Why should you travel to Hoi An? The secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site loved by International travelers

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

When is the best time to visit Hoi An?

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

• The dry season (from February to August) is the most ideal time to visit Hoi An. During this period, the weather is dry and warm, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the beaches.

During this period, the temperature is pleasant and the skies are clear. It is also the time when many festivals take place, such as the Lantern Festival and the First Full Moon Festival, when the ancient town is illuminated with shimmering lanterns and vibrant cultural activities.

• The rainy season (from September to January) in Hoi An often brings heavy rainfall, sometimes causing flooding in certain areas. However, if you want to experience a romantic and peaceful Hoi An with a misty, rainy atmosphere, this can also be an appealing choice.

Another noteworthy time is during major holidays such as Tet (Lunar New Year) or Full Moon days, when the ancient town glows with lanterns, creating stunning scenery. Depending on your preferences and travel purpose, Hoi An always offers beautiful and suitable times to explore.

Transportation

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

Getting around Hoi An:

– Bicycles or motorbikes are popular means of transportation for exploring Hoi An. The ancient town has narrow streets and restrictions on motorbikes, so you can easily rent a bicycle at a low cost to discover the area.

– Electric cars and boats are also interesting options, giving you a unique experience while touring the ancient town or admiring the poetic Hoai River.

Hotels, Homestays, and Resorts

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

• If you want to experience local culture and a sense of closeness, homestays are a suitable choice. Hoi An’s homestays are not only cozy but also feature classical architecture, reflecting the charm of the ancient town.
• Hotels: Hotels ranging from 2 to 4 stars in Hoi An are often concentrated near the ancient town, convenient for sightseeing and culinary experiences. These hotels are affordable and provide full amenities.
• Resorts: If you are looking for luxury and comfort, Hoi An has many high-end resorts, including beach resorts. These resorts typically offer lush green spaces, private swimming pools, and premium services.

If you are seeking a luxurious and distinctive place to stay, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is a worthy destination. It is one of 13 five-star standard hotels in Hoi An and the pioneering hotel uniquely recognized with awards for green and sustainable tourism.

Situated along the Co Co River, the resort offers convenient access to Hoi An Ancient Town. At Silk Sense, guests can experience an unprecedented serene green space in Hoi An, with 70% of the area dedicated to greenery and only 30% for infrastructure. Notably, Silk Sense stands out for NOT using single-use plastic waste; having a chlorine-free mineral salt infinity pool treated with a unique ozone and sea salt system in Hoi An; premium spa and dining services; and five-star standard accommodations ranging from river-view open apartments to private villas with gardens and private pools.

Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is not just a place to stay but also a prominent representative of Vietnam’s sustainable green tourism experience. With its luxurious amenities, spacious green environment, and attentive services, Silk Sense is undoubtedly an ideal choice for your stay in Hoi An.

Must-Visit Attractions in Hoi An

Silk Sense suggests the most famous destinations in Hoi An that you definitely shouldn’t miss when traveling here.

Phung Hung Ancient House

Address: No. 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An City

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)

Ticket Price: 80,000 VND per Vietnamese visitor, 120,000 VND per international visitor (covers all three ancient houses: Phung Hung, Duc An, and Quan Thang)

Phung Hung Ancient House is one of Hoi An’s most representative ancient houses, notable for its distinctive architecture and profound historical value. Built in the 1780s, the house is not only an important tourist attraction but also a vivid testament to the cultural exchange and prosperity of Hoi An’s historic trading port.

Phung Hung Ancient House perfectly blends Vietnamese and Chinese architectural elements. Its structure consists of three main sections – the reception area, family living quarters, and commercial space – demonstrating meticulous attention to detail in both design and decoration.

One of the highlights of Phung Hung Ancient House is the main entrance and its intricate decorative carvings, especially the floral motifs and wooden panels. The interior walls are painted a bright red, combined with finely carved wooden details, creating a luxurious yet cozy atmosphere. The house also features a spacious reception room and traditional living area, where visitors can feel the cultural fusion in every design element.

The house was home to eight generations of the Phung Hung family, one of the most prominent merchant families during the golden era of Hoi An Ancient Town. The upper floor was once used to display commercial products, particularly silk and other goods, while the ground floor served as the reception and family living area.

When visiting Phung Hung Ancient House, you will have the opportunity to explore the traditional living areas and admire antique items such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and decorative objects, all carefully preserved to maintain their cultural and historical value. Visitors are also guided by attentive staff, who share stories and traditional customs of Hoi An, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the lives of merchant families in the past.

Japanese Covered-Bridge

Address: At the junction of Tran Phu Street and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street. The bridge spans a small canal connected to the Hoai River.

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Daily)

Ticket price: 80,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors; 120,000 VND for international visitors

The Japanese Covered-Bridge, also known as Lai Vien Kieu, is one of Hoi An’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 17th century by Japanese merchants, the bridge features a unique architectural style that blends traditional Japanese and Vietnamese elements.

The Japanese Covered-Bridge is constructed entirely of wood, with a roof adorned with intricate carvings. Under the soft light of sunset or the glow of lanterns at night, the bridge appears mystical and picturesque, like a painting. Visitors often come here to take photos, admire its ancient architecture, and learn about the history associated with the bridge.

The Japanese Covered-Bridge is also a venue for many traditional cultural activities in Hoi An, especially on full moon days and major festivals. Notably, if you visit Hoi An during the Lantern Festival, you will experience a unique cultural atmosphere with hundreds of lanterns illuminating the area around the bridge. One small tip: the bridge tends to get crowded, so visiting around 9 AM or between 2-3 PM will be more comfortable.

> Read more: Discover the Heritage of Hoi An Ancient Town with Silk Sense

Beaches and Swimming Spots

Hoi An is not only famous for its ancient town but also home to beautiful and ideal beaches for relaxation and outdoor activities. Here are the most notable beaches you shouldn’t miss when visiting Hoi An:

– An Bang Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Hoi An, located about 5 km from the ancient town. Known for its unspoiled charm, tranquility, and minimal commercialization, An Bang is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a relaxing space with soft white sand and clear blue water.

– Cua Dai Beach: About 5 km from central Hoi An, Cua Dai is another well-known beach featuring long sandy shores, blue waters, and spacious surroundings. Cua Dai was once a favorite destination for travelers, especially for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

– Ha My Beach: Situated about 7 km from Hoi An, between Da Nang and Hoi An, Ha My stands out with its smooth white sand and turquoise water. Although less known compared to An Bang and Cua Dai, Ha My is gradually becoming a favored spot thanks to its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

– Tan Thanh Beach: One of the lesser-known but worthwhile beaches to explore in Hoi An. Located about 6 km from the town center, Tan Thanh Beach is especially known for its early-morning fish market. Here, you can join local residents in buying fresh seafood directly from fishing boats returning to shore. Additionally, the area features charming cafés and small restaurants where you can enjoy breakfast while taking in peaceful ocean views.

Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)

Address: Tan Hiep Island Commune, Hoi An City

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Daily)

Ticket price: High-speed boat/canoe tickets to Cham Islands range from 450,000 – 600,000 VND/person, including island entrance fees and snorkeling fees

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

To reach Cham Islands, you can take a high-speed boat from Cua Dai Port (about 15 – 20 minutes), or experience a journey on a traditional wooden boat. On the island, visitors can go snorkeling to admire vibrant coral reefs and a variety of marine life. The beaches on Cham Islands stand out with crystal-clear blue waters, long stretches of white sand, and rows of cool coconut trees.

In addition, visitors can stop by Tan Hiep Market to shop for fresh seafood or local handmade products crafted by island fishermen. The island’s restaurants also serve delicious, freshly prepared seafood dishes.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Address: Group 2, Can Nhan Hamlet, Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City

Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Daily)

Ticket price: Entrance fee: 30,000 VND/person. Coconut forest tour with basket boat experience: 150,000 – 200,000 VND/person.

Located about 3 km from the center of Hoi An, Bay Mau Coconut Forest is often referred to as a “mini Mekong Delta,” where you can explore the distinctive riverside life of the people of Hoi An. This coconut forest once served as a base for Hoi An’s military and residents during the wartime period, and has now become an appealing ecotourism destination.

Visitors can enjoy a basket boat ride through narrow waterways and admire the lush ecosystem filled with vibrant nipa palm clusters. You can also take part in traditional local activities such as fishing or casting nets, and savor fresh seafood specialties at floating restaurants.

Hoi An always knows how to captivate visitors with its beauty that is both ancient and tranquil. Hopefully, with the suggestions above, you will be able to plan a truly suitable and enjoyable trip to Hoi An. If you still have difficulty choosing accommodation in Hoi An, transportation, or sightseeing tours, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is 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