Hoi An

Located off the coast of the South China Sea in South Central Vietnam, Hoi An is a beautiful, old city dating back 2,000 years to the Champa Kingdom. The city’s historic architecture, traditional culture and textiles make it a popular destination in Vietnam.

At the heart of Hoi An is its atmospheric Old Town, which is small enough to walk around easily. The narrow, winding lanes of the Old Town are lined with beautiful old architecture, traditional wooden houses and hundreds of tailor shops selling clothing, shoes, bags, souvenirs and custom-made services. The Central Market is here as well, bustling with vendors selling fresh food, cooked dishes, ceramics and handicrafts. Important landmarks not to miss are the 17th century Japanese Covered Bridge, the Quan Cong Temple and the Cantonese Assembly Hall.

Outside the historic center, motorbikes and taxis provide transportation around a more modern district booming in attractions, museums, hotels, restaurants, shops and tourist facilities. To experience the city’s historic culture, the Hoi An Handicraft Workshop and the Traditional Theatre present performances of folk customs and music. Bicycle tours to nearby villages offer picturesque countryside, rice paddies, water buffalos and traditional cuisine.

Hoi An has a good range of restaurants, pubs and clubs. Many of the city’s restaurants offer cooking classes, so visitors can learn to cook the city’s local specialities that include Cao Lau (rice noodles topped with roasted pork, vegetables and dough fritters) and White Rose (a shrimp dumpling shaped to resemble a rose).

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Travel Info

Flight time Flights from major US cities to Hanoi take around 22 hours with layovers, typically via Hong Kong, Doha, Istanbul, Seoul, or Atlanta. No direct flights are available on this route.
Time zone GMT +7 hours (Vietnam is 12 hours ahead of New York during standard time and 11 hours ahead during daylight saving time)
Recommended airlines Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Delta, and Turkish Airlines offer one-stop flights. Our packages include one-stop flights, with preferred airline options available at an extra cost.
Best season The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April, when the weather is cooler and dry. March and April are ideal across the country. May to August can be hot and humid, while September to October brings monsoon rains, especially in central Vietnam.
Visa US citizens require a tourist visa to visit Vietnam, which can be obtained online or through the embassy. Entry requirements may change, so travellers should check with the Vietnamese Embassy or official sources before departure. It is your responsibility to check and meet entry requirements before travel.
Capital Hanoi