A Timeless Lantern Town
Explore Hoi An
Hoi An is one of my favourite destinations in Vietnam and a place I never get tired of returning to. Small, cosy, and wonderfully walkable, the town moves at a slower pace than nearby Da Nang, making it easy to spend days simply wandering its charming streets. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An blends centuries of history with a relaxed riverside atmosphere that makes every visit memorable.
Check out my photography in Hoi An Visual Stories
for more inspiration and places I have explored.
Why I Enjoy Travelling to Hoi An
Hoi An has a welcoming atmosphere that keeps drawing me back. It is a town where I can slow down, explore at my own pace, and always discover something new around the next corner. One of my most memorable visits was joining a 10 km mini marathon. I expected the race to stay within the Ancient Town, but the route took runners past beach resorts, through peaceful local villages, and finally into the heart of Hoi An. It gave me a completely different perspective of the destination beyond its famous historic centre.
Another reason I enjoy Hoi An is that it changes throughout the day. Mornings are peaceful, afternoons invite leisurely walks, and after sunset the lantern-lit streets create a completely different atmosphere.
What to Do
Purchase the Ancient Town entrance ticket and spend the day exploring at your own pace. The pass allows entry to several historic houses, temples, assembly halls, and small museums, making it easy to wander in and out while discovering the town’s rich trading history. Hoi An’s architecture reflects centuries of cultural exchange, with Chinese shophouses, Vietnamese homes, French colonial influences, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge all within walking distance.
I was fortunate to see the Japanese Covered Bridge before its recent restoration. While the renovation has preserved the structure, I personally preferred its older appearance, which carried a stronger sense of age and heritage.
I also recommend spending at least two or three nights here. Wake up early to enjoy the quiet streets before the crowds arrive, then return again after dark when thousands of colourful lanterns illuminate the riverfront. If time allows, don’t miss the AO Show by Lune Production, an impressive contemporary acrobatic performance inspired by Vietnamese culture and rural life.
Beyond the Ancient Town, Hoi An also makes an excellent base for nearby excursions.
If you are planning to visit during the rainy season, be aware that Hoi An can experience significant flooding, particularly during the peak monsoon months of October and November (with occasional flooding beginning in late September). The Ancient Town is especially vulnerable, so it is worth checking the weather forecast and local conditions before finalising your itinerary.
Here are Hoi An’s
Most Instagrammable Spots:
- Japanese Covered Bridge – Hoi An’s most recognisable landmark, especially meaningful in my photographs from before its recent restoration.
- Hoi An Ancient Town – Yellow heritage buildings, wooden shutters, colourful lanterns, and narrow streets create photo opportunities around almost every corner.
- Thu Bon River – Particularly photogenic around sunset and after dark when lantern boats illuminate the river.
- Lantern Streets at Night – The Ancient Town takes on a completely different character after sunset when colourful lanterns light the streets.
- Fujian Assembly Hall – Ornate gateways, colourful details, courtyards, and traditional Chinese architecture make this one of Hoi An’s most visually distinctive heritage sites.
- Historic Houses & Shopfronts – Weathered façades and traditional shophouses capture the older character of Hoi An.
- Cam Thanh Coconut Village & Bamboo Basket Boats – The round bamboo boats weaving through the water coconut palms offer a colourful and distinctly Vietnamese photography experience.
- An Bang Beach – A change from the heritage streets, with an open coastal landscape just outside the town.
- My Son Sanctuary – Ancient Cham brick temples surrounded by mountains and greenery make an excellent photography-focused day trip from Hoi An.
