Hoi An

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage city that has preserved the appearance of an international trade port from the 16th to 19th centuries. Located 40–50 minutes south of Da Nang by car, it is known as the 'City of Lanterns' for its old yellow-walled shops, narrow alleys, and the colorful lanterns that illuminate the river at night. It makes for a perfect day trip when combined with Da Nang.

The Ancient Town and Nights of Lanterns

The symbol of the Ancient Town is the covered Japanese Bridge (Thang Long Bridge), built by Japanese merchants in the 18th century. Old merchant houses, Chinese assembly halls like the Fujian Assembly Hall, craft shops, and bespoke tailors line the alleys. Major historic sites can be explored with a Combined Ticket (approx. 120,000 VND, entry to 5 out of 22 sites). As the sun sets, the night market on Nguyen Hoang Street and the riverside glow with lanterns, and boat rides to release wishing lanterns on the Thu Bon River are highly popular. On the 14th day of the lunar month (the eve of the full moon), a lantern festival is held where street lights are dimmed, and only lanterns illuminate the streets.

Culinary delights are not to be missed. Cao Lau noodles, White Rose dumplings (shrimp dumplings), and Banh Mi Phuong’s famous Banh Mi sandwich are essential local specialties.

Surrounding Areas and Practical Tips

From the Ancient Town, a 15–20 minute bicycle ride takes you to Cam Thanh village, where you can experience farming with organic vegetables. A bit further out, An Bang and Cua Dai beaches offer relaxation. The central part of the Ancient Town is a pedestrian zone with restricted vehicle access during the day, making it easy to walk, but the midday heat can be intense, so it is best to explore in the morning and late afternoon. The optimal time to visit is from sunset into the early evening when the lanterns look most beautiful. If ordering custom clothes, remember to account for completion and alteration time by placing your order on the first day.