Solo Travel / Solo Travel in Vietnam/ Hoi An

Things To Do In Hoi An – Month By Month

TLDR: This guide is for solo travelers eager to experience Hoi An, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, lantern-lit streets, and riverside charm. From exploring ancient temples and bustling markets to taking part in cooking classes and relaxing on nearby beaches, Hoi An offers a unique mix of culture, history, and leisure. We’ll also suggest the best time to visit based on Hoi An’s tropical climate, ensuring you make the most of your trip.

Highlight

A must-see in Hoi An is the Ancient Town, famous for its beautiful architecture, influenced by Vietnamese, Japanese, and European styles. The town’s narrow streets are filled with colorful lanterns, historic buildings, and bustling markets. Whether you’re walking the lantern-lit streets at night or visiting temples during the day, the Ancient Town is an essential part of your visit to Hoi An.

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About Hoi An

Hoi An, located on Vietnam’s central coast, is a charming town with a rich history that spans centuries. Once a major trading port, the town retains its historical ambiance with its blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture. The Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the heart of Hoi An, where you can explore old merchant houses, temples, and assembly halls.

The town is also known for its vibrant lanterns, culinary experiences, and tailors who can craft custom-made clothing within days. Additionally, Hoi An’s proximity to An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach makes it an excellent destination for those seeking a mix of culture and relaxation. Whether you’re wandering the lantern-lit streets, biking through rice fields, or taking a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, Hoi An provides a perfect balance of activity and tranquility.

Hoi An has two primary seasons: the dry season (February to August) and the rainy season (September to January). While it is beautiful year-round, the dry season offers ideal conditions for exploring the town and its surroundings.

Getting to Hoi An

The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (DAD), about 30 kilometers away. Da Nang Airport offers both domestic flights within Vietnam and international flights from various destinations.

Connections:

From Da Nang Airport to Hoi An: The most common way to reach Hoi An from Da Nang Airport is by taxi, Grab (ride-hailing), or private transfer, which takes about 45 minutes.
Alternative Route via Bus: You can also take a public bus from Da Nang to Hoi An, which is a cheaper option but takes longer.

What Else To Know When Visiting Hoi An

Accommodation Tips

Solo Friendly: Hoi An offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels in the Ancient Town to luxury resorts by the beach. For solo travelers, staying near the Ancient Town is ideal for being close to cafes, markets, and social hubs. For a quieter stay, consider beachside accommodations.

Food and Drink

Dining Solo: Hoi An is famous for its food scene, offering solo travelers a variety of street food stalls and local eateries. Don’t miss trying cao lau (pork noodle dish), banh mi, and white rose dumplings. Many restaurants and cafes are welcoming to solo diners.

Hoi An Safety

Staying Safe: Hoi An is generally very safe for solo travelers. The town is walkable, and people are friendly. However, it’s always a good idea to stay alert, especially when visiting crowded areas like the night market.

Language and Culture

Language Basics: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (Hello) and “Cảm ơn” (Thank you) will go a long way in building connections with locals.

Getting Around

Transportation: The Ancient Town is pedestrian-friendly, and one of the best ways to explore is on foot or by bicycle. For longer distances, taxis and motorbike rentals are available.

Meeting Fellow Travelers

Social Hotspots: The cafes and bars in the Ancient Town and around An Bang Beach are great places to meet other solo travelers. You can also join cooking classes or lantern-making workshops for social interaction.

Budgeting

Cost-Saving Tips: Hoi An is affordable for travelers. Eating at street food stalls, biking instead of taking taxis, and staying in guesthouses or hostels will help keep costs low. Many of Hoi An’s attractions, like walking through the Ancient Town, are either free or have a minimal entrance fee.

What’s On In Hoi An Month By Month

Hoi An offers something unique each month, from cultural festivals and lantern-lit evenings to beach days and countryside tours. This guide will take you through the best activities and experiences, along with what to expect in terms of tourism and weather.

January: Explore the Ancient Town and Temples

January is one of the coolest months in Hoi An, making it perfect for wandering through the Ancient Town and visiting its historic temples, such as Quan Cong Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The weather is ideal for walking, and the town’s calm ambiance makes it a relaxing time to explore.

Tourism is steady in January, with many visitors enjoying the cool, pleasant weather. The streets are less crowded than during the Tet holiday, providing a peaceful experience.

Weather: Cool and dry, with temperatures averaging 18-24°C (64-75°F).
Location: Ancient Town, Quan Cong Temple, Japanese Covered Bridge
Cost/Budget: Minimal entrance fees for some sites; personal expenses for food and shopping.

February: Celebrate Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

February is when Hoi An celebrates Tet (Lunar New Year), the most important holiday in Vietnam. The town becomes lively with decorations, traditional performances, and markets selling Tet goods. Lanterns light up the streets, and visitors can experience local customs and festive foods.

Tourism spikes during Tet, as both locals and international travelers come to celebrate. Some shops may close for the holiday, but the town remains active with festivities.

Weather: Mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 19-25°C (66-77°F).
Location: Ancient Town, local temples, Tet markets
Cost/Budget: Free to enjoy the atmosphere; personal expenses for souvenirs and food.

March: Beach Days and Boat Tours

With warmer weather arriving, March is an excellent time to visit An Bang Beach or take a boat tour along the Thu Bon River. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying seafood at one of the local restaurants. In the evenings, a stroll along the riverbank offers beautiful sunset views.

March marks the beginning of the peak tourist season as the weather becomes more beach-friendly. Travelers can also enjoy the markets and street food stalls as they prepare for the warmer months.

Weather: Warm and dry, with temperatures between 21-28°C (70-82°F).
Location: An Bang Beach, Thu Bon River
Cost/Budget: Free to visit beaches; costs for boat tours and food vary.

April: Take a Cooking Class

April is a great time to immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine by taking a cooking class in Hoi An. Many classes begin with a visit to the local market, where you’ll learn about the ingredients before cooking dishes like pho, banh xeo, and cao lau.

Tourism in April is high as travelers take advantage of the comfortable weather and outdoor activities. Cooking classes and food tours are popular, offering a cultural and culinary experience for visitors.

Weather: Warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 23-30°C (73-86°F).
Location: Local markets, cooking schools
Cost/Budget: Cooking class fees vary; market visits are often included.

May: Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

As the temperature rises, May is a good time to visit indoor attractions or explore early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The Japanese Covered Bridge, a historic symbol of Hoi An, is a must-see. You can also visit the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture for an in-depth look at the town’s heritage.

Tourism remains steady, but the heat drives many travelers to the beach during the midday hours. The Ancient Town is quieter during the day, making it a peaceful time to explore the historical sites.

Weather: Hot and dry, with temperatures between 25-33°C (77-91°F).
Location: Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Museum of History and Culture
Cost/Budget: Small entrance fees for museums and historic sites.

June: Lantern Festival and Evening Strolls

June marks the start of the hotter season, but the Hoi An Lantern Festival brings a magical atmosphere to the town. Held on the 14th day of every lunar month, this festival lights up the Ancient Town with thousands of colorful lanterns. Visitors can release lanterns onto the river for good luck.

The Lantern Festival draws more visitors in June, and the evenings are a great time to explore the town after the heat of the day. During the daytime, many travelers enjoy beach activities or indoor experiences like tailor shops or cooking classes.

Weather: Hot with occasional rain, temperatures ranging from 26-35°C (79-95°F).
Location: Ancient Town, Thu Bon River
Cost/Budget: Free to enjoy the festival; personal expenses for lanterns and food.

July: Relax on Cua Dai Beach

July is one of the hottest months in Hoi An, so spending time at Cua Dai Beach or An Bang Beach is the perfect way to cool down. Mornings and evenings are best for beach activities, while the afternoons can be spent relaxing under the shade of a palm tree or enjoying a cool drink at a beachside cafe.

Tourism slows slightly in July due to the heat, making it a quieter time to visit. Many visitors use the early mornings for sightseeing and reserve the hottest hours for relaxing indoors or at the beach.

Weather: Hot and humid, with temperatures between 27-36°C (81-97°F).
Location: Cua Dai Beach, An Bang Beach
Cost/Budget: Free to visit beaches; costs for food, drinks, and sunbeds vary.

August: Explore the Countryside

August remains hot, but it’s also an ideal time to explore Hoi An’s countryside. Rent a bicycle and ride through rice paddies, visit local villages, or explore the Tra Que Vegetable Village. This is a great way to experience the local lifestyle and enjoy the greenery just outside the town.

August marks the tail end of the high season, and while the town remains busy, it is possible to find quieter areas in the countryside. The early mornings and late afternoons offer the most comfortable times to explore.

Weather: Hot with occasional rain, temperatures between 26-35°C (79-95°F).
Location: Countryside, Tra Que Vegetable Village
Cost/Budget: Free to explore; bike rentals and village tours have varying costs.

September: Visit the Museums and Art Galleries

As the rainy season begins in September, it’s a good time to explore Hoi An’s indoor attractions like the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture or visit local art galleries. The town has many small galleries that showcase traditional Vietnamese art and contemporary works by local artists.

Tourism starts to slow down in September as the rains become more frequent, making it a quieter time to enjoy Hoi An’s indoor cultural offerings.

Weather: Rainy with cooler temperatures, between 24-32°C (75-90°F).
Location: Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, local art galleries
Cost/Budget: Small entrance fees for museums and galleries.

October: Experience the Rainy Season

October is in the middle of the rainy season, but Hoi An’s charm remains. The town’s rivers swell, and visitors can take boat tours to see the town from a new perspective. Exploring the Ancient Town during light rain can be an atmospheric experience, with fewer crowds and a calm, serene environment.

While tourism slows, solo travelers often enjoy the quieter, more reflective atmosphere of Hoi An during this month.

Weather: Rainy and humid, with temperatures ranging from 23-30°C (73-86°F).
Location: Ancient Town, boat tours
Cost/Budget: Free to explore the town; costs for boat tours vary.

November: Lantern Festival and Night Market

The rains start to ease in November, and the Lantern Festival once again illuminates the town. This month is also a good time to visit Hoi An’s night market, where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.

Tourism begins to pick up again in November, as the weather becomes more manageable. Visitors can enjoy the lantern-lit streets and shop for souvenirs at the market.

Weather: Cooler with occasional rain, temperatures between 22-28°C (72-82°F).
Location: Lantern Festival, Hoi An Night Market
Cost/Budget: Free to enjoy the festival; personal expenses for shopping and food.

December: Christmas and New Year Celebrations

Hoi An’s Christmas and New Year celebrations offer a unique blend of local and international influences. The Ancient Town is decorated with lights, and many restaurants and cafes offer special holiday menus. Visitors can enjoy festive markets, river cruises, and year-end events in the town’s central area.

December marks the start of the cooler, dry season, making it an excellent time to explore both the Ancient Town and nearby beaches.

Weather: Cool and dry, with temperatures between 20-26°C (68-79°F).
Location: Ancient Town, restaurants, cafes
Cost/Budget: Free to explore the town; personal expenses for holiday events and dining.

Best Time to Visit Hoi An

The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to May, during the dry season. The weather is warm, and the beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and outdoor activities. The Hoi An Lantern Festival held monthly is also a highlight, offering a unique cultural experience. However, Hoi An is beautiful year-round, with each season bringing its own charm.

Heading Back

That concludes our comprehensive month-by-month guide to Hoi An. Whether you’re soaking in the history of the Ancient Town, taking part in cultural festivals, or enjoying the beaches, Hoi An offers something for every traveler. From cooking classes and countryside bike rides to lantern-lit evenings and festive markets, this town has endless opportunities for solo travelers seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation.