Top Things to Do in Hoi An, Vietnam: A Complete Travel Guide for an Unforgettable Experience

1. Prepare Your Travel Documents

Before traveling to Hoi An, check Vietnam’s visa requirements based on your nationality. Entry rules may vary, so it is always wise to confirm before departure. While exploring the town, keep your passport in a secure place and carry either a photocopy or a clear digital copy on your phone for convenience.

2. Understand the Local Currency

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). In Hoi An, cash is still very useful for markets, small cafés, local food stalls, lantern shops, and family-run businesses. Cards are commonly accepted in hotels and many established restaurants, but carrying some cash will make daily travel much easier. Tipping is not mandatory, though a small tip for good service is always appreciated.

3. Getting Around Hoi An

Hoi An is best enjoyed slowly. In and around the Ancient Town, walking and cycling are often the most pleasant ways to explore. For longer distances, such as going to An Bang Beach or nearby attractions, ride-hailing apps and trusted taxis are practical choices. If you rent a motorbike, make sure your license is valid for Vietnam and that you ride with care. Vietnam Airlines’ Hoi An guide notes that parts of the old town are especially suited to walking, cycling, and other low-speed transport in the evening.

4. Enjoy Hoi An’s Local Food

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most rewarding food destinations. Some of the local specialties most closely associated with the town include cao lầu, white rose dumplings, bánh mì, and other Central Vietnamese dishes. Vietnam’s official tourism site highlights cao lầu and white rose dumplings as signature Hoi An foods that visitors should try. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, ask clearly before ordering, especially in smaller local eateries.

Michelin Dining Near Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most loved food destinations, but in the current MICHELIN Guide Vietnam, the restaurant selection is officially published for Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. For visitors staying in Hoi An, the most relevant MICHELIN-recognized dining options are therefore found in the Da Nang selection, which includes One MICHELIN Star, a MICHELIN Green Star, Bib Gourmand, and MICHELIN Selected restaurants.

1. One MICHELIN Star Restaurant Near Hoi An

La Maison 1888 – Located at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Son Tra Ward, Da Nang.
This is the standout fine-dining choice for travelers based in Hoi An who want a luxury culinary experience.
Cuisine: French contemporary.
Experience: Refined tasting menus in an elegant resort setting, perfect for special occasions and luxury travelers.

2. MICHELIN Green Star Restaurant Near Hoi An

Nén Danang – 16 My Da Tay 2 Street, Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang.
Nén Danang is recognized for its sustainability-led philosophy and creative approach to modern Vietnamese cuisine.
Cuisine: Vietnamese contemporary tasting menu.
Experience: Story-driven dining built around local ingredients, seasonality, and sustainable gastronomy.

3. Bib Gourmand Restaurants Worth Visiting from Hoi An

Thìa Gỗ – 53 Phan Thuc Duyen Street, Ngu Hanh Son Ward, Da Nang.
A Bib Gourmand restaurant known for good-quality Vietnamese cooking at good value.

Ăn Thôi – 114 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang.
Another Bib Gourmand address, appreciated for its relaxed atmosphere and strong value for Vietnamese comfort food.

4. MICHELIN Selected Restaurants Near Hoi An

Bếp Cuốn – 31–33 Tran Bach Dang Street, Da Nang.
A solid option for travelers looking for a stylish Vietnamese dining experience included in the MICHELIN Guide selection.

Madame Lân – 4 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang.
One of the most popular MICHELIN-listed Vietnamese restaurants in Da Nang, suitable for visitors who want a lively setting and a broad local menu.

Suggested Luxury Dining Experience in Hoi An

For a perfect gourmet evening in Hoi An:

• Sunset cocktails at Sol & Sao Bar, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai — a refined beachfront setting at Block Ha My Dong B, Dien Ban Dong Ward, Da Nang City, Vietnam.
• Elegant dinner at Lá Sen or Café Nam Hai at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, where the resort’s dining collection features refined Vietnamese and Indian-inspired cuisine.
• End the evening with a lantern-lit stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town or the Nguyen Hoang Night Market, one of the most atmospheric nighttime experiences in central Vietnam.

Recommended places to eat

• Morning Glory Original — 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Minh An Ward, Hoi An, Quang Nam. A classic choice for travelers who want traditional Vietnamese dishes in the heart of the Ancient Town.
• Morning Glory Signature — 41 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street, Hoi An Ancient Town. A more refined dining option with an elegant setting, well suited for a special dinner in Hoi An.
• Cargo Club Café & Restaurant — 107–109 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An. A convenient riverside restaurant for travelers looking for a broad menu, desserts, and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
• Vy’s Market Restaurant — 03 Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam. A lively and memorable place for visitors who want a market-style dining experience with a wide range of Vietnamese flavors.
• Reaching Out Tea House — 131 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An, Quang Nam 560000, Vietnam. A peaceful and distinctive stop for tea, coffee, and a quieter cultural experience in the old town.
• Faifo Coffee — 130 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An. A popular café for coffee lovers and travelers who enjoy a heritage-style setting in the Ancient Town.
• The DeckHouse An Bang Beach — Far Left End, An Bang Beach, Hoi An. A relaxed beachfront choice for drinks, light meals, and a breezy seaside atmosphere.

5. Must-See Places in Hoi An

Hoi An offers a lovely mix of heritage, beach time, and evening atmosphere. Some of the most popular places to visit include:

• Hoi An Ancient Town — the historic heart of the destination and the town’s biggest draw.
• Japanese Covered Bridge — one of Hoi An’s best-known landmarks, located along Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.
• Fujian Assembly Hall — a major heritage stop at 46 Tran Phu Street.
• Hoi An Night Market — a lively evening spot on Nguyen Hoang Street, Minh An Ward.
• An Bang Beach — a relaxed beach area in Cam An Ward, just a short ride from town.

6. Be Ready for the Weather

The best time to visit Hoi An is generally February to April, when the weather is more comfortable and rainfall is lower. Vietnam’s official tourism site also notes that March to May is an excellent period for Hoi An, while rainy weather and storms are more likely from around October to January. Bring sunscreen, light clothing, a hat, and a light rain layer just in case.

7. Communicate Simply and Clearly

Hoi An is very tourism-friendly, so simple English is often workable in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Even so, it helps to speak slowly, use short sentences, and keep destination names or hotel addresses written down on your phone. Translation apps are also useful for markets or smaller local places.

8. Respect Safety and Local Culture

Hoi An is generally comfortable for foreign visitors, but normal travel awareness still matters. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, especially at the night market or along busy riverside streets. When visiting temples, assembly halls, and old houses, dress respectfully and avoid overly revealing clothing.

9. Stay Connected Online

Buying a tourist SIM or using an eSIM is a convenient option for mobile data in Vietnam. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and many restaurants around Hoi An, so staying connected is usually easy.

10. Recommended Day Tours Around Hoi An

Hoi An is an excellent base for short excursions. Some of the most rewarding day tours include:

• My Son Sanctuary — a UNESCO-listed Cham temple complex in My Son Hamlet, Thu Bon Commune. https://glamouradventures.com/my-son-sanctuary-half-day
• Cam Thanh Coconut Village — a popular eco area around Tran Nhan Tong Street, Cam Thanh Commune, known for basket-boat experiences. https://glamouradventures.com/hoi-an-cycling-and-basket-boat
• Tra Que Vegetable Village — located in Tra Que Village, Cam Ha Commune, ideal for cycling, farming experiences, and cooking activities.
• Cham Islands — usually accessed via Cua Dai Port, with the local marine protected area managed from 141 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoi An.
• Marble Mountains — a very easy day trip from Hoi An at 81 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Da Nang. https://glamouradventures.com/marble-moutain-and-linh-ung-pagoda
• Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge — a longer but popular outing at An Son, Hoa Ninh Ward, Hoa Vang, Da Nang. https://glamouradventures.com/full-day-ba-na-hills

11. Fun Places, Dining Spots, and Useful Addresses in Hoi An

Fun places to visit

• Hoi An Ancient Town Visitor Information — 10B Tran Hung Dao, useful as a reference point for heritage information.
• Japanese Covered Bridge — Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.
• Fujian Assembly Hall — 46 Tran Phu Street.
• Hoi An Night Market — Nguyen Hoang Street, Minh An Ward.
• An Bang Beach — Cam An Ward.

Recommended places to eat and drink

• Cargo Club Café & Restaurant — 107–109 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street.
• Morning Glory Signature — 41 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street.
• Vy’s Market Restaurant — 03 Nguyen Hoang Street.
• Reaching Out Tea House — 131 Tran Phu Street.
• Faifo Coffee — 130 Tran Phu Street.
• Mango Mango — 45 Nguyen Phuc Chu Street.

Final Travel Tips

To enjoy Hoi An more comfortably:

• ask prices before buying or booking services
• explore the Ancient Town early in the morning or later in the afternoon
• avoid the strongest midday heat
• keep your schedule flexible in rainy months
• save your hotel address and key destinations on your phone

Conclusion

Hoi An is not just a place to see — it is a place to slow down, wander, taste, and feel. With its UNESCO-listed heritage, memorable local food, nearby beaches, and easy day trips, it is one of the most rewarding destinations in Vietnam for foreign travelers. A little preparation will help you enjoy Hoi An with much more ease and confidence.