1. Location an climate of Hoi An
2. Best time to visit Hoi An
3. How to get to Hoi An
4. People, history and culture of Hoi An
5. Accommodations in Hoi An
6. Cuisine and specialties of Hoi An
7. Tourist attractions in Hoi An
8. Tours and activities in Hoi An
1. Location an climate of Hoi An
Hoi An is conveniently located (15°52′51″N and 108°19′14″E), about 30 km south of Da Nang city and about 4 km east of the East Sea. Hoi An has an area of 61.48 km², consisting of 9 wards and 4 communes. Hoi An has a population of approximately 98,599 people, of which 72,898 people live in urban areas.
Hoi An has a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct seasons: the dry season from February to July, and the rainy season from August to January. The average annual temperature is 25.6°C, the highest in June (29.1°C), and the lowest in January (22.3°C). The average annual rainfall is 2,066 mm, the highest in October (587 mm), and the lowest in February (31 mm).
2. Best time to visit Hoi An
To have a complete trip and wonderful experiences, you need to choose the right time to explore the beauty of Hoi An’s old town.
The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April. Around these months, Hoi An will have mild, pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor exploration activities. The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 30°C, making you feel comfortable and refreshed when sightseeing.
In addition, during these months, you also have the opportunity to participate in the lantern festival, a unique and romantic event of Hoi An, which takes place every full moon night. You will admire the sparkling lights emanating from the colorful and diverse-shaped lanterns. You can also drop flower lanterns into the Thu Bon River, praying for luck and happiness.
Besides, if you want to enjoy the fresh and cool air of the sea, you can also visit Cua Dai beach and Cham Island, about 4 km east of Hoi An. You can swim, participate in underwater activities such as diving, fishing, kayaking…
3. How to get to Hoi An
To get to Hoi An, you can choose one of the following ways:
By plane: you can buy a plane ticket to Da Nang, then continue to Hoi An by taxi, motorbike or bus. Da Nang International Airport is about 50 minutes drive from Hoi An old town.
By train: you can take a train from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi and stop at Da Nang station or Tra Kieu station (Quang Nam). From there, you can rent a motorbike, take a taxi, or bus to Hoi An. The train journey from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to Da Nang will take from 15 to 20 hours.
By coach: you can get to Hoi An by coach running the route Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An, Hanoi – Hoi An. The travel time is about 18 to 24 hours.
By motorbike: if you like freedom and adventure, you can drive a motorbike from nearby cities such as Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang… to Hoi An. You can choose the coastal route Vo Nguyen Giap – Lac Long Quan to enjoy the beautiful and cool sea view, or the national highway 1A to save time.
4. People, history and culture of Hoi An
Hoi An has many cultural and historical values, recognized by UNESCO. Here are some highlights about the people, history, and culture of this place.
People: Hoi An has a population of about 98,599 people. The people of Hoi An are famous for being hospitable, friendly, and honest. They have traditional occupations in trade, handicrafts, agriculture, and tourism. Hoi An is a cultural exchange place among Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Cham… ethnic groups, so the people here also have diversity and richness in language, religion…
History: Hoi An has a history of formation from over 2000 years ago. It was once known as a bustling international port, a place of cultural exchange between Asian and European countries. Hoi An prospered most in the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was under the rule of the Nguyen lords. It also went through two French-American wars, and was restored and preserved as a world cultural heritage since 1999.
Culture: Hoi An has many architectural relics, culture, cuisine, and unique entertainment activities. Here, there are ancient works reflecting the interweaving between Western style and tradition. Hoi An has a famous culinary culture with specialty dishes that make tourists infatuated. In addition, there are also many unique and romantic festivals creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Besides, there are traditional craft villages and still preserve the crafts and agriculture of the old ancestors.
5. Accommodations in Hoi An
Hoi An offers a full range of accommodations from luxury to budget, suitable for different groups, preferences, and costs. Here are some of the most popular types of accommodation in Hoi An:
Resort: This is a high-end accommodation type, providing luxurious amenities and services for tourists. Resorts are usually designed in the style of villas, with spacious, airy spaces close to nature. Resorts are an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a relaxing holiday, take care of their health, and relax. Some resorts are highly rated by world travel magazines, such as Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An, Palm Garden Resort, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai…
Hotel: This is the most popular type of accommodation, with different prices and qualities. Hotels are usually designed in a block style, with bedrooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, and other services. Hotels are a suitable choice for tourists who want a convenient, safe place to rest and close to sightseeing and entertainment spots. Some notable hotels include Hoi An Historic Hotel, Allegro Hoi An – A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa, La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa…
Homestay: This is a budget accommodation type, providing accommodation for tourists with homeowners included. Homestays are usually designed in the style of local houses, with bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and basic amenities. Homestays are an interesting choice for tourists who want to learn about local culture, interact with locals, and save costs. Some beautiful and cozy homestays include An Bang Beach Hideaway Homestay, Under The Coconut Tree Hoi An Homestay, Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa…
6. Cuisine and specialties of Hoi An
The culinary culture in Hoi An is a convergence of many different cultures, from East to West, from traditional to modern. Therefore, Hoi An’s cuisine is very rich, diverse, and carries the characteristics of many regions around the world.
Hoi An has many unique dishes, famous domestically and internationally, such as Cao Lau, Banh Bao, Vac Cake, Xeo Cake, Wonton, Quang Noodles… These dishes originate from many different countries, but are adapted according to local tastes and ingredients. These dishes are usually sold at stalls, markets, old streets…
Hoi An also has many high-end restaurants, offering dishes in French, Japanese, Chinese styles… These restaurants usually have a luxurious, polite space, professional service. In addition, these restaurants serve the diverse needs of tourists, especially those who love foreign cuisine.
Hoi An also has many other specialties, such as Dap cake, Beo cake, Wet cake with grilled meat, Bot Loc sweet soup, Green bean sweet soup… These specialties are usually made from simple, rustic ingredients, but have a delicious, rich flavor. These specialties are usually sold at sidewalk stalls, small restaurants, or homemade…
Hoi An is an attractive tourist destination with a unique culinary culture. You can easily find many dishes suitable for your needs and preferences here, from streets to restaurants, from traditional to modern…
7. Tourist attractions in Hoi An
Hoi An has many attractive tourist spots, offering memorable experiences for tourists. Here are some suggestions for sightseeing in Hoi An according to your preferences or experiential needs.
If you love history and culture, you cannot miss Hoi An’s old town, where there are many ancient houses, assembly halls, pagodas, temples, and museums preserving the imprints of the past. Some must-see places are the Japanese Covered Bridge – a symbol of Hoi An, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – a gathering place for Chinese people of Fujian origin, Tan Ky Old House – displaying ancient artifacts of a merchant family, Sa Huynh Culture Museum – preserving artifacts of the ancient Sa Huynh civilization.
If you want to enjoy the bustling atmosphere and shopping, you can visit Hoi An market, where many specialty products such as Silk, Lanterns, Handicrafts, Bread, Cao Lau, Banh Xeo, Stir-fried Clams… are sold. You can also participate in Hoi An night market, where there are many fun activities such as dropping flower lanterns, watching music performances, eating, buying souvenirs…
If you like exploring nature and getting acquainted with rural life, you can join eco-tourism tours, where you can experience activities such as walking, cycling, rowing, fishing, fruit picking, farming, cooking… You can visit eco-tourism spots such as Tra Que vegetable village, Thanh Ha pottery village, Hoi An silk village, Bay Mau coconut village…
If you want modern and diverse entertainment, you can go to VinWonders Nam Hoi An, a large and modern entertainment complex, with 5 separate areas, including entertainment area, tropical garden, cultural area, sports area and resort area. You can freely experience interesting games, learn about the culture, architecture, traditional arts of Vietnam and the world.
8. Tours and activities in Hoi An
Hoi An offers a variety of tour programs with different activities depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some suggested tours and activities in Hoi An for you.
If you enjoy walking and admiring ancient architecture, you can join a city and suburban tour of Hoi An, where you can visit famous places such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, Sa Huynh Culture Museum…
If you like relaxing by the beach, you can visit An Bang Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, where you can sunbathe, swim, enjoy seafood, and beach bars. You can also participate in underwater activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, diving…
If you like experiencing rural life, you can join eco-tourism tours, where you can cycle, row, fish, pick fruits, farm, cook… You can visit eco-tourism spots such as Tra Que vegetable village, Thanh Ha pottery village, Hoi An silk village, Bay Mau coconut village…
If you like modern and diverse entertainment, you can go to VinWonders Nam Hoi An, a large and modern entertainment complex, including an entertainment area, tropical garden, cultural area, sports area, and resort area…
Hoi An, with its ancient beauty and peaceful atmosphere, is sure to leave an unforgettable impression on visitors. The old houses, stone-paved streets, and gentle lantern lights at night all contribute to a captivating Hoi An. Whether you are a food lover, want to learn about culture, or simply want to relax, Hoi An can cater to your needs. Come to Hoi An to feel and explore the hidden beauty of this place, a must-visit destination for your trip in Vietnam. Wishing you a joyful trip to Hoi An with your family and friends.
