Around Nhà An Hoi An
The lantern-lit old town, best seen slowly
The Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoai River, Tra Que herb village, An Bang beach and a half-day itinerary from afternoon to evening around the yellow house of Nhà An in the old town.
The land
An old trading port still lit by lanterns
Hoi An was once a bustling trading port of Dang Trong, where Japanese, Chinese and Western merchants came and went. Today Hoi An belongs to Da Nang City, and its old town was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1999.
Nhà An Hoi An is opening soon: a yellow house in the old town with yin-yang roof tiles and a small skylight courtyard. The street number will be announced on the website and Zalo, so the tips below are by area only, and distances are rough estimates.
- The old town is loveliest in the early morning and early evening
- The dry season is easier for travel: roughly February to August; see the best-seasons section below
Nearby places
Five spots around the old town
From a tile-roofed bridge to herb beds and a suburban beach. Entry tickets and opening hours may change, so please check the latest information before you go.
Japanese Covered Bridge
A covered bridge, known in Chinese characters as Lai Vien Kieu, said by legend to have been first built by Japanese merchants in the late 16th century and restored many times. Pause to admire the mossy tiled roof and the carved wooden details.
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Hoai River and floating lanterns
At night, lanterns reflect on the water and boats release floating lanterns that drift slowly by. Across the Hoai River there is a night market to wander through as well.
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Breakfast in the old town
Cao lầu (Hoi An's signature noodles) is unique to Hoi An, while mì Quảng (turmeric noodles) and bánh xèo (crispy sizzling pancakes) are familiar all over the Quang region. Ask ahead to find a place with a vegetarian version.
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Tra Que herb village
A herb-growing village a few kilometers from the old town, known for its lush green beds that supply restaurants across the area. You can cycle there in the morning.
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A beach a few kilometers east of the old town, perfect for an afternoon of toes in the sand once the sun softens.
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Beyond the old town
Places for another half day or full day of your trip.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
A long-established pottery village a few kilometers west of the old town. Watch the potters shape clay on the wheel and pick out a small piece to take home.
Xem thêmBay Mau Coconut Forest
A water coconut forest near where the river meets the sea, a few kilometers from the old town, where basket boats (thúng chai) glide between the palm fronds. Remember to wear a life jacket on the boat.
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My Son Sanctuary
A complex of Champa temple towers in a valley about 40 km from the old town, worth setting aside a whole morning or afternoon. See more tips around Nhà An Duy Xuyen.
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Half a day from afternoon to night
A relaxed itinerary, mostly on foot. Sunset in Hoi An falls between about 5:15 and 6:15 p.m. depending on the season, so adjust the times to suit.
- 15:30
A cup of tea before you set out
Once Nhà An Hoi An opens, drop in for an iced lotus tea and ask about the Áo dài Studio if you'd like to take photos.
- 16:30
Stroll while the sun is soft
Walk along streets of wooden houses, yellow walls and bougainvillea, stopping at the assembly halls if you'd like to look inside.
- 17:30
The Japanese Covered Bridge at sunset
Watch the tile-roofed bridge as the light turns golden. Take your photos at a leisurely pace and give way to people crossing the bridge.
- 18:30
Lanterns come on
Follow the Hoai River and watch rows of lanterns slowly light up along both banks.
- 19:30
Vegetarian dinner
Vegetarian bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) wrapped in Tra Que herbs or a bowl of vegetarian mì Quảng, then Cam Nam sweet corn pudding (chè bắp) for dessert, all of which Nhà An Hoi An recommends.
- 20:30
Float a lantern
Choose a small floating lantern, make a simple wish and release it at the boat landing, without dropping any litter in the river.
- 21:30
Back to Nhà An for tea
Nhà An is open 24/7, so there's no need to rush. Sit down with a pot of lotus tea and rest before heading home.
Festivals & best seasons
Visit Hoi An in season
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar, so they fall on a different solar date each year.
Full-moon night each month
The old town's full-moon night is usually counted around the 14th of the lunar month: electric lights are dimmed, lanterns glow and floating lanterns are released. The actual schedule may change, so check the latest announcements before you go.
February to August
Dry season with little rain, good for strolling the old town and heading to the beach. On scorching summer days, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
September to December
Rainy season in central Vietnam, when the Hoai River can rise. Check the weather forecast and bring a thin raincoat.
Tết season
The old town is even more colorful with flowers and lanterns. Nhà An Hoi An stays open through Tết (Lunar New Year), and you can rent an áo dài for photos in early spring.
Little tips
Travel slow, travel kindly
Getting around
- Walking or cycling is the most pleasant way to get around the old town.
- Some streets restrict motor vehicles at certain hours, so check the current rules.
- The old town sells sightseeing tickets for entry to its heritage sites; ask at the ticket booth or check the latest announcements.
- Once the official address is ready, Nhà An will send directions via Zalo.
Best times
- Early morning: quiet streets, soft light, few visitors.
- Late afternoon: golden sun on the old walls, great for photos.
- Evening: the lanterns come on and it gets lively, so arrive early to find a spot.
Etiquette
- Don't climb on, or write or draw on, walls and artifacts.
- Ask the homeowner before taking photos inside an old house.
- Don't throw litter into the river; take it with you or use a proper bin.
- Give way to others when taking photos in narrow walkways.
Quick questions about Hoi An
Where is Nhà An Hoi An?
In Hoi An's old town, a yellow house with yin-yang roof tiles and a skylight courtyard. The street number and opening date will be announced on the website and on Zalo 0865 920 041.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
From about February to August the weather is dry, making it easy to stroll the old town and visit the beach. September to December is the rainy season and the river can rise, so check the forecast before you go.
Is there a place to rest and work?
Yes. Once open, Nhà An Hoi An is open 24/7 with all 4 zones like every branch, with fast wifi and power outlets at every seat. The Áo dài Studio has lanterns and yellow walls for photos.
Which province or city does Hoi An belong to now?
Since July 1, 2025, Hoi An has belonged to Da Nang City, after Quang Nam was merged into the city and the district level was abolished. The name Quang Nam is still used for the cultural region of the Quang land.
See you at the yellow house in the old town
Nhà An Hoi An is being finished and opening soon. You can reserve a table in advance or message us on Zalo to learn the earliest opening date.
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