Ranked number 1 on Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Cities list in 2019, Hoi An in Vietnam is no stranger to avid travellers from around the world. I even know a Japanese girl who had been to Hoi An 4 times and was still awaiting her next trip there by the time we last spoke. Absolutely incredible!

To be honest, having been to this charming town thrice, I also still want to come back. There are dozens of useful Hoi An travel guides out there with just a click on Google, so perhaps I don’t need to elaborate more on where to stay or what to do in Hoi An. There’s even a list of things you can get in Hoi An for just $10, which you can check out to plan a fun and affordable trip here.
However, after concluding my third Hoi An trip with a picturesque photo of this old town from above, I thought I’d really need to share these 5 tips to enjoy Hoi An at its best for first-time (or even x-time) travellers to Hoi An. Yes, that’s you! Read on to find out.

1. Wake up early and enjoy a tranquil morning in Hoi An
As more and more people know about Hoi An, the city has recently become quite packed with tourists and visitors from all over the world. Isn’t it annoying that every Instagramable corner in Hoi An is now full of people?
Nonetheless, there is still one secret to help you enjoy Hoi An in peace. You’re going to hate this if you’re not a morning person, but trust me, this town looks best in the early morning.
During our recent trip to Hoi An, the five of us got up at 5 am. As we were staying in an Airbnb apartment in Da Nang, we had to take a one-hour bus to Hoi An and arrived at around 6:30. (If your accommodation is somewhere near Hoi An’s old town, there’s certainly no need to wake up as early as we did).
After breakfast, we took a stroll around Hoi An and surprisingly had this beautiful old town all to ourselves. It was not until 8 am that the tourists started arriving in large crowds. We looked at them and felt like the champions!



2. Don’t miss Hoi An Memories Show
While watching the trailer of Hoi An Memories gave me an overwhelming urge to see more of it, sitting right there on the show was an extraordinary experience that no word could describe. For the whole time, Hoi An Memories appealed to all my senses and gently let me immerse into its captivating story.
You can book tickets to the show via Klook. They will send the e-ticket to your email.
The Hoi An Memories show is performed inside Hoi An Impression Theme Park, where you can play some traditional games and watch mini martial arts shows as well. To be honest, the park was kinda lame when I visited it at the beginning of this year. Perhaps because part of it was still under construction. I hope it has improved much more now.
Hoi An Memories Show | Operating hours: Mondays, Wednesday-Sunday: 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
3. Experience peace and tranquility at Reaching Out Tea House
I had to pause for a second the moment we stepped into Reaching Out Tea House. How pleasantly silent it was!
β Described as “a tranquil oasis in the center of bustling Hoi An”, this special Tea House employs speech and hearing-impaired staff who serve you delectable locally-made tea, coffee and snacks. You can communicate with the staff through those small cubes as shown in the photo below.
β The ambiance at Reaching Out is peaceful beyond words. Their place is an ancient house with a lush garden at the back. Such a hidden gem in a timeless charming town.
Home-made cookies at Reaching Out Tea House You communicate with the staff at Reaching Out Tea House by writing or by showing these cubes A peaceful tea experience amid Hoi An Reaching Out Tea House Hoi An Reaching Out Tea House Hoi An
4. Take a photo of Hoi An from above
Faifo Coffee on Tran Phu Street is the place to go for that charming photo of Hoi An from above. Get your camera ready!
Sitting inside this coffee shop, or actually most coffee shops in Hoi An, is also a nice experience. They all seem like places where you can either have a memorable conversation or ponder over big questions in your life.


Sometimes the best coffee shops are tucked in small alleys Sometimes the best coffee shops are tucked in small alleys
5. Eat as much as you can
The more you eat in Hoi An, the more you’ll realize there’s still so much to eat. In fact, some of Hoi An’s famous Banh mi street counters can see long queues of hungry tourists all day.
Hoi An’s chicken rice is also not to be missed. Some popular names are Ba Bui and Ba Nga, whose secret recipes for those mouth-watering chicken dishes have won thousands of people’s hearts from around the world. Besides, dozens of vegetarian and vegan options are also widely available, featuring fresh vegetables and unique local recipes.
Check out a list of Hoi An street food and experiences here.

To top it off…
Have you been to Hoi An? If yes, how many times have you visited this lovely town? π
Do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions or if you want to share other tips to enjoy Hoi An at its best. Happy travelling!

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Pin this for future reference!
Bloss Eatts
December 12, 2019 — 12:28 am
I really want to go back to Hoi An. I loved it when I was there. So pretty.
Miranda
December 12, 2019 — 5:13 am
This looks like an amazing destination! I visited Vietnam a few years ago and only made it to Hanoi. I hear great things about Hoi An though!
Claire
December 12, 2019 — 9:59 am
Absolutely stunning – it really looks like so much fun and a cool city!
Sophie
December 13, 2019 — 11:08 pm
I’m so jealous you’ve been to Hoi An three times! I’ve only been once, but absolutely loved it. I didn’t do any of the things on your list though, except eat everything in sight. So I’ll definitely have to go back soon and try your tips π
Fiona Mai
December 17, 2019 — 2:10 pm
At least you’ve already visited it once and had a good time trying lots of delicacies here π I hope you’ll have the chance to come back to this lovely town soon.
Jen
December 13, 2019 — 11:29 pm
The Memories Show looks amazing! Hoi An is somewhere on my bucket list. I think it looks amazing, the food delicious and I’d love to experience the local culture.
Anita
December 14, 2019 — 2:40 am
I remember visiting Hoi An 3 years ago. It’s a shame I didn’t reach a tea house while in there, as I am a crazy fan of tea. I also didn’t reach Memories show but it sounds super interesting. Well, I guess as you were there trice, I should also come again and experience what I haven’t. π
Kasia |TravelingArrows
December 15, 2019 — 7:04 pm
Every post about Viet Nam makes me want to visit that country even more! Hoi An seems to be a really amazing destination, I would love to see the Hoi An Memories show and enjoy the delicious food.
Fiona Mai
December 17, 2019 — 2:09 pm
Yes you should come here π I’m now based in Vietnam so don’t hesitate to contact me once you’ve got here!
Kevin | Caffeinated Excursions
December 16, 2019 — 6:50 am
I lived in Vietnam for the past 9 months and am quite sad that I didn’t make it to Hoi An during that time! All the more reason to go back, I guess! The old town looks so picturesque, and I’m sure the food there was amazing. I loved trying various delicacies in somewhat nearby HuαΊΏ, so I know firsthand how delicious food in Central Vietnam can be!
Fiona Mai
December 17, 2019 — 2:08 pm
Yes, all the more reason to go back! I hope you’ll have the opportunity to visit Hoi An soon! π
Christopher Mitchell
December 16, 2019 — 11:12 am
Oh I totally agree with you here about waking up early to appreciate the city before things get going. It can be a really busy and hot place in the mid day but there is a quiet beauty to it in the morning.
Medha Verma
December 16, 2019 — 6:49 pm
I just returned from Hoi An last week and totally fell in love with it too so I completely understand why you feel the way you do about the charming city. The lanterns just add to its magic and charm and the cozy tea houses are awesome. Also, the food is to die for. What I missed out on because I didn’t know about it and wish I had stumbled upon your post earlier is the Hoi An Memories show, it looks incredible!
Fiona Mai
December 17, 2019 — 2:07 pm
Oh it’s a pity you didn’t know about the show. Anyway, I’m glad that you still had the chance to experience other things in Hoi An. It’s such a lovely city, isn’t it?
Ana
December 17, 2019 — 11:46 pm
Would love to attend that Memories Show and the food scene in Hoi An looks absolutely amazing! I haven’t got a chance to visit Vietnam yet but planning next year and would definitely be adding Hoi An in my bucket list!
Fiona Mai
December 19, 2019 — 1:40 pm
Yes if you come to Vietnam, Hoi An should definitely be on your list π
Amy Dodd
December 28, 2019 — 2:55 pm
Great advice! I love the views from above of Hoi An. I will have to check it out during my next trip out! Also, the Reaching Out Tea House looks amazing and supports such a great cause too.
Odette
February 15, 2020 — 12:00 pm
Love this post! Hoi An is one of my favourite cities in Vietnam, it’s been about 5 years since I’ve been there and this post just makes me want to book a flight ticket back right now!
Jenny Chang
February 29, 2020 — 9:39 am
I missed the Memories show! We were supposed to go there on our last night in Hoi An but then I was too tired after walking around the old town all day so we decided to stay home. What a pity! I’d definitely come to see the show next time.
Fiona Mai
March 1, 2020 — 10:27 am
Oh that’s such a pity! Yes you should definitely come back and watch this show!
Candy Wafford
March 4, 2020 — 8:10 pm
I really want to visit Vietnam, and especially Hoi An! I love your tip to sightsee early in the morning and think that’s a great tip for all locations.
Erin
March 5, 2020 — 3:49 am
I’ve been to Hoi An and am planning to go back soon – will definitely be dropping by Faifo Coffee shop, it looks so cute! Thanks for sharing
Shannon
March 5, 2020 — 5:18 am
It looks so pretty and tranquil! Plus the food looks amazing!!
Nina Out and About
March 5, 2020 — 5:16 pm
I love this guide. The food looks so yum! And I definitely want to go to that tea ceremony.
Sarah
March 6, 2020 — 4:42 pm
Hoi An is a beautiful place and these are some of the best tips to enjoy while there. I cannot wait to head there next year!
Alexandra Booze
April 4, 2020 — 9:20 am
Iβve never been to any parts of Asia but I want to change that! The chicken rice you mention sounds delicious too!
Suvarna Arora
April 4, 2020 — 9:33 am
I really badly want to visit Vietnam. That Hoi An memories show looks so awesome.
Vanessa Shields
April 4, 2020 — 10:21 am
Hoi An looks so beautiful and peaceful! I would love wandering those streets and trying all those delicious foods!
Linnea
April 4, 2020 — 12:45 pm
Love this guide! Hoi An is stunning. I loved all the tailors there for the custom made your clothes! Your tip about getting a pic from the rooftop is great!
Jen
April 4, 2020 — 1:07 pm
Iβve been to Vietnam but never to Hoi An. Itβs definitely on my list for next time, Iβll save this post for when I go! π
Katie Goes
April 4, 2020 — 5:09 pm
Such a cute town, huh!? I loved just cycling around it. I can see why you’ve been there more than once for sure!
Charu Goyal
April 4, 2020 — 7:24 pm
Ahh Hoi An! I was supposed to be there in March this year but couldn’t go because of obvious reasons. It looks so beautiful and your post makes me want to book a ticket as soon as things are settled.
Fiona Mai
April 4, 2020 — 8:50 pm
Such a pity! Hope this situation will get over soon so that you can visit Hoi An this year.
Paula Martinelli
April 4, 2020 — 7:42 pm
#jealous you have been in Hoi-An twice π It is one of my favorite cities, I absolutely loved it and I am planning to go back again. Saving your post as I love how simple the tips you are sharing to make the most of an incredible visit. Thank you!
roshni
April 4, 2020 — 7:46 pm
Hoi an has been on my list for so long! I have only visited north vietnam but need to head to central and south
Natalie
April 4, 2020 — 11:12 pm
Ahh, I wish I had this when I was in Hoi An a few months ago! Oh well, I guess I’ll have to visit again π
Urban Wanders
April 5, 2020 — 3:03 am
Hoi An has been on the top of my bucket list for a while! Thanks for such a detailed post! Looking forward to visiting one day π
Geena
April 5, 2020 — 12:35 pm
This is so great!! I’ve been once but this guide will come in handy when I visit again this winter <3
Antonia Hiesgen
April 5, 2020 — 9:17 pm
Great article Fiona! Hoi An has been on my list forver!
Ertiqua (Eri)
April 7, 2020 — 5:32 pm
The pictures tell-all, how beautiful this place is. I haven’t been to Vietnam, but once everything’s calmed down, I can plan for next year.
Danial (Dan On The Road)
April 19, 2020 — 2:57 pm
Hoi An has been under my radar on the top places to visit in Vietnam! Hopefully when this pandemic dies down, I’ll be booking a flight to this gorgeous little town.