What to See in Hoi An Vietnam: Top Attractions and Highlights

Ready to step into a glowing fairy tale? Hoi An – Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed ancient town – enchants with lantern-lit streets, historic yellow shophouses, and the serene Thu Bon River, just 30 minutes from Da Nang airport. "In 2026, what to see in Hoi An Vietnam still captivates with timeless charm, delicious local food, peaceful countryside, and beautiful beaches – all without the crowds of bigger cities". Let’s explore together: the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge at sunset, cycling through emerald rice fields, crafting your own silk lantern, and savoring cao lau and white rose dumplings. Every moment here touches the heart. Join us in discovering the very best of Hoi An what to see right here in this guide!

1. Why Hoi An Captivates Travelers in 2026

Why Hoi An Captivates Travelers in 2026

There’s something about Hoi An that quietly sneaks into your soul and stays there long after you leave. Maybe it’s the way the entire Ancient Town glows under thousands of silk lanterns every evening, or the soft lapping of the Thu Bon River carrying floating candles downstream on full-moon nights. Whatever it is, this UNESCO-listed gem in central Vietnam feels like a place time forgot—in the gentlest, most beautiful way.

No towering hotels, no honking traffic, just harmonious yellow shophouses, wooden bridges, and narrow lanes that have whispered stories of merchants from China, Japan, and Europe for centuries. Evenings turn Hoi An into a living lantern wonderland, especially during the full-moon lantern festival when the river becomes a sea of tiny glowing wishes. Step beyond the old town and you’ll find peaceful coconut groves, emerald rice paddies, sleepy villages, and the soft sands of An Bang Beach—perfect moments to simply breathe and be.

For travelers from abroad, Hoi An feels like coming home to a place you never knew you missed: English is widely spoken in tourist areas, everything is surprisingly affordable (a custom dress or suit can cost far less than you expect), the pace is slow and kind, and the food—oh, the food—is safe, fresh, and soul-satisfying. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie chasing the perfect bowl of cao lau, a photographer chasing golden-hour light, or just someone craving quiet beauty, what to see in Hoi An Vietnam gives you exactly what your heart didn’t know it was asking for.

2. Lantern-Lit Wonders: Must-See Spots in Hoi An Ancient Town

Lantern-Lit Wonders: Must-See Spots in Hoi An Ancient Town

The heart of Hoi An is its compact, walkable Ancient Town—best explored slowly, preferably on foot. Pick up an entrance ticket (around 120,000–150,000 VND) to visit five key heritage sites.

• Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) — Hoi An’s most photographed treasure: a humble 400-year-old arched bridge sheltering a tiny temple, guarded by weathered stone dogs and monkeys. Stand here at sunset as lanterns flicker on and reflect in the water—it’s one of those rare moments when the world feels perfectly still and alive at the same time.

• Tan Ky Ancient House & Merchant Homes — Step inside these preserved shophouses and feel centuries of family life: dark polished wood, open courtyards, ancestral altars, and the gentle scent of aged timber. Every room tells a quiet story.

• Assembly Halls & Temples — Phuc Kien Assembly Hall dazzles with swirling dragon mosaics; Quan Cong Temple offers calm amid curling incense smoke—places to pause, breathe, and feel the peace.

• Hoi An Central & Night Markets — Daytime is for fresh herbs, tropical fruits, and steaming street food; nighttime is pure lantern-lit energy along the river—perfect for browsing handmade silk scarves and small treasures.

• Thu Bon River at Night — Release your own floating lantern and watch it drift away carrying a wish. Short, gentle boat rides let you float among hundreds of glowing candles—a memory that lingers.

3. Beyond the Lanterns: Countryside & Soulful Escapes

Beyond the Lanterns: Countryside & Soulful Escapes

Leave the old town behind for a while and the real Hoi An opens up—green, gentle, and deeply authentic.

• Tra Que Vegetable Village — Cycle or stroll through fragrant herb gardens, learn how locals grow without chemicals, and sit down to a farm-fresh meal you helped harvest.

• Cam Thanh Coconut Village — Paddle a round basket boat through dense palm tunnels—laugh when the guide flips the boat like a bowl, spot kingfishers, and sip fresh coconut water straight from the shell.

• Countryside Cycling — Pedal past golden rice fields, water buffaloes grazing lazily, and smiling villagers—pure, peaceful Vietnam in motion.

• An Bang Beach — Wide, soft sand, gentle waves, beachside hammocks, and cold beer at sunset—exactly what you need after days of exploring.

• Hands-On Workshops — Make your own silk lantern, brew Vietnamese coffee the traditional way, or learn to roll perfect white rose dumplings—souvenirs you actually created yourself.

• Best Places to Stay in Hoi An Vietnam Ultimate Travel Guide!
• How Many Days in Hoi An Are Enough for a Perfect Trip?

Joytime brings these hidden layers to life with heartfelt, sustainable tours:

• Hoi An Nature Discovery Tour with HoianGo E-car — Quiet, eco-friendly rides to Tra Que and secret green corners.

• Exploring Hoi An Cuisine by Vespa — Zip to hidden eateries for authentic flavors you’d never find alone.

• Hoi An Countryside Bicycle Tour & Food Tasting — Easy pedaling, 9+ delicious stops, and real conversations with locals.

• Experience Culture in Hoi An’s Countryside by Vespa — Farm visits, animal encounters, and a genuine feel for daily rural life.

4. Quick, Honest Tips for Your 2026 Hoi An Journey

Quick, Honest Tips for Your 2026 Hoi An Journey

• Best months — February to May (dry and mild) or September to November (cooler, quieter). Rainy season (Oct–Dec) brings dramatic green but occasional downpours.

• Getting around — Walk the Ancient Town; rent a bicycle (~100,000 VND/day) for countryside; Grab or Taxi Fare from Da Nang to Hoi An for beaches.

• Where to stay — A lantern-view homestay or boutique in the old town, or a beachside resort for total relaxation.

• Don’t miss the food — Cao lau, white rose dumplings, bánh mì Phượng, fresh spring rolls—street stalls are safe and insanely good.

• Small acts of respect — Cover shoulders/knees at temples, buy directly from artisans, release lanterns mindfully.

Hoi An isn’t just a list of sights—it’s a feeling: warm lantern light on your face, the laughter of locals, the quiet joy of a place that still cares about beauty and kindness. Let Joytime help you feel it deeply and responsibly. Scroll through their full Hoi An collection at: https://joytime.vn/en/tour-sightseeing/tour-in-hoi-an and start imagining your own glowing nights here. You belong in this light.