What Are the Must-Know Tips for a Magical Hoi An Escape?

The country of Vietnam has recently been gaining fame as a great place to visit on a holiday. With incredible natural surroundings, a number of cultural sites and iconic landmarks, the country should be on every traveller’s bucket list. The town of Hoi An, in Vietnam, matches up to the hype that the country already has. With its cosy shops, lantern-lit streets and cobblestone lanes, the town feels straight out of a romantic movie from yesteryear. Once a bustling Southeast Asian trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, it now invites travellers with its fusion of history, culture, and easy-going charm. Whether you are here to enjoy the riverside beauty or dive into the delectable cuisine, enjoying Hoi An is more than just ticking off a list of attractions. Here are some tips for having a magical time in Hoi An.

img via flickr

Stay Central, Stay Stressless

While the first tip may seem to be obvious to most, it is something everyone pays little attention to. One of the biggest tips for a relaxed Hoi An trip is choosing the right accommodation. Staying in or near the Ancient Town allows for stress-free exploration, but many properties within the Old Town are either boutique or basic. For travellers seeking both boutique luxury and the perfect location, Anantara Hoi An Resort strikes the perfect balance. This riverside resort places you just a short stroll from the Ancient Town, yet offers a fortress of comfort that feels miles away from the day-tripping crowds. Whichever hotel you book, make sure to do your research before committing to it.

Rise Early to Enjoy the Ancient Town at Its Quietest

One of the first things to do in Hoi An is to enjoy the town while it's still quiet. Hoi An’s Old Town is undoubtedly beautiful, but it gets crowded, especially midday when group tours arrive. Visiting the town before 8 am will help you get ahead of everyone else. Early mornings reveal a more authentic Hoi An, where you’ll see vendors sweeping the pavements, locals cycling to work, and the golden morning light casting a magical glow over the yellow-walled buildings. You’ll also be able to take an Instagram-worthy photo without dozens of tourists in the background. By mid-morning, Hoi An transforms into a selfie hotspot.

Time Your Visit Around the Lunar Lantern Festival

While this may not be an essential step, it is still useful. Held monthly on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, the Hoi An Lantern Festival is more than an Instagram moment; it’s a tradition rooted in Buddhist beliefs. On this night, the Old Town switches off electric lights, and hundreds of paper lanterns are released onto the Thu Bon River to honour ancestors and make wishes for good fortune. While the festival has become more touristy in recent years, it remains a beautiful spectacle and is worth planning your visit around.

Explore Beyond the Old Town

Hoi An is more than its Ancient Town. Cycling just 15–20 minutes out of the city centre will take you to paddy fields, quaint villages, and peaceful beaches. Tra Que Vegetable Village is an excellent place to learn about traditional organic farming. Take a boat ride to *Cam Thanh Coconut Village, where you can hop in a bamboo basket boat and float through the water palms. Both experiences offer a deeper understanding of local life.

Taste Everything 

Hoi An is a foodie’s dream. Its cuisine is as multicultural as its heritage, thanks to historical trade influences. From Cao Lau (noodles only made with water from a specific well) to Banh Mi and Mi Quang, the variety is astonishing. Start with a food tour to get your bearings. Walk through Hoi An Market with a guide to sample street eats or try local favourites. You can even take your appreciation further with a cooking class. Most start with a market tour followed by hands-on cooking, perfect for travellers who want to bring home more than just souvenirs.