The best attractions in Hoi An range from a UNESCO-listed old town lit by lanterns every night to a Cham temple complex tucked into the jungle an hour away. This guide walks through where to go in Hoi An, what each spot actually costs and requires, and how to fit the best destinations in Hoi An into however many days you have.
Getting to Know Hoi An Before You Go
Hoi An sits on Vietnam’s central coast, roughly 860 km south of Hanoi and 865 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. For decades, Hoi An was a town in its own right within Quang Nam Province. Following Vietnam’s nationwide provincial merger in July 2025, Quang Nam Province was folded into Da Nang, and Hoi An became a ward of Da Nang City rather than a separate province-level town.
In practice this changes little for visitors, Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, its beaches, and its surrounding villages remain exactly where they were, and locals and tour operators still refer to Hoi An by name. But it’s worth knowing when you see “Da Nang” on an address, ticket, or map instead of “Quang Nam,” since that’s the administrative merger at work, not a change in the destination itself.
Hoi An’s Ancient Town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, and it remains one of the best-preserved trading port towns in Southeast Asia. The best time for Hoi An sightseeing is February to April or August to October, when the weather is drier and less humid, with temperatures generally sitting between 24-32°C (75-90°F). The rainy season runs roughly October to December and can bring flooding to the low-lying Ancient Town, so pack accordingly if you’re visiting then. For visa and currency basics, see our Vietnam Travel Guide and Hoi An Travel Guide.
Best Attractions in Hoi An You Can’t Miss
Every one of these Hoi An landmarks is within easy reach of the Ancient Town, most on foot or by bike, a few by a short drive or boat. Whether you think of them as the best spots in Hoi An or the best places in Hoi An to build a day around, here’s what each one actually costs, when it’s open, and who it suits best.
1. Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
Hoi An Ancient Town is the reason most people visit in the first place, a UNESCO-listed trading port of pale-yellow merchant houses, wooden shopfronts, and narrow lantern-lit alleys that genuinely feels frozen in time. By day it’s a maze of tailor shops, cafes, and centuries-old assembly halls; by night, thousands of colorful lanterns turn the riverside streets into one of the most photographed scenes in Vietnam.
- Location: Central Hoi An, walking distance from most hotels
- Hours: Streets are open all day; ticketed heritage sites (old houses, pagodas, assembly halls) run roughly 7:30 AM-5:30 PM
- Entrance fee: Free to walk the streets; 120,000 VND (~$5) for a ticket covering entry to 5 of the town’s 22 preserved monuments
- Specific requirements: None for the streets; modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated inside temples and assembly halls
- Best for: First-time visitors and anyone who wants to understand why Hoi An is on Vietnam’s UNESCO list
>>> Explore it in depth with Hoi An tours built around the Old Town’s temples, markets, and hidden corners.
2. Japanese Covered Bridge
Japanese Covered Bridge, the timeless symbol of Hoi An
Built in the early 17th century by Japanese merchants, this small wooden bridge is Hoi An’s single most photographed landmark and one of its most important Hoi An attractions historically. The curved roof and intricately carved beams blend Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural styles, and the bridge still spans the creek that flows into the Hoai River exactly as it has for centuries.
- Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, inside the Ancient Town
- Hours: 7:00 AM-9:00 PM daily
- Entrance fee: Included in the Ancient Town heritage ticket (120,000 VND / ~$5)
- Specific requirements: None
- Best for: Photographers and history lovers; arrive before 8:00 AM for an uncrowded shot
3. My Son Sanctuary
The ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary
Along with the Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary is Hoi An’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site, a complex of red-brick Cham temple towers dating back to the 4th century, once the religious and political heart of the Champa Kingdom. The ruins sit scattered through a jungle valley about an hour from Hoi An, and live Cham dance performances are usually held near the main temple area mid-morning.
- Location: Duy Xuyen, about an hour by car from Hoi An
- Hours: 6:00 AM-5:00 PM daily
- Entrance fee: 150,000 VND for foreigners, 100,000 VND for Vietnamese nationals, 30,000 VND for children under 16
- Specific requirements: Sacred site; avoid climbing the ruins, and covering shoulders and knees is appreciated
- Best for: History and archaeology fans who want to see Vietnam’s answer to Angkor on a smaller scale
>>> Go early to beat the heat and the tour buses with our full-day My Son Sanctuary tour from Hoi An.
4. Marble Mountains
A panoramic view of Marble Mountains
Technically just outside Hoi An proper, roughly halfway between Hoi An and central Da Nang, the Marble Mountains are five limestone and marble karsts riddled with Buddhist cave temples, natural grottoes, and summit viewpoints over the coastline. The standout is Huyen Khong Cave, a dramatic natural chamber lit by shafts of sunlight through openings in the rock ceiling.
- Location: Ngu Hanh Son, about 30 minutes north of Hoi An toward Da Nang
- Hours: 7:00 AM-5:30 PM daily
- Entrance fee: 40,000 VND (~$1.60); the elevator to the upper level costs an extra 15,000 VND one-way, and Am Phu (Hell) Cave requires a separate 20,000 VND ticket
- Specific requirements: Modest dress appreciated (it’s an active pilgrimage site); comfortable shoes recommended for the stone steps
- Best for: Travelers combining Hoi An with a Da Nang stop who want a half-day of caves, pagodas, and coastal views
>>> Pair it with Da Nang’s other highlights on our 2-day Da Nang highlights tour.
5. Tra Que Vegetable Village
Experience local farming life firsthand at Tra Que Vegetable Village
One of Hoi An’s most popular handicraft and farming villages, Tra Que has grown organic herbs and vegetables using traditional methods for centuries. Visitors can walk the raised garden beds, try their hand at watering and weeding alongside real farmers, and finish with a meal built entirely from what’s growing a few meters away, often as part of a cooking class.
- Location: Tra Que hamlet, about 3 km north of the Ancient Town
- Hours: 8:00 AM-5:30 PM daily
- Entrance fee: Mostly free to walk through; some hands-on farming experiences charge a small fee, roughly 35,000 VND (~$1.50)
- Specific requirements: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy
- Best for: Food lovers and families who want a hands-on, low-key countryside experience
>>> Learn to cook with what you pick on our Hoi An cooking class day tour.
6. Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Explore the peaceful waterways of Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Also known as Bay Mau Coconut Forest, this eco-tourism spot just outside the Ancient Town lets visitors glide through palm-fringed waterways on traditional round basket boats, guided by local boatmen who often spin the boat in playful circles along the way. It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Hoi An away from the crowds of the Old Town.
- Location: Cam Thanh Commune, a short drive or bike ride from the Ancient Town
- Hours: 7:00 AM-5:00 PM daily
- Entrance fee: 30,000 VND for adults, 15,000 VND for children aged 5-9, free for children under 5
- Specific requirements: Bring a hat and sunscreen; the boats are open-air
- Best for: Families and travelers who want a change of pace from the Ancient Town’s streets
>>> See it as part of a countryside ride on our 1-day cycling tour in Hoi An, which winds through rice paddies and villages before reaching the coconut forest.
7. An Bang Beach
Relax by the sea at An Bang Beach
Just 3 km from the Ancient Town, An Bang Beach has been ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches, with fine white sand and clear water that stays noticeably less crowded than beaches closer to Da Nang. It’s the easiest of Hoi An’s best spots to combine with a half-day of sightseeing, since it’s a short bike ride or taxi from the Old Town.
- Location: Cam An Ward, about 3 km northeast of the Ancient Town
- Hours: Always open; early morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times
- Entrance fee: Free; motorbike parking runs 5,000-10,000 VND
- Specific requirements: None; beachside cafes generally prefer cash
- Best for: Travelers wanting a genuine beach afternoon without leaving the Hoi An area
>>> Unwind properly on our 5-day Da Nang Spa & Wellness Retreat, which pairs coastal downtime with spa treatments.
8. Hoi An Night Market
Hoi An night market, a vibrant spot filled with lanterns, local food, and handcrafted souvenirs
Strung along Nguyen Hoang Street across the river from the Old Town, the night market is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Hoi An after dark, more than 50 stalls selling handmade lanterns, souvenirs, and street food beneath a canopy of lit-up lanterns reflected in the Thu Bon River.
- Location: Nguyen Hoang Street, across the river from the Ancient Town
- Hours: 5:00 PM-11:00 PM daily
- Entrance fee: Free to browse
- Specific requirements: Bring small cash; most stalls don’t take cards
- Best for: Evening strollers, souvenir shoppers, and anyone chasing the classic lantern photo
>>> Make an evening of it as part of our Da Nang 3-day tour, which builds in a Hoi An evening among its major stops.
What Will Sightseeing in Hoi An Cost You? Estimated Cost (Daily budget breakdown)
Costs in Hoi An vary depending on how many ticketed sites and day trips you add to your visit. The table below covers a typical day, per person, with figures shown in USD (~VND). Hoi An is a single-base destination, so there’s no flight line here, and none of its attractions involve a multi-day cruise, so “Activities” covers ticketed sites and day trips like My Son Sanctuary or the cycling tour.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
| Accommodation (per night) | $12 – $20 | $35 – $55 | $120 – $180 |
| Local Transport | $4 – $8 | $10 – $20 | $30 – $50 |
| Activities & Entrance Fees | $6 – $12 | $15 – $30 | $40 – $70 |
| Meals & Dining | $8 – $15 | $20 – $35 | $45 – $75 |
| Estimated Total (per day) | $30 – $55 | $80 – $140 | $235 – $375 |
Figures are per person estimates and will vary with season, booking lead time, and hotel choices.
Budget travel means a guesthouse, street food and local eateries, a rented bicycle, and mostly free or low-cost sightseeing. Mid-range covers a 3- to 4-star hotel, a mix of local and Western restaurants, a private driver for day trips like My Son Sanctuary, and a couple of ticketed attractions. Luxury opens up boutique riverside hotels, private guides, spa treatments, and tailor-made clothing, one of Hoi An’s most famous splurges.
Unmissable Things to Do in Hoi An
Beyond the landmarks above, these are the experiences that round out a Hoi An itinerary.
| Activity | What It Involves | Best For |
| Take a cooking class | Shop a local market or pick herbs in Tra Que Village, then cook traditional dishes like cao lau or fresh spring rolls | Food lovers |
| Cycle the countryside | Ride past rice paddies and fishing villages between the Ancient Town and the coast | Active travelers |
| Get tailor-made clothing | Hoi An’s tailor shops can turn around custom suits or dresses in 1-2 days | Shoppers |
| Release a lantern on the Thu Bon River | Buy a small floating candle-lantern and set it adrift, especially magical during the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival | Couples and photographers |
| Ride a basket boat | Glide through Cam Thanh’s coconut palm waterways on a traditional round boat | Families |
| Take a day trip to Cu Lao Cham | Speedboat out to this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for snorkeling and quiet beaches, open March to September only | Snorkelers and island-hoppers |
| Visit the handicraft villages | Watchpotters at Thanh Ha or carpenters at Kim Bong practice centuries-old crafts | Culture and craft enthusiasts |
What to Eat in Hoi An: Best Food & Where to Eat
- Cao Lau. Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, thick rice noodles said to use water from a specific ancient well, tossed with pork slices, herbs, and crispy croutons.
- Banh Bao Vac (White Rose Dumplings). Delicate, translucent shrimp dumplings shaped like a flower, a Hoi An specialty found almost nowhere else in Vietnam.
- Banh Mi. Hoi An’s version of Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich is often ranked among the country’s best, thanks to a particularly good local bakery scene.
- Com Ga (Hoi An Chicken Rice). Shredded poached chicken over turmeric-tinted rice, topped with pickled onions and Vietnamese coriander.
- Banh Xeo. A crispy turmeric pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and dipped in fish sauce.
Where to eat:
For a Hoi An cooking class that doubles as a meal, our Hoi An cooking class day tour starts with a market or garden visit before you cook and eat your own cao lau and white rose dumplings.
For a sit-down meal in the Old Town, look for restaurants along Tran Phu and Nguyen Thai Hoc streets specializing in Hoi An’s signature dishes, most open for lunch and dinner and display their cao lau and banh xeo prominently on the menu.
Plan Your Trip With Us
However you want to spend your time among Hoi An’s best attractions, a slow wander through the Ancient Town, a day trip to My Son, or a countryside ride out to the coconut forest, our local specialists can help you build the right mix. Browse all Hoi An tours or create your trip to put together a private itinerary.
We are here to help you. Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our specialists.
Wrapping Up
The best attractions in Hoi An reward slow travel more than a checklist, lantern-lit evenings in the Old Town, a quiet morning among My Son’s ruins, and an afternoon that might be spent on a bike, in a basket boat, or simply on the beach. Now a ward of Da Nang City rather than a stand-alone Quang Nam town, Hoi An hasn’t lost any of what made it worth visiting in the first place. For more planning help, browse our Hoi An Travel Guide or contact us for a private consultation.
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Should I go to An Bang beach on sunset or sunrise for rosy sky
Dear Madam,
Thank you for reaching out to us! Since An Bang beach faces east, it’s ideal for watchung the sunrise rather than the sunset. At dawn, the sun rises directly over the sea, casting soft, rosy hues across the sky and creating a peaceful, breathtaking view. Sunsets there can still be beautiful, with warm tones reflected in the clouds, but the sun sets behind the land, not over the ocean. So if you’re hoping for a classic rosy sky over the water, sunrise at An Bang is your best bet. Hope this helps!
Best regards,
IDC Travel Team.