If I could choose just one time of day to explore Hoi An, I’d pick the late afternoon. The yellow buildings look lovely in the soft sunlight. Then, little by little, the lanterns come on, and the whole old town begins to feel different.

Hoi An isn’t a place you need to rush through. Take a turn down a quiet lane, stop for a coffee when a café catches your eye, and leave your evening free for a walk beside the Hoai River.

Start with a walk through the old town

Hoi An was once a busy trading port, and its streets still show traces of the people and cultures that met here. You’ll pass yellow walls, old wooden houses, narrow shopfronts, and lanterns hanging beneath the eaves. Around one corner there might be a little fabric shop; around the next, a historic assembly hall.

On your first visit, you could begin near the Japanese Covered Bridge and wander towards the old houses, assembly halls, and riverfront. Keep the route loose. Stop at a doorway you like, step into a café, or simply follow a street that looks inviting. That’s often when Hoi An is at its best.

Give the late afternoon a little extra time

The old town is bright and lively during the day, which makes it a good time to notice its buildings and browse the shops. As evening approaches, the lantern colours become warmer and more vivid. Walk along the river, then look back at the streets you’ve just passed—you may find they already look completely different.

If you enjoy taking photos, head out before the sky turns fully dark. For a short while, there’s still some blue above the rooftops while the lanterns are already glowing. Then put the camera away for a bit. Sitting by the river and watching people come and go is part of the pleasure of being here.

Make room for a local dinner

When you’re hungry, try cao lầu, Hoi An’s chewy noodles served with meat, greens, and a small amount of sauce. If rice sounds better, order Hoi An chicken rice. Travelling with friends or family? White rose dumplings are easy to share.

There’s no need to fit every local dish into one meal. Have noodles tonight and save the chicken rice for tomorrow. After dinner, take another easy walk by the river and enjoy the town after dark.

You don’t need a full moon to enjoy the lanterns

Some visitors plan their trip around Hoi An’s lunar calendar celebrations. They can be lovely, but an ordinary evening in the old town is beautiful too. You can still stroll beneath the lanterns, look across the river, and explore the lanes nearby.

If you’d like to take a small boat ride or float a lantern on the water, check the price and what’s included before you decide. And don’t spend the whole night in the busiest riverside spots. A short walk away, you may find a quieter side of Hoi An waiting for you.

A few tips for your first visit

Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself time to wander. If you plan to enter historic houses or assembly halls, check the current visitor information before you go. Travelling with children or older family members? A café break between stops will usually make the afternoon more enjoyable for everyone.

What stays with you after Hoi An may not be one particular photograph. It may be the feeling of an unhurried evening: a snack in your hand, the river beside you, and lantern light moving gently across the water.

Thinking of including Hoi An in your Vietnam trip? Get in touch with VIETLUMI TRAVEL. We’d be happy to help shape a journey around the people you’re travelling with and the pace you enjoy.