Hoi An, Vietnam: things to do, prices and tips 2026

Things to do in Hoi An (Vietnam): Old Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, Lantern Boat Ride, Banh Mi Phuong. Prices, opening times and the author’s tips.

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What to see

🏮Old Town

Yellow houses, lanterns and a river: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By day it's an open-air museum, by night a fairy tale.

Price Ticket for foreigners: 120,000 ₫, with 5 tear-off coupons for the sights

Insider tip Tickets are checked at the entrances, so keep yours on you every day. The quietest time is 6:00 to 8:00.

⛩Japanese Covered Bridge

A 17th-century covered bridge that appears on Vietnamese money (the 20,000 ₫ note). Snap a photo of the note in front of the bridge!

Price Included in the Old Town ticket

Insider tip The best photos are from the opposite bank at sunset, when the lanterns come on.

🛶Lantern Boat Ride

The calm Thu Bon River, a thousand little lights on the water and your very own wishing lantern.

Price Usually 150,000–250,000 ₫ per boat

Insider tip Agree on the price and duration BEFORE you get in. Prices climb after sunset, so haggle boldly.

🥖Banh Mi Phuong

The banh mi Anthony Bourdain famously called the best. Baguette, pâté, meat, herbs and sauce, all for pocket change.

Insider tip The queue moves fast. If you don't like it spicy, say "khom kai".

🌊An Bang Beach

A laid-back beach 4 km from the Old Town: cafés with sunbeds, cocktails and sunsets.

Price Sunbeds are often free if you order food or drinks at the café

Insider tip A bike from your hotel is the best way to get here: 15 minutes through the rice paddies.

🥥Coconut Forest & Basket Boats

Round basket boats gliding through palm-lined canals. The boatmen spin them like tops and sing: pure silliness, and great fun.

Insider tip Agree on the price in advance and check what's included. Tipping the boatman is up to you.

🏺Thanh Ha Pottery Village

A potters’ village on the Thu Bon River that is about 500 years old. Craftsmen work at the wheel in front of you, and you can try making your own cup. The ticket includes a clay whistle as a gift.

Price 35,000 ₫; the terracotta park next door is a separate ticket

Insider tip The easiest way there is by bike from the Old Town, 3 km along the river. Keep your ticket stub: you collect the gift with it at the ticket booth by the pier.