Hoi An, Vietnam
Dear Hoi An, Lanterns, Tailors and Quiet Mornings
- Reading time
- 3 minutes
Dear Hoi An,
At night you are all lanterns, silk and colour reflected in the Thu Bồn River. In the morning, before the shops open, you are something else: a quiet town of ochre walls, bicycles, and people buying vegetables at the market.
You were a major trading port for centuries, with Japanese, Chinese and European merchants, and your old town is remarkably well preserved.
This letter is about lanterns, tailors and finding the quiet hours.
What we love
♥The Japanese Covered Bridge
An emblem of the town, dating back centuries. Check current access arrangements, as restoration has taken place in recent years.
♥The river at night
Lanterns light the old town and boats float on the river. Very busy, very pretty.
♥Morning market
The central market is liveliest in the early morning. Try cao lầu, a local noodle dish.
♥Cycling to the rice fields
Bicycles make it easy to reach the countryside and beaches around town.
What we'd tell a friend
- Getting there
- Da Nang airport is about forty-five minutes away by road.
- Tailors
- Hoi An is known for tailor-made clothes. Allow several days for fittings and quality.
- Weather
- The rainy season in central Vietnam, roughly September to December, can bring flooding to the old town.
- Old town tickets
- A ticket system applies for the old town and some historic sites; check current rules on arrival.
This is general guidance. Prices, timetables, opening hours and entry rules change, so please check the official sources below before you travel.
Handle with care
Floating paper lanterns on the river is popular, but consider the environmental impact. Support tailors who pay fair wages and give realistic timelines.
Before you go
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism ↗ (opens an external site)
- UNESCO: Hoi An Ancient Town ↗ (opens an external site)
Hoi An, your lanterns are lovely, but it was your quiet mornings that we will miss.
With love,
The WTWL Team
Written May 2026
Spotted something out of date? Send us a correction.
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