UNESCO World Heritage ancient trading port with lantern-lined streets, tailor shops, and excellent cuisine.

About Hoi An Ancient Town

Hoi An Ancient Town is one of Southeast Asia\'s most enchanting destinations—a perfectly preserved trading port where Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants once exchanged silk, ceramics, and spices. The old town\'s low-rise shophouses, assembly halls, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge have survived centuries of floods and wars. Every evening, the narrow streets are illuminated by hundreds of silk lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.

Hoi An is equally famous for its tailor shops, where skilled craftspeople can produce custom suits, dresses, and shoes in as little as 24 hours at a fraction of Western prices. The local cuisine is exceptional—try cao lầu (thick rice noodles with pork), bánh mì (Hoi An arguably makes Vietnam\'s best), and white rose dumplings, all unique to this town. An Bang Beach, a 4 km cycle from the old town, offers a relaxed seaside scene with beach bars and seafood shacks. The monthly lantern festival (14th day of each lunar month) when electric lights are turned off and only lanterns illuminate the town is unforgettable.

Nearby Landmarks

Japanese Covered Bridge Hoi An Central Market An Bang Beach Fujian Assembly Hall Thu Bon River

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost VND 250,000-350,000 (~\$10-\$14)
Time 30-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost VND 200,000-300,000 (~\$8-\$12)
Time 30-40 minutes

Outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take the yellow airport shuttle bus directly to Hoi An. Runs multiple times daily. Or use Grab for door-to-door service.

Yellow Bus (Airport Shuttle)

Cost VND 30,000 (~\$1)
Time 50-60 minutes
Frequency Multiple daily departures

Outside terminal

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi VND 250,000-350,000 (~\$10-\$14) 30-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare VND 200,000-300,000 (~\$8-\$12) 30-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle VND 30,000 (~\$1) 50-60 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Shuttle buses from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An run until about 10:00 PM. After that, taxis and Grab are available (VND 350,000–450,000). Hoi An's old town is pedestrian-only in the evenings, with lantern-lit restaurants and bars open until midnight. Getting back to Da Nang Airport late at night requires a pre-booked taxi or Grab.

Luggage Tips

If heading to Hoi An from the airport, taxis and shuttle vans handle luggage easily. Hoi An's old town is car-free—you'll be dropped at the edge and may need to walk 5–10 minutes to your hotel with luggage. Many boutique hotels send staff to meet you. Bicycle is the main transport within Hoi An, so pack light for daily activities.

Accessibility

Hoi An's old town has narrow streets with uneven surfaces and occasional steps at shop entrances. The main streets (Tran Phu, Bach Dang) are paved and navigable by wheelchair with some difficulty. The Japanese Covered Bridge has steps. Newer hotels and restaurants tend to have ground-floor accessible options. The river path is flat and smooth.