Experience of traveling to Hoi An on your own without worrying about getting lost

Hoi An is not just a familiar name on Vietnam’s travel map, but a destination consistently ranked among the world’s best by respected publications like Travel+Leisure, Tripadvisor, and National Geographic. In an age when most tourist destinations are commercialized or offer repetitive experiences, Hoi An still preserves its rare authenticity. However, to fully appreciate what Hoi An has to offer, one needs thorough preparation and insights that are often left out of mainstream travel content.

Hoi An is located in Quang Nam Province, about 30 kilometers south of Da Nang. For travelers coming from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, flying into Da Nang Airport is the most convenient option. Round-trip tickets range from 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 VND depending on the season, but booking early or watching for flash sales from airlines like Vietjet, Bamboo Airways, or Vietnam Airlines can cut costs by up to 40 percent. From the airport, a public bus (Route 01) or app-based car service will get you to Hoi An in about 45 minutes. For those with heavy luggage, consider booking a round-trip airport transfer through your accommodation for around 300,000 VND per trip. Travelers who prefer a slower pace might take the train to Da Nang and continue from there, but it’s advisable to book an air-conditioned soft seat for comfort.

Food in Hoi An is one of its biggest draws. While dishes like Mi Quang, chicken rice, and Cao Lau are widely known, many visitors overlook lesser-known street food like white rose dumplings, Cẩm Nam corn sweet soup, or traditional chewy, spicy sesame rice cakes. Rather than sticking to high-profile restaurants which can be crowded and overpriced during peak season, try long-standing local spots like Ba Le for Cao Lau, Ba Buoi for simple but authentic chicken rice, or the small wonton stand at the corner of Tran Phu and Le Loi. Locals consider it a hidden gem, and savvy travelers quietly spread the word.

When it comes to accommodations, Hoi An offers something for every style and budget. For those seeking privacy and comfort, riverside resorts like Anantara, Almanity, or La Siesta provide elegant stays ranging from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 VND per night. Meanwhile, younger travelers often favor homestays with strong local character and photogenic design such as Loongboong, Hoi An Cottage, or An Bang Seaside. Some combine accommodation with café spaces, photo studios, or cooking classes, creating small experiential hubs. A particularly unique option lies in the Tra Que Vegetable Village, where guests can stay in villas, rent bicycles, pick herbs in the garden, and join the host family for meals – offering a chance to live like a true local.

Activities in Hoi An go beyond simply strolling through the old town or buying lanterns. The most memorable experiences often happen away from the obvious. Consider joining a traditional lantern-making workshop in Phuoc Kieu craft village, where artisans use handwoven bamboo instead of plastic. At night, the “Hoi An by Late Hours” walking tour led by native guides unveils untold stories of ancient wells, spiritual customs, and hidden corners – experiences you won’t find through a search engine. If visiting during the first or eighth full moon of the lunar calendar, the lantern festival becomes an enchanting cultural immersion with symbolic rituals and floating wishes.

For photography lovers, Hoi An is a dreamland of light and texture. Beyond the golden-hued facades of the old town, there are ideal photo spots depending on the time of day – Tan Hiep fish market at 5 AM, Cua Dai Beach at sunset, or the vibrant bougainvillea walls on Hoang Van Thu and Bach Dang streets. To capture stunning photos, use a wide-angle lens and shoot upward diagonally to frame rooftops and sky together. Avoid peak times between 8–10 AM and 3–5 PM if you want a people-free backdrop. Carrying a mini light or ND filter can help with backlighting during golden hour along the Hoai River.

As the journey unfolds, small details often make a big difference. Many travelers report being overcharged when renting bicycles or pedicabs in the old town. It’s best to ask your accommodation for recommendations or book through trusted local apps like Xelo. During peak travel season (March to July), the streets can be packed, so it’s better to explore early in the morning or travel during February or August when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are fewer. For souvenirs, always ask the price beforehand and prioritize authentic handmade items like silk paintings, woodblock prints, or Thanh Ha ceramics over mass-produced goods.

An often overlooked gem is how Hoi An transforms at night. While the old town glows with lanterns and performances, peace and authenticity live quietly behind Nguyen Phuc Chu street. There, you’ll find tea houses, bookshops, and open-air stages featuring traditional operas on weekends. This is where real Hoi An reveals itself – no honking horns, no crowds, just the soft rhythm of life. If you stay more than three days, join a rural village tour: cycling through pottery villages, planting rice, or catching fish by hand in Cam Thanh. These hands-on moments build a genuine connection with the land and its people.

Visiting Hoi An is not just about reaching a destination, but embracing a way of life – where slowness, craftsmanship, and sincerity are preserved like heritage. And to truly feel this spirit, you need more than pretty photos or iconic meals. You need a thoughtful itinerary, practical insights, and local wisdom that act as your trustworthy guide. Because if you only pass by for a few snapshots and familiar flavors, Hoi An will remain just another charming stop. But if you take the time to listen and engage, it becomes a timeless memory that quietly lingers in your soul.