Hoi An Ancient Town: a lantern-lit night 45 minutes from Da Nang

Hoi An Ancient Town lies about 30 km south of An Thuong, a 40–50 minute drive. Once a bustling trading port, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What's there

• The 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge — the symbol printed on the 20,000 VND note.
• Ochre-yellow old streets, Chinese assembly halls and heritage houses like Tan Ky and Phung Hung.
• Glowing lantern nights and floating flower-lanterns on the Hoai River.
• Local specialties — cao lau, mi Quang, banh mi, wontons — and same-day tailor shops.

Good to know

• Old-town ticket: 120,000 VND (international visitors), free for children under 16.
• Arrive around 17:00 to catch sunset and the moment the lanterns come on.
• Bring small notes (10,000–20,000 VND) for a river lantern; wear comfy shoes as streets are car-free at times.
• Time your visit for the full moon (14th lunar day), when the town cuts its lights and only lanterns glow — the signature experience.

Hoi An scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from nearly twenty-eight thousand reviews, tops the attractions list and won a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2026.

On the way back to Da Nang, stop by Furama Dining House for a late dinner: four floors of food near the beach to round off a day in Hoi An with familiar flavours.