Destination: Hoi An, Vietnam
Introduction
Hoi An is Vietnam's most beguiling historic town — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed trading port that flourished from the 15th to 19th centuries as one of Southeast Asia's major commercial hubs. Chinese merchant houses, Japanese covered bridges, French colonial facades, and Vietnamese tube houses crowd a compact Old Town lit by coloured silk lanterns at night. The approach by sea is via the Thu Bon River mouth at Cua Dai Beach, with shoal-draft vessels able to navigate 5 km upstream to the Old Town waterfront. Deeper-draft yachts anchor off Cua Dai or use the Da Nang facilities 30 km north as a base for a day-visit by road.
GPS Coordinates
15° 52' 48.360"N 108° 20' 16.800"E
15 52 48.360N 108 20 16.800E
Protected Anchorages
The anchorage off Cua Dai Beach at the Thu Bon River mouth offers 3–6 metres over sand and mud — exposed to swell from the northeast in winter (October–February) but generally workable as a day stop. The river entrance carries approximately 2 metres at low water over a shifting bar; sound carefully before entry. Inside the river, anchorage is possible in 3–5 metres off the fishing village of Cua Dai; dinghy upstream or hire a local boat to the Old Town (30–40 minutes). Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) Marine Reserve, 18 km offshore to the southeast, has a sheltered anchorage in the lee of the main island in 5–10 metres over sand — excellent snorkelling and diving, with a small fishing community on the island. Check in with marine reserve authorities on arrival.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
Vietnam requires all foreign yachts to enter at a designated port of entry with full customs, immigration, and maritime authority clearance. Da Nang (30 km north) is the appropriate port of entry for this region; clear all formalities there before proceeding to Hoi An. A cruising permit specifying your intended route must be obtained at entry. Port clearance paper (zarpe) must be obtained at each port of call from the maritime authority (Vietnam Maritime Administration). Crew visas are required for most nationalities — arrange e-visas before departure. Local maritime authorities in Hoi An are based at the Da Nang Maritime Administration regional office.
Renowned Attractions
- Hoi An Old Town — UNESCO World Heritage Site; the best-preserved ancient trading port in Southeast Asia; Japanese Covered Bridge (1593), Chinese Assembly Halls, and narrow lantern-hung alleyways
- Thu Bon River — evening boat trip by traditional lantern boat with floating flower offerings; magical at dusk as the town lights up
- Cham Island Marine Reserve — day trip by speedboat from Cua Dai Beach; excellent snorkelling over coral reefs, sea turtles and occasional whale shark sightings in season
- Hoi An Lantern Festival — held on the 14th of each lunar month; electric lights are turned off in the Old Town and the streets glow with hundreds of silk lanterns
- My Son Sanctuary — 40 km inland; remains of the Cham Kingdom's Hindu temple complex (4th–14th century), UNESCO-listed; accessible by road or riverboat
- Tailoring and silk — Hoi An is famous for custom-made clothing; dozens of tailor shops can produce garments in 24–48 hours
- Central Market — fresh seafood, local specialities including cao lau (local noodle dish) and white rose dumplings; best experienced in the early morning
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: Vietnamese Dong
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Hoi An is Vietnam's most beautiful and historically rich coastal destination — a glowing UNESCO Old Town, extraordinary food culture, and the nearby Cham Islands marine reserve make it unmissable for yachts cruising the Vietnamese coast. Best approached as a short-stay destination from Da Nang.