【2026 Latest】Hoi An Travel Guide! 11 carefully selected spots from classics to hidden gems
Hoi An, a beautiful ancient town in central Vietnam. Its historic streets registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the night scenery shining with colorful lanterns, and delicious Vietnamese cuisine—all full of charm.
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 as a guide!
1. Hoi An’s famous sightseeing spot – Japanese Bridge
“If 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 architectural styles from Vietnam, China, and Japan.
Located in Hoi An Ancient Town, the Japanese Bridge, also known as the Lai Vien Bridge, was built in the 17th century by Japanese merchants.
The bridge is associated with a legend about a giant catfish that causes earthquakes, whose back was pierced with a sword to subdue it.
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It now spans a small tributary of the Hoai River between Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street and Tran Phu Street in Hoi An City.
2. Tan Ky Ancient House: A must-see spot in Hoi An!
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The Tan Ky Ancient House is a national-level historical relic with a history of over 200 years, preserving many cultural values. Its architecture blends Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese styles; the first floor displays antique objects, and the second floor has served as a living space for seven generations of the family.
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A particular highlight here is a rare bowl known as the “Confucius Cup” or the “Unfillable Cup.” It is said to be the only one of its kind in Vietnam, with a history of over 600 years, and it teaches the importance of maintaining balance and avoiding greed. Be sure to listen to the intriguing stories about this cup when you visit.
Another distinctive feature of the Tan Ky Ancient House is that there are no windows; the spacious courtyard is the only source of natural light. This courtyard functions like a “skylight,” bathing the interior of the house in gentle light.
The house faces Nguyen Thai Hoc Street at the front and Bach Dang Street at the back, leading to a landing that once connected to Hoi An’s trading port.
Souvenirs are plentiful as well. Inside the ancient house, along with memories of the past, badges and Hoi An souvenirs collected by the caretakers are on display, and visitors can purchase these items. They make wonderful mementos that convey Hoi An’s history and culture.
There is also a wall here where visitors can leave their mark. People often leave business cards or messages on this wall.
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Tan Ky Ancient House (Nha Co Tan Ky)
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Address
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101 Nguyễn Thái Học, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
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Hours
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08:00 – 17:30
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Admission
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120,000 VND (3 sites), 150,000 VND (5 sites), (valid for 3 days)
Guide fee is free for groups of 8 or more.
Tickets can be purchased at the Hoi An Monuments Management Office (located under the Japanese Covered Bridge).
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3. Enjoy Hoi An Market to the fullest! 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 goods, including fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and souvenirs.
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Hoi An Market is divided into various areas: fresh seafood, colorful vegetables and fruits, traditional handicrafts, and a food court where you can enjoy local flavors.
In particular, at the food court you can savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes such as cao lầu and cơm gà, specialties of Hoi An.
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One particularly popular area is the section handling textiles. Here, you can have an áo dài or suit tailored on the spot to fit your body.
Since you can pick it up the same day, why not create your very own original item as a memory of your trip?
If you’re looking for souvenirs, Hoi An Market is a must-visit. There are plenty of handmade crafts and traditional Vietnamese garments that you can only find here.
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.
4. Dive into the depths of the old trading port Hoi An! The place to learn its history and culture
Numerous valuable artifacts and materials on Vietnam’s history—especially from the period when Hoi An flourished as a trading port—are on display.
Through as many as 712 artifacts and documents that tell the history of Hoi An as a port, you can gain deep insights into the culture of this ancient town.
This museum, housed in a charming old-style building, spans three floors and is recommended for those who want to learn more about the people and culture of Hoi An.
Precious materials related to the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth Movement, founded in 1927, are also exhibited, making it a great stop for those interested in Vietnam’s history.
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Hoi An Museum of History (Bao Tang Hoi An)
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Address
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10b Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
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Hours
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Daily 7:00 – 17:00
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Admission
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120,000 VND (3 sites), 150,000 VND (5 sites), valid for 3 days
Tickets are available at the Hoi An Relics Management Office (located under the Japanese Bridge).
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5. Panoramic view of the Japanese Bridge! A culture exhibition hall themed on Nagasaki
This is a place where you can experience Japanese culture, with a particular introduction to tourist spots in Nagasaki Prefecture. Trade has been conducted in this area since long ago, and the interior decorations evoke ancient Japan.
Kimono rentals are also available. Put on traditional Japanese attire and stroll through the streets of Hoi An for a trip you’ll never forget. If you visit at 9:30, you can also experience a tea ceremony for 50,000 VND.
Head up to the second floor to a balcony overlooking the old town, where you can also enjoy views of the Japanese Bridge.
Why not spend a special time at this Japanese Culture Exhibition Hall, where Hoi An’s history and Japanese culture come together?
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Japanese Culture Exhibition Hall
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Address
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6 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
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Hours
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Daily 8:00～18:00
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Admission
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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).
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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 valuable place where Vietnamese, the Chinese community, and Japanese cultures merge.
Inside the Fujian Assembly Hall, paintings, statues of deities, and historical artifacts carved from wood and stone are on display, showing the harmony among different cultures.
In particular, the “carp climbing the waterfall” sculpture 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)
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Fujian Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Phuc Kien)
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Address
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6 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
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Hours
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Daily 8:00～18:00
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Admission
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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).
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7. Shop and dine at the Hoi An Night Market! Enjoy a lively night
Hoi An’s Nguyen Hoang Night Market is a perfect place to explore the old town at night. Within just 300–500 meters, about 50 shops are clustered together, creating a lively atmosphere.
Amid shimmering, colorful lanterns, the savory aroma of street food will whet your appetite.
Courtesy of the 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. Crafted in Thanh Ha village, which has a history of over 500 years, the exquisite and beautiful Thanh Ha ceramics can be purchased at reasonable prices.
Courtesy of the author
Courtesy of the author
You can taste local specialty dishes, feel the night breeze with a cup of Vietnamese coffee in hand, and enjoy various entertainment options.
Strolling through the night market while taking in Hoi An’s nightscape is also recommended. Colorful lanterns shine, letting you savor the atmosphere of Vietnam at night.
8. A classic Hoi An experience! Lantern cruise on the Hoai River
The lantern cruise on the Hoai River, a Hoi An classic, will make for an unforgettable memory.
The Hoai River lantern cruise is a popular attraction where you can enjoy beautiful scenery at dusk and a magical atmosphere at night as countless lanterns are lit.
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 will light lanterns on board, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
On the roughly 20-minute cruise, you will circle the Hoai River, pass under a bridge, and return. At dusk, countless lanterns illuminate the water, wrapping you in a romantic mood. It’s the best time to savor Hoi An’s mystical ambiance.
After the cruise, visit the nearby Hoi An Night Market to combine the river experience with the lively market atmosphere.
During the day, head to Bach Dang Wharf. There are roofed boats in various sizes, ideal for group trips. The picture-perfect scenery at Bach Dang Wharf is a great photo spot that will become a cherished travel memory.
Price: 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 Tourist Boat Cooperative.
Lanterns can be purchased separately for 10,000 VND each.
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Hoai River Lantern Cruise (Trai nghiem tha long den tren song Hoai)
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Address
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94 Đ. Bạch Đằng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
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Opening hours
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Daily 18:00–22:00
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Admission
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Ticket 150,000 VND/person (1–3 people), 200,000 VND/person (4–5 people)
Lanterns: 10,000 VND each
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9. Tra Que Vegetable Village | Experience organic vegetables in Hoi An! Cooking classes also available
Tra Que Vegetable Village is a popular organic-vegetable tourist spot in Hoi An. In its vast fields, fresh vegetables such as basil and other herbs, amaranth, Malabar spinach, gotu kola, bitter greens (nigana), perilla (shiso), lettuce, and green onions 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 peaceful lives of the locals.
At homestyle restaurants, you can savor Hoi An specialties such as mì Quảng, cao lầu, and chicken rice; join a cooking class to learn traditional Central Vietnamese cooking methods.
If you visit around 7 a.m., you can see locals watering the vegetables. There are both automatic irrigation systems and manual watering, and you can observe up close the lively daily farm work.
Cam Ha Village, about 5 minutes by car from Hoi An.
10. A hidden gem in Hoi An! Relax and enjoy a resort vibe at An Bang Beach
The climate is warm year-round, but from March to September the sea is especially blue and clear, the air is fresh with little rain, and you can enjoy early-morning beach walks and sunsets in the evening.
An Bang Beach was originally where locals came to bathe, so its pure, natural beauty has been preserved. Visiting here, you can soothe everyday fatigue in the fresh, tranquil air.
After a dip in the water, be sure to try Hoi An’s specialties. There’s a wide selection of fresh seafood such as bánh xèo, bánh canh cá, shrimp, crab, squid, and shellfish, with dishes averaging 50,000–150,000 VND each—more affordable than Da Nang. Beachfront restaurants also serve traditional Vietnamese and Western dishes.
There are also many beautiful hotels and luxury resorts around the beach; stay here and 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
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 takes you along the lush rivers of Quang Nam Province in round basket boats, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy tranquil scenery and local culture.
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As you move through the verdant coconut forest, you are enveloped by birdsong and the murmur of the river, helping you forget the bustle of the city. The basket-boat dance performances and boat races by locals are must-sees.
The skillful balance with which they handle the boats is sure to captivate visitors.
Watching fishermen catch fish using traditional methods is also a valuable experience. These simple yet expert scenes bring the river life closer to you.
We also recommend observing the fishermen at work and tasting 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.
This is a brochure available at the Hoi An Ancient Town Management Office (located at the foot of the Japanese Covered Bridge).
When purchasing tickets for the heritage area here, pick up this brochure as a sightseeing guide to make exploring Hoi An more convenient.
The brochure lists 25 attractions and traditional art performance programs, and includes the necessary information for getting around between sites.
Source: author
