At a glance
- Best for
- Old town charm, beaches, food and tailoring
- Airport
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
- Time needed
- Three to five days
- Best season
- February to August
- Distance apart
- Around forty minutes by road
- Getting around
- Walking, bicycle and ride apps
Why go
Hoi An is the town that wins every first-timer's heart. From the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries it was a busy port where Chinese, Japanese, Dutch and other merchants traded, and its Ancient Town survives almost intact. At night thousands of lanterns glow along the river. Da Nang offers what Hoi An lacks: a big beach, high rise hotels, a buzzing seafood scene and quick flights to the rest of the country.
The Ancient Town
Entry to the Ancient Town's historic buildings is by a ticket that covers a set number of sites; check the official Hoi An tourism site for how it works. Highlights include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall, the Tan Ky old house and small museums of trade ceramics and folk culture. The streets are closed to motorbikes at set hours, which makes evening walks a pleasure. On the full moon each lunar month the town holds a lantern festival, and the river fills with floating candles.
Tailors, food and crafts
Hoi An is famous for tailors who can make a suit, dress or coat in a day or two. Quality varies, so choose a well reviewed shop, allow time for at least two fittings and agree the details in writing. The food is a highlight: cao lau noodles, white rose dumplings, banh mi and mi Quang. Cooking classes with a market visit and basket boat ride are popular. Nearby craft villages such as Thanh Ha pottery village and Tra Que vegetable village are easy by bicycle.
Beaches
An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are a short bike ride from Hoi An, with relaxed beach restaurants. In Da Nang, My Khe beach stretches for miles and is lined with hotels and seafood restaurants. Lifeguards patrol the main sections; currents can be strong in the stormy season, so swim between the flags.
Around Da Nang
The Marble Mountains are five limestone hills with caves, pagodas and viewpoints between the two cities. Son Tra Peninsula has forest roads, the giant Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Pagoda and the chance to spot red shanked douc langurs. Ba Na Hills, reached by cable car, is a hilltop resort with a mock French village and the Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands. The Museum of Cham Sculpture holds the finest collection of Champa art anywhere. The Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water on weekend evenings.
My Son
About an hour inland from Hoi An lie the ruins of My Son, a valley of Hindu brick temples built by the Champa kingdom from the fourth to the thirteenth centuries and listed by UNESCO. Go early in the morning to beat heat and tour groups.
Weather
The central coast is driest and sunniest from February to August. From September to December heavy rain and typhoons can cause flooding in Hoi An, when the riverside streets sometimes go under water. Check weather warnings in these months.
Where to stay
In Hoi An, stay near the Ancient Town to walk everywhere, or in the rice fields and beach areas of Cam Thanh and An Bang for calm. In Da Nang, stay near My Khe beach for the sea or by the Han River for the city.
Questions about Hoi An and Da Nang
Should I stay in Hoi An or Da Nang?
Stay in Hoi An for charm and food, and Da Nang for a big beach and nightlife. Many people split their time, as they are only forty minutes apart.
How long does it take to have clothes made in Hoi An?
Simple items can be ready in a day, but allow two or three days for fittings and changes, especially for suits and coats.
When does Hoi An flood?
Flooding is most likely from October to November during heavy rain and storms. The town copes well, but some streets close and boats may replace walking.
Do I need a ticket for the Ancient Town?
A ticket is required to enter the historic houses and halls and is checked at entry points. See the official Hoi An tourism site for current rules.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
