Why Hoi An first
Hoi An is Vietnam’s best-preserved trading port — lantern-lit shophouses, Japanese bridge, tailor shops, and white-sand An Bang beach 15 minutes away. It suits slow travel: stay 3 days, split time between the Old Town, a cooking class, and the beach. Evenings are the magic hour when lanterns light up and day-trippers leave. The Old Town restricts motor traffic in the evenings, keeping night walks relaxed. Tailor shops cluster on Tran Phu and Bach Dang streets — compare two quotes before ordering. Hotel beach shuttles run cheaply; confirm the return time before you swim. Old Town boutique hotels run roughly $25-55 a night and put lantern streets on your doorstep (October 2026 listings); An Bang beach hotels cost similar with sand instead of shophouses. Villas with pools split well for groups of four or more. If ordering tailored clothes, stay your first nights in town for fittings, then move to the beach — and never pay in full before the final fitting. Prices below were checked October 2026 against Booking.com and Klook listings.
Quick facts
- Best area to stay: inside or just outside the Old Town for atmosphere; An Bang for beach days.
- Getting there: 45-60 minutes by taxi from Da Nang airport (roughly $12-18).
- Must-try: cao lau, white rose dumplings, banh mi Phuong, and Tra Que herb-village cooking classes.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Hoi An?
Three days is ideal: one for the Old Town sights and lantern evening, one for a cooking class plus Tra Que village or My Son sanctuary, and one for An Bang beach. Two days works if you skip the beach. Tailoring needs 2-3 days for fittings, so arrive early in your stay if ordering clothes.
What does a day in Hoi An cost?
Budget travelers spend $35-65 per day including a homestay, bicycle rental, street food, and Old Town tickets. Mid-range comfort with a boutique hotel, cooking class ($25-40), and tailored items runs $80-140 per day (October 2026 price level). An Old Town pass covering five sights costs roughly $5-6.
When is the best season to visit Hoi An?
February to August is dry and beach-friendly. September to December brings heavy rain and flooding — the Old Town can flood ankle-to-knee deep in October/November, closing some streets. If visiting then, book upper-floor rooms and keep beach plans flexible.
Are Hoi An tailors worth it?
Yes if you choose carefully: a made-to-measure suit runs roughly $80-200 and takes 2-3 fittings over 2-3 days. Read recent reviews, agree on fabric and price in writing before cutting, and do the final fitting before paying in full. Rush 24-hour jobs often disappoint — allow the full window.
Is the lantern boat ride worth it?
The short Sampan ride on the Hoai River (roughly $4-8 per boat) is worth it once at night for the lantern views. Go after 8 PM when tour groups thin out. Skip the floating-candle release if you prefer low-impact travel — the candles add river litter.