To visit Hoi An is to discover Vietnam’s best-preserved old trading port: an old town of merchants’ houses, Chinese assembly halls and silk lanterns on the banks of the Thu Bồn river, on the central coast. Around it, the countryside of rice paddies and vegetable gardens, An Bang beach and the Cham sanctuary of Mỹ Sơn round off the stay. Things to do in Hoi An, when to go, where to stay and what budget to plan: this guide covers the essentials, with the official climate normals of the nearby Da Nang station.
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Hoi An at a glance
- Location central Vietnam, about 30 km (19 mi) south of Da NangPart of the city of Da Nang since the 2025 administrative reorganisation
- Airports Da Nang (DAD), about 45 minutes by road · detailsCheck current routes with the airlines
- Language Vietnamese; English is common in tourism
- Currency the Vietnamese dong (VND) · currencies
- Time zone UTC+7, no daylight saving · details7 h ahead of London and 12 h ahead of New York in winterLocal time now: –:–
- Entry US: visa required (e-visa); UK: visa-free up to 45 days · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Electricity check the plug type with your adapter supplier before you go · plugs
- Budget see our budget section
- Ideal length 3 days, 4 to 5 with Mỹ Sơn, the Cham Islands or Da Nang
When to go to Hoi An
The best time to go to Hoi An is February to April: 26 to 31 °C (79 to 88 °F) in the afternoon, very little rain (24 to 35 mm / 0.9 to 1.4 in a month) and heat that is still bearable. May to August are dry but very hot, with highs of 33 to 35 °C (91 to 95 °F): ideal for the beach, more tiring for sightseeing. From September to December it is the rainy season in central Vietnam, with up to 628 mm (24.7 in) in October, a risk of tropical storms and regular flooding in the old town.
When to go to Hoi An: the essentials
- Best time: February to April
- Beach: April to August
- Hottest month: June, average high 34.5 °C (94 °F)
- Wettest month: October, 628 mm (24.7 in) and 20 rainy days on average
- To avoid: October and November (heavy rain, flooding, storms)
- Lantern evenings: every month, around the full moon
| Month | Avg max | Avg min | Rain | Rain days | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.0 °C (77 °F) | 19.3 °C (67 °F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 12 | Moderate | Medium | ⚠️ Mild, some rain still |
| February | 26.2 °C (79 °F) | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6 | High (Tet) | High | ✅ Dry and mild; Tet in high demand |
| March | 28.3 °C (83 °F) | 21.8 °C (71 °F) | 25 mm (1.0 in) | 5 | High | Medium | ✅ One of the best months |
| April | 31.0 °C (88 °F) | 23.8 °C (75 °F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 5 | High | Medium | ✅ Dry, pleasant sea |
| May | 33.3 °C (92 °F) | 25.2 °C (77 °F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 9 | Moderate | Medium | ✅ Hot, ideal for the beach |
| June | 34.5 °C (94 °F) | 26.0 °C (79 °F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 8 | High | High | ⚠️ Very hot; Vietnamese holidays |
| July | 34.4 °C (94 °F) | 25.7 °C (78 °F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 9 | High | High | ⚠️ Very hot, busy beaches |
| August | 33.9 °C (93 °F) | 25.6 °C (78 °F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 12 | High | High | ⚠️ Hot, more frequent showers |
| September | 31.8 °C (89 °F) | 24.5 °C (76 °F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 15 | Low | Low | ⚠️ Heavy rains begin |
| October | 29.5 °C (85 °F) | 23.5 °C (74 °F) | 628 mm (24.7 in) | 20 | Low | Low | ❌ Wettest, frequent flooding |
| November | 27.4 °C (81 °F) | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 448 mm (17.6 in) | 20 | Low | Low | ❌ Heavy rain, storm risk |
| December | 25.1 °C (77 °F) | 20.0 °C (68 °F) | 218 mm (8.6 in) | 19 | Moderate | Medium | ⚠️ Wet and cooler |
Central Vietnam runs on a different calendar from the north and south: the dry season lasts from February to August, and the heavy rain falls from September to December. In Hoi An, on the Thu Bồn river, floods regularly cover the low-lying streets of the old town in October and November, sometimes for several days. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 21 September 2026), the rainy season in central Vietnam runs from October to December, with seasonal flooding in October and November, and tropical cyclones normally occur from May to November. If you travel at this time, stay flexible and follow local alerts and evacuation orders.
The seasons in Hoi An
- Dry, mild season (February to April): the best time for walking in the old town, cycling in the countryside and visiting Mỹ Sơn. The sea warms up in April.
- Hot season (May to August): little rain but strong heat, 33 to 35 °C (91 to 95 °F). Sightsee early in the morning and in the evening, keep midday for the beach. It is the best time for the Cham Islands.
- Rainy season (September to December): heavy rain, especially in October-November, possible floods, rough sea. Prices fall, but sea trips are often cancelled.
- January: a transition month, mild (25 °C / 77 °F), with some showers.
Hoi An month by month
- January: 25 °C (77 °F), some rain; a calm atmosphere before Tet.
- February: dry and mild; Tet (late January or February depending on the year) draws many Vietnamese visitors.
- March: 28 °C (83 °F), very little rain: one of the best months.
- April: 31 °C (88 °F), dry, pleasant sea.
- May: 33 °C (92 °F): start of the peak beach season.
- June: the hottest (34.5 °C / 94 °F); sightsee early in the morning.
- July: very hot and dry, busy beaches.
- August: still hot, more frequent showers at the end of the month.
- September: heavy rains begin (351 mm / 13.8 in).
- October: the wettest (628 mm / 24.7 in): frequent flooding in the old town.
- November: heavy rain (448 mm / 17.6 in), storm risk.
- December: cooler, still wet (218 mm / 8.6 in).
To compare with the north and south, see the best time to visit Vietnam, or our ideas for February, March and April.
Things to do in Hoi An: the highlights
The old town
Hội An Ancient Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 as an example of a Southeast Asian trading port active from the 15th to the 19th century. Its streets, around Trần Phú and Nguyễn Thái Học, are lined with wooden merchants’ houses, pagodas and assembly halls built by the Chinese communities. Motor traffic is restricted at certain times, which makes walking pleasant. Entry to the monuments is with a ticket covering a limited number of visits: ask at the ticket booth about the current arrangements.
The Japanese Covered Bridge
The symbol of the town, the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) spans a small canal on the western side of the old town. It is attributed to the Japanese community that settled in Hoi An and houses a small temple. It underwent a major restoration, completed in 2024. Come early in the morning to see it without the crowds.
Old houses and assembly halls
Several merchants’ houses can be visited, such as Tấn Ký House or Phùng Hưng House, with their carved timberwork and their deep layout between the street and the river. The assembly halls, such as the Fujian hall (Phúc Kiến), served as meeting places and places of worship for the Chinese communities: courtyards, altars and colourful decoration are well kept. The history museum and the Museum of Trade Ceramics tell the story of the town’s port past.
Lanterns and the river at night
At nightfall, thousands of lanterns light up in the streets and along the banks of the Thu Bồn. Boats offer a short trip on the river, with floating lanterns to set on the water. The night market, on An Hội island opposite the old town, is very busy. Every month, around the full moon, the town holds an evening when electric lighting is dimmed in favour of lanterns, with traditional entertainment; check the date locally.
The market, tailors and crafts
The central market, by the river, is busy from the morning: fruit, fish, spices and small food stalls. Hoi An is also known for its tailors’ workshops, which can make a made-to-measure garment in one or two days; allow for several fittings and compare fabric quality and prices. Shoemakers offer made-to-measure shoes and bags. Several workshops teach you to make a silk lantern, an activity popular with families.
Cooking classes and local food
Cooking classes often start with a visit to the market. Try the local specialities: cao lầu, thick noodles served with pork and herbs, mì Quảng, turmeric noodles, bánh mì, and cơm gà, chicken rice. Street stalls and small family restaurants are often the best places; choose busy ones.
The countryside by bike: Trà Quế and the Bảy Mẫu coconut forest
Hoi An is flat and easy to explore by bike. The village of Trà Quế, a few kilometres north, grows herbs and vegetables using traditional methods and offers gardening and cooking workshops. To the east, in Cẩm Thanh, the Bảy Mẫu water coconut forest is visited in basket boats, round bamboo craft; the activity has become very touristy, with shows and music on board.
An Bang and Cửa Đại beaches
About fifteen minutes away by bike or scooter, An Bang beach is the most popular with visitors, with restaurants and sun loungers. Cửa Đại, further south, has suffered severe erosion in recent years. Swimming is most pleasant from April to August; in the rainy season the sea is often rough. Respect the flags and the supervised areas.
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary
About an hour’s drive west, in a wooded valley, Mỹ Sơn brings together the remains of Hindu brick temples built by the kingdom of Champa between the 4th and 13th centuries. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Some of the buildings were damaged during the Vietnam War. Leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and the groups, and stay on the marked paths: the UK FCDO notes that landmines and other unexploded weapons remain a hazard in former battlefields, particularly in central Vietnam (GOV.UK).
The Cham Islands
Off Hoi An, the Cù Lao Chàm archipelago is a marine reserve for snorkelling and diving. You get there by speedboat from Cửa Đại port, generally from April to August, when the sea is calm; departures are suspended in bad weather. The UK FCDO advises checking the safety record and registration of boats, getting a full safety briefing and a life jacket (GOV.UK). Respect the reserve’s rules, particularly on plastic bags.
Thanh Hà, Kim Bồng and Da Nang
The potters’ village of Thanh Hà, west of town, has a terracotta park and workshops where you can try the wheel. Across the river, the village of Kim Bồng is known for its carpenters and wooden boatyards. To the north, on the road to Da Nang, the Marble Mountains shelter pagodas and caves. Da Nang itself has a long beach and an airport well served by domestic flights.
Itinerary: suggested routes
3 days: the essentials
- Day 1: the old town, the Japanese Bridge, old houses, the river and lanterns in the evening
- Day 2: cycle to Trà Quế, a cooking class, An Bang beach in the afternoon
- Day 3: Mỹ Sơn early in the morning, the Bảy Mẫu coconut forest or craft workshops in the afternoon
5 days: Hoi An and surroundings
- Days 1-3: the plan above
- Day 4: the Cham Islands (April to August) or Thanh Hà and Kim Bồng
- Day 5: the Marble Mountains and Da Nang, or on to Huế via the Hải Vân Pass
Hoi An fits easily into a north-south tour: see our Vietnam guide, and for a big regional tour, our guides to Cambodia and Laos and our tips for a multi-stop trip.
Budget for visiting Hoi An
Hoi An remains affordable, even though prices are higher than in the rest of central Vietnam. Rough estimates per person per day, excluding flights, converted to US dollars at the European Central Bank rate of 23 October 2026:
| Item | Tight budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared double room) | roughly US$10 to US$20 | roughly US$45 to US$110 |
| Meals | roughly US$10 to US$15 | roughly US$20 to US$45 |
| Transport (bike, taxi, Grab) | roughly US$0 to US$5 | roughly US$10 to US$30 |
| Sights and activities | roughly US$5 to US$15 | roughly US$20 to US$55 |
| Total per day | roughly US$30 to US$60 | roughly US$100 to US$240 |
To convert prices into dong, use our currency converter.
Getting around Hoi An
- From Da Nang airport: taxi, ride-hailing app or hotel shuttle, about 45 minutes by road. The UK FCDO recommends pre-arranged transport or official apps such as Grab or XanhSM, and warns about unsolicited offers of free bus transfers to hotels.
- On foot: the old town can be explored entirely on foot.
- Bike: often lent by hotels; ideal for the countryside and An Bang beach.
- Taxis and apps: convenient for Da Nang and the beaches.
- Scooter: possible, but riding without a helmet is illegal (GOV.UK). The U.S. Department of State strongly discourages riding motorbikes and says US licences and international driving permits are not valid in Vietnam; British drivers need the 1968 international driving permit and their UK licence (GOV.UK).
- To Huế: road or train from Da Nang; the road over the Hải Vân Pass offers fine coastal views.
Where to stay in Hoi An
| Base | For whom? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Old town and surroundings | First visit, sightseeing on foot | Convenient, more expensive, prone to flooding in the rainy season |
| An Hội island | Close by, evening atmosphere | Lively until late around the night market |
| Cẩm Châu, Cẩm Thanh rice fields | Peace and quiet, couples | Bike or taxi needed |
| An Bang | Beach, long stay | About 5 km (3 mi) from the old town |
| Da Nang | Big beach, flights | Hoi An as a day trip |
For Tet and from February to April, book a few weeks ahead. In the rainy season, choose accommodation with flexible cancellation terms.
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens
According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026), you need a valid passport and a visa; you can apply online for a single- or multiple-entry e-visa on the Vietnam Immigration website. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, with at least one blank visa page. Check every detail: an error, even a typo in your name, can lead to refusal of entry.
UK citizens
According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 21 September 2026), you can visit without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business; for a longer stay, you can apply for an e-visa allowing 90 days and multiple entries. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you arrive and be undamaged. Overstaying can lead to a fine and deportation.
- Health: mosquito-borne diseases include dengue, Zika, malaria and Japanese encephalitis; see a travel health clinic at least 8 weeks before you leave (GOV.UK). Hospitals expect immediate cash payment (U.S. Department of State): take out insurance covering medical costs and evacuation.
- Methanol: deaths and serious illness have been caused by drinks containing methanol, including in licensed bars, shops and hotels in tourist areas (GOV.UK).
- Natural risks: in Hoi An the main risks are floods and storms in the rainy season. Follow local instructions and do not wade through flooded streets.
- Crime: violent crime against foreigners is rare, but bag-snatching by motorbike thieves is common (GOV.UK and U.S. Department of State).
- Emergency numbers: police 113, fire 114, ambulance 115 (GOV.UK).
Insurance covering repatriation is strongly recommended: see our travel insurance guide.
Practical tips for Hoi An
- Money: ATMs are plentiful; keep cash for the market, small restaurants and tailors.
- Mobile data: Wi-Fi is widespread; an eSIM or a local SIM avoids roaming charges.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees in pagodas and assembly halls.
- Timing: sightsee early in the morning; the old town is very busy in the late afternoon and evening.
- Bargaining: at the market and with tailors, ask the price first and stay polite.
- With children: lantern workshops, pottery in Thanh Hà, basket boats and cycling suit children.
Hoi An: for which travellers?
Our view, profile by profile, based on the information in this guide:
| Profile | Our verdict |
|---|---|
| Culture and heritage | Ideal: a UNESCO-listed old town, merchants’ houses, assembly halls and the Mỹ Sơn sanctuary. |
| Tight budget | Ideal: roughly US$30 to US$60 a day on a tight budget, staying simply and eating in small family restaurants. |
| Families | Yes: lantern workshops, pottery in Thanh Hà, basket boats and cycling; avoid the hot hours from June to August. |
| Couples | Yes: the river and lanterns in the evening, quiet accommodation among the rice fields of Cẩm Châu and Cẩm Thanh. |
| Beach | Yes, from April to August: An Bang and the Cham Islands; in the rainy season the sea is often rough. |
| Travel in October-November | Not very suitable: the wettest months, with frequent flooding in the old town. |
Read also
Hoi An follows the calendar of central Vietnam: to compare it with the north and south, read the best time to visit Vietnam, and check the time in Vietnam before booking your transfers. If you are still undecided on the destination, our Thailand or Vietnam comparison helps you decide. For a complete tour, continue with our guides to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go to Hoi An?
From February to April: 26 to 31 °C (79 to 88 °F) and very little rain, according to the Da Nang station normals. May to August suit the beach despite the heat. Avoid October and November, the wettest months, with frequent flooding.
How many days do you need to visit Hoi An?
Three days let you see the old town, the countryside, the beach and Mỹ Sơn. With four to five days, you can add the Cham Islands, Thanh Hà or Da Nang.
Do you need a ticket for Hoi An old town?
Entry to the old town’s monuments is with a ticket covering a limited number of visits. The arrangements change: ask at the ticket booths at the entrance to the old town.
Does Hoi An flood in the rainy season?
Yes, the low-lying streets along the Thu Bồn are regularly flooded in October and November, sometimes for several days; the UK FCDO notes seasonal flooding in central Vietnam in those months. If you travel then, stay away from the river and keep your plans flexible.
How do I get from Da Nang to Hoi An?
By taxi, ride-hailing app or hotel shuttle: about 45 minutes from Da Nang airport. There are also slower local buses.
Is Hoi An good for children?
Yes: the old town can be visited on foot, the countryside by bike, and lantern or pottery workshops appeal to children. Avoid the hot hours from June to August and bring protection against mosquitoes.
Our sources
- Entry, health and safety information read on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Vietnam country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 2, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Vietnam (GOV.UK, updated 21 September 2026)
- Vietnam Institute for Building Science and Technology (IBST): normals for the Da Nang station, about 30 km from Hoi An, published in standard QCVN 02:2022/BXD
- European Central Bank, euro reference rates of 23 October 2026 (budget conversion to US dollars)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To continue, see our Vietnam guide and the best time to visit Vietnam.
