Hoi An, Vietnam

Why Hoi An?

Hoi An is the destination that makes everyone fall in love with Vietnam. This UNESCO-listed ancient town is a perfectly preserved trading port from the 15th-19th century — think lantern-lit streets reflecting off the Thu Bon River, centuries-old Japanese bridges, French colonial shop houses turned into boutique cafes, and food so good that people plan entire trips around it. It’s also impossibly affordable: get custom clothes tailored in 24 hours for $20-50, take a cooking class for $15, and eat the best cao lau of your life for $2.

What to Do

The Ancient Town

The heart of Hoi An is car-free and best explored on foot or by bicycle. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, wander through the old merchant houses, and peek into the Fujian Assembly Hall with its ornate Chinese architecture. Buy a ticket that gives access to five heritage sites. The real magic happens after dark when hundreds of silk lanterns light up the streets.

Lantern Festival

On the 14th day of each lunar month (the full moon), Hoi An holds its famous Lantern Festival. The town switches off electric lights, locals float candle-lit lanterns on the river, and the streets fill with traditional music and performances. It’s one of the most photogenic nights in all of Southeast Asia.

Custom Tailoring

Hoi An is famous worldwide for its tailor shops. You can get custom suits, dresses, leather shoes, and bags made to your exact measurements in 24-48 hours. Prices range from $20 for a dress to $100 for a three-piece suit. Yaly Couture and BeBe are well-known, but smaller shops often offer better deals and more personal service.

Cooking Classes & Food

Take a morning cooking class ($15-25) that starts with a market tour, then teaches you to make pho, spring rolls, and banh xeo. Seek out Cao Lau — thick noodles with pork, herbs, and crispy crackers found only in Hoi An. Visit Banh Mi Phuong (the “Banh Mi Queen”) for what Anthony Bourdain called the best sandwich in the world. White rose dumplings are another Hoi An-only specialty.

Beach & Beyond

An Bang Beach is a 15-minute bicycle ride from the Ancient Town — golden sand, beach bars, and far fewer crowds than Da Nang. Rent a bicycle for the day ($1-2) and ride through rice paddies to get there. For a day trip, the My Son Sanctuary — a 4th-century Hindu temple complex — is Vietnam’s answer to Angkor Wat (45 minutes by car).

Pro Tips

• Rent a bicycle — Hoi An is flat and compact; cycling is the best way to get around ($1-2/day)
• Visit after 4pm — The Ancient Town charges entry during the day but is free to walk through in the evening
• Full moon = Lantern Festival — Check the lunar calendar and plan your visit around it
• Get fitted early — Visit tailors on your first day so alterations can happen before you leave
• Morning market — The central market is best before 9am for fresh produce, banh mi, and local snacks
• Da Nang is 30 minutes away — Easy day trip by Grab or local bus for beaches and the Marble Mountains