Step into the magic of Hoi An in 2025 with this ultimate travel guide. From the famous lantern festival and centuries-old craft villages to secret beaches and irresistible street food, this guide reveals authentic Hoi An experiences often missed by short-term travelers.
Perfect your Hoi An itinerary 2025 with insider tips on when to visit, where to eat, what to see, and how to explore like a local with Threeland Travel.
1. Introduction – Why Hoi An Remains Southeast Asia’s Most Charming Town
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage port town where history, culture, and riverside romance blend effortlessly. Lantern-lit evenings, traditional craft villages, ancient houses, and delicious local cuisine make it one of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations.
Yet many travelers only stay for 1–2 days and miss the town’s deeper beauty—quiet morning markets, peaceful countryside villages, and the serene beaches that define Hoi An’s coastal charm.
This Hoi An travel guide 2025 goes beyond postcard moments, offering updated travel tips, best times to visit, food recommendations, and authentic experiences to help you discover the real soul of Hoi An.
2. Best Time to Visit Hoi An in 2025
Dry Season (February–August)
The most popular time to visit.
- February–April: Cool weather, sunny skies, ideal for walking tours and cycling.
- May–August: Hotter (up to 33°C) but perfect for beach trips to An Bang or Cham Islands.
Rainy Season (September–January)
Expect lush scenery, fewer crowds, and occasional flooding (especially in October–November).
December–January can be cool, around 18–20°C.
⭐ Best Time Overall: Late February to early April – great weather, fewer crowds, and festival vibes.
Hoi An Lantern Festival 2025 Dates
One of the most magical experiences in Vietnam, held monthly on the full moon night. Electric lights dim, lanterns glow across the river, and locals set candle-lit lanterns afloat for luck.
2025 Lantern Festival Dates:
Jan 13 • Feb 11 • Mar 13 • Apr 11 • May 11 • Jun 9 • Jul 8 • Aug 7 • Sep 5 • Oct 5 • Nov 3 • Dec 3
Travel Tip: Arrive early and stay past 8 PM when the river lights up beautifully.
3. Best Things to Do in Hoi An – Beyond the Ancient Town
Walking Tour of the Ancient Town
Visit iconic heritage sites:
- Japanese Covered Bridge
- Tan Ky House or Phung Hung House
- Traditional assembly halls
Entrance ticket: 120,000 VND (includes heritage sites).
Night Markets & Lantern Streets
Nguyen Hoang Night Market offers lanterns, souvenirs, snacks, and riverside views.
Light a wishing lantern and release it into the Thu Bon River—one of Hoi An’s most meaningful traditions.
Cycling Through Rice Paddies & Villages
Rent a bicycle and explore:
- Tra Que Herb Village
- Cam Thanh Coconut Village with basket boat rides
- An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach
Hoi An’s countryside is one of its greatest hidden gems.
4. Hoi An’s Lantern Culture & Nightlife
History of Hoi An Lanterns
Lanterns were introduced by Japanese and Chinese merchants in the 16th century and became symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Today, they are central to Hoi An’s identity.
Where to Buy or Make Lanterns
- Nguyen Hoang Night Market – colorful silk lanterns from 20,000–100,000 VND
- Lantern Workshops – The Lantern Lady, Tuoi Ngoc
- Specialty Shops – for high-quality lanterns and premium silk
Best Places to Enjoy the Festival Away From Crowds
- An Hoi Islet – fewer crowds, great river views
- Cam Nam Riverside – peaceful atmosphere
- Boat ride on Thu Bon River – 150,000–200,000 VND for 30 minutes
5. Craft Villages Around Hoi An
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
- Make your own pottery
- Visit Thanh Ha Terracotta Park with mini world monuments
Kim Bong Carpentry Village
- Watch artisans carve wood and build boats
- Try basic wood carving with a craftsman
Tra Que Herb Village
- Join farmers to plant, water, and harvest vegetables
- Enjoy a cooking class using local herbs
Tip: Renting a bicycle is the best way to visit these villages.
6. Hidden Beaches Near Hoi An
An Bang Beach
Lively yet relaxed, with bars, seafood restaurants, and soft sand.
Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham)
- UNESCO marine reserve
- Great for snorkeling, diving, eco-stays
Cua Dai Beach
Wide sandy shores, ideal for sunrise walks and peaceful beach time.
Beach Tips:
Bring your own towel, avoid weekends, and choose eco-friendly Cham Island tours.
7. What to Eat in Hoi An – A Culinary Journey
Cao Lau
Hoi An’s signature noodle dish made with water from ancient Ba Le well.
Best spots:
- Thanh Cao Lau (26 Thai Phien)
- Ba Be stall in Hoi An central market
White Rose Dumplings
Delicate shrimp or pork dumplings shaped like flowers.
Best spots:
- White Rose Restaurant
- Night market stalls
Bánh Mì Phượng
Vietnam’s most famous banh mi, loved by Anthony Bourdain.
Best time: mid-morning or late afternoon.
Street Food Highlights
- Mót herbal iced tea
- Bánh bèo (rice cakes)
- Grilled skewers
For a deeper experience, join a Hoi An food tour with local guides.
8. Insider Travel Tips for Hoi An in 2025
How Long to Stay
- Minimum: 2–3 days
- Ideal: 4–5 days
- Slow travel: 1–2 weeks
Getting Around
- Walking: Best in the Ancient Town
- Bicycles: Free/cheap rental; perfect for countryside
- Motorbike: 120,000–150,000 VND/day
- Grab: Available for short trips and airport transfers
Money, SIM Cards & Safety
- Cash is preferred
- Tourist SIM cards: Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone ($7–10)
- Very safe town, but still secure your bike and belongings
Rainy season tip: Bring a light raincoat for October–December.
9. Conclusion – Discover the Heart of Hoi An in 2025
Hoi An in 2025 is a blend of ancient heritage, warm culture, and unforgettable riverside charm. Slow down, explore beyond the Old Town, visit craft villages, relax on hidden beaches, and immerse yourself in local food traditions.
Why Travel with Threeland Travel?
As a leading Vietnam Destination Management Company (DMC), Threeland Travel crafts tailored itineraries, from lantern workshops to eco-friendly Cham Island stays—ensuring you experience authentic Hoi An while supporting local communities.
Make your journey meaningful.
Let Hoi An inspire you, captivate you, and stay with you long after you leave.