With its lovely Old Town, bustling night markets, and plenty of scrumptious dining experiences, Hoi An’s charm is undeniable.
Hoi An might be the prettiest town I’ve explored in Vietnam. With streets of quaint shops painted in vivid shades and colourful lanterns glowing at dusk, it was a picturesque destination for a romantic escape with my husband. Packed with plenty of fun things to do, Hoi An kept us busy and helped me appreciate the wonders of Vietnamese food (banh mi for life). Sure, it’s touristy, and if you’re not a fan of heat, the sticky humidity will test you. But despite the peak summer crowds and rare air-conditioning breaks, I’d choose Hoi An’s poetic charm over Da Nang’s slick, modern buzz.
Planning a short weekend getaway from Singapore? Hoi An was the perfect pick for me. Here’s everything I did and loved.
How to get to Hoi An
The best way to get to Hoi An is from Da Nang, which has an international airport with direct flights from Singapore that are just under 3 hours. I went with Singapore Airlines, but there are also budget-friendly options like VietJet.
From Da Nang, it’s easy to get a Grab car or hail a taxi to Hoi An at the airport pickup point. The drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs approximately $20. Alternatively, there are more affordable limousine buses, or you can rent a motorbike if you’ve got the relevant license (and the courage to drive in Vietnam’s chaotic traffic).
How to get around Hoi An
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is easily walkable, with some streets cordoned off to vehicles so pedestrians can wander around in peace.
If you’re going further afield, you can rent a bicycle or a motorbike. Alternatively, enjoy air-conditioned comfort with Mai Linh or Vinasun taxis and Grab cars. I went with Grab as the more convenient option and didn’t spend anything above $5 for short rides. Some hotels also offer free or wallet-friendly bicycle rentals!
Know before you go
- How long to stay: A short day trip from Da Nang is doable, but to make the most of your time in Hoi An, I’d suggest staying for two to three days.
- Visit when it’s cool and dry: February to May is the ideal time to experience the best of Hoi An, as June to August gets hot and crowded, while the rainy season starts in September.
- Safe for solo travellers: The city is walkable, its people are welcoming, and the streets are pretty safe, which makes it a sweet spot for solo adventures.
- Bring cash: Most restaurants and cafes accept cards, but smaller vendors and street food stalls may not, so bring some Vietnamese dong with you.
- Dress for the weather: It was scorching hot when I went in June, but a sudden thunderstorm hit after I left, so check the weather before you go and pack accordingly.
- Bring the essentials: A hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen are necessities, along with a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated and mosquito repellent if you’re near the river or rice fields in the evening.
Things to do in Hoi An: My top recommendations
Visit the Ancient Town: For sightseeing and shopping
With splashes of colour and lanterns of all sizes, Hoi An’s charming Ancient Town deserves the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition it gets. Don’t forget to stop by historic landmarks like the Japanese Bridge (it’s scenic at sunset), Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and the Tan Ky Old House, which was built in 1741. Tip: it’s best explored in late afternoon, when the heat is a little more forgiving.
I loved roaming aimlessly around the streets, popping into cosy boutiques, grabbing a drink at a cafe, and marvelling at the sights. If you’re shopping for souvenirs, you’ll come across silk lanterns, leather sandals, canvas paintings, printed tees and even ceramic tableware. Got a few hours to spare? Try one of the lantern-making or Vietnamese cooking workshops to learn a new skill.
When evening rolls around, make your way to the Hoi An Night Market for a bustling cornucopia of street food and stalls selling clothes, trinkets, and souvenirs. I didn’t pick up anything, but it was enjoyable simply immersing myself in the vibrant scene.
Try everything from cafes to local food: For a fabulous feast
Vietnamese cuisine has never been one of my top favourites, but after Hoi An, I’ve changed my mind. From the variety of dishes to the aromatic herbs, everything was incredibly fresh and flavourful.
If you love some cafe-hopping action, head to Phin Coffee for brunch. The smoked duck pho, cao lau (rice noodles), and fried duck spring rolls gave me a great start to the day. For an afternoon break, take a seat at Reaching Out Teahouse to savour Vietnamese tea and coffee tasting sets paired with snacks and silence. It’s run by a social enterprise that employs differently-abled staff, so you’re invited to join in the quiet contemplation. Before sunset, drop by Faifo Coffee to cool down with a coconut coffee and rooftop views. It’s such a treat!
Oh, and have you heard of the banh mi battle between Madam Khanh (The Banh Mi Queen) and Banh Mi Phuong (praised by Anthony Bourdain)? Well, I hailed the queen, and she didn’t disappoint. That crisp crust was the perfect base for the mix of fresh herbs, juicy grilled pork, pickled veggies, pate, and spicy sauce. It’s even better when you wash the greasiness down with a creamy cup of egg coffee.
For those who want a fancier dinner, try one of Morning Glory’s locations within the town. The popular restaurant offers everything from Vietnamese street food to Hoi An signatures, and I left obsessed with white rose dumplings, quang noodles, and bun cha (grilled pork patties with rice noodles).
Get custom-made clothes: For exquisitely tailored ‘fits
Hoi An is famous for its abundance of tailors on every corner, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t do your homework. They’re known for speedy work, but I’d suggest you swing by on your first day to leave room for second fittings and adjustments.
Curious to suss out the difference between a big-name boutique and a smaller shop, I tried the services at BeBe Tailor and Win Tailor. They were worlds apart, and Win was a clear winner for me.
Recommended by my hotel, BeBe offered brisk (almost brusque) service. My husband and I were quickly ushered into the huge shop, where we saw a mind-boggling array of designs and expensive fabrics. Nothing was explicitly expressed, but I felt the pressure to be speedy and commit… or get judged. I can’t fault the quality of their clothes, but behind those polite smiles, the experience felt transactional and devoid of hospitality.
On the other hand, Tina welcomed us with her warmth and affection from the first day we stepped into Win’s cosy space. In between getting our measurements done, we exchanged candid stories about our lives and shared plenty of chuckles. She quoted us prices that were gentle on the purse strings and embraced us when we bid farewell. We also preferred her custom dresses and suits, though both tailors delivered the final pieces to our hotel.
The verdict: head to BeBe for a commercial tailoring experience if you’ve got the money to spend. If you love a good chat and want more personalised service, Win will steal your heart.
Sail on a lantern boat ride: For fairy-tale vibes
Hoi An at dusk is reminiscent of that iconic scene in Tangled, where Rapunzel and Flynn Rider glide across lantern-lit waters and gaze dreamily into each other’s eyes. The magical lantern boat rides are touristy, and the vendors are a tad pushy, but if you can’t resist the allure of a picture-perfect moment, it’s one of the more romantic things to do in Hoi An. Prices can vary, and you get the option to release a paper lantern into the water.
Wander around a pottery village: For handmade crafts and workshops
Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a rustic gem that’s located a short drive from the town centre. This traditional village is home to friendly craftspeople who have learnt the art of pottery for generations. After paying under $2 to enter, I wandered around the houses to try workshops and purchase pottery pieces as souvenirs. If you loathe being surrounded by throngs of tourists, this quiet spot offers a much-needed breather from the sweaty crowds.
I also headed next door to Thanh Ha Terracotta Park (the entry fee is less than $3) to explore the museum, learn about the history of the village, and sip a cold drink at the cafe. It’s best not to visit when the sun is at its most savage, but it’s worth a pitstop for those who are fascinated by the world of pottery.
Other activities for your itinerary
Honestly, the June heat was so stifling, I had to take short breaks in the hotel and missed out on some experiences. So, if you visit when the weather’s better, here are the other activities that made it to my list.
Outdoor enthusiasts can check out An Bang Beach to go swimming, lounge with a cocktail, or try water sports. If you’ve got an evening to spare, step into Hoi An Memories Land, a cultural theme park featuring epic live shows, traditional craft workshops, and street food stalls. For a unique experience, the viral coconut basket boat ride in Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a peaceful activity… until you give them the nod to commence spinning.
After three days in Hoi An, I experienced the perfect balance of culture, carbs, and calm. All the more reason to make this riverside town your next escape!
