The short answer
- Ideal stay
- 3 nights
- Best months
- February to August
- Avoid
- October and November (floods)
- Nearest airport
- Da Nang, about 45 minutes
Hoi An was a busy trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries, and its old town of yellow shophouses, assembly halls and temples survives almost intact. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, in the evening, one of the most atmospheric places in Asia.
Most visitors stay three nights: enough time for the old town, a tailor, a cooking class, the beach and a day trip.
Lantern night dates
On the 14th day of each lunar month, around the full moon, the old town switches off much of its electric light from early evening and glows with silk lanterns and candles floated on the Thu Bon River.
| Date | Note |
|---|---|
| 23 October 2026 | Flood season: check conditions |
| 22 November 2026 | Flood season: check conditions |
| 22 December 2026 | |
| 21 January 2027 |
Dates as published for Hoi An's monthly lantern night. Later 2027 dates follow the lunar calendar; check locally before you travel.
Tip: The old town is lantern lit every evening, not just on festival nights. Festival nights are simply more special, and busier.
Things to do
- The old town: Buy the old town ticket, which gives entry to a choice of historic houses, assembly halls and temples, including around the Japanese Covered Bridge.
- Tailors: Choose a well reviewed shop, allow at least two fittings and order early in your stay.
- Cooking class: Market tour, a basket boat ride in the coconut palms and a cooking lesson.
- Beaches: An Bang and Cua Dai are a short bike ride away; best from April to August.
- Countryside: Cycle to Tra Que vegetable village and through the rice fields.
- My Son: Ruined Cham temples about an hour away, best early in the morning.
When to go
February to August is dry, with spring the most comfortable and summer hot but great for the beach. From September to December, and especially in October and November, heavy rain can flood the riverside streets. Read our typhoon and flood season guide.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | Hoi AnDa Nang is similar | Hue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25° / 19°95 mm | 24° / 18°160 mm |
| Feb | 26° / 20°30 mm | 25° / 19°60 mm |
| Mar | 28° / 22°20 mm | 28° / 21°50 mm |
| Apr | 31° / 24°25 mm | 31° / 23°50 mm |
| May | 33° / 25°60 mm | 33° / 25°90 mm |
| Jun | 34° / 26°80 mm | 34° / 25°90 mm |
| Jul | 34° / 26°85 mm | 34° / 25°70 mm |
| Aug | 34° / 26°105 mm | 34° / 25°140 mm |
| Sep | 32° / 24°350 mm | 31° / 24°430 mm |
| Oct | 30° / 23°610 mm | 29° / 23°800 mm |
| Nov | 27° / 22°370 mm | 26° / 21°590 mm |
| Dec | 25° / 20°200 mm | 24° / 19°300 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the Hoi An lantern festival?
On the 14th day of each lunar month. Upcoming dates include 23 October, 22 November and 22 December 2026, and 21 January 2027.
How many days in Hoi An?
Three nights is ideal for the old town, a tailor, a cooking class, the beach and a day trip to My Son.
Does Hoi An flood?
Yes, in most years, mainly in October and November. Water usually rises and falls within a day or two.
Sources we checked
Vietnam month by month
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