Hoi An is a major destination for all travellers in Vietnam: known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, affordable clothes tailoring and famous lanterns. There is so much more to Hoi An than just Old Town, lanterns and tailor shops, you could spend a whole month here and do something different every day. I’ve visited Hoi An three times, including when I worked in a hostel here, so I know the famous lantern city, food and sights quite well. This bumper guide will cover everything you need to know to get to Hoi An, get around Hoi An and have the best time exploring the lantern city. I’ll include my personal tips around safety, Hoianese dishes you need to try and where to try them, the best hostels for every kind of backpacker, which sights are over and under-rated and the best nightlife spots.
How many days to spend in Hoi An
Hoi An is one of those places where you could spend weeks on end and never run out of things to do and new restaurants to try. How long you spend in the famous lantern city of Hoi An depends greatly on your interests, how fast-paced of a traveller you are and whether you are also staying in Da Nang (a nearby city). At a minimum, you should try and spend at least three full days in Hoi An. This would give you ample time to try some great food, enjoy the nightlife and tick off the top 5 attractions: Hoi An Old Town, a night boat ride to see the lanterns, get clothes tailored, do a cooking class with spinning boats and visit Marble Mountains.
If you have the time or you prefer to travel at a much slower pace and really savour your time among the lanterns of Hoi An, I would spend a full week here. In a week, you could visit the main attractions listed above but also visit My Son Temples, have a beach day, take a lantern-making class, do a walking tour of Hoi An Old Town and travel the Hai Van Pass to Hue.
Hoi An or Da Nang?
Deciding between Hoi An and Da Nang for your backpacking adventure in Vietnam can feel like choosing between two vastly different worlds, each with its unique charm. Given that the two destinations are only 45 minutes drive apart, you can visit all of the same sights regardless of where you stay. However, for most backpackers, Hoi An stands out as the clear winner due to the walkability of the city, the number of great social hostels, the food and the nightlife.
Hoi An, with its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets, and tranquil riverside setting, offers a more cultural experience. Additionally, Hoi An’s size makes it incredibly backpacker-friendly; you can explore much of the town on foot or by bicycle, giving you the freedom to discover hidden gems at your own pace. The town is also renowned for its tailor shops, cooking classes, and easy access to beaches, providing a well-rounded experience for backpackers.
That’s not to say Da Nang doesn’t have its perks. The city boasts stunning beaches, a buzzing big city nightlife, and is a convenient transport hub with grab cars, buses, trains and an airport. You can also nab really great deals on fancy hotels, which is perfect if you want to treat yourself and recharge your social battery. Da Nang is super popular with expats, vacationers and digital nomads, but for backpackers, the hostels and the city itself lacks the vibe that Hoi An has.
Some takeaway points
To summarise, stay in Da Nang before or after your stay in Hoi An to treat yourself to a bougie, affordable hotel and recharge your social battery. But as a backpacker wanting to sightsee, meet other travellers, enjoy nightly and food, Hoi An has a much better vibe! If you’re short on time though or don’t feel the need to recharge your battery, Da Nang is skippable and the sights around Da Nang can be visited from Hoi An as a day trip.
How to get to Hoi An
Hoi An is a major destination for travellers and is easily accessible from many other places in Vietnam. There are lots of buses that drop off and pick up around Hoi An at regular intervals. Hoi An is also only a 45-minute drive from Da Nang which is a big city in Vietnam. Da Nang has an international airport and a large train station. From Da Nang, you can easily get to Hoi An with a Grab or by jumping on the minibus transfers which run virtually every 15 minutes from all major train stations, bus stations and the airport.
If you’re coming directly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, flying into Da Nang Airport will be your best bet as it takes more than 14 hours from either of these cities to Hoi An via bus or train. There are a few budget airlines in Vietnam that offer affordable flights for less than $30 USD and the flight time is less than 2 hours. For other destinations such as Hue, Phong Nha, Dalat and Quy Nhon, the easiest way to get to Hoi An is via a sleeper bus.
There are also sleeper buses from destinations further afield such as Ninh Binh, Mui Ne and Nha Trang, but generally, travellers will make stops in between. All buses can be booked through hostels or online at 12GOAsia. In Hoi An, buses can’t enter Old Town, so buses will arrive into various agencies and smaller bus stops surrounding Old Town. From these dropoff locations, you can usually easily book a Grab or get in a taxi to get to your hostel.
How to get to Hoi An from Hue
If you are coming from Hue, have you considered travelling the Hai Van Pass instead of taking a bus? If you don’t know, the Hai Van Pass is a scenic mountain road connecting the two cities, which is best experienced on a motorbike. You can make many stops at attractions on the way and your luggage gets sent ahead to your hostel in Hoi An. I highly recommend taking the Hai Van Pass as a day trip to get to Hoi An from Hue, you can read more about it here.
If you don’t fancy taking the Hai Van Pass, the journey from Hue to Hoi An is only 3 hours in duration via bus. Buses run every 30 minutes from 5 am to 10:30 pm daily. Some of the buses are standard sleeper buses; whereas, others are minivan transfers. As the journey is only 3 hours, it doesn’t matter too much, but in my opinion sleeper buses are way more comfortable. In Hue the buses depart from various travel agencies around the town, so make sure you check the location of the company you book with. The Tbus booking agency is one of the most central and is within walking distance to Vietnam Backpackers and Shark Homestay Hostel. For a bus from Hue to Hoi An, expect to pay between 223-286k VND Vietnamese Dong ($9-$11) for a sleeper bus and 350k VND Vietnamese Dong ($14) for a minivan transfer.
How to get to Hoi An from Phong Nha
If you’re choosing to skip Hue, you can go directly from Phong Nha to Hoi An. In Phong Nha, sleeper buses depart from two places: opposite the boat station and directly out front of Central Backpackers Hostel. When departing Phong Nha, I strongly recommend booking buses directly through Central Backpackers Hostel, as that means you can chill in the bar, and the staff will come and get you when the bus arrives. Buses depart at 3 am, 3:30 am, 4am, 4:30 am, 7 am, 9 am, 11:40 am, 3pm, 7pm and 11pm. The most popular times are the 3 am and 11 pm buses as you can get the best night’s sleep at these times to maximise your travel time without losing a day. The journey takes around 8-9 hours, making around two rest stops/ snack stops. Expect to pay 540k VND Vietnamese Dong ($22 USD) for this journey.
How to get to Hoi An from Dalat
Getting to Hoi An from Dalat is fairly simple as there are many buses running along this route at various times. In Dalat, buses depart from multiple travel agencies around the centre of town (not the central bus station), so make sure you check the departure location. From Dalat, the buses depart every half an hour from 3:30 pm to 6 pm, with multiple bus companies operating along this route. The journey takes 12 hours on a sleeper bus, so the later bus will arrive at 6 am, which is probably the most convenient time. Expect to pay around 500k-745k VND Vietnamese Dong ($20-$30 USD) for this journey.
How to get to Hoi An from Quy Nhon
A few night sleeper buses are departing Quy Nhon and arriving directly in Hoi An. The sleeper buses are basic but fairly comfortable, with no curtains and bed/seats that recline 90% of the way. Unfortunately, no VIP sleeper bus companies are operating on this route. Sleeper Buses run through the company An Phu, so they will arrive at An Phu office in Hoi An. Buses depart in the centre of Quy Nhon Town from just outside the Kim Cuc Plaza (not the bus station). Buses are departing Quy Nhon at 12:30 am, 12:45 am and 1:30 am. This means you arrive in Hoi An at around 6 am after the 6-hour journey. Expect to pay 860k VND Vietnamese Dong ($35 USD) for this sleeper bus.
How to get around Hoi An
Hoi An is fairly touristy, so it is quite easy to get around with multiple methods of transport available. If you’re booking tours like a cooking class, a tour to the My Son Temples, a tour of the Marble Mountains or the Hai Van Pass, tour companies will offer hostel pickup and dropoff, so there’s no need to worry about transport. The other main ways to get around Hoi An are Grab (both scooter and car options), getting around on foot, renting a bicycle or renting a motorbike.
Getting around Hoi An by Grab
Grab (the Uber of Southeast Asia) is by far the easiest way to get around Hoi An. They have both cars and scooters available, depending on your journey. It’s cheap, efficient, and gives you a taste of the local way of life. If you’re heading on shorter journeys or to and from Old Town, scooters are much more efficient and easier to book than cars. For longer journeys or when you have your big backpack with you, cars may be more suitable.
While there is Grab everywhere in Hoi An, drivers are often unwilling to pick up and drop off in the historical part of Old Town, due to the motorbike mafia. If you are not able to find a Grab (particularly from the bars), just walk out of the Old Town and book one from there. I usually walk toward the major intersection of Tran Hung Dao Road, where all the Grab drivers will happily pick up.
A word of warning on the motorbike mafia
The motorbike mafia is a name given colloquially by many tourists, expats and locals in Hoi An, to the motorbikes owned by a powerful local family. This family owns many businesses in Hoi An, notably many popular bars and clubs. These non-grab motorbike drivers wait outside bars and clubs in Old Town, offering rides to drunk travellers. As Grab drivers are often too scared to enter Old Town (particularly at night), travellers end up getting frustrated, unable to get a Grab and then get on these bikes. In the best-case scenario, the driver takes you home but charges you 5-10 times the normal rate for that journey. At worst, many travellers report being robbed of their phones or assaulted when they refuse to pay more/ give up their phone.
Getting around Hoi An on foot
The best way to get around Old Town is undoubtedly on foot. The area is largely traffic-free, making it perfect for strolls. Walking allows you to appreciate the Hoi An’s intricate details: the fusion of architectural styles, the scent of incense in the air, and spot the many lanterns around the town. The downside is the heat and humidity, particularly in the middle of the day, which can make the walk very sweaty. You can visit all popular restaurants, cafes and bars in Hoi An Old Town on foot, as well as historical sights, tailor shops, the departure point for a night boat ride to see the lanterns and the lantern lady (where you make your own lanterns) on foot.
Getting around by Bicycle
If you don’t fancy walking, another fun way to get around is by renting a bicycle. Many guesthouses, hostels, and rental shops offer bikes either for free or at a nominal charge, making it an accessible option for everyone. By renting a bicycle, you get to enjoy the scenery at a pace that’s just right – fast enough to cover ground yet slow enough to appreciate the details. Biking is ideal for visiting the rice paddies, making your way to An Bang Beach, or simply getting lost in the countryside, where you’ll find peace away from the tourist spots. The flat terrain of Hoi An and its surroundings makes biking enjoyable for people of all fitness levels. However, it can be pretty hot and sweaty biking around, particularly in the middle of the day.
Getting around Hoi An by motorbike
While you can get around Hoi An Old Town on foot or via grab, for other sights further afield you’ll need to join a tour, hire a private taxi for the day or rent a motorbike. This includes sights like My Son Temples, Marble Mountains or visiting the beach. It’s cost-effective for longer stays and opens up possibilities for spontaneous side trips to nearby beaches or rice paddies. You can expect to pay around 150k VND Vietnamese Dong ($6 USD) for a motorbike for the day. Most hostels have recommended agencies that rent out motorbikes, or you can find many reputable rental agencies that are well-reviewed by a quick Google search.
The catch? You need to be confident in your riding skills and aware of the local traffic rules (or sometimes, the apparent lack thereof). Renting a bike is not recommended for Hoi An Old Town as there is a lot of traffic and honestly, it’s just not necessary given the availability of Grab.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Hoi An is a major destination in Vietnam for backpackers, which is fairly developed for tourism, so there are many great established hostels to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a wild party hostel, a flashpacker hostel, a good social hostel with events or a chill beachside hostel- there’s a bit of something for everyone. There are many independent hostels, but also big party hostel chains like Mad Monkey and Fuse (Fuse has two locations: Old Town and Beachside). Given the limited real estate in Old Town, a lot of hostels will be located on the outskirts, or even further out in the ricefields or by the beach. Regardless of where you stay though, grab scooter and other transport is readily available. You can book all accommodation online here.
Cuckoos Nest– best social hostel
Cuckoos Nest in Hoi An is one of the best hostels for solo travellers looking to make friends in the whole of Vietnam! The hostel is owned by a backpacker who fulfilled his dream of opening a hostel, so the hostel is perfectly tailored for solo travellers. They run nightly events like family dinners, spring roll-making classes, beer pong competitions, trivia nights, games nights and pool parties. The bar on site also does a free rum and coke for half an hour every night, which gets everyone out to the garden/bar area to socialise.
In terms of amenities, the beds are pod-style with comfortable duvets, pillows and privacy curtains. They have big lockers, reliable hot water and Wifi and free water, coffee and tea all day. Additionally, there’s a rooftop pool, a pool table, a massive garden area and a bar and food available on site. The one downside to Cuckoos Nest is the location is in the countryside in the rice paddies, so it’s not really walkable to town. However, in the two and half weeks I stayed here, I never once experienced any real difficulty getting Grab scooters back and forth from the town.
Bed Station– best party hostel
Bed Station in Hoi An is the go-to spot for backpackers for a mix of a party and social atmosphere. The dorm rooms are surprisingly comfortable for a party hostel, offering clean beds, personal lockers, and air conditioning, but unfortunately no curtains on the beds. The hostel is located a little bit out of the Old Town (around a 20-minute walk into the centre). They also have a pool, restaurant and bar on site. The real reason to come here is for the drink specials, lively atmosphere and the busy bar. Bed Station does free spirits and mixers every night for half an hour. Following that, they have an all-you-can-drink special, where for less than $4 you can have unlimited drinks for 2 hours. The hostel attracts a younger backpacking crowd and the vibe is social/party, so it is fairly easy to make friends but everyone drinks every night.
Snapstay– best flashpacker hostel
Snapstay Hostel in Hoi An a great flashpackers hostel, located right in the middle of Old Town. The dorms here are a pleasant surprise, with an emphasis on cleanliness and comfort. Each bunk is equipped with a comfy mattress, personal reading light, power outlets, and a blackout curtain. They offer super high-speed wifi, an outdoor pool, a rooftop, a cafe and a coworking space. Snapstay has lots of comfortable common areas and a fairly social vibe, although they don’t specifically run events like other social hostels in Hoi An. Snapstay is perfect for digital nomads, flashpackers or anyone wanting a quiet and comfortable non-party hostel in the centre of Old Town.
Seaside bungalows– best beach hostel
Seaside Bungalows is a homey hostel, perfectly blending the laid-back beach vibe with the social atmosphere of a hostel. The two key reasons to stay here and the beach and the family dinners every second night. Seaside Bungalows is by far the most relaxing hostel in Hoi an! However, the location, being 5 minutes from An Bang Beach is further from Old Town. However, Grabs are readily available and the hostel offers a free shuttle service a few times a day to and from the town. As well as the free shuttle, they also offer free breakfast and free city tours! The beds are basic but comfortable, with personal lockers, lights, and power sockets, but unfortunately no curtains on the bed. They also have great amenities like a volleyball net, pool and bar on site.
What to do in Hoi An
Hoi An is brimming with things to do from exploring the Old Town to taking a boat ride to see the lanterns at night and even getting clothes tailored. There are more attractions than just lanterns in the surrounding areas of Hoi An that you can visit as a day or half-day trip such as My Son Temple, Marble Mountain, the spinning boats, a countryside cooking class and An Bang Beach and Hidden Beach. I’ll cover what to expect, entry fees and tips and tricks to how to best experience all these sights in and around Hoi An. One sight I will not cover is Golden Bridge (the famous hand bridge) as it’s not worth it in my opinion, particularly given the entrance costs $33 USD just to visit and snap a few photos for the gram!
Cooking Class and spinning boats
Taking a cooking class in Hoi An is a must-do experience, especially if it includes a trip to the spinning boats and a market tour. Even if you’re not into cooking, the class is a fun experience and a way to learn more about Hoianese dishes and culture. It’s also great for making friends as a solo traveller! Expect to pay 530k VND Vietnamese Dong ($21 USD) for the tour.
There are a lot of different companies that offer cooking classes in Hoi An, I went with Hoi An Eco Cooking Class as they included both the spinning boats and a market tour. The tour started at 1:30 pm with a market tour, where we tried different fruits and learnt more about life in Hoi An. Afterwards, we piled in a van for a stop-off at the spinning boats. After around 30 minutes of spinning on the boats, paddling around the rice paddies and catching crabs, you jump back in the van heading to the homestay where you take the cooking class.
The homestay is located in the countryside so the views are scenic. You make several dishes and then have a family dinner with everyone from the class. Pre-warning, there’s a lot of food! I would skip lunch beforehand and expect to be super full afterwards. When everyone is finished eating, you’ll be dropped back at your hostel by around 6 pm.
Enjoy a Lantern Boat Ride
A night boat ride to see the lanterns in Hoi An is an essential experience for any traveller visiting Hoi An; the city of lanterns. Imagine floating down the river, admiring the lights of Hoi An Old Town surrounded by hundreds of lanterns and lights on the water. This is a great experience for anyone into photography or who wants to get a cute photo of them and the Hoi An lanterns for the grid!
While it is a great experience and something which I would recommend doing, it’s worth noting a few downsides. The popularity of the Hoi An lantern boat rides means you won’t be the only one on the water, especially during peak tourist seasons or festival times, which can slightly detract from the serenity. It does feel pretty commercial and an activity that many people do purely for the Insta photos, so it may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
To experience this, you don’t need to book in advance or go on a tour. Simply, head to the Hoi An Lantern bridge connecting the island with all the bars to Old Town and chat with one of the boat owners, sitting in boats moored along the river edge. You will have to haggle a little to get a fair price. I paid 65k VND Vietnamese Dong per person ($2.50 USD) for a boat shared with two other travellers from my hostel. If you are alone and want a private boat, expect to pay a little more as prices are per boat. The best time to go is around 8 pm and there will be many other boats there, so it will be well lit up.
Get clothes tailored
Getting clothes tailored in Hoi An is practically a rite of passage for any backpacker passing through Hoi An. Known as the tailoring capital of Vietnam, Hoi An’s streets are lined with tailor shops, eager to attract tourists with their affordable prices. Expect to be spoilt for choice, with shops offering a dizzying array of fabrics and styles. The process is part of the fun; selecting your fabric, getting measured, and then working with the tailor on the design can feel like a collaborative art project.
One of the biggest pros is the speed at which tailors in Hoi An work; outfits can be turned around in a matter of days, sometimes hours, without compromising on quality. You also have the option to pay extra and get your tailored clothes sent home instead of carrying them with you in your backpack, which is handy if you’re getting lots of things tailored or something bulky like a suit for a wedding back home.
Where to get clothes tailored
There are heaps of tailors to choose from in Hoi An, so it can feel pretty overwhelming trying to decide where to go. You can look up reviews for tailors on Google or ask other travellers for recommendations. I went with Tailor Shop 45, which is located in the middle of the market and I couldn’t be happier with my clothing, which is still going strong years later. While tailoring is affordable in Hoi An, compared to what getting tailored clothes costs in many Western countries, it may still be out of many travellers’ budgets. For example, button-down shirts can cost anywhere from $10-$50 USD and short dresses anywhere from $15-$100 USD depending on style of dress, fabric and which tailor shop you choose. You should always haggle with tailor shops, particularly if you’re getting multiple items made or bring a friend with you who also wants things tailored.
Popular items to get tailored include suits, formal/ occasion dresses, fitted pants, swimwear and custom leather shoes. You can basically get anything you want tailored though, so if you’re planning a trip to Hoi An, start thinking of outfits now! To prepare for tailoring, look up some images of outfits that are similar to what you want so you can show them reference pictures. My one tip would be to tell the tailor shop you have fewer days in Hoi An than you actually have. For example, if you have 5 days in Hoi An, tell them you only have 3 so your clothes are ready sooner, just in case you need to make last-minute alterations. If you tell them you have 5 days, they will take the full 5 days to have your clothes ready, which can be a bit stressful if something isn’t right in your final fitting.
Make your own lantern
This is the perfect rainy-day activity and makes a great souvenir! There are a few places in Hoi An that offer lantern-making classes, but I went through The Lantern Lady, as it was recommended and had great Google reviews. You don’t need to book this in advance or go with a tour, you can simply show up at The Lantern Lady’s house/shop, which is just outside of Hoi An Old Town and she’ll find a spot for you. If you’re a big group, you may want to contact The Lantern Lady on Google and give her a heads up on what time to expect you. The shop is open most days (may be closed for public holidays) from 9 am to 5 pm.
What to expect visiting The Lantern Lady
The workshop is usually set in a cozy, informal setting in a simple, open-air workshop, connected to The Lantern Lady’s house, which adds to the authenticity of the experience. You have a few options on what you can create: the full experience is creating a famous Hoi An lantern from scratch or you can simply decorate a pre-made lantern by choosing the fabrics and embellishments. I went with the latter option as I’m not very crafty. You then also have different sizing options which you can choose from, but most people choose a smaller size lantern. You’ll be introduced to the materials and tools used, followed by a step-by-step tutorial on constructing the bamboo frame, cutting the silk, and assembling your Hoi An lantern.
If you’re making a lantern from scratch, you want to allow around 1-2 hours, depending on how crafty you are. If you’re just decorating a lantern, you can do this in 30-60 mins. I paid around 50k VND Vietnamese Dong ($2 USD) for a small pre-made lantern, which I decorated myself. The lantern you make folds down to almost flat, so it’s easy to store in your backpack and take home as a souvenir. Or you can gift it to the Lantern Lady or your Hoi An hostel if you just want to do it for the experience!
Hoi An Free Walking Tour
Joining a free walking tour around Hoi An Old Town is the best way to explore the city and learn about its rich history. Hoi An Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, made up of a maze of narrow, lantern-lit streets, ancient buildings, and vibrant marketplaces. Expect to wander through centuries-old merchant houses, see iconic Japanese-covered bridges, and visit bustling markets overflowing with spices, fabrics, and handicrafts. Guides often share fascinating insights into Hoi An’s past as a major trading port, blending historical facts with local legends, and making the experience both educational and entertaining. I would strongly recommend doing a walking tour on your first morning in Hoi An as it helps orientate you, but also guides give you recommendations and tips for your stay.
The popularity of Hoi An means you won’t be alone when exploring the sights and lanterns of Hoi An. The narrow streets can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, which might detract from the quaint charm you’re hoping to enjoy. Plus, the tropical climate can make for a sweltering experience, so staying hydrated and wearing comfortable shoes are musts. You also need to wear temple dress to enter some religious sights, meaning your knees, shoulders and torso should be covered.
What to expect on a free walking tour of Hoi An
Most tours will start in the morning at around 8 am or 9 am so they finish up by the hottest part of the day. While walking tours are free, it is expected you tip your guide if you think they’ve done a good job. There is also an additional fee you have to pay (not covered by walking tours) for entrance into key historical sights in Hoi An. The ticket gets you entry into any 5 historical sights in Hoi An and can be purchased from multiple ticket booths around Hoi An. The cost of the ticket is only 60k VND Vietnamese Dong ($2.50 USD). Make sure you keep your ticket safe as they need to stamp it at every sight you visit.
If you don’t fancy doing a walking tour, you can just wander around Old Town yourself and visit key sights, but there aren’t many signs giving history and explanations. Most walking tours will cover sights such as the Japanese Bridge, Quang Trieu Assembly Hall, Quan Thang Old House, Quan Cong Temple, Quan Am Pagoda and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. You will still need to purchase the Hoi An Historical Sights ticket, regardless of whether you do a walking tour, to visit these sights.
My Son Temple
Nestled in a lush valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site presents a collection of Hindu temples and ruins dating back from the 4th to the 14th century. Expect an early start if you’re joining a tour to avoid the midday heat and crowds, it is worth it to see the temples bathed in the soft morning light. The journey to My Son itself can be part of the adventure, winding through the countryside and offering snapshots of rural Vietnamese life. Guided tours provide valuable insights into the significance of the site and the Cham people. The ruins, set against a backdrop of green mountains are a great spot for photography and are reminiscent of a smaller, ruinous version of Angkor Wat.
However, My Son’s remote location means it can be a bit of a trek to get there, and the heat and humidity can become overwhelming, especially during the peak of the day. Some visitors might find the site smaller than expected, especially when compared to more famous Southeast Asian temple complexes like Angkor Wat, and the level of preservation varies across the site.
Tour vs driving yourself to My Son
Going on a tour is recommended as you have a guide and don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting there and back. Tours are generally half-day (from around 8 am) and include hostel pickup and dropoff, a guide, all entrance fees, lunch, a free local musical performance in the temple complex and the shuttle to and from the entrance gate and the actual temples. Expect to pay 800 VND Vietnamese Dong ($32 USD) for a guided tour.
If you choose to drive yourself, expect to pay a total of 160k VND Vietnamese Dong ($7 USD)for entrance and scooter parking. You can jump on a guided tour when you arrive, but it will cost around an additional 100k VND Vietnamese Dong ($4 USD). While My Son is a religious site, temple dress is not strictly enforced (meaning you don’t have to cover your knees and shoulders), but dressing respectfully is requested. Most people there were in shorts and T-shirts, which security had no issue with.
The Hai Van Pass
Tackling the Hai Van Pass from Hoi An to Hue is both a method of transport but also an adventurous sightseeing experience, which I highly recommend booking! This mountainous stretch of road offers some of the most breathtaking views in Vietnam, with the South China Sea on one side and lush mountains on the other. The pass itself is a thrilling ride, which can be completed either as a self-drive or with an easy rider. I have a whole guide explaining the Hai Van Pass and what to expect here.
Marble Mountain
Marble Mountain is another great day trip you can do outside of Hoi An! If you’re planning on doing the Hai Van Pass, this is usually the first stop you make. If you’re not planning on doing the Hai Van Pass, I still highly recommend visiting Marble Mountain as a half-day trip. This cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each named after an element (water, wood, fire, metal, and earth), offers a unique escape with its caves, temples, and panoramic views. There are so many sights to explore here, so ideally, you would allow around 2 hours, maybe longer if you’re into photography or joining a guided tour.
The climb up the mountains can be steep in places, but it’s manageable for those with a basic level of fitness. Along the way, you’ll stop many times to explore caves that open up into breathtaking temples and shrines, some lit by shafts of sunlight from above, creating a mystical ambience. It costs 40k VND Vietnamese Dong ($1.50 USD) to enter Marble Mountain. To get to the top, you have two options: an elevator, which costs an additional 55k VND Vietnamese Dong ($2.50 USD) or climb a stairway of 155 steps. If you drive yourself on a scooter, expect there to be a small parking fee, but you could easily also get a Grab or taxi here or join a tour. Marble Mountains is a sacred sight so temple dress is enforced, this means covering your knees, shoulders and torso.
Relaxing at An Bang Beach and Hidden Beach
Visiting An Bang Beach and Hidden Beach in Hoi An offers a refreshing break from the humidity of exploring Old Town. An Bang Beach is the more popular of the two, known for its vibrant atmosphere and stretch of soft, white sand. Here, you can expect a lively beach scene with plenty of options for food and drinks, along with sun loungers for rent, making it easy to spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves. If you’re looking for a lunch spot at An Bang Beach, highly recommend Bikini Bottom for American-style smash burgers, milkshakes and cheesy fries (thank me later!).
Hidden Beach, as the name suggests, is much quieter with fewer tourists. The beach is smaller and less developed, which is part of its charm, providing a more natural setting to relax in. There are fewer amenities here, but you can still find basic facilities and a couple of spots to grab a drink or a simple meal. The main downside to both beaches, particularly An Bang, can be their popularity, especially during peak travel seasons, when finding a quiet spot might be challenging. Additionally, the commercialization of An Bang Beach might not appeal to those seeking a purely natural beach experience. The other thing to note is there are small jellyfish and sandflies at both beaches, so be wary!
Where to eat in Hoi An
Hoi An is a legit foodie heaven! From local food stands to fancy Vietnamese fusion restaurants to a diversity of different international and Western cuisines: Hoi An has lots of good food, whether you are a foodie or just looking for a quick feed. There are three main dishes which are famous Hoianese foods that you should try while you’re here: Cau Lau, Mi Quang and White Rose Dumplings. Cau Lau is a pork and noodle dish, Mi Quang is a flat noodle soup dish and White Rose Dumplings are dumplings that look like small white roses. I’ll cover everywhere to eat in Hoi An, including the best places to try the signature Hoianese dishes.
Madam Khanh- Bahn Mi Queen
Madam Khanh also called Bahn Mi Queen is a legendary and very Tik Tok famous Bahn Mi Shop. Located in the heart of Old Town, they offer a wider variety of fillings, catering to different dietary requirements. Madam Khanh is considered to be the best Bahn Mi in Hoi An (and one of the best in the whole of Vietnam). While they have a small shop with seating, there are always queues, so don’t expect to get a seat. Madam Khanh is best enjoyed on the go while walking through the streets of Old Town.
Cau Lau Thanh
Cau Lau Thanh is the go-to spot for Cau Lau, a Hoi An specialty. This modest eatery does this dish justice, serving up bowls filled with thick noodles, pork, and local greens, drenched in a rich, savoury broth. They only serve Cau Lau, but they serve it well and for only 30k VND Vietnamese Dong (less than $2 USD). Be warned, the restaurant is tiny with seating on small stools (you may have to wait for a spot at busy times).
Mi Quang Ong Hai
Mi Quang Ong Hai also known as Mr Hai Noodles is an institution in Hoi An and the place to try Mi Quang Noodles, a special Hoianese dish. The restaurant atmosphere is no-frills (think temporary tables and no A/C), ensuring that the focus remains on the food, which they do extremely well! There may also be a queue at busy times, but the Mi Quang Noodles are worth the wait.
Hoi An Street Food Restaurant
Hoi An Street Food Restaurant captures the essence of the town’s street food scene but in a restaurant. It’s a bustling, vibrant place that is always full and often has a queue even at off-meal times. Hoi An Street Food is the place to come to try the famous white rose dumplings, another Hoianese specialty.
Bikini Bottom
Bikini Bottom is located just near An Bang Beach and is the place to go for American-style smash burgers, cheesy fries and milkshakes. They’re the perfect hangover food if you’ve had a big night at Tiger Tiger or ideal if you just want a bit of a break from Vietnamese food.
Secret Garden
Secret Garden is definitely more of a treat-yourself place, but so worth it for the food and the ambience. Located in the centre of Hoi An Old Town, they set up temporary tables right along the river, so you can watch the lantern boats while you eat. The menu features Vietnamese fusion cuisine, making it a great option for a special evening out. The higher price point reflects the setting and quality, so it may not suit the budget of all backpackers.
Morning Glory
Morning Glory restaurant is another treat-yourself meal option if you want to try Vietnamese fusion dishes and feel a little bougie. Be warned, it’s located right in the middle of Old Town and can get really busy! It’s best for dinner but you could also visit for lunch.
Best Cafes in Hoi An
From quaint tea stands to all-day breakfast restaurants, Hoi An has a cafe scene that caters to a wide range of tastes and moods. Whether you’re a coffee-lover or just looking for somewhere cool to escape the heat of Old Town, these are some of my favourite cafes in and around Old Town.
Mot Iced Tea
Starting with the iconic and TikTok famous Mot Iced Tea Stand, this spot is a refreshing change from your typical coffee shop. The stand is simple, offering a variety of iced teas with a local twist. The vibe is as authentic as it gets, but don’t expect comfy seating or air conditioning. It’s more of a grab-and-go place and there is always a queue!
Nourish Cafe
Nourish Cafe stands out for its health-conscious menu, serving up delicious vegan and vegetarian options alongside excellent coffee. Located just around the corner from Bed Station Hostel, Nourish Cafe is a peaceful spot to escape the busyness of the hostel. They have great smoothie bowls and a cute aesthetic seating area, which is perfect for journalling or sitting down with a good book. However, prices can be a tad higher compared to local standards, reflecting its expat customer base.
Rosies Cafe
Rosie’s Cafe is a hidden gem, located a little way out of Old Town, but I swear it’s worth it! The menu is a mix of Western and Vietnamese options, with lots of all-day breakfast options (they do a killer Eggs Benedict!). The seating area is located in their garden, which is super peaceful and great if you want to do some work, travel planning or just chill for a few hours.
Phin Coffee and Restaurant
Phin Coffee and Restaurant is a cute little restaurant, in the heart of Old Town. It is located down a very pokey alleyway, but once you enter the restaurant it opens out to a cute hidden garden area. They have amazing coffee, juices and lots of brunch food options. The garden area makes it feel much cooler than it is so it’s the perfect spot to sit and cool down from the heat of Old Town.
Hoi An Coffee Roasters
Hoi An Coffee Roasters is a must-visit for serious coffee lovers. They offer a range of brews from light to dark roasts. The atmosphere is bustling and not really somewhere you stop for a long time to chill. They also only do coffee (no food or snacks) so are more of a to-go coffee stop.
The Espresso Station
The Espresso Station is a hidden treasure, tucked down an unassuming alley away from the main streets of Old Town. The quaint and quirky decor adds to the charm, with the lush plants making it a welcome cool oasis from the heat. They have great coffee and food and are fairly quiet, making it the perfect spot to chill for a few hours and journal.
Hoi An Nightlife
Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and riverside setting, is a great place to wander about at night and soak in the scenery, if you’re not keen on partying. However, don’t let its serene appearance fool you; there are plenty of spots to grab a drink, enjoy some music and dance until the early hours. One of the benefits of Hoi An nightlife is that virtually all of the bars are in one strip opposite the lantern boats so you can easily bar hop. Another benefit, is food stalls line the streets outside the bars, so you can easily get a drunk feed before heading home.
While there are a few good bars and places with a D-floor, don’t expect them to match the party scenes of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. It is fairly laid back and there are no actual clubs or anywhere that plays music other than top 100 radio hits and throwback songs that everybody can sing to. Still, it is a fun night out for backpackers!
Y Not Bar
Y Not Bar is a staple for many travellers, known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly crowd. It’s the kind of place where you can easily strike up a conversation with fellow backpackers, making it ideal for solo travellers. The drinks are reasonably priced, they have outdoor seating, a pool table out back and there’s often live music or a DJ to keep the vibes going.
Mr Bean Bar
Mr Bean Bar, with its quirky name and decor, offers a cozy spot to chill. It’s smaller and might not have the same buzz as other places, but it’s a funny spot for pre-drinks and it’s always fairly busy. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re not up for a big party but still want to enjoy a drink and good company or for pre-drinks.
Tiger Tiger
Tiger Tiger is the place to go for dancing! Known as one of the more lively spots in Hoi An, it tends to attract a younger crowd. While it can get quite packed, that’s part of the fun. Just be prepared for it to be louder and busier than your average bar in Hoi An. I also wouldn’t get there before 10 pm, as most people do pre-drinks at their hostel or another bar before heading there for dancing.
Bungalow Beach Bar
Bungalow Beach Bar is an alternative nightlife spot, located just near An Bang Beach. They have a pool out back, where you can drink and chill. They also have pool tables and lots of casual seating. The setting is much more relaxed than the other bars in Hoi An Old Town, making it a great place for chill drinks. Bungalow Beach Bar is open until the early hours of the morning, but it doesn’t have a dancefloor or a super party vibe. One downside is it can get tricky to get a Grab home due to its location, so you may have to ask the bar staff to call you a taxi which can be more expensive.
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