hoi An has a variety of activities such as dining, historical sights, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hoi An?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hoi An?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Hoi An?.
More Things to Do in Hoi An
- Is Hoi An Ancient Town Worth Visiting?
- Is Hoi An Lantern Market Worth Visiting?
- Is Hoi An Night Market Worth Visiting?
- Is Central Market Hoi An Worth Visiting?
- Is Japanese Covered Bridge Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Hoi An.
What makes Hoi An a budget-friendly destination? Or not?
Hoi An food drink & entertainment are inexpensive.
What was your favorite thing about Hoi An?
Oh the food was by far the most surprising thing for us. I think the quaint old town area was beautiful and we had fun getting clothes custom made for us at a few of those tailor shops. But the restaurants serving amazing dishes at low prices had us coming back for more every day.