Is Hoi An Overrated or a Must-Visit? The Ultimate Travel Guide

What Can Feel Overrated?

As breathtaking as Hoi An is, it's no secret that the town has become one of Vietnam’s most visited destinations. With that comes the downside of over-tourism, rising prices, and certain experiences that feel more commercialized than authentic. However, that doesn’t mean you should skip Hoi An—you just need to know how to navigate it wisely.

Here’s what can feel overrated and how to avoid common tourist traps.

Crowds & Overtourism – When and How to Avoid the Masses

Hoi An’s charming Old Town can feel magical in photos, but in reality, the main streets are often packed with tourists, tour groups, and endless photo sessions. If you’re visiting at the wrong time, it can be difficult to fully appreciate the tranquility and historical beauty of the place.

When is Hoi An the most crowded?

Peak Season: December – March (cool, dry weather attracts the most visitors).
Full Moon Lantern Festival Nights: While stunning, the festival nights can be overwhelming, with huge crowds, inflated prices, and aggressive boat vendors trying to sell you lanterns for the river.
Afternoons (12 PM – 6 PM): This is when most day-trippers from Da Nang flood the city.

Best Times to Explore Hoi An Without the Crowds

• Early mornings (before 9 AM) – Experience the town’s quiet beauty before the tourist rush.
• Late evenings (after 8 PM) – The lanterns are still glowing, but the streets are much calmer.
• Off-season (April – June & September – November) – Fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and better prices.

💡 Tip: Stay overnight in Hoi An instead of doing a day trip from Da Nang. The town is completely different when the day-trippers leave!

Overpriced Experiences – What’s Worth It & What’s Not?

Hoi An has some incredible experiences, but not all are worth the price. Some attractions have been over-commercialized, while others are still authentic and worth every penny.

Overrated & Overpriced Experiences

• Lantern Boat Rides on the Thu Bon River – While the floating lanterns are beautiful, the experience has become heavily commercialized. Boat operators charge anywhere from $5 to $20 per person, depending on how well you negotiate. Plus, the river gets packed with boats, making it feel less magical.
  💡 Alternative? Watch the lanterns from the riverbanks for free or go on a sunset cruise upriver for a more peaceful experience.

• Touristy Cooking Classes – Some cooking classes are overpriced and staged for tourists, offering a basic experience that doesn’t feel authentic.
  💡 Alternative? Join a local market-to-table cooking class where you visit a traditional market first and cook with a local family.

• Tailors Who Rush Orders for Cheap Prices – Hoi An is famous for tailor-made clothing, but some shops offer rushed, low-quality work for cheap prices to attract tourists.
  💡 Alternative? If you want a proper custom suit or dress, go to reputable tailors like Yaly Couture, Kimmy Tailor, or BeBe Tailor—it may cost more, but the quality is worth it.

Tourist-Trap Markets – Where to Find Authentic Local Shopping

Hoi An’s night markets are famous for their glowing lanterns and endless souvenirs, but many of the items sold here are mass-produced and overpriced. Vendors often inflate prices for tourists, and some souvenirs are actually made in China rather than locally.

Overrated Markets in Hoi An

• Hoi An Night Market (Nguyen Hoang Street) – Beautiful for photos, but very touristy. Prices are higher, and some souvenirs are imported rather than handmade.
• Central Market (Chợ Hội An) – While this market has some authentic local food, many stalls overcharge tourists compared to what locals pay.

Where to Shop for Authentic Local Goods

• Hoi An Silk Village – A great place to learn about Vietnamese silk-making and buy high-quality, handmade silk products directly from artisans.
• Reaching Out Tea House & Handicrafts – Run by local artisans with disabilities, this shop sells authentic ceramics, tea sets, and handmade crafts while supporting the community.
• Local Wet Markets (like Ba Le Market) – If you want a truly local shopping experience, skip the tourist markets and visit a traditional Vietnamese market where locals buy their food and goods.

💡 Tip: If you’re shopping in the markets, bargaining is expected! Start at 50% of the initial asking price and negotiate from there.