City guide
Hoi An Travel Guide: A lantern-lit ancient trading port of tailors, tea houses and river boats
Hoi An is a UNESCO-listed ancient trading port in central Vietnam, famous for its lantern-lit Old Town, the 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, hundreds of tailor shops and the nearby An Bang beach. The best time to visit is February to April — dry, sunny and before the summer heat.
Hoi An at a glance
| Timezone | ICT (UTC+7) |
|---|---|
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Languages | Vietnamese |
| Population | 120,000 |
| Coordinates | 15.8801, 108.3380 |
Why visit Hoi An
Hoi An is Vietnam’s most beautiful town: a UNESCO-listed 15th-century trading port where mustard-yellow shophouses, Chinese assembly halls and the Japanese Covered Bridge line pedestrian streets strung with silk lanterns. By day it’s tailor shops and herb gardens; by night the Thu Bon River glows with candle-lit boats. An Bang beach is a ten-minute cycle away.
When to visit Hoi An
Hoi An has a long dry season (February–August) and a wet season (September–January) when the Ancient Town can flood. February to April is the sweet spot: dry, sunny and not yet scorching.
Hoi An’s Ancient Town floods most years in October–November — check forecasts before booking. The monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th day of the lunar month) is magical but very busy. Read the full month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Hoi An.
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Hoi An travel questions
What is the best month to visit Hoi An?
March and April are the best months to visit Hoi An — dry, sunny and warm (26–32°C) without the peak summer heat, perfect for both the Ancient Town and An Bang beach. Avoid October and November, when heavy rain can flood the Old Town streets.
When is the Hoi An Lantern Festival?
The Hoi An Lantern Festival happens every month on the 14th day of the lunar calendar (the full moon), when the Ancient Town switches off its electric lights and glows by lantern and candle. Dates shift each month — check a lunar calendar. It’s beautiful but draws the biggest crowds.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.