Discover Hoi An's ancient charm, unique cuisine, and best travel tips. Explore its historic streets, sample local dishes, and plan your perfect visit.
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a charming blend of ancient architecture and rich culinary traditions. With its iconic red-tile roofed houses, vibrant yellow walls, and bustling craft villages, the town transports visitors to a bygone era. Here's everything you need to know about exploring this enchanting destination.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An
Hoi An enjoys warm weather year-round, with an average temperature of 29°C. The hottest months are from June to August, with temperatures soaring up to 38°C. For the best experience, plan your visit between February and April, when the weather is mild and dry.

The rainy season spans from September to January, with October and November bringing frequent typhoons and floods. Adventurous travelers, however, can experience the unique thrill of navigating the flooded streets by boat—a quintessential Hoi An experience.

Culinary Delights of Hoi An
A former hub for Asian traders, Hoi An boasts a diverse and flavorful cuisine that reflects its rich history. Below are some must-try dishes:

• Cao Lau: A signature dish, cao lau consists of thick Vietnamese noodles, herbs, and bean sprouts, topped with barbequed pork and crispy fried pig skin. For an authentic taste, visit Thanh Cao Lau on Thai Phien Street or Madam Be Cao Lau on Tran Phu Street. A bowl costs around $1.
• Chicken Rice (Com Ga): A simple yet flavorful dish featuring either chicken strips or chopped chicken over rice. Two popular spots to try it are Madam Buoi on Phan Chu Trinh Street and Huong’s on Le Loi Street. A plate costs approximately VND40,000 ($1.77).
• Banh Mi: Hoi An’s version of the Vietnamese sandwich is filled with pork, pâté, herbs, and pickled vegetables. Madam Phuong and Madam Khanh are renowned for serving some of the best banh mi in town, with prices starting at VND20,000 (less than $1).
• Barbecue Skewers: Available along streets like Tran Phu and Le Loi, these skewers are served with fresh herbs and slices of sour starfruit, wrapped in rice paper. A skewer costs just VND5,000 (22 cents).
• Water Fern Cake (Banh Beo): Made from rice flour, shrimp paste, and fried pig skin, this dish is served in small bowls and enhanced with fish sauce and chili. Look for it in Cam Chau and Cam Nam wards, or at the local market. Each bowl costs about VND3,000 (13 cents).
• Tofu Pudding (Dau Hu): Found along the Hoai River in the evenings, this sweet dessert is made from tofu served with ginger soup, jelly, and coconut milk. A bowl costs around VND10,000.

How to Get to Hoi An
To reach Hoi An, fly to Da Nang from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Round-trip tickets start at VND1.5 million. From Da Nang airport, you can take a shuttle, bus, or Grabcar for the hour-long drive to Hoi An. Buses run daily and cost VND20,000 per person.

Once in Hoi An, bicycles and motorbikes are the most popular ways to get around. Rentals are affordable, with bicycles costing around VND30,000 and motorbikes at VND120,000 per day.

Conclusion
Hoi An’s ancient charm and diverse culinary scene make it a must-visit destination for history lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re exploring the town’s iconic streets or sampling its renowned street food, Hoi An promises an unforgettable experience steeped in both culture and flavor.