Let’s be honest. The first thing you probably hear about Hoi An is that it’s too touristy. But let me let you in on a secret — that’s only one small part of the story. I’ve been to Hoi An dozens of times (sometimes weekly), and it still charms me every single visit. If you’re thinking about adding this colorful Vietnamese town to your itinerary, this guide is for you.
Getting to Know Hoi An Beyond the Hype
Hoi An’s Ancient Town — the lantern-filled, postcard-perfect hub — is indeed a hot spot for tourists, and yes, it shows. But step just outside those ancient stone streets, and you’ll find a vibrant town full of warm locals, rice fields stretching to the horizon, and a lifestyle that invites you to slow down and savor every moment.
Should You Visit Hoi An? Let’s Weigh It Out
Here’s a quick reality-check chart to help you decide if Hoi An is your kind of place:
| Reasons to Visit Hoi An | Reasons to Skip Hoi An |
|---|---|
| 🚲 UNESCO World Heritage charm | 💸 Old Town can feel crowded and commercial |
| 🌾 Gorgeous rice fields everywhere | 🧍♂️ Street vendors can be pushy |
| ☕ Coffee shops that’ll spoil you | |
| 🧵 A tailor-made suit scene like no other | |
| 🏖️ Beautiful, clean beaches | |
| 👫 Friendly, welcoming locals | |
| 🎒 Affordable for all budget levels | |
| 🌿 Laid-back, village-y vibe |
Yep, the positives kind of speak for themselves — and they’re not exaggerations. The main downside? Some parts, especially the Old Town, can get crowded and commercial. But name one popular place that doesn’t!
Why I Keep Coming Back (Weekly!)
Picture this: riding a scooter from Da Nang to Hoi An, cruising through rice fields glistening in the sun, warm breeze in your face. There’s just something special about arriving in town that way. Even after countless visits, I find new places worth checking out all the time — whether it’s a quiet cafe hidden down an alley or a restaurant I hadn’t noticed before.
Scooter view of rice fields
Scenic rides, alleyway adventures, and heartwarming conversations with local shop owners keep me coming back. Hoi An feels alive — not in a chaotic, big-city way, but in a “people-living-their-best-lives” kind of way.
I like parking my scooter (cheap and easy!), then just wandering. Some of my favorite gems have been total surprises: a tucked-away coffee shop with the friendliest owner, or a meal of lemongrass chicken that’s still making my mouth water.
What Lies Outside the Old Town
The Ancient Town might be the Instagram-famous core of Hoi An, but don’t limit yourself to that area.
Rice Fields Galore
Head a few minutes out in any direction and you’ll hit rice fields dotted with coffee shops and homestays. These places provide peaceful settings for sunrise coffee or golden hour walks — and yes, they’re real-life postcards.
Some fields even host boutique resorts or villas, perfect if the sounds of frogs and the occasional rooster are your vibe.
Beach Breaks: An Bang & Cua Dai
Need a break from sightseeing? An Bang and Cua Dai Beach offer the perfect detour. Clean, swimmable waters, just enough peace, and plenty of restaurants and loungers. You can be sipping a coconut one moment, dipping your toes in the surf the next.
An Bang Beach
Bike or Scooter Tours
Want to really get under Hoi An’s skin? Hop on a tour. Local guides will show you traditional village life, take you through quiet backroads, and probably introduce you to the best bánh mì in town. I recommend:
The Tourist Trap? Not Really.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — yes, Hoi An’s Old Town gets crowded. Yes, you’ll be approached by shopkeepers encouraging you to get a tailor-made suit or a lantern of your own. But here’s the thing: it’s all part of the experience.
Take it in stride, set your expectations, and remember — the Old Town is just one part of a much bigger picture. If you stick to only that area, you’ll walk away thinking Hoi An is just another tourist magnet. But if you give the town a fair chance? You’ll fall for it, I promise.
Where to Stay in Hoi An (Depending on Your Mood)
Whether you’re in the mood for heritage, beach life, or lush green scenery, Hoi An has the stay that matches your trip. Here are some top spots, each tailor-made for different vibes.
For Old Town Wandering
- 🏨 Allegro Hoi An (Agoda) / Booking
- 🏨 Lantana Boutique (Agoda) / Booking
- 🏨 La Siesta Hoi An (Agoda) / Booking
For Beach Vibes
For Rice Field Serenity
For more detailed area breakdowns and property picks, here’s my deep dive into where to stay in Hoi An.
Final Thoughts: Is Hoi An Worth Visiting?
If you stick to the surface, Hoi An can feel like a pretty touristy place. But if you scratch just a little deeper? What you’ll find is something genuine, charming, and maybe even unforgettable. There’s a rhythm to life here — one foot in the past, one foot in the present — and it’s woven with warmth and vibrance.
So if you have even an inkling of curiosity, come visit. Wander the lanes, ride past the rice paddies, splash at the beach, sip Vietnamese coffee in a quiet alley. And who knows? You might find yourself coming back… just like I do.
Looking for more resources? Dive deeper here:
- 🛩️ How to Get to Hoi An from Da Nang
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit Hoi An
- 🚲 How to Get Around Hoi An
- 📍 Three Day Hoi An Itinerary
- 🏛️ Guide to the Ancient Town
Pack light, bring your curiosity, and let Hoi An show you its magic. ✨