Hoi An Photo Spots

Hoi An, once known as Faifo‌ in English and other European languages, is a charming, peaceful port town in Vietnam. The name translates to a “peaceful meeting place.” A walk along its winding streets reveals an impressively eclectic fusion of cultures. From wooden Chinese shopfronts to elaborately carved Buddhist temples and colourful French colonial houses, this unmissable Vietnamese‌ city is packed with ethereal beauty and unbelievable photo ops! Today, we asked our local photographers to share the best places to take photos in Hoi An. ☀️

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TLDR

1. Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient Old Town of Hoi An is incredibly well-preserved, and it’s arguably the most beautiful city in the entire country.
2. An Bang Beach: Pillow-soft sand, crystal-clear blue water, and gentle waves make this beach one of the most Instagrammable spots in Hoi An.
3. The Thu Bon River: This river is one of the most gorgeous waterways in all of Vietnam.
4. Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien: The ancient Chinese architecture in this assembly hall is filled with rich pink–red tones and intricate details, and it’s home to priceless antiques.
5. Paddy Fields: A stunning sea of gently swaying green, or burnished gold, depending on the season, awaits you in the paddy fields of Hoi An.
6. Frequently Asked Questions: Learn about where the best lanterns are, the best spots for sunrise and more!

Photo: Trieu in Hoi An for Flytographer. Sandy captures memories in Hoi An with a solo adventure photoshoot in Old Town.

1. Old Town

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient Old Town of Hoi An is incredibly well-preserved, and it’s arguably the most beautiful city in the entire country. ❤️ Step into history and admire the ornate Chinese temples, the Japanese Merchant Houses lining the Hoai River, and the narrow alleyways lined with timber buildings. These buildings showcase indigenous and colonial architectural styles dating back between the 15th and 19th centuries.

If you’re looking for some unmissable ‌places to take photos in Hoi An, check out the Japanese Covered Bridge, first opened in 1719, and the Van Duc Pagoda, one of Hoi An’s oldest Buddhist temples. 

Photo: Trieu in Hoi An for Flytographer. Danica and family capture memories in Hoi An with a family photoshoot in Old Town.

2. An Bang Beach

Located only three kilometres outside the city centre, An Bang Beach is a gorgeous pocket of tranquillity where you can recharge after the hustle and bustle of the city. Pillow-soft sand, crystal-clear blue water, and gentle waves make this beach one of the most Instagrammable places to take photos in Hoi An. But if you want your pics to pop, visit the beach in the early morning‌ at sunrise or at sunset when the sky lights up in a picturesque masterpiece of red and gold. 🌅

An Bang Beach is a must-see when you visit Hoi An. Who’s ready for a photo shoot?

3. The Thu Bon River

The Thu Bon River in central Vietnam is one of the most gorgeous waterways in the country. Book a boat ride to get the full experience of the river. 🚣 Along the riverbanks, you can admire the daily lives of residents, beautiful green coconut trees, markets and shophouses, as well as unique craft villages where talented artists do bronze casting, make pottery, and weave silk. 

Be sure to stick around for the otherworldly beauty of the sunset when the pink–gold sky is wonderfully reflected in the water. 

And don’t miss the monthly full moon Lantern Festival when locals release illuminated paper lanterns into the river. Talk about a photo op! 🏮🏮🏮

Photo: Trieu in Hoi An for Flytographer. Ayngelina and partner capture memories in Hoi An with a couples photoshoot.

4. Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien

First constructed in the 1690s, Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien, also known as the Fujian Assembly Hall or the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, is one of the five prominent assembly halls inside the Old Town of Hoi An. The ancient Chinese architecture is resplendent with warm pink–red tones and intricate details. The assembly hall is filled with fascinating history, beautiful shrines and altars, and a wide range of priceless antiques, such as ancient holy statues, bronze bells, and horizontal lacquered boards inscribed with Han characters. 

Be sure to dress appropriately and keep your voice down, as the assembly hall has a great deal of spiritual significance to the local community. And be careful not to step on the animal statues! 

Photo: Trieu in Hoi An for Flytographer. Mei captures memories in Hoi An with a solo adventure photoshoot.

5. Paddy Fields

A stunning sea of gently swaying green, or burnished gold, depending on the season, awaits you in the paddy fields. 🎋 The rice fields are a key piece of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, and they make for incredibly beautiful places to take photos in Hoi An.  

Take your time meandering along the pathways for some captivating sights like the gorgeous sunrise and sunset or the otherworldly beauty of the clear blue sky reflected in the water of the flooded fields. Shimmering, vibrant colours are the name of the game in the paddy fields, but make sure to do your research and plan accordingly, as the rainy season starts in October! ☔️

FAQ

Where are the best lanterns in Hoi An?

To capture everyone in the frame in front of the vibrant, multi-coloured lanterns in Hoi An, we recommend choosing our Hoi An Old Town route! The best lanterns in Hoi An are located near the Hoi An Night Market on the street named Nguyen Phuc Chu along the bank of Thu Bồn River. 

Where can I see the sunrise in Hoi An?

The best route for a sunrise photoshoot in Hoi An would be the An Bang Beach, where pillow-soft sand meets the gentle ocean waves. Both sunrises and sunsets light up the sky in a masterpiece of colour, and the stunning ocean stretches in front of you.

What is the best month to visit Hoi An?

The best time to visit Hoi An is between December and March. You’ll experience mild, sunny days perfect for wandering through local markets and exploring the ancient architecture without getting caught in heavy downpours. If you love the heat, visit between March and September!

Capturing Memories in Hoi An

Packed with history, Hoi An is a remarkable window into the ancient past of Vietnam. Whether you come for the intriguing mix of indigenous and colonial architecture, the breathtaking landscapes, or the fascinating history, you will surely be delighted by this peaceful meeting place. Before long, you’ll be saying Hoi An vibes only! ✨

Hoi An is filled with so many beautiful spots, and we couldn’t include them all, so here are some honourable mentions:

• Tran Phu Street
• Cham Island‌
• Hội An Central Market

Flytographer pairs you with travel photographers so you can have a professional photo shoot wherever your adventure takes you. We have talented photographers located in Hoi An and hundreds of other cities across Southeast Asia and around the world. 🌏