Vietnam is one of the standout emerging destinations for 2026, and Hoi An’s lantern-lit Ancient Town is leading the search interest — here’s how to plan the trip.
Quick Facts
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Language: Vietnamese (English common in tourist areas)
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT)
- Best For: Value, tailored clothing, food, lantern festivals
Best Time to Visit
February–April offers the best combination of mild weather and lower rain chances. September–January carries higher flood risk in the Ancient Town; check forecasts if visiting in this window.
How to Get There & Getting Around
Da Nang International Airport is about 45 minutes from Hoi An by taxi or shuttle. The Ancient Town itself is a pedestrian zone — walking or a rented bicycle is the way to get around.
Where to Stay
Staying inside or near the Ancient Town puts you in walking distance of the lantern-lit streets. An Bang Beach, a short ride away, offers a more relaxed beachside alternative.
Top Things to Do
- The Ancient Town’s lantern-lit streets, especially at the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival
- Getting custom clothing tailored — Hoi An is famous for fast, affordable made-to-measure tailoring
- A boat ride along the Thu Bon River at dusk
- An Bang Beach for a relaxed half-day
- A Vietnamese cooking class, widely available and well-regarded here
- Cycling through the surrounding rice paddies and countryside
- Japanese Covered Bridge, one of the town’s most iconic landmarks
Where to Eat & Drink
- Cao lầu, a noodle dish essentially unique to Hoi An
- Banh mi from a well-reviewed local stand — Hoi An is often cited among the best in Vietnam
- Fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn) with local herbs
- Vietnamese drip coffee (cà phê sữa đá) to fuel a day of exploring
Local Etiquette & Safety Tips
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and assembly halls within the Ancient Town
- Bargaining is expected at markets, less so in fixed-price boutiques
- Tipping isn’t traditionally expected but is increasingly appreciated in tourist-facing businesses
Budget Tips & Daily Costs
Vietnam remains one of the best-value destinations in Asia, and Hoi An is no exception — accommodation, food, and tailoring are all notably affordable.
- Street food and local restaurants cost a fraction of tourist-menu prices for excellent food
- Renting a bicycle is cheap and often the most pleasant way to explore beyond the Ancient Town
- Custom tailoring here is dramatically cheaper than equivalent Western pricing — worth budgeting for even on a tight trip
Sample 4-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Ancient Town walking tour, Japanese Covered Bridge
- Day 2: Tailoring fittings, cooking class
- Day 3: An Bang Beach, Thu Bon River boat ride at dusk
- Day 4: Countryside cycling, final Ancient Town evening (ideally during a Full Moon Festival if timing allows)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Hoi An trending for 2026?
Vietnam overall is one of the standout emerging destinations for 2026, and Hoi An’s Ancient Town and affordable tailoring have made it a particular focal point of that search interest.
How long does custom tailoring take in Hoi An?
Many shops can turn around a custom garment in 24–48 hours, so budgeting at least two full days in town is wise if tailoring is a priority.
Is Hoi An walkable?
Yes — the Ancient Town is a pedestrian zone, and the town overall is compact and easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Keep Planning
See our Budget Travel hub for more high-value Southeast Asian destinations alongside Bangkok.
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