The World Heritage-listed city of Hoi An is a coastal gem home to revered Chinese temples, a fascinating port-city heritage and enthralling street markets. Hip bars and suit tailor stores sit alongside four major cultural museums and alluring off-shore islands.

Things to do

If you’re interested in local culture, visit at least one of the city’s four main museums. These are all clustered around the city centre, including the Museum of History and Culture and Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture, both of which display relics from early settlers. Discover folk artwork and artefacts at the Hoi An Folklore Museum, before seeing ceramics from Persia, China and India at the Museum of Trade Ceramics.

Need a day at the beach? There are numerous options within a 15-minute drive from the city, such as An Bang Beach, known for its tree-lined white sand, umbrellaed lounge chairs and friendly eateries. If you prefer something closer to town, head to Bãi biển Cửa Đại for water sports, palm-frond cabanas and exceptional waterfront dining.

Travel back in time by strolling through Hoi An Old Town, which hugs the bank of the Thu Bon River. Here you can see over 800 historic buildings almost completely unchanged since the city’s earliest days. You can take guided tours through some of the old homes, browse handicrafts and unique souvenirs at street-side stalls and soak up the atmosphere from a rooftop bar. Highlights include the 17th-century Quan Cong Temple and the pottery dragon at the Cantonese Assembly Hall.

Those who love rural serenity should venture south to Cam Kim Island, home to woodcarvers and farms. Walk around the island or grab a bicycle to visit Phu Tho Pagoda and Triem Tay village, founded in the 1800s.

Getting around

Hoi An Old Town is easily traversed on foot, while bicycle or scooter hire is best for exploring further afield. You can catch ferries to nearby islands or use taxis to also get around town.