- The best time to visit Hoi An
The best time to visit Hoi An depends on your preferences and priorities. If you want to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of February to May or September to November. If you want to experience the town’s vibrant festivals or enjoy the beaches, plan your trip accordingly. Regardless of when you visit, Hoi An is sure to delight you with its historic charm and natural beauty.
- Weather
Hoi An has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from September to January, and a dry season from February to August. The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season when temperatures are warm and the skies are clear. The months of February to April offer the most pleasant weather with cool mornings and evenings and warm afternoons. - Crowds
Hoi An is a popular tourist destination, and its narrow streets and historic buildings can get crowded during peak season. The busiest time to visit Hoi An is from June to August when schools are on summer break and many tourists visit the area. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of February to May or September to November. - Festivals
Hoi An is known for its vibrant festivals, which showcase the town’s rich cultural heritage. The most popular festival is the Hoi An Lantern Festival, which takes place on the 14th day of every lunar month. During the festival, the town’s streets are lit up with colorful lanterns, and there are cultural performances, food stalls, and games. Other popular festivals include the Mid-Autumn Festival in September. - Beaches
Hoi An is located on the coast, and visitors can enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the beaches in Hoi An is during the dry season from February to August when the weather is sunny and the water is warm. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, so consider visiting in the shoulder seasons for a more peaceful experience.
2. Things to do in Hoi An
A picturesque town known for its historic architecture, vibrant lanterns, and stunning beaches, here are some of the best things to do in Hoi An:
- Explore the Old Town Hoi An’s
Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many well-preserved historic buildings, including temples, pagodas, and merchants’ houses. Walking through the town’s narrow streets and admiring the colorful lanterns and colonial architecture is a must-do activity. - Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
The Japanese Covered Bridge is a symbol of Hoi An and dates back to the 16th century. The bridge features ornate carvings and a small temple at one end, and is a popular spot for taking photos. - Take a cooking class
Hoi An is known for its delicious cuisine, and taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about the local food culture. Many cooking classes include a trip to the market to select ingredients and a hands-on cooking experience. - Go shopping
Hoi An is famous for its tailors and silk shops, and visitors can have custom-made clothes created in just a few days. The town also has many souvenir shops selling traditional handicrafts and artwork. - Visit the beaches
Hoi An has several beautiful beaches, including An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach. Visitors can relax on the sand, go for a swim, or try water sports like surfing and paddleboarding. - Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River
The Thu Bon River runs through Hoi An and taking a boat ride is a great way to see the town from a different perspective. Visitors can take a ride during the day or at night, when the town’s lanterns are illuminated. - Explore the countryside by bike
Hoi An’s countryside is dotted with rice paddies, water buffalo, and small villages. Renting a bike and exploring the area is a great way to experience the local culture and scenery.
3. Food to try in Hoi An
Hoi An is famous for its delicious cuisine that reflects the town’s rich cultural heritage. Hoi An has a diverse and delicious food scene that reflects the town’s cultural heritage. From unique noodle dishes to savory crepes, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Hoi An’s culinary offerings. Here are some of the best foods to try in Hoi An:
- Cao Lau
Cao Lau is a noodle dish that is unique to Hoi An. The noodles are made from rice and are served with pork, fresh herbs, and a broth made from pork bones. The dish is topped with crispy fried pork and is a must-try for foodies. - Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that is popular all over the country. In Hoi An, the sandwich is made with a crispy baguette that is filled with grilled pork, pate, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables. - White Rose Dumplings
White Rose Dumplings are a Hoi An specialty made from a rice flour dough that is filled with shrimp or pork and shaped to resemble a white rose. The dumplings are served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce and are a popular snack or appetizer. - Mi Quang
Mi Quang is a noodle dish that is popular in central Vietnam. The noodles are made from rice and are served with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs. The dish is topped with peanuts and crispy rice crackers and is a satisfying and flavorful meal. - Com Ga
Com Ga, or chicken rice, is a dish made from poached chicken and rice cooked with chicken broth and turmeric. The dish is served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. - Banh Xeo
Banh Xeo is a savory crepe made from rice flour and turmeric. The crepe is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts and is served with fresh herbs and a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
4. Night life
Some of things to do at night in Hoi An, from relaxing river cruises to lantern-making classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
- Enjoy a sunset river cruise
A sunset river cruise on the Thu Bon River is a great way to unwind after a day of exploring. Many boats offer dinner or drinks, and visitors can enjoy views of the town’s illuminated lanterns from the water. - Take a lantern-making class
Hoi An is famous for its colorful lanterns, and visitors can take a lantern-making class to learn how to create their own. Many classes also include a guided tour of the town’s lantern-lit streets at night. - Visit the night market
Hoi An’s night market is a bustling hub of activity with vendors selling souvenirs, food, and drinks. Visitors can try local specialties like grilled meat skewers and fresh fruit smoothies. - Enjoy live music
Many bars and restaurants in Hoi An offer live music in the evenings. From acoustic covers to traditional Vietnamese music, there is something for every taste. - Try a rooftop bar
Several rooftop bars in Hoi An offer stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can sip cocktails and enjoy the scenery in a relaxed atmosphere.