Hoi An looks best at two times: early morning when the streets are empty, and early evening when the lanterns come on.
- 6–8 am: few visitors, easy shots of yellow walls and bougainvillea.
- 5:30–7 pm: lanterns light up; the Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoai River are at their best.
- Releasing a floating lantern on the Hoai River at night is a popular activity.
- Rice fields and the Bay Mau coconut forest (Cam Thanh) are about 15 minutes from the old town.
Note: entering the old town requires a sightseeing ticket; evenings are crowded, so hold your phone tightly.