Hoi An walking tour & city guide

The Ancient Town

From the 15th to the 19th century, Hoi An was a busy port where Japanese, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese traders met. The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the early 17th century, is the town's symbol. Old merchant houses, like Tan Ky House, and colorful Chinese assembly halls show the influence of the communities that settled here.

The center is closed to cars and much of it to motorbikes at certain hours, making it pleasant to wander. A single ticket gives access to a selection of historic houses, temples and museums.

Lanterns and the river

At night, thousands of silk lanterns light up the streets and the riverside, and small boats carry visitors who float paper lanterns with candles on the water. On the full moon each month, the town celebrates the Lantern Festival, when electric lights are dimmed.

Hoi An is also famous for its tailors, who can make clothes to measure in a day or two. Outside the town, cycling through rice fields to An Bang and Cua Dai beaches, or riding a round basket boat in the coconut palm forest of Cam Thanh, are popular activities.

Visiting tips

Hoi An is about 45 minutes from Da Nang airport. The best weather is from February to May. In October and November, heavy rains can flood the riverside streets. The ancient Cham ruins of My Son are a short trip away.