According to Escape, Australian tourists are flocking to Vietnam due to reasonable airfares and the favorable exchange rate of the Australian dollar. In particular, September is the perfect time to visit Hoi An.

In September, Hoi An experiences a transitional season with warm days and cool nights. While there may be sudden light rains, they don’t last long, and mornings and afternoons are usually dry and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the old town.

Hoi An’s lantern festival illuminates the town with countless colorful lanterns. Photo: TripAdvisor

Hoi An is renowned for its lantern festival, held on the 14th and 15th of every lunar month. The town comes alive with vibrant, sparkling lanterns and candle-lit flower lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.

Additionally, TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Things to Do lists riding a basket boat in the Bay Mau or Cam Thanh Nipa palm forests as one of the world’s top experiences. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards also featured Hoi An as one of the 15 Favorite Cities in Asia for 2024.

Hoi An was recently named “Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2024” by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the fifth time. This honor underscores the city’s rich cultural heritage and appeal to global travelers.

September falls outside the peak tourist season, resulting in fewer crowds compared to the busy summer months. It’s the perfect time to explore Hoi An’s Lantern Festival, which occurs on the 14th of the lunar month, illuminating the Old Town with a colorful display.

Hoi An, a magical city with a rich cultural heritage. Photo: Vietnam Travel

Hoi An ranked fourth on the list of 13 best places to visit in September, including destinations like Kyoto, Fiji, and Istanbul. Its unique blend of cultural attractions, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination.

Hoi An captivates visitors with its blend of historical architecture and a relaxed pace of life. The Thu Bon River meanders through the city, past ancient shop houses and pagodas, while sampans come and go from the old ferry quay. Beyond the Old Town, two-lane roads lead to rice fields and a stunning coastline.

The city’s architecture reflects the influence of merchants from China, Japan, and Europe, who settled here from the 15th to 19th centuries. Notable landmarks include the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky ancestral house, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, each worth capturing with your camera.

Hoi An offers a culinary journey like no other. Fresh produce, seafood, and herbs from local markets come together in signature dishes like Cao Lau, Hoanh Thanh, and white rose dumplings. A culinary tour of Hoi An is a delight for all the senses.

Sunrise is the perfect time to explore Hoi An’s surroundings. A short drive or bike ride will take you to Cam Thanh and Tra Que, where you’ll find vegetable farms and tranquil ponds. For a beach escape, An Bang Beach offers seafood lunches, sandy shores, and refreshing waves.

Hoi An’s enchanting beauty and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination. Photo: Vietnam Travel

My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, is located just 40 kilometers from Hoi An. Built by the Cham people, the temples are nestled in a valley near a shaded stream and date back to the 7th to 13th centuries.

From October to January, Hoi An experiences rainy days and storms, so pack accordingly. The best months to visit are March to May, but it’s also possible to enjoy the city from June to August if you don’t mind the heat.

Hoi An is easily accessible via the international airport in Da Nang, a 50-minute drive away. Domestic and regional flights connect to Da Nang, and Hoi An can also be reached by bus or shuttle from nearby cities. Exploring the Ancient Town and countryside is best done on foot, by bicycle, or via taxi and ride-hailing apps.

Charlotte Pho
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