Hoi An

Hoi An: A Brief Guide

Hoi An was a bustling trading port in the 15th century but declined in the 18th century due to rebellious dynasties and a silting river. This preserved its historic charm, now a well-preserved town in Vietnam, selling to tourists instead of merchants.

Architecture and Attractions
Wander Hoi An’s Old Quarter to see mixed heritage architecture with Dutch, French, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Enjoy local cafés, museums, and open-fronted shops along old canals.

Activities in Hoi An

• Tailor-made Suits: Hoi An is renowned for quality tailoring with over 400 shops offering custom dresses, suits, shirts, and leather shoes.
• Explore the Old Town: Car-free streets lined with timber-frame buildings and hand-carved tiles. Visit the Japanese Bridge and various meeting halls and museums.
• Cycling Tours: Ride through scenic villages, green paddy fields, and farmland. Experience local crafts like mat weaving and wood carving.
• My Son Ruins: Visit the Cham ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by mountains, about an hour from Hoi An.
• Hai Van Pass: Enjoy a scenic drive with stunning views of the Vietnamese coastline and jungle.

Best Time to Visit
Visit between February to May for comfortable weather. June to August is hotter, while the rainy season from September to January might disrupt travel plans.

Festivals and Events in Hoi An

Hoi An celebrates the full moon each month by turning off the city lights and illuminating the streets with bright paper lanterns. Vehicles are banned, and locals enjoy cultural performances and candlelit temple ceremonies.

Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, falls in late January or early February. Hoi An celebrates with enthusiastic festivities, lanterns, and floating lights. While many shops and restaurants close nationwide, some in Hoi An stay open, making it a great place to experience Tet.