How to Spend a Perfect Evening in Hoi An

Situated on the banks of the calm Thu Bon River, the charming town of Hoi An never fails to capture the imagination of discerning travellers with its beauty and mystique. You will find that this town is even more resplendent at and after dusk, with vibrantly coloured lanterns illuminating the streets and creating a magical, warm atmosphere quite unlike any other place in Vietnam. To help you get started, here are some suggestions for spending an unforgettable evening or night. 

Walk through the ancient town 

You definitely do not want to miss taking a stroll at night to explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been preserved quite beautifully. You can also see vibrantly coloured lanterns at virtually every corner, providing an enchanting, warm glow. This soft lighting is reflected off the cobblestone roads and buildings, which, in turn, provides a unique, romantic atmosphere. As you make your way through this part of the city, you will encounter charming shops, pleasant cafes and numerous street vendors offering souvenirs and traditional foods. Pro tip: Try and visit during the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival, which adds to the "magic".

View the Japanese Covered Bridge 

One of the outstanding nighttime sights here is the well-known Japanese Covered Bridge. This eye-catching bridge was constructed during the early part of the 17th century by the local Japanese community and serves as a symbol of the harmony that exists between the Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese peoples. After nightfall, this bridge is attractively illuminated and casts reflections on the waters of the Thu Bon River. In particular, the bridge’s tiled roof and ornate carvings look enchanting and picturesque under the light of the lanterns. A Hoi An hotel to consider, from which you can easily explore the ancient town and visit this bridge, is Anantara Hoi An Resort. 

Undertake a boat excursion on the river 

Your visit to Hoi An wouldn’t be complete without taking an appealing boat ride on the Thu Bon River. On your outing, as you make your way serenely across the placid waters, you will notice riverside homes and lantern-illuminated streets reflected entrancingly on the water’s surface, creating a spellbinding sight. An interesting highlight of this boat excursion is the release of a lantern, which floats on the waters; this happens to be a tradition which symbolises good fortune and hope for the years to come. 

Visit the riverside bars and cafes 

As night slowly envelops Hoi An and the stars come out to play, make your way to the cosy bars and the traditional cafes in the riverside area. These are ideal places to just sit back and spend time soaking up the locale's old-world charm. Many of the local cafes combine historical charm and contemporary comforts, typically serving tasty Vietnamese coffee featuring coffee beans cultivated locally. Meanwhile, you will see that the bars on the riverside provide picturesque views of the tranquil Thu Bon River, with the sight of the gleaming floating lanterns adding to the unique atmosphere. 

Stroll through Hoi An Night Market 

For an adventure under the stars, take the opportunity to pay a visit to the lively Hoi An Night Market, which is always a captivating experience for night owls. Both locals and curious tourists make their way to this colourful market where you will encounter a marvellous collection of stalls offering a variety of goods ranging from souvenirs and handmade craftwork to delectable street foods.

Enjoy cultural performances and folk music 

For insights into the distinctive culture of this locality, experience some of the fascinating traditional artistic presentations on offer. An excellent choice in this regard is the Hoi An Memories Show, which is actually held outdoors at Hoi An Memories Land and features a multitude of local artistes. This performance, which is held nightly (8:00 PM to 9:00 PM), includes traditional dance and music as well as modern visual effects. Of course, you can also enjoy the folk music performances presented at the Hoi An Lune Centre, which provides an ideal way to learn more about and enjoy aspects of the local culture.