Hoi An Heritage Walk Blog

Hoi An holds a unique place in Vietnamese history. For centuries, it was one of the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia, where Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and European merchants exchanged silk, ceramics, spices, and precious metals. The town's remarkable state of preservation earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1999. In 2026, Vietnam's growing tourism infrastructure makes Hoi An more accessible than ever while the Ancient Town retains its timeless charm.

Getting to Hoi An

The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), approximately 30 kilometres north of Hoi An. Domestic flights connect Da Nang to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other Vietnamese cities, while international flights arrive from across Asia. From the airport, a taxi or Grab ride to Hoi An takes 35 to 45 minutes and costs around 300,000 to 400,000 VND ($12 to $16 USD). Shuttle buses are also available. From Hue, the scenic train journey to Da Nang takes about 2.5 hours, followed by a short transfer to Hoi An.

Getting Around

The Ancient Town is entirely walkable and vehicle-free during daytime hours. Bicycles are the most popular way to explore beyond the old quarter and can be rented from most hotels for around 30,000 VND per day. For trips to the beach (An Bang or Cua Dai), Tra Que Vegetable Village, or My Son Sanctuary, Grab motorbikes and taxis are readily available. Many visitors rent motorbikes for around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day to explore the surrounding countryside.

Food: A Culinary Destination

Hoi An has its own distinctive cuisine that you will not find replicated anywhere else in Vietnam. Must-try dishes include cao lau (thick noodles in a small amount of rich broth, topped with pork and herbs, made with water from a specific local well), white rose dumplings (translucent shrimp dumplings shaped like roses, unique to Hoi An), and banh mi (Hoi An is widely considered to serve the best banh mi in Vietnam, particularly from the famous stalls on Phan Chau Trinh Street). The central market and the streets around it are the best areas for street food.

The Heritage Zone

Hoi An's Ancient Town covers a compact area along the Thu Bon River. The core zone contains over 1,000 historic buildings, including merchant houses, assembly halls, temples, pagodas, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The architectural mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences reflects the town's cosmopolitan trading history. Many buildings are still inhabited by families who have lived in them for generations, giving the town an authenticity that sets it apart from museum-like heritage sites.

Tailor Shops

Hoi An is famous worldwide for its tailor shops, where you can have custom clothing made in as little as 24 hours. Hundreds of tailors line the streets of the Ancient Town, offering everything from suits and dresses to shoes and leather goods. Prices are a fraction of what you would pay in Western countries. For the best results, bring a reference photo, allow time for at least two fittings, and choose a reputable shop with established reviews.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from February to June offers the most comfortable weather, with warm temperatures and minimal rain. March to May is ideal, with temperatures around 27 to 33 degrees and low humidity. The wet season from September to December brings heavy rainfall and occasional flooding in the Ancient Town. October and November see the highest rainfall. January and February are cooler and pleasant. If possible, time your visit with the monthly full-moon lantern festival for an unforgettable experience.

Practical Tips

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are widely available. Cards are accepted in most restaurants and hotels but not at market stalls or street food vendors.
• Language: Vietnamese is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and tailor shops. A few basic Vietnamese phrases go a long way.
• Dress code: Lightweight clothing is ideal. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and pagodas.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is excellent at hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Local SIM cards with data are available at the airport and convenience stores for around 100,000 VND.
• Duration: Most visitors spend two to four days in Hoi An. Two days covers the Ancient Town, while additional time allows for the beach, Tra Que Village, and My Son Sanctuary.