Hoi An Old Town 2026: Full Guide for First-Time Visitors
When you imagine Hoi An, you likely picture lanterns drifting above narrow streets, the hush of the river at dusk, and the scent of herbs rising from small kitchens. Hoi An Old Town is more than a postcard – it is a living heritage, shaped by centuries of trade, belief, and daily life.
This guide from La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa answers the questions first-time visitors most often carry: how to get here, what to see, what to eat, where to stay, and how to experience its magic fully in 2026.
What Makes Hoi An Old Town Special in 2026
Hoi An Old Town, also called the Ancient Town or Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage Site, refers to the same protected historic core. Yellow-walled houses, timbered shopfronts, and riverside scenes remain beautifully intact, creating one of Southeast Asia’s most atmospheric heritage districts.
In 2026, the town continues to refine itself with expanded pedestrian-only evenings, curated cultural events, and improved street cleanliness, enhancing both preservation and visitor comfort. Understanding this layered beauty begins with its past – its role as a trading port that shaped the historic town Hoi An remains central to its identity.
Understanding the Old Town Entrance Ticket (Updated 2026)
Yes, you do need a ticket to access certain cultural sites within Hoi An Old Town, though walking through the streets is free. The ticket includes entry to a selection of old houses, assembly halls, and museums.
Tickets are best purchased at official counters around the Old Town perimeter and can be used flexibly across multiple sites. Buying earlier in the day allows you to explore at an unhurried pace, especially during quieter morning hours.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An Old Town
The most comfortable months of Hoi An are February to April, when temperatures are warm but gentle and rainfall is low. September to November can bring seasonal flooding, though it also lends a reflective beauty to the streets.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer soft light for photography, while evenings come alive during the Lantern Festival, when candles float along the river and the ancient district glows with quiet celebration.
How to Get to Hoi An Old Town
- Hoi An Old Town address: Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam.
Must-See Attractions in Hoi An Old Town (2026)
These landmarks form the cultural heart of the Hoi An Ancient Quarter, each revealing a different chapter of its story.
Japanese Covered Bridge
- Address: Tran Phu Street (near Nguyen Thi Minh Khai)
- Map: Minh An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam
- Opening Hours: 24/7 (interior ticketed)
The Japanese Covered Bridge is Hoi An’s most recognizable landmark, built in the early 17th century to link the Japanese and Chinese quarters of the old trading port. Its gently curved roof and timber structure reflect a rich blend of community, craft, and cosmopolitan history at the town’s center. Inside, visitors can walk through the small temple and enjoy views of the lantern-lined streets and Hoai River, especially atmospheric in early morning or at sunset.
Old Houses: Tan Ky, Phung Hung, Quan Thang & Thai Phien
Map: Central Old Town cluster
- Tan Ky House: 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc – classic timber structure, more than 200 years old, once a bustling merchant home.
- Phung Hung House: 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai – known for its Chinese-Vietnamese architectural details
- Quan Thang House: 77 Tran Phu – 150-year-old residence showcasing life in historic Hoi An
- Thai Phien House: 104 Thai Phien – refined interiors and delicate woodwork typical of elite merchant dwellings.
These ancient homes serve as living museums of daily life, trade, and domestic aesthetics from different periods of Hoi An’s past. Walking through them feels like entering the intimate world of the families who once made this town hum with commerce and community.
Hoi An Night Market
- Address: Nguyen Hoang Street (near Thu Bon River)
- Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kw9oeQaVt9gGXwHLA
- Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00
Hoi An Night Market comes alive after dusk with hundreds of colorful lanterns glowing above stalls packed with Made-in-Vietnam handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, and local snacks. Standing on Nguyen Hoang Street, this animated market overlooks the shimmering Thu Bon River, making it one of the town’s most photographed stretches after sunset. It’s lively but also a place to pause for a street-food bite and a slower walk under lantern light.
Museums
- Locations: Throughout Tran Phu & Nguyen Thai Hoc Streets
Several compact but insightful museums dot the Old Town, including the Hoi An Museum of Folk Culture, Precious Heritage by Réhahn, and smaller house-museums that interpret different periods of the town’s trade and daily life. These venues provide essential context on how Hoi An grew from a dynamic maritime port into the treasured UNESCO World Heritage place it is today.
Best Cultural Experiences for First-Time Visitors
Hands-on experiences bring Historic Hoi An to life. Lantern-making workshops introduce traditional symbolism, while river cruises at dusk reveal the town from a quieter angle. Countryside bicycle tours pass rice fields and village homes, and evening performances of folk music and dance preserve stories passed down through generations.
Food Guide: What to Eat in Hoi An Old Town
Hoi An’s cuisine is deeply local. Cao Lau Hoi An Old Town features thick noodles unique to this town, traditionally made with water from ancient wells. Chicken rice Hoi An Old Town balances fragrant turmeric rice with tender poached chicken. For something indulgent, try egg coffee Hoi An Old Town, creamy and comforting.
When it comes to the best banh mi Hoi An Old Town, Banh Mi Phuong and Madam Khanh remain enduring favorites.
Shopping Guide: Tailors, Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Tailoring is a defining craft here, with well-known names like Yaly, Kimmy, and Beebe offering made-to-measure garments. Beyond clothing, explore leather goods, handwoven textiles, lanterns, and bamboo crafts. Choose shops that explain their sourcing and pricing clearly – ethical buying supports the longevity of local traditions.
Where to Stay in Hoi An Old Town
Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses within walking distance to boutique hotels offering convenience and charm. For travelers seeking space, tranquility, and refined service, staying just beyond the Old Town provides balance. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa stands out for its lush greenery, thoughtful design, and effortless access to cultural sites.
Practical Tips for First-Time Travelers in Hoi An Old Town (2026)
Dress modestly when entering temples and historic houses. Comfortable footwear is essential, as walking is the primary way to explore. ATMs and Hoi An Old Town money exchange services are readily available, though carrying small notes is useful for markets. Early mornings and evenings are the most pleasant times to wander.
FAQs
Do you need a ticket for Hoi An Old Town?
You can walk freely through the Old Town, but a ticket is required to enter heritage sites like old houses, museums, and the Japanese Covered Bridge interior.
Is Hoi An Old Town safe at night?
Yes. The area is pedestrian-friendly, well-lit, and lively in the evenings, making it comfortable for visitors to explore after dark.
How far is Hoi An Old Town from the beach?
About 4-5 km. It takes 10-15 minutes by taxi or bicycle to reach An Bang or Cua Dai Beach.
Does Hoi An Old Town have ATMs and money exchange?
Yes. ATMs and exchange counters are widely available, though small vendors prefer cash.
Is Hoi An still worth visiting in 2026?
Very much so. Despite seasonal flooding at times, the town continues to preserve its heritage while improving pedestrian areas and cultural experiences.
Stay at La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
After wandering Hoi An Old Town at night, returning to calm becomes part of the journey. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa offers luxury green retreat accommodations in Hoi An, set among gardens that breathe with quiet. It serves travelers seeking reconnection – with family, partners, nature, and themselves – through attentive, unhurried hospitality. Providing a serene environment that eases city stress with inclusive onsite experiences, La Siesta is recognised as one of the Top 3 Worldwide Best Hotels in 2024 by TripAdvisor.
Escape the noise, reconnect with what matters, and let La Siesta’s serene green retreat in Hoi An welcome you home. Book your getaway today.
