The City of a Thousand Lanterns: Romance and Style in Hoi An
Asia / Itineraries / Culture & Romance
Vietnam · Hoi An
The scent of sandalwood, fresh silk, and stir-fried Cao Lau noodles fills the air as you walk through narrow streets lined with yellow colonial houses. Hoi An is a fairytale come to life. This ancient trading port escaped bombings during the war and has been preserved in its pristine state. Today, it is the most romantic, aesthetic, and Instagrammable place in all of Vietnam. For LGBTQ+ couples, Hoi An offers an incredible balance: no aggressive nightlife, but endless charm, stylish boutique hotels, the best tailors in Asia, and beaches just a 15-minute bike ride away.
Safety and Atmosphere
Safety Index: High (9.5/10)
Hoi An thrives entirely on international tourism. Locals are accustomed to guests from all corners of the globe. Same-sex couples can feel completely relaxed here, strolling through the Ancient Town or dining by candlelight. However, Vietnam remains conservative regarding public displays of passion: avoid deep kissing on the streets. Otherwise, Hoi An will give you a sense of complete peace and a true safe space.
Morning: Yellow Walls and Perfect Suits
08:00 — The Magic of the Ancient Town
Hoi An is incredibly beautiful, but after 10 AM, its streets fill with thousands of tourists. Wake up early. Walk to the Japanese Covered Bridge and enjoy the silence of the yellow streets while they belong only to you. Visit the Reaching Out Tea House — a unique place employing hearing-impaired staff, where all communication happens in complete silence using wooden blocks.
10:30 — An Investment in Style: Tailoring
Hoi An is the world capital of bespoke tailoring. This is a fantastic experience for queer couples: you can order matching suits, dresses, or linen shirts tailored exactly to your body in just 24 hours. Head to reputable tailors like Bebe Tailor or Yaly Couture. They will take your measurements in the morning, and you will return for your first fitting that evening!
Afternoon: Rice Paddies and An Bang Beach
13:00 — Biking to the Ocean
Grab free bicycles from your hotel and head out of town. Just a 15-minute ride through bright green rice paddies — where water buffalo graze peacefully — and you are at An Bang Beach.
14:00 — Beach Relaxation
An Bang has a great bohemian vibe. Grab sun loungers at a beach club like Shore Club or DeckHouse. Great music, cold local Larue beer, fresh oysters, and stunning ocean views. Lunch for two with cocktails will cost around $30–$45 (€28–€42).
Hoi An — Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, Night Market
Evening: The River of Light
18:30 — Night Market and Lanterns
As darkness falls, Hoi An transforms. The city is not lit by electric streetlamps — only by thousands of colourful silk lanterns. Stroll through the Night Market and try local street food.
20:00 — Romance on the Water
The most iconic and romantic experience is taking a traditional wooden boat ride on the Thu Bon River and releasing a paper lantern with a candle into the water while making a wish.
Local Tip: The promenade is always crowded with noisy vendors. Pre-book a private boat ride with dinner to enjoy the magic of the river in complete silence, just the two of you.
22:00 — Hidden Bars
While Hoi An is not about clubbing, it has great bars. Check out Dive Bar or The Shamrock — there is always excellent live music and a friendly international crowd.
Where to Stay
Little Riverside Hoi An
Ancient Town, Hoi An
From $120 / €110 per night
A luxurious riverside spa hotel with a stunning rooftop pool. Design blends traditional Vietnamese style with modern comfort. Perfect location on the edge of the Ancient Town.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Ham Tin Beach, Hoi An
From $500 / €460 per night
Located on the beach 15 minutes from the centre, this is arguably the best and most inclusive resort in Central Vietnam. Villas, zen architecture, and impeccable world-class service.
Hoi An never lets go. The scent of silk, the soft glow of a thousand lanterns over the river, and matching outfits tailored just for you — this city was made for lovers and for those who know how to savour beauty.
Destination
Hoi An
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