Hoi An, Vietnam Travel Guide: Lantern Festival, Tailors, Beaches & Ancient Town
After spending one of the most unforgettable weeks of my life exploring Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, I headed south toward Hoi An. The journey began with a Boomerang Bus ride to Hue, followed by one of the best travel experiences in Vietnam: a motorbike ride over the legendary Hai Van Pass.
Friends had been telling me for years that Hoi An was a hidden gem. Backpackers in Korea called it the tailoring capital of the world, while travelers I met in Vietnam insisted I arrive in time for the famous lantern festival. After spending a full week there instead of the planned few days, I finally understood why so many people fall in love with this riverside town.
Whether you’re backpacking Vietnam, planning a romantic getaway, or searching for the best things to do in Hoi An, this guide covers everything you need to know.
If you’re planning a larger Vietnam itinerary, you should also check out my guides to the best places to visit in Vietnam, Phong Nha, and the waterfalls of Da Lat.
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Riding the Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An
The motorbike ride from Hue to Hoi An is easily one of the most scenic routes in Southeast Asia. Most backpackers rent a bike in Hue and return it in Hoi An (or vice versa), making it an affordable and adventurous way to travel between cities.
The highlight is crossing the Hai Van Pass, where mountain roads overlook the coastline with panoramic views stretching toward Da Nang.
Travel Tip
- Many rental companies will transport your backpack separately by bus for a small fee.
- Da Nang International Airport is the closest airport to Hoi An.
- Always confirm whether your accommodation still offers bike rentals or shuttle services before booking.
Best Things to Do in Hoi An
1. Rent a Bicycle and Explore the Countryside
One of the best ways to experience Hoi An is by bicycle. Many hostels and homestays offer bike rentals, and the flat roads make cycling easy for all travelers.
Ride through:
- Rice paddies
- Riverside villages
- Local fishing communities
- Beach roads leading to An Bang Beach
The peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An is just as beautiful as the Old Town itself.
2. Wander Through Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with yellow colonial buildings, lantern-lined streets, traditional markets, and riverside cafés.
During the day you can:
- Browse local markets
- Shop for handmade lanterns
- Eat authentic Vietnamese street food
- Visit historic temples and assembly halls
- Enjoy riverside coffee shops
At night, the entire town transforms into one of the most atmospheric destinations in Vietnam.
Popular foods to try:
- Cao lầu
- White rose dumplings
- Bánh mì
- Vietnamese coffee
For more Vietnam travel inspiration, Lonely Planet also has a strong overview of Vietnam travel.
3. Experience the Hoi An Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is one of the town’s biggest attractions. Colorful lanterns illuminate the streets and float along the river, creating a magical atmosphere every evening.
While the official Full Moon Lantern Festival attracts the largest crowds, I actually preferred the quieter nights leading up to the full moon.
Things to do during the festival:
- Release floating lanterns onto the river
- Take a wooden boat ride
- Watch traditional street performances
- Photograph the glowing riverside
Travel Tip
Buy lanterns from local vendors rather than only taking photos. They’re inexpensive and directly support local families.
4. Get Custom Clothing Made by Hoi An Tailors
Hoi An is world-famous for custom tailoring. You’ll find hundreds of tailor shops creating:
- Custom suits
- Dresses
- Leather shoes
- Boots
- Bags
- Silk clothing
One of the best parts? You can bring a photo of almost any design and have it recreated within a couple days.
Tailoring Tips
- Always compare multiple shops before committing
- Avoid bargaining too aggressively if you want higher-quality materials
- Schedule at least two fittings for suits or dresses
- Read recent reviews before choosing a tailor since quality can change over time
Hoi An remains one of the best places in the world for affordable custom clothing.
5. Visit Marble Mountains
A short motorbike ride from Hoi An toward Da Nang takes you to Marble Mountains.
These limestone hills feature:
- Buddhist temples
- Cave shrines
- Scenic viewpoints
- Short hiking trails
It’s an easy half-day trip and pairs perfectly with a coastal motorbike ride.
6. Take a Snorkeling or Diving Trip to Cham Islands
For a break from the city, head to Cham Islands for snorkeling or scuba diving tours.
Most tours include:
- Boat transportation
- Multiple snorkeling or dive sites
- Lunch
- Beach relaxation time
Booking through your hostel or homestay is usually the easiest and most reliable option.
Where to Stay in Hoi An
Hoi An has accommodations for every budget, from backpacker hostels to luxury riverside resorts.
Budget Accommodation
- Homestays with bicycles
- Backpacker hostels near the Old Town
- Riverside guesthouses
Midrange Hotels
Many boutique hotels in Hoi An include:
- Swimming pools
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers
- Beach shuttles
Luxury Resorts
Beachfront resorts near An Bang Beach offer:
- Private beach access
- Spa services
- Ocean-view rooms
- High-end dining
If you’re continuing your Vietnam travels afterward, you might also enjoy exploring Da Lat’s waterfalls or heading north to Phong Nha.
Is Hoi An Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Between the lantern-lit evenings, incredible food, beautiful countryside, custom tailoring, nearby beaches, and easy day trips, Hoi An became one of my favorite destinations in all of Vietnam.
I originally planned to stay only a few days and ended up spending an entire week there. For many travelers, Hoi An quickly becomes the highlight of their Vietnam itinerary.
If you’re traveling through Vietnam, don’t rush through Hoi An. Slow down, rent a bike, eat incredible food, and enjoy one of Southeast Asia’s most charming towns.
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5 comments
Reblogged this on ellen's esl teaching blog and commented:
Mike, thanks for sharing your images and thoughts about this lovely city in Việt Nam. I really enjoyed my times in Hoi An. I’m very happy with the clothing and souvenirs that I purchased there, the restaurants are fantastic, and the Old Town is so peaceful during the day, when no motos are allowed there! The sea is warm and lovely there, and Marble Mountain was a very interesting place to visit.
Hi,
I’m Alex.
It seems like you had a great time in Hoi An.
I once have been to Hoi An and I agree with many idea in your article, especially the one about renting a bike.
I ridden a bike from Da nang to Hoi An once. The natural scene was so peaceful and I love the atmosphere here.
I recently published a blog post about 2 special must-try-dishes in Hoi An, https://blog.inspitrip.com/2218/hoi-an-two-traditional-food-and-where-to-find-them/
If anyone who are going to travel to Hoi An. I highly recommend these 2 dishes.
Hope you like it.
Oh, welcome to Vietnam. Definitely, An Bang Beach is one of the coolest beach in Vietnam, not only in Hoi An. I think you should add shopping in this article. Hoi An is the heaven for hand made products like: clothes, lanterns, ceramics, etc
Tonkin, you are absolutely right! Shopping is a must in Hoi An. I have an updated article with 24 things to do in Hoi An that includes shopping 😉
I also once came to Hoi An. But to have a detailed article like you, I absolutely do not have.
Thank you for a post a lot of experience