Hoi An for Couples
Lantern-lit river evenings, cycling through rice paddies, couples cooking classes, An Bang Beach sunsets, and tailor-made matching outfits for your romantic escape
Hoi An is one of Southeast Asia's most romantic destinations. This UNESCO-listed Ancient Town casts a spell on couples with its hundreds of silk lanterns glowing over narrow streets, candlelit river boats drifting along the Thu Bon, and a pace of life that invites you to slow down and savour every moment together. Cycle through emerald rice paddies, take a couples cooking class that begins at the morning market, release floating lanterns at dusk, get matching outfits tailored in 24 hours, and end each day watching the sunset from An Bang Beach. The town's intimate scale, extraordinary beauty, and gentle prices make it the perfect romantic escape — whether for a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply falling deeper in love.
Most Romantic Experiences
Thu Bon River Lantern Release
Top PickThe most iconic romantic experience in Hoi An. As dusk falls, couples board small wooden boats and float along the Thu Bon River releasing paper lanterns onto the water. The river fills with hundreds of flickering candles drifting downstream while the Ancient Town glows with silk lanterns overhead. Paper lanterns cost 10,000-20,000 VND each. Boat rides cost 50,000-100,000 VND per person. The experience is most magical during the Full Moon Festival when the entire town turns off electric lights.
Cycling Through Rice Paddies
Top PickRent bicycles (30,000-50,000 VND per day, often free from your hotel) and cycle together through the emerald rice paddies surrounding Hoi An. The flat terrain makes it effortless. Head toward Tra Que Vegetable Village or along the An Bang Beach road for the most scenic routes. The late afternoon golden hour light on the paddies is extraordinary. Pack water, stop at a roadside cafe, and enjoy the peaceful countryside that feels a world away from the old town.
An Bang Beach Sunset
RomanticAn Bang Beach, just 4 km from the Ancient Town, offers wide golden sand and spectacular sunsets. Arrive in the late afternoon, claim two loungers at a beach bar (often free with a drink order), and watch the sun sink into the South China Sea. Beach bar cocktails cost 80,000-150,000 VND. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic without the crowds of Da Nang beaches. Stay for dinner at one of the beachfront seafood restaurants.
Full Moon Festival Evening
RomanticOn the 14th day of each lunar month, Hoi An holds its legendary Full Moon Festival (Hội An Full Moon). The entire Ancient Town switches off electric lights and is illuminated only by silk lanterns and candles. Traditional music fills the streets, dragon dances weave through the crowds, and floating lanterns cover the river. Walking hand-in-hand through the candlelit streets is one of the most romantic experiences in Vietnam. Check the lunar calendar to time your visit.
Best Sunset Spots for Couples
An Bang Beach
The premier sunset spot in Hoi An. The wide, west-facing beach offers unobstructed views of the sun descending into the sea. Beach bars like Soul Kitchen and Sound of Silence provide loungers, cocktails (80,000-150,000 VND), and a laid-back atmosphere. Arrive by 4:30 PM to secure a good spot. The sky often turns extraordinary shades of orange and pink. Combine with a beachfront seafood dinner for the perfect evening.
Thu Bon River Bridge
The bridge connecting the Ancient Town to An Hoi Island offers beautiful sunset views looking west along the Thu Bon River. The silk lanterns lining both riverbanks begin to glow as the natural light fades, creating a magical transition from golden sunset to lantern-lit evening. Free and accessible. A wonderful spot for photos together with the iconic yellow buildings and river as a backdrop.
Cargo Club Balcony
The second-floor balcony at Cargo Club restaurant overlooks the Thu Bon River and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Book a riverside table for sunset — the views of the Ancient Town coming alive with lanterns as darkness falls are extraordinary. Cocktails from 80,000 VND, dinner mains from 120,000 VND. One of the most romantic dining spots in all of Vietnam. Reserve ahead on weekends.
Cam Thanh Coconut Palms
For a quieter sunset experience, head to the Cam Thanh water coconut forest area, about 3 km from the Ancient Town. The late afternoon light filtering through the coconut palms and reflecting off the waterways is magical. Combine with a basket boat ride (150,000-200,000 VND per person) in the golden hour for an unforgettable romantic experience away from the crowds.
Romantic Dining Experiences
Cargo Club
The second-floor balcony overlooking the Thu Bon River and Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most romantic dining spots in Vietnam. Watch the Ancient Town transition from golden sunset to lantern-lit evening while enjoying Vietnamese and international cuisine. The patisserie downstairs is excellent for afternoon cake. Expect 400,000-800,000 VND for dinner for two. Reserve a balcony table ahead.
Morning Glory
Chef Trinh Diem Vy's flagship restaurant serves refined Hoi An specialities in a lantern-lit setting across multiple floors. The Cao Lầu, White Rose dumplings, and crispy wontons are exceptional. The atmosphere is intimate without being stuffy. A wonderful spot for a couples dinner exploring authentic Hoi An flavours. Expect 300,000-600,000 VND for two. Book ahead during peak season.
Mango Mango
A riverside restaurant with views of the Japanese Covered Bridge and the lantern-strewn streets. The modern Vietnamese menu is creative and well-executed. The rooftop terrace is particularly romantic for post-dinner drinks. Cocktails from 80,000 VND. Dinner for two from 400,000-700,000 VND. The setting is magical when the lanterns come alive at dusk.
The Field
A unique dining experience set among rice paddies on the outskirts of town. Tables are arranged on wooden platforms overlooking emerald green fields. The menu features fresh Vietnamese cuisine with ingredients sourced from surrounding farms. The sunset views from here are extraordinary. Dinner for two: 400,000-800,000 VND. Book ahead and arrange bicycle or Grab transport.
Couples Cooking Class
Learn to cook Vietnamese dishes together at Red Bridge, Thuan Tinh Island, or Morning Glory cooking school. Classes begin with a guided market visit, then you prepare 4-5 dishes including spring rolls, Cao Lầu, and White Rose dumplings. A wonderful hands-on bonding experience. Classes cost 400,000-600,000₫ per person. Morning and afternoon sessions available.
Couples Spa Treatment
Hoi An has excellent spas at gentle prices. Book a couples massage at Palmarosa Spa or La Siesta Spa for a fraction of Western prices. Full-body massage packages start from 300,000-500,000₫ per person. Many riverside and beachfront resorts also offer day-use spa packages for non-guests. The perfect afternoon treat after a morning cycling through the countryside.
Romantic Activities
Cam Thanh Coconut Village Basket Boats
Take a traditional round basket boat ride through the water coconut palms of Cam Thanh, about 3 km from the Ancient Town. Your local guide paddles through narrow waterways shaded by towering coconut palms while teaching you about the ecosystem. Some guides perform spinning tricks that leave you laughing together. The experience costs 150,000-200,000₫ per person and lasts about 45 minutes. Best in the late afternoon when the light is golden.
Get Matching Outfits Tailored
Hoi An is famous for its tailors who can create custom clothing in 24-48 hours. Many couples get matching ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), custom suits and dresses, or coordinated outfits. With over 400 tailors in town, prices are competitive — a custom dress from 600,000₫, a tailored suit from 2,000,000₫. Get measured on Day 1, have your fitting on Day 2, and collect the finished garments on Day 3. Yaly Couture and BeBe are popular choices.
Cham Islands Day Trip
The Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm) are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve just 18 km offshore from Hoi An. Take a speedboat (30 minutes) or traditional slow boat (90 minutes) to these tropical islands for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, beach lounging, and fresh seafood lunch. Day trips cost 500,000-800,000₫ per person including transport, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. Available March to September when seas are calm.
Couples Budget Guide
Budget Romance
1-2M VND/day
Budget hotel, street food, bicycle rides, beach, free lantern viewing, river walks
Mid-Range Romance
2-4M VND/day
Boutique hotel, restaurant dining, cooking class, basket boats, spa treatment
Luxury Romance
4-8M+ VND/day
Riverside resort, fine dining, private tours, Cham Islands, spa packages
Tips for Couples in Hoi An
Planning Tips
- Visit February-May for the best weather with warm, dry days and comfortable evenings
- Time your visit for the Full Moon Festival (14th lunar day) for the most romantic night
- Book riverside accommodation for views of the lantern-lit Ancient Town at night
- Get tailoring started on Day 1 — allow 2-3 days for fittings and final adjustments
- Rent bicycles and explore together — the flat terrain makes it effortless and romantic
Date Night Ideas
- Sunset cocktails at Cargo Club followed by a lantern boat ride on the Thu Bon River
- Morning cooking class together followed by eating your creations for lunch
- Bicycle ride to An Bang Beach for sunset, then seafood dinner at a beach restaurant
- Couples spa afternoon at Palmarosa followed by evening street food in the Ancient Town
- Basket boat adventure in Cam Thanh then riverside dinner at Morning Glory
Related Guides
Hoi An Food Guide
Discover Cao Lầu, White Rose, and the best restaurants for a culinary adventure together.
Read guideHoi An Nightlife Guide
Lantern-lit bars, live music, riverside cocktails, and more for date nights.
Read guideCham Islands Day Trip
Plan the perfect romantic island escape with snorkeling and beach time.
Read guideHoi An for Couples - FAQs
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