Hội An is one of Vietnam’s most visited destinations for good reason. Once a major trading port known as Faifo, it blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences in its distinctive architecture and cuisine. Its UNESCO-listed centre or “Ancient Town” is known for merchant houses, temples and a Japanese Covered Bridge, while the surrounding area has easy access to rice paddies, rivers and sandy beaches. Within the Ancient Town, cafés, galleries, and tailor shops occupy former merchant houses, and at night, silk lanterns transform the streets.
What to do in Hội An
Hội An Ancient Town
Preserved almost exactly as it was, Hội An’s Ancient Town retains its original street plan and distinctive yellow-walled architecture. Lanterns mark the streets, as visitors wander between heritage sites and everyday life. Pass between the Japanese covered bridge, riverfront and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall within a compact area.
Japanese Covered Bridge
Constructed in the early 1600s, Hội An’s Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the Old Town’s most recognisable landmarks. Japanese merchants living in Hoi An built the bridge to connect two of the historic neighbourhoods. With its enclosed form and distinctive ornamentation, it has become a defining architectural feature of the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
Originally a meeting place for Chinese traders, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall is one of Hội An’s most significant Chinese heritage sites. Built in the 17th century by merchants from Fujian province, the assembly hall is dedicated to Thien Hau, the sea goddess. It stands out for its ornate gate, carved dragons and richly decorated courtyard.
Hội An Lanterns
Lanterns are a defining feature of Hội An, dotted throughout the city they illuminate the streets and shopfronts after dark. They are most striking along the riverfront, where visitors can walk along the riverfront or take a traditional boat ride on the Hoai River, releasing lanterns at sunset for good luck.
Top tip
On the 14th day of every lunar month, the lights of the streetlights of the ancient city are turned off to celebrate the Full Moon Lantern Festival. From 6 pm – 11 pm, the only lighting comes from lanterns, candles and the moon.
An Bang Beach
A short drive from Hội An, An Bang boasts a wide beach and low-rise shoreline. Informal cafés, seafood restaurants and beach bars line the wide stretch of sand. Its laid back atmosphere makes it perfectly suited to swimming, long walks and easy afternoons by the water.
Cham Islands
The Cham Islands lie off the coast of Hội An and are reached by a short boat ride. The UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve is known for clear water, coral reefs and protected marine life. The islands offer snorkelling, simple beaches and a quieter pace than the mainland.
Where to stay in Hội An
The Ancient Town places visitors at the centre of the action, within walking distance of historic sites and the town’s best-known restaurants, though it can be busy. An Hoi, opposite the old quarter, is known for its evening buzz and food scene. Slightly removed from the centre, Cam Pho and Cam Nam strike a balance between access and tranquillity. Beyond the centre, Cam Chau and Tra Que sit among rice fields. While An Bang and Cua Dai beaches offer a relaxed coastal option, a short ride away from the centre. The range of places to stay in Hội An is impressively diverse, from budget hostels and cozy guesthouses to boutique riverside hotels and luxury beach resorts. Accommodation in the town is good value, with upscale stays costing less than comparable hotels in major cities.
Anantara Hoi An Resort (₫₫₫)
Fringed by lush gardens along the banks of the river, Anantara Hoi An Resort delivers boutique luxury with a serene, heritage-inspired aesthetic that mirrors its historic surroundings in Hội An. Its individuality shines through thoughtful experiences, from private-jetty cruises and art gallery-style dining to energising gym sessions. Furthermore, guests can combine their hotel stay with The Vietage luxury heritage railway carriage by Anantara. Travel on from Hoi An to Quy Nhon by train, with Anantara seamlessly handling transfers, while taking in mountain landscapes, rice paddies, lotus ponds and coastal views.
Hoi An Ancient House (₫₫)
Hoi An Ancient House Resort and Spa is located between the old town and surrounding countryside, giving it a quieter feel than central properties. Positioned near the town’s main sights yet set back from the busiest lanes. This heritage inspired property draws on inspiration from classic merchant-house aesthetics with tiled roofs, timber accents and symmetrical courtyards. The property also features ornamental ponds and carved wood details throughout.
Vaia Hoi An Boutique Hotel (₫)
Close to Hội An’s cultural core, Vaia Hoi An Boutique Hotel is a small scale boutique hotel set away from the busy centre streets. This quiet oasis has contemporary and minimalist decor, a small pool and free bikes to explore the nearby rice paddy fields.
More hotels in Hội An
- Namia River Retreat (₫₫₫₫): Tucked away on a private islet near the ancient town, Namia River Retreat is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and offers an exclusive riverside escape. Its distinctive all-pool-villa concept ensures every stay feels secluded with boutique-level luxury.
- Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (₫₫₫₫): Overlooking a scenic kilometre of beach with the Cham Islands in the distance, this collection of 100 luxury villas is located 15 mins outside of Hội An’s centre. The property’s distinctive edge comes from the Nam Hai Cooking Academy, where guests can dive into hands-on Vietnamese culinary experiences.
- Moire Hoi An (₫₫₫): This premium boutique hotel located on Cam Nam Island faces the main historic waterfront. It showcases local character through its distinctive colour that mirrors Hội An’s iconic yellow hue and its traditional tiled roofs.
- Almanity Hoi An (₫₫₫): A tranquil base near the lantern-lit centre of Hội An, Almanity combines serene surroundings with a wellness-driven concept. The hotel sets itself apart with complementary daily experiences like Tai Chi sessions, Vietnamese language classes and koi fish feeding.
- Sen Village (₫₫): Within walking distance of Hội An’s main sights, Sen Village is a modern boutique hotel with local decor, lush grounds with lotus pond and a tea house on site.
Where to eat and drink in Hội An
As a historic trading port, Hội An developed a cuisine influenced by its Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese communities. Today, Hội An is recognised as a culinary hotspot for Vietnam’s Central cuisine. Among its most celebrated dishes are white rose dumplings, soft and translucent dumplings filled with finely pounded shrimp. Hội An chicken rice is another staple, a fragrant dish with tender chicken, aromatic rice and herbs. While Cao lầu sits at the centre of Hội An’s food culture, with springy noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, crisp croutons and a light, smoky broth.
Vy’s Market (₫₫)
Taste Vietnam by Ms Vy is an institution within the culinary scene for Hội An and no trip is complete without a visit to at least one of her restaurants. Each floor within Taste Vietnam’s main complex hosts a different restaurant and concept.
Market Restaurant stands out as the jewel of Ms Vy’s restaurant collection. It occupies the ground floor of Taste Vietnam’s main multi-level dining venue. The restaurant takes on the feel of a market hall, with a central courtyard surrounded by open stations, where chefs freshly prepare and cook dishes using traditional methods. From the “Hard Times” stall, which features weird and wonderful dishes like silk worm salad, to the Noodle stall where chefs feed fermented bún rice noodle batter through a traditional noodle press, Market showcases the wide culinary variety of Vietnamese food, all under one roof.
The best way to enjoy all the Market has to offer is to order a range of dishes to share. Must-try dishes include Hội An classics such as the white rose dumplings, cao lầu and the Hội An regional variation of bánh xèo, which is a thinner and smaller pancake. For a more upscale dining experience, head up one floor to Morning Glory Signature with a more elevated presentation of classic Vietnamese dishes alongside a live band in the evenings.
The Secret Oasis (₫₫)
Within easy reach of the centre but removed from the busiest stretches, The Secret Oasis is a discreet restaurant in a peaceful setting overlooking the river in Hội An. The kitchen focuses on refined local cooking rather than casual street fare with an emphasis on authentic recipes and careful presentation. The menu highlights Hội An’s culinary heritage through a concise selection of local favourites, from crisp bánh xèo to fragrant chicken rice and cao lầu noodles.
Bánh Mì Phượng (₫)
While many famous street-food stops fail to preserve their original appeal, Bánh Mì Phượng remains worthy of the attention it receives. Long associated with Anthony Bourdain, standards remain consistent and prices are refreshingly reasonable. For a quick, inexpensive meal in Hội An try the bánh mì thập cẩm. A mix of pork and pâté with herbs, inside always crispy bread. Alternatively, Bánh Mì Phượng has over 20 different banh mi fillings to choose from.
Tea houses and coffee shops in Hội An
There is no shortage of choice for coffee and tea spots in Hội An. The café culture is defined by balance: respect for tradition paired with a growing appetite for modern techniques. Visitors will find everything from classic Vietnamese phin coffee and herbal teas to carefully brewed espresso and matcha, served in spaces that range from heritage houses to minimalist, design-led interiors.
Reaching Out Tea House stands out as one of the best traditional tea houses in Hội An. Housed in a restored heritage building, it feels like stepping back in time with its wooden beams and unique furniture. All of their front of house employees are speech and hearing impaired so customers communicate using order cards, communication cubes and gestures. Aside from the Vietnamese tea and coffee tasting sets, visitors should also try the selection of seasonal snacks which includes freshly made biscuits using local flavours like coconut and black sesame.
Bars in Hội An
Evenings in Hội An centre on intimate bars and small lounges rather than clubs, reflecting the town’s scale and heritage setting. Nightlife is compact, walkable and oriented around riverside streets where bars, cocktail lounges and late cafés sit side by side. The scene is relaxed rather than high-energy, with most venues focusing on craft drinks, local beers and low-key music. Many venues emphasise local ingredients in drinks and maintain open-front layouts facing the street or river.
Top bars in Hội An
- Mộng Nguyệt: Best known as Hội An’s so-called secret bar, Mộng Nguyệt is hidden on the first floor of a heritage building behind a courtyard and souvenir shop in the heart of Old Town. Opt for a cocktail in their Ngũ Hành collection which features a cocktail for each of the five elements – metal, wood, water, fire and earth, or a personalised cocktail made by the bartender based on your preferences.
- tok.: A short drive outside of Old Town and set among rice paddies, this modern fusion bar and restaurant blends local ingredients with modern mixology techniques. Expect fresh local herbs and fruits alongside Vietnamese spirits such as Về Để Đi gin and locally distilled Sampan Rhum from Hội An.
- The deck bar: Perched atop Hotel Royal Hoi An, The Deck Bar is the highest rooftop in Hoi An with an uninterrupted 360 degree panoramic view of the city and Hoai river. It has a diverse and polished drinks menu with signatures such as The Little Garden – a rum cocktail with pennywort juice, Ginger and Clay – gin, ginger and basil served in a traditional clay pot, and Golden Spice – a whisky blend with ginger and turmeric.
