Summer weekend in Hoi An
How locals do summer in Hoi An — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Hoi An
Night Lantern Walk
OutdoorsThu Bon River
After sunset the old town glows — release a paper lantern on the river from a sampan boat.
An Bang Beach
OutdoorsAn Bang
10-minute bike to a palm-lined beach with bamboo loungers and seafood shacks.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest
OutdoorsCam Thanh
Round basket-boat rides through water palms — splashy, fun, very photogenic.
Mango Mango
NightlifeOld Town
Riverside cocktail bar — Vietnamese-influenced drinks and one of the best terraces in town.
Where to eat
Banh Mi Phuong
$Banh mi · Old Town
Bourdain's pick — pâté, pork belly and a riot of herbs. Order #2.
Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen
$Banh mi · Old Town
Tiny family stall — one sandwich, two-handed, fresh every morning.
Mango Rooms
$$$Fusion Vietnamese · Old Town
Riverside two-floor restaurant from chef Duc Tran — playful global-Vietnamese plates.
Morning Glory
$$Central Vietnamese · Old Town
Chef Ms Vy's all-star menu — cao lau, white-rose dumplings, banh mi alley around the corner.
Streets Restaurant Café
$$Vietnamese · Old Town
Training restaurant for disadvantaged youth — pho and bun cha done very well.
Live & on stage
Hoi An Lantern Festival
Old Town · Every full moon · Cultural / Free
Mid-Autumn Festival
Old Town · Oct 6 · Lantern / Family
Tet Lunar New Year
Old Town · Feb 17 · Festival / Free
Vietnamese Cinema Festival
Old Town · Sep 12–15 · Cinema
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Night Lantern Walk, An Bang Beach, Bay Mau Coconut Forest. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Hoi An and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.