Hoi An from Da Nang: How to Get There, What to Do and Eat

Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia's busiest trading ports in the 16th–18th centuries, visited by Japanese, Chinese and Dutch merchants. As a result the old town still preserves more than a thousand historic wooden buildings, assembly halls, temples and pagodas, and was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999. Since 2025, Hoi An has been part of Da Nang city.

Getting from Da Nang to Hoi An

• Join-in tour: usually combined with the Marble Mountains or Bay Mau coconut forest, with hotel pick-up – e.g. the half-day Marble Mountains – Hoi An tour.
• Taxi or ride-hailing: about 40–45 minutes from central Da Nang.
• Private car with driver: good for groups and can wait until evening – see car rental.
• Motorbike: the coastal road along Vo Nguyen Giap – Lac Long Quan is lovely, about 45 minutes.

Hoi An Ancient Town tickets

Visitors to the old town need to buy a ticket at the booths at the entrances. The ticket usually grants entry to a number of heritage sites (old houses, assembly halls, museums, the Covered Bridge…). Prices may change according to local regulations – keep your ticket with you while exploring.

Must-see sights

• Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau): Hoi An's symbol, built in the 17th century and recently restored.
• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: colourful Chinese architecture with an impressive gate.
• Tan Ky, Phung Hung and Duc An old houses: centuries-old wooden homes, still lived in.
• Hoai River: take a boat and release flower lanterns in the evening.
• Nguyen Hoang night market: lanterns, souvenirs and snacks.

Around Hoi An

• Bay Mau coconut forest: basket boats, basket-spinning shows, crab fishing.
• Tra Que vegetable village and Thanh Ha pottery village: craft village experiences.
• An Bang and Cua Dai beaches: swimming and beachside cafés.
• Cham Islands: only 20–30 minutes by speedboat from Cua Dai.
• My Son Sanctuary: Cham temple complex about 40 km away.
• Hoi An Memories show: a large-scale open-air show retelling 400 years of history, performed in the evening.

Best time of day in Hoi An

Early morning (6–8am) the streets are empty and the light is beautiful for photos. Late afternoon to evening (4–9pm) the lanterns come on – the most beautiful but also the busiest time. On the 14th night of each lunar month the old town often holds "Old Town Night": electric lights are dimmed, only lanterns glow, with folk performances and bai choi games.

What to eat in Hoi An

• Cao lau: chewy golden noodles, char siu pork and Tra Que herbs – found only in Hoi An.
• Hoi An chicken rice: golden rice cooked in chicken broth, shredded chicken with onion and herbs.
• Hoi An banh mi: world-famous, with pâté, meats and a signature sauce.
• White rose dumplings, wonton, sweet corn soup and mot herbal drink.

Things to know

• Motorbikes and cars are restricted in the old town at certain hours – park and walk or rent a bicycle.
• In the rainy season (October–November) the old town can flood; check the forecast.
• 24-hour tailoring of ao dai and leather goods is famous, but compare prices and check samples carefully.