11 places · Vietnam
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
The village that grows the herbs for all of Hoi An, with a cooking class right in the garden.
🔒 Secret spot: details and the map pin are in the full guide
Vietnam's mini Angkor, hidden in the jungle.
🔒 Secret spot: details and the map pin are in the full guide
Crystal-clear water and snorkelling, 40 minutes away by speedboat.
🔒 Secret spot: details and the map pin are in the full guide
Vietnam’s largest open-air show: 500 performers on the water and 400 years of history in an hour.
🔒 Secret spot: details and the map pin are in the full guide