Hoi An travel guide: When to go? Where to stay? What to go?

Hoi An is an attractive tourist destination in Vietnam, famous for its ancient beauty, rich culture and beautiful beaches. To help you have a perfect vacation in Hoi An in 2025, here are detailed travel tips, including the ideal time to visit, accommodation options and interesting attractions.

What is the best season to visit Hoi An?

Hoi An has 2 main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

• Dry season (from February to September): This is the most ideal time to visit Hoi An. The weather is dry, warm and sunny, perfect for sightseeing and swimming.
  During this time, the temperature is pleasant, the sky is clear and many festivals take place, such as the Lantern Festival and the Full Moon Festival in the first lunar month, when the ancient town is lit up with shimmering lanterns and bustling cultural activities.
• Rainy season (from September to January): Hoi An often experiences heavy rain, sometimes causing flooding in certain areas. However, if you want to experience a romantic, tranquil Hoi An with a misty rainy atmosphere, this is also an interesting option.

Another noteworthy time is during major holidays such as Tet (Lunar New Year) or full moon days, when the ancient town is illuminated with countless lanterns, creating a spectacular scene. Depending on your preferences and travel purpose, Hoi An always has a suitable time for exploration.

Transportation

Getting to Hoi An: You can fly to Da Nang International Airport, then travel to Hoi An by taxi or shuttle (about 30 km). Alternatively, you can take a bus from neighboring provinces or travel by train to Da Nang and continue your journey to Hoi An.

Getting around Hoi An:

• Bicycles or motorbikes are popular means of transport for exploring Hoi An. The ancient town has narrow streets and restrictions on motorbikes, so renting a bicycle at a low cost is an easy way to explore.
• Electric cars and boats are also interesting options, offering unique experiences when wandering around the ancient town or admiring the poetic Hoai River.

Accommodation: Hotels, homestays and resorts

Hoi An offers plenty of accommodation options, from cozy homestays to riverside luxury hotels and resorts.

• Homestays: If you want to experience local culture and warmth, homestays are a great choice. Many homestays in Hoi An have cozy atmospheres and classic architecture, reflecting the soul of the ancient town.
• Hotels: Ranging from 2 to 4 stars, hotels in Hoi An are mostly located near the ancient town, convenient for sightseeing and enjoying local cuisine. These hotels are affordable yet well-equipped.
  Resorts: For those seeking luxury and comfort, Hoi An has many upscale resorts, including beachfront resorts. These resorts typically feature lush green spaces, private pools and premium services.

If you are looking for a luxurious and distinctive place to stay, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is a highly recommended choice. It is one of 13 standard 5-star hotels in Hoi An and the pioneering and only resort awarded for green and sustainable tourism.

Located along the Co Co River, the resort offers convenient access to Hoi An Ancient Town. At Silk Sense, guests can experience a peaceful green retreat unlike anywhere else in Hoi An, with 70% of the property dedicated to green space and only 30% to infrastructure. Notably, Silk Sense stands out with its no single-use plastic waste policy, a chlorine-free mineral infinity pool treated with ozone and sea salt (the only one of its kind in Hoi An), premium spa services, fine dining and 5-star room categories ranging from open river-view apartments to private villas with gardens and private pools.

Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is not only a place to stay but also a representative of Vietnam’s sustainable green tourism journey. With world-class amenities, expansive green space and attentive service, Silk Sense is sure to be the ideal accommodation for your vacation in Hoi An.

Must-visit attractions in Hoi An

Silk Sense suggests to you the most famous sightseeing spots in Hoi An that you definitely should not miss when traveling here.

Phung Hung Ancient House

• Address: No. 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An City
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 18:00, daily
• Ticket price: 80,000 VND/Vietnamese guest, 120,000 VND/international guest (the ticket covers visiting all 3 ancient houses: Phung Hung, Duc An and Quan Thang).

Phung Hung Ancient House is one of the most typical old houses in Hoi An, remarkable for its unique architecture and profound historical value. Built in the 1780s, the house is not only an important sightseeing destination but also a clear testament to the cultural exchange and prosperity of the former Hoi An trading port.

Phung Hung Ancient House features a perfect blend of Vietnamese and Chinese architectural elements. The structure is divided into three main parts – the reception area, the family living area and the trading space – reflecting meticulous attention to detail in both design and decoration.

One of the highlights of Phung Hung Ancient House is its main entrance and exquisite carved decorations, especially floral motifs and wooden paintings. The interior walls are painted bright red, combined with finely carved wooden details, creating a luxurious and cozy space. The house is also notable for its spacious living room and traditional family areas, where visitors can feel the cultural fusion in every design detail.

The house was once the residence and workplace of 8 generations of the Phung Hung family, one of the most renowned merchant families during the golden era of the ancient town. The upper floor used to display trading goods, particularly silk and commodities, while the lower floor was dedicated to reception and family activities.

When visiting Phung Hung Ancient House, you will have the opportunity to explore traditional living areas and admire ancient furniture such as tables, chairs, cabinets and decorative items, all carefully preserved to maintain their cultural and historical value. Visitors will also be guided by enthusiastic staff, sharing stories and traditional customs of Hoi An, helping you better understand the lives of merchant families in the past.

Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau)

• Address: Connecting Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. The bridge crosses a small canal connected to the Hoai River.
• Opening hours: 9:00 – 11:00 | 15:00 – 22:00, daily
• Ticket price: 80,000 VND/Vietnamese guest; 120,000 VND/international guest

Japanese Covered Bridge, also known as Chua Cau or Lai Vien Kieu, is one of the most famous symbols of Hoi An. Built in the 17th century by Japanese merchants, the bridge showcases unique architecture, blending traditional Japanese and Vietnamese elements.

The bridge is constructed entirely of wood, with a roof decorated with delicate carvings. Under the soft light of sunset or lanterns at night, the Japanese Covered Bridge appears magical, like a painting. Visitors often enjoy coming here to take photos, admire its ancient beauty and learn about the history associated with the bridge.

Japanese Covered Bridge is also a venue for many traditional cultural activities in Hoi An, especially on full moon days and major festivals. Particularly during the lantern festival, you can enjoy the unique cultural atmosphere with hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminating the area around the bridge. A small note is that the bridge can be very crowded; visiting around 9 AM or 2 – 3 PM may be less busy.

Beaches

Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient town but also for its beautiful beaches, ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities. Notable beaches you should not miss:

• An Bang Beach: One of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Hoi An, about 5 km from the town center. Known for its pristine and peaceful charm, with little commercialization, An Bang is an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation with soft white sand and crystal-clear water.
• Cua Dai Beach: About 5 km from Hoi An center, Cua Dai is another famous beach with a long sandy shoreline, blue sea and spacious atmosphere. Once a favorite destination for many visitors, especially those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Ha My Beach: Located about 7 km from Hoi An, between Da Nang and Hoi An, Ha My is known for its fine white sand and turquoise water. Although less famous than An Bang and Cua Dai, Ha My is increasingly loved for its pristine beauty and quiet atmosphere.
• Tan Thanh Beach: Less known but worth exploring, about 6 km from Hoi An center. Tan Thanh is particularly famous for its early morning fish market. Here, you can join locals in buying and selling fresh seafood directly from returning fishing boats. The area also has many small cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy breakfast and admire the peaceful sea view.

Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)

• Address: Tan Hiep Commune, Hoi An City
• Opening hours: 9:00 – 11:00 | 15:00 – 22:00, daily
• Ticket price: Speedboat/canoe fare to Cham Islands is about 450,000 – 600,000 VND/person, including island entry and snorkeling fees.

Cham Islands is a cluster of 8 small islands about 18 km from Hoi An. Known for its pristine beauty and rich marine ecosystem, it is an ideal destination for those who love snorkeling, exploring the ocean and enjoying the serene island atmosphere.

To reach Cham Islands, you can take a speedboat from Cua Dai Port (about 15–20 minutes) or experience the journey by traditional wooden boat. On the islands, visitors can snorkel to see vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Cham Islands’ beaches stand out with crystal-clear water, white sandy shores and cool coconut groves.

Visitors can also stop by Tan Hiep Market to shop for fresh seafood or local handicrafts. Island restaurants serve delicious seafood dishes prepared on the spot.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest

• Address: Group 2, Can Nhan Hamlet, Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City
• Opening hours: 9:00 – 11:00 | 15:00 – 22:00, daily
• Ticket price: Entrance fee: 30,000 VND/person. Coconut forest visit with basket boat experience: 150,000 – 200,000 VND/person.

Visitors can enjoy a basket boat ride along the small canals, admiring the diverse ecosystem with lush green coconut groves. You can also participate in local activities such as fishing, casting nets and tasting specialty seafood dishes at floating restaurants.

Located about 3 km from Hoi An center, Bay Mau Coconut Forest is nicknamed the “Miniature Mekong Delta.” It is a place where you can discover the river life of Hoi An locals. The forest used to be a revolutionary base during wartime and has now become an attractive eco-tourism destination.

Hoi An always knows how to captivate travelers with its beauty that is both ancient and tranquil. With the suggestions above, we hope you can plan a wonderful trip to Hoi An. If you still find it difficult to choose accommodation in Hoi An, transportation, or sightseeing tours, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is always ready to assist you!

For more information and advice, please contact us via:
(H) +84 96 126 6363
(E) info@silksenseresort.com
(F) https://www.facebook.com/silksenseresort
(IG) @silksenseresort
(A) 01 Dong Da Street, Hoi An Tay Ward, Da Nang City, Vietnam