Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An

Da NangVietnam

Why You'll Love Hoi An

If you're looking for a charming and picturesque destination in Vietnam, then Hoi An is your perfect pick! This small town is located on the central coast of the country, and it's known for its stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and amazing cuisine.

One of the most appealing things about Hoi An is that it retains an ancient, traditional feeling. The historic Old Town is filled with well-preserved buildings, cobblestoned streets, and traditional shops. Just walking around the town feels like being transported to a bygone era. During the night, the lanterns strung along the streets create a magical atmosphere, making Hoi An one of the most romantic towns in Vietnam.

In addition to its historical significance, Hoi An is famous for its mouth-watering dishes, particularly the cao lau, a regional specialty made with chewy noodles, slices of pork, and fresh herbs. There are also plenty of street food stalls to indulge in if you're looking for a more casual experience.

Whether you love history, nature, or just want to relax, Hoi An has got you covered. You can rent bicycles and go on a countryside excursion, explore the nearby beaches, or even take a cooking class.

Overall, Hoi An is a unique and unforgettable destination that should be high on your bucket list when traveling through Vietnam!

Getting to Hoi An

The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport, which is approximately 45 minutes away by car. From Da Nang, you can take a taxi or hire a private car to drive to Hoi An. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Da Nang to Hoi An. If you are coming from another city within Vietnam, such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you can take a domestic flight to Da Nang or catch a train or bus to Hoi An.

The closest city to Hoi An is Da Nang, in Da Nang.

Travelling from Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An

When to Visit

The best time to visit Hoi An, Vietnam is from February to April when the weather is warm and dry, and the ancient town is beautifully decorated with lanterns during the annual Lantern Festival in March. Another good time to visit is from August to October when the weather is cooler and the town is less crowded. However, be aware that there is a higher chance of rain during these months.

Weather and Climate

In Hoi An, Vietnam, the weather is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. The city has two main seasons: a wet season from September to January, and a dry season from February to August.

During the wet season, rainfall is heavy and frequent, with occasional floods. Temperatures range from 22°C to 27°C, and humidity levels are high. The wettest months are October and November, when it can rain up to 30 days out of the month.

In the dry season, Hoi An experiences sunny and warm weather, with temperatures averaging 25°C to 30°C. The humidity levels are lower and there is less rainfall, making it the perfect time to visit the city's beaches and outdoor attractions. March to May is the hottest time of year, with temperatures climbing to above 35°C.

Overall, the best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season from February to August, when the weather is pleasant and the city is at its most vibrant.

Costs When Visiting

In Vietnam, the currency is the Vietnamese Dong.
Some sample costs when travelling around Hoi An are:

Food:
- $1-2 for street food
- $3-5 for a basic meal at a local restaurant
- $10-15 for a meal at a higher-end restaurant

Accommodation:
- $5-15 for a dorm bed in a hostel
- $20-30 for a private room in a budget guesthouse
- $50-100 for a mid-range hotel or villa
- $150+ for a luxury resort accommodation

Safety Rating

Hoi An, Vietnam is generally considered safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, tourists should be cautious of pickpocketing and minor crimes such as theft.

Women traveling alone in Hoi An should exercise the same level of caution as they would in any foreign country. Sexual harassment is not common, but women should be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions.

Vietnam is a relatively conservative country, but Hoi An is generally tolerant of racial and LGBTQ minorities. However, public displays of affection are not common, and visitors should be respectful of local customs.

Overall, Hoi An is considered a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. Visitors should familiarize themselves with local customs and be aware of their surroundings, but the risk of crime or danger is generally low.

Local Population

The population of Hoi An, Vietnam is primarily ethnic Vietnamese, with some ethnic Chinese and Cham minorities. The main religion is Buddhism, but there are also significant numbers of Catholics and Cao Dai followers. The official language is Vietnamese, although many residents also speak English. The population is fairly evenly split between men and women.

Things to Do

Some of the activities which are common for tourists at Hoi An, Vietnam include:

1. Visiting the ancient town: Tourists can explore the old streets, bridges and buildings along the Thu Bon River.

2. Taking a cooking class: Hoi An is known for its delicious cuisine and tourists can learn how to cook some of these dishes in a cooking class.

3. Riding a bike: Cycling is a popular way to explore the city and its surroundings.

4. Shopping: Tourists can shop for local products such as lanterns, silk, ceramics, and clothing.

5. Taking a boat tour: A boat ride can take tourists along the river or out to the islands nearby.

6. Visiting the beaches: Hoi An has a number of beautiful beaches such as An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach.

7. Trying street food: The city has a vibrant food scene with many street vendors offering tasty food.

8. Getting a tailor-made outfit: Hoi An is famous for its tailoring businesses where tourists can get custom-made clothing at a reasonable price.