Hội An Travel Guide: Lanterns, Tailors and Trading History

Explore Hội An Ancient Town, its lantern nights, Japanese Bridge and local dishes like cao lầu, plus beaches and Mỹ Sơn nearby. When to go and tips.

Illustrated cover for Hội An Travel Guide (Hội An), central Vietnam

From the 15th to the 19th century, Hội An was one of Southeast Asia’s busiest ports. Merchant ships from Japan, China, Portugal and the Netherlands came here, and many traders stayed. The result is a remarkably intact old town of wooden shophouses, Chinese assembly halls and Japanese-influenced architecture, all along the Thu Bồn River.

Exploring the Ancient Town (Phố Cổ)

The Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu). Built by the Japanese community in the early 17th century and the town’s emblem. It was recently restored.
Assembly halls (hội quán). Built by Chinese merchant communities from Fujian, Guangdong and elsewhere, with ornate gates and incense coils.
Old merchant houses. Tân Ký and Phùng Hưng show how families lived and traded under the same roof.

Local tip: come at sunrise. Before the tour groups arrive, the yellow walls, bougainvillea and quiet riverbank show you the Hội An that locals know.

Lanterns, tailors and crafts

Silk lanterns are Hội An’s best-known craft. You can join a workshop and make your own. The town is also famous for tailor shops that can make a suit or áo dài in a day or two. Allow time for at least one fitting. Nearby craft villages include Thanh Hà for pottery and Kim Bồng for woodcarving.

What to eat in Hội An

Cao lầu. Chewy, yellowish noodles with pork, crispy croutons and herbs. Locals say it can only be made properly with water from Hội An’s old wells.
Mì Quảng. The signature noodle dish of the wider Quảng Nam area, served with just a little rich, turmeric-coloured broth.
Bánh mì. Hội An’s baguettes are famous across the country. Every local has a favourite stall.
White rose dumplings (bánh bao bánh vạc). Delicate shrimp dumplings, a Hội An speciality.

Around Hội An

An Bàng and Cửa Đại beaches. Easy bike rides from town.
Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary. The ruined Hindu temple complex of the Champa kingdom, about an hour inland and also UNESCO-listed. Go early to beat the heat.
Cẩm Thanh coconut village. Round basket boats in the water palm forest.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a ticket for Hội An Ancient Town?

Yes. Visitors buy an entrance ticket that also gives access to a set number of heritage sites such as old houses, assembly halls and museums. Check the current price and rules at the official ticket booths when you arrive.

When is the Hội An lantern festival?

On the evening of the 14th day of each lunar month (the night before the full moon), the old town dims electric lights and fills with lanterns. Lanterns light up the streets every evening, but full-moon nights are the most atmospheric.

Is Hội An part of Đà Nẵng now?

Administratively, yes. Since the 2025 provincial merger, Hội An lies within Đà Nẵng city. For travellers nothing changes: it is still about 45 minutes by road from Đà Nẵng airport.