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【2026 Update】Hoi An Travel Guide! 11 Carefully Selected Spots from Classics to Hidden Gems

2026.01.07

[Latest 2026] Hoi An Travel Guide: 11 Carefully Selected Spots from Classics to Hidden Gems







Hoi An, a beautiful ancient town in central Vietnam. It’s full of charm: historic streets registered as a World Heritage Site, night views glowing with colorful lanterns, and delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

In this article, we introduce 11 must-visit attractions in Hoi An. Whether you love history, food, or are looking for Instagrammable spots, you’ll be satisfied.

Plan your Hoi An trip with this article!


 








1. Famous Hoi An Landmark - Japanese Bridge


“When you come to Hoi An, you must visit the Japanese Bridge!” locals often say about this place. With a history of over 400 years, the Japanese Bridge is a symbol of Hoi An’s prosperity, blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles.

Located in Hoi An Ancient Town, the Japanese Bridge, also known as the Japanese Bridge or Lai Vien Bridge, was built in the 17th century by Japanese merchants.

The bridge is associated with a story in which a sword was thrust into the back of a legendary catfish said to cause earthquakes, in order to subdue it.


Source: author
 

Today, it spans a small tributary of the Hoai River between Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and Tran Phu Street in Hoi An City.

 
  Japanese Bridge (Chua Cau)
Address 186 Trần Phú, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Opening hours Morning: 9:00 - 11:00
Afternoon: 15:00 - 22:00
Admission fee Vietnamese: 80,000 VND / person
Foreigners: 100,000 VND / person
 


2. Tan Ky Ancient House: A must-see spot in Hoi An!



Source: author
 

Tan Ky Ancient House is a national-level historical relic with over 200 years of history, preserving many cultural values. The house’s architecture blends Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles; the first floor displays antique items, and the second floor has served as a living space for a family over seven generations.

Source: author
 

A particularly noteworthy item here is a rare tea bowl known as the 'Cup of Confucius' or the 'Unfillable Cup'. It is said to be the only one in Vietnam and to have a history of over 600 years, teaching people to maintain balance and avoid greed. Be sure to listen to the fascinating stories about this cup when you visit.

Another characteristic of the Tan Ky Ancient House is that it has no windows; a spacious courtyard is the only source of light. This courtyard serves as a kind of 'skylight', pouring soft light into the old house.

The house faces Nguyen Thai Hoc Street at the front and Bach Dang Street at the back, leading to a wharf that once connected to Hoi An's trading port.

Souvenirs are also plentiful. Inside the old house, badges collected by the caretakers and Hoi An souvenirs are displayed alongside old memorabilia, and visitors can purchase these items. They make wonderful mementos that let you feel Hoi An's history and culture.






There is also a wall here where visitors can leave their mark when they come. People often leave business cards and messages on this wall.

 
  Tan Ky Ancient House (Nha Co Tan Ky)
Address 101 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Opening hours 08:00 – 17:30
Admission 120,000 VND (3 sites), 150,000 VND (5 sites) (valid for 3 days)
Guiding is free for groups of 8 or more.
Tickets are sold at the Hoi An Monuments Management Office (located under the Japanese Bridge).


 

3. Enjoy Hoi An Market! From Vietnamese cuisine and souvenirs to ao dai


One of the pleasures of sightseeing in Hoi An is shopping at Hoi An Market. This lively market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, souvenirs, and more.


Courtesy of the author
 

Hoi An Market is divided into various areas, including fresh seafood, colorful fruits and vegetables, traditional handicrafts, and a food court where you can enjoy local flavors.

In particular, the food court lets you savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes such as Hoi An specialties like cao lau and com ga.


Courtesy of the author
 


One particularly popular area is the section that deals with textiles. Here, you can have an ao dai or suit tailored on the spot to fit your body.





Because you can receive it the same day, why not create your very own original item as a memento of your trip?





If you're looking for souvenirs, Hoi An Market is a must. There are many items you can only find here, such as handmade crafts and traditional Vietnamese clothing.

Hoi An Market is one of the places you should definitely visit when sightseeing in Hoi An. Enjoy shopping and dining amid the lively atmosphere.

 
  Hoi An Market
Address 19 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Hours 06:00–20:00
Admission Free
 
 

4. Dive into the depths of Hoi An, the ancient trading port! The place to learn history and culture

Many valuable artifacts and materials from Vietnamese history, especially from the era when Hoi An flourished as a trading port, are on display.

Through 712 artifacts and documents that tell the history of Hoi An’s prosperity as a port, you can gain a deep understanding of the ancient city’s culture.

This museum, housed in a charming old-style three-story building, is recommended for those who want to learn more about the people and culture of Hoi An.





Valuable materials on the Vietnamese Youth Revolutionary Movement, founded in 1927, are also on display, making it a great spot for those interested in Vietnam’s history.

 
  Hoi An Museum of History (Bao Tang Hoi An)
Address 10b Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Hours Daily 7:00 – 17:00
Admission 120,000 VND (3 sites), 150,000 VND (5 sites), (valid for 3 days)
Tickets can be purchased at the Hoi An Monuments Management Office (located under the Japanese Covered Bridge).
 

5. A full view of the Japanese Covered Bridge! A cultural exhibition hall themed on Nagasaki


It is a place where you can experience Japanese culture, with introductions particularly about tourist spots in Nagasaki Prefecture. Trade has been conducted here since ancient times, and the interior decorations are reminiscent of ancient Japan.





Kimono rental is also available. Put on traditional Japanese attire and stroll through the streets of Hoi An for an unforgettable trip. If you visit at 9:30, you can also enjoy a tea ceremony for 50,000 VND.






On the second floor, there is a balcony with a panoramic view of the old town, and you can also enjoy the view of the Japanese Bridge.





Why not spend a special time at this Japanese Culture Exhibition Hall, where the history of Hoi An and Japanese culture are fused together?

 
  Japanese Culture Exhibition Hall
Address 6 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Hours Daily 8:00~18:00
Admission 120,000 VND(3 sites)、150,000 VND(5 sites)、(valid for 3 days)
Purchase tickets at the Hoi An Relics Management Office (located under the Japanese Bridge).


 

6. Feel the harmony of different cultures at the Fujian Assembly Hall!


A must-visit when sightseeing in Hoi An is the Fujian Assembly Hall. Built by Chinese people in the 17th century, the Fujian Assembly Hall is a precious place where Vietnamese, overseas Chinese, and Japanese cultures merge.

Inside the Fujian Assembly Hall, paintings, statues of deities, and historical relics carved in wood and stone are on display, showing the harmony of different cultures.





In particular, the carving of a carp climbing a waterfall symbolizes prosperity, peace, good fortune, and wealth, and is one of the highlights.

Please pay attention to your attire when visiting. (No shorts or sleeveless tops)

 
  Fujian Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Phuc Kien)
Address 6 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Hours Daily 8:00~18:00
Admission 120,000 VND(3 sites)、150,000 VND(5 sites)、(valid for 3 days)
Purchase tickets at the Hoi An Relics Management Office (located under the Japanese Bridge).
 


7. Shop and dine at the Hoi An Night Market! Enjoy a lively night


Hoi An’s Nguyen Hoang Night Market is an ideal place to explore the old town at night. Within just 300–500 meters, around 50 shops are packed together, creating a lively atmosphere.

Amidst the sparkle of colorful lanterns, the savory aromas of street food whet your appetite.


Photo by author
 

Here, many handicrafts that symbolize Vietnamese culture are sold.

In particular, small pieces of Thanh Ha pottery are popular souvenirs at the Nguyen Hoang Night Market. Delicate and beautiful Thanh Ha pottery, made in Thanh Ha village with over 500 years of history, can be purchased at reasonable prices.


Photo by author

 

Photo by author
 

You can savor local specialty dishes, feel the night breeze with a Vietnamese coffee in hand, and enjoy various entertainment.

It’s also recommended to stroll through the night market while taking in Hoi An’s night views. Colorful lanterns shine, letting you enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of Vietnam.

 
  Hoi An Night Market (Cho dem Hoi An)
Address Nguyễn Hoàng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Hours Daily 18:00–22:00
Admission Free


 

8. A Hoi An classic! Hoai River Lantern Cruise Experience


A classic Hoi An experience, the lantern cruise on the Hoai River will make for an unforgettable memory.

The Hoi An River lantern cruise is a popular attraction where you can enjoy beautiful twilight scenery and, at night, a magical atmosphere lit by countless lanterns.





After purchasing your ticket, board the boat. Boarding and disembarking involve stairs, so please avoid large luggage and high heels.

For safety, wear a life jacket and be careful not to place your hands on the edge of the boat. The boatman lights the lanterns on board, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

The approximately 20-minute cruise makes a loop along the Hoai River, passes under a bridge, and returns. At dusk, countless lanterns illuminate the water, wrapping you in a romantic ambiance. It is the ideal time to fully enjoy Hoi An’s mystical atmosphere.

After the cruise, visit the nearby Hoi An Night Market and combine the river experience with the lively market vibe.

During the day, head to Bach Dang pier. There are roofed boats of various sizes, ideal for group trips. The picture-perfect scenery at Bach Dang pier is a wonderful photo spot for lasting travel memories.





Fees: Ticket 150,000 VND/person (for 1–3 people), 200,000 VND/person for groups of 4–5.

Includes a boat ride of about 20 minutes. Ticket prices are published by the Hoi An Hoai River Tourism Boat Cooperative.

Lanterns can be purchased separately, 10,000 VND each.

 
  Hoai River Lantern Cruise (Trai nghiem tha long den tren song Hoai)
Address 94 Đ. Bạch Đằng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Hours Daily 18:00–22:00
Admission Ticket 150,000 VND/person (1–3 people), 200,000 VND/person (4–5 people)
Lantern: 10,000 VND/each
 


9. Tra Que Vegetable Village|Experience organic vegetables in Hoi An! Cooking classes also available


Tra Que Vegetable Village is a popular organic vegetable attraction in Hoi An. In its vast fields, fresh vegetables such as basil, herbs, amaranth, Malabar spinach, gotu kola, bitter greens (nigana), shiso (perilla), lettuce, and scallions are cultivated. You can also enjoy fruits like bottle gourd, pumpkin, luffa, and papaya.





Riding a motorbike along the quiet village roads reveals soothing scenery and lets you experience the calm daily life of the locals.

In home-style restaurants, you can savor Hoi An specialties such as mi quang, cao lau, and chicken rice. If you join a cooking class, you can learn traditional Central Vietnamese cooking methods.

Especially if you visit around 7 a.m., you can see locals watering the vegetables. There are both automatic irrigation systems and manual watering, allowing you to observe the lively daily farm work up close.
Cam Ha Village, about 5 minutes by car from Hoi An.

 
  Tra Que Vegetable Village (Lang Rau Tra Que)
Address 94 Đ. Bạch Đằng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Hours 08:00–17:00 (Daily)
Admission Free admission
 


10. Hoi An’s hidden gem! Relax in a resort mood at An Bang Beach


The climate is warm year-round, but especially from March to September the sea is blue and clear, the air is fresh with little rain, and you can enjoy morning beach walks and evening sunsets.

An Bang Beach was originally a place where locals came to swim, so its pure, natural beauty remains intact. Visiting here, you can soothe everyday fatigue in the fresh, tranquil air.





After a dip, be sure to try Hoi An’s specialties. There are fresh seafood dishes such as banh xeo, banh canh ca, shrimp, crab, squid, and shellfish, averaging 50,000–150,000 VND per dish—more affordable than Da Nang. Beachfront restaurants also serve traditional Vietnamese and Western cuisine.

There are also many beautiful hotels and luxury resorts around the beach; if you stay here, you can watch the sunrise every morning in the fresh air.

【Best time to visit】
March to September is recommended.
【Access】
An Bang Beach - about 15 minutes by taxi from Hoi An

 
  An Bang Beach (Bien An Bang)
Address W87R+C7R, Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Opening hours 05:00–18:00 (daily)
Admission fee Free admission


 

11. For Hoi An basket boats, come here! Cam Thanh Coconut Village


If you visit Hoi An, Vietnam, be sure to experience ecotourism in the Bay Mau coconut forest. This tour, cruising the nature-rich rivers of Quang Nam Province in round basket boats, is a perfect chance to enjoy tranquil scenery and local culture.


Courtesy of the author


As you move through the lush coconut groves, the chirping of birds and the murmur of the river will make you forget the bustle of the city. Basket-boat dance performances and boat races by locals are a must-see.

Their deft balance and boat-handling are sure to captivate visitors.

Watching fishermen catch fish using traditional methods is also a valuable experience. This simple yet skillful scene brings river life close to you.

It’s also recommended to observe fishermen practicing traditional techniques and to try local flavors such as nipa palm chè. The warm hospitality of the people of Hoi An will surely soothe your heart.





[Best time to visit]
The dry season from January to September is recommended.

Located about 3 km from central Hoi An, in Cam Thanh ward.
 
  Cam Thanh Coconut Village (Rung Dua Bay Mau)
Address Hamlet 3, ĐX18, Cẩm Thanh, Hội An, Quảng Nam
Opening hours 07:00–18:00(daily)
Admission fee 120,000 VND per person (45 minutes, up to 2 people per basket boat)



This is a catalog available at the Hoi An Ancient Town Management Office (located at the foot of the Japanese Covered Bridge).

When purchasing entrance tickets for the heritage area here, pick up this catalog as a sightseeing guide to make your visit to Hoi An more convenient.

This catalog lists 25 attractions and traditional performing arts programs and includes the necessary guidance for getting around between sites.


Courtesy of the author
 
Among Hoi An sightseeing tours, the Cooking Class & Basket Boat Tour is especially popular. We also recommend tours with uniquely Hoi An experiences, such as riding a coconut boat and trying your hand at lantern making. Combine it with a Hoi An Market tour for an unforgettable trip to Hoi An.Book your Hoi An Basket Boat Tour here!

Advance reservations for private charters from Da Nang and private Japanese-language support are available here!

 

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