Hoi An becomes one of Vietnam’s most vibrant travel destinations during the 30/4 and 1/5 holiday period. It is a special period to visit with lantern-lit streets, cultural events, craft festivals, and nearby heritage sites create a lively atmosphere for travelers visiting during Reunification Day and International Labor Day.
The Hoi An 30/4–1/5 holiday marks one of the busiest travel periods in Vietnam. Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labor Day (May 1) combine to create a long national break that attracts visitors from across the country. In 2026, the holiday period is even longer because it connects with Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day, creating up to nine days off for many Vietnamese. With such an extended break, the holiday often feels like a second Tet, as people take the opportunity to travel, relax, and spend time with family.
This guide highlights the best things to do Hoi An April 30 and May 1, from heritage experiences to evening shows and nearby day trips.
Explore the Ancient Town During the 30/4 & 1/5 Holiday
Hoi An Ancient Town is the best starting point for visitors during the 30/4 & 1/5 holiday. The historic district blends heritage architecture, museums, and lantern-lit streets that remain lively long after sunset.
The visiting hours are from 08:00–17:00. Entrance tickets cost 120,000 VND for international visitors, 80,000 VND for Vietnamese, and 50,000 VND for children between 1–1.4 meters.
During the day, travelers can use ticket to visit several heritage houses, temples, and museums inside the historic district. Walking through the narrow streets reveals traditional wooden houses, small craft shops, and centuries-old merchant buildings that reflect Hoi An’s trading history.
Even after official entry hours end, the surrounding pedestrian zone remains lively with lanterns illuminating the streets and the Thu Bon River, while restaurants and cafés stay open late. Visitors can also take a boat ride experience along the river for a relaxed evening view of the Old Town.
Spend 30 April Night at Hoi An Memories Land
Hoi An Memories Land is located at 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hoi An Ward, and typically operates from 16:00 to 21:00.
This cultural island complex offers one of the most memorable evening experiences in Hoi An, especially on April 30. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, colorful light displays, and the famous Hoi An Memories Show.
The highlight of the night is the Hoi An Memories Show, a large outdoor performance that tells the story of the town’s trading history through dance, music, and impressive stage design. The evening often ends with a floating lantern activity, creating a quiet and emotional moment to close the experience.
For travelers visiting on April 30, Hoi An Memories Land also hosts the Festival of Light & Heritage, running from February 17 to April 30, 2026. April 30 marks the festival’s closing night, so travelers visiting Hoi An during the Reunification Day holiday can expect one of the most vibrant and dramatic atmospheres of the entire event.
Check Out the Holiday Program in Hoi An Ward
Hoi An Ward hosts official holiday celebrations for Reunification Day and Labor Day each year. Visitors traveling during the 2026 holiday can expect cultural programs and community events across the city.
The official event calendar lists the program titled “Kỷ niệm 51 năm ngày giải phóng miền Nam, thống nhất đất nước; Quốc tế Lao động 01/5” in Hoi An Ward from 25 April to 2 May 2026.
These events celebrate Reunification Day Vietnam and International Labor Day Vietnam, two important national holidays. The celebrations often include cultural exhibitions, community performances, and tourism activities across public spaces in the city.
Detailed schedules for stages, performances, and special activities are usually released closer to the holiday period. Travelers visiting during Hoi An Labor Day holiday should monitor official announcements from the city tourism office for the latest updates.
Visit the Hoi An Craft Blossom Event
The Hoi An Craft Blossom event is one of the most distinctive cultural experiences during the May holiday. The festival highlights traditional crafts and folk-art heritage across the city.
The event “Nét hoa Nghề Hội An” takes place from 1-3 May 2026 across Hoi An, Hoi An Dong, and Hoi An Tay wards.
This festival celebrates Hoi An’s long history of craftsmanship. Visitors can explore displays and demonstrations connected to lantern making, ceramics, woodworking, and textile traditions.
The event also reflects Hoi An’s identity as a creative city rooted in crafts and folk art. Travelers visiting during Hoi An 30/4 1/5 will find the festival adds a cultural dimension beyond sightseeing. Markets, craft stalls, and small exhibitions often appear around the city during this time.
Watch Traditional Art Performances in Hoi An Ancient Town
Cultural performances are often part of the holiday atmosphere in Hoi An’s Old Town. However, the exact schedule for the 2026 holiday is typically released shortly before the event.
Official tourism sources confirm that the Hoi An Ward holiday program includes cultural activities and tourism experiences in the Ancient Town area.
Hoi An is known for showcasing traditional arts connected to the region’s heritage. These experiences may include folk music, craft demonstrations, or cultural performances connected to local traditions.
For visitors traveling during Hoi An 30/4, 1/5, it is best to check for updated announcements in late April. These releases usually confirm performance locations and times across the Old Town pedestrian area.
Watching a cultural performance adds context to the town’s history and complements daytime sightseeing.
Attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration
Japanese cultural demonstrations occasionally appear in Hoi An due to the town’s historic trade links with Japan.
The Ceramics & Tea program at Hoi An Memories Land runs from 24 March to 13 April 2026, which finishes before the holiday period.
Another major event, the 22nd Hoi An–Japan Cultural Exchange, is scheduled for August 2026. That festival typically includes tea ceremonies and Japanese cultural presentations.
Travelers interested in Japanese cultural heritage should watch for new announcements. Hoi An has strong historical connections with Japan dating back to its 17th-century trading port era.
Take a Cultural Side Trip to My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is the best heritage side trip from Hoi An. The ancient Cham temple complex offers a quiet historical contrast to the busy holiday atmosphere in the city.
Located about an hour from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The heritage site is open from 06:00–17:00. Admission costs 150,000 VND for international visitors and 100,000 VND for Vietnamese travelers.
For the April 30 - May 1 holiday, tourism programs include the themed experience “Colors of Heritage.” This initiative highlights the history and cultural traditions connected to the ancient temples.
Because Hoi An becomes crowded during the holiday evenings, visiting My Son works best as a morning or half-day excursion before returning to the city later in the day.
Visit Da Nang Museum During the Holiday Period
Da Nang Museum is one of the best indoor cultural attractions during the holiday period. It offers a comfortable break from the heat and a deeper understanding of central Vietnam’s history.
The museum is located at 31 Tran Phu Street in Da Nang. It operates from 08:00–17:00.Admission costs 50,000 VND, while Da Nang residents and students pay 20,000 VND. Several eligible visitor groups receive free entry.
During April 2026, the museum grounds will host three art programs and installation spaces connected to cultural exhibitions. For travelers splitting time between Hoi An and Da Nang, the museum provides a relaxed midday activity that complements outdoor sightseeing.
Watch the Dragon Bridge Fire and Water Show in Da Nang
The Dragon Bridge fire and water show is one of Da Nang’s most famous night spectacles. It is a great evening activity for travelers exploring both Hoi An and Da Nang during the holiday. The show takes place at 9:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and major holidays.
Because April 30 and May 1 are national holidays, the show is expected to run during the holiday period as well. Travelers should still check local notices for any special schedule updates. The performance features the giant dragon sculpture breathing fire and water over the Han River.
Visitors staying between Hoi An and Da Nang can easily make the short trip to watch the show.
Consider a Ba Na Hills Trip
Ba Na Hills is an optional full-day excursion for travelers staying several nights in the region. The mountain resort combines scenic cable cars, theme-park attractions, and panoramic views.
The attraction Sun World Ba Na Hills operates from 08:00-22:00. Standard 2026 ticket prices are 1,000,000 VND for adults and 800,000 VND for children or seniors for non-residents.
A useful planning feature introduced in 2026 allows each cable-car ticket to remain valid for three consecutive days.
Insider Tips for Visiting Hoi An on 30/4 & 1/5
The April 30-May 1 holiday is one of the busiest travel periods in Vietnam. Planning ahead helps travelers enjoy Hoi An comfortably.
Start exploring the Old Town early in the morning when the streets are quieter. Afternoon heat can be intense, so use midday for indoor activities or cafés. In the evening, return to the riverside to see lanterns along the Thu Bon River.
Book restaurants, hotels, and tours in advance. Domestic tourism peaks during this Vietnam long holiday, so accommodations often fill quickly.
Where to End Your Holiday Evening: Dinner at The Surf & Turf Restaurant
The Surf & Turf Restaurant offers a relaxing place to finish a busy holiday day in Hoi An. Its beachside location provides a calmer alternative to crowded Old Town restaurants.
The restaurant serves fresh seafood, premium beef, and cocktails in a modern coastal setting near An Bang Beach. Guests can enjoy grilled lobster, steaks, and seafood platters while listening to the ocean nearby.
For travelers visiting during Hoi An Labor Day holiday, a beachside dinner offers a peaceful way to close the evening.