Hoi An travel in August: Visiting the Co Co River Festival 2026

At the beginning of August 2026, Hoi An offers another reason to venture beyond the Ancient Town and discover the quieter riverside along the Co Co River. On 1-2 August, the area beneath An Bang Bridge comes alive with a traditional countryside market, fishing net casting demonstrations, a ceremonial sail-raising, and a variety of riverside activities from morning through to the evening. With An Bang Beach and Tra Que Vegetable Village nearby, the Co Co River Festival fits naturally into a two-day, one-night Hoi An itinerary. This guide highlights the experiences worth adding to your trip, the best times to visit, and how to plan your schedule for a relaxed and rewarding stay.

What’s Special About Hoi An in Early August 2026?

On 1-2 August 2026, the riverside beneath An Bang Bridge becomes the setting for the inaugural Co Co River Festival. Thanks to its convenient location between An Bang Beach and Tra Que Vegetable Village, the festival can easily be combined with some of Hoi An’s most popular attractions in a single day. August in Hoi An is typically hot and humid, with daytime temperatures ranging from 29-34°C. Outdoor activities are most comfortable in the early morning or after 4 PM, while the hottest part of the day is best reserved for lunch and an indoor break. As the new school year begins around this time, visitor numbers often ease compared with the peak summer holiday period, particularly on weekdays. A few dates to keep in mind when planning your visit:

• 1-2 August: The ideal time to experience the Co Co River Festival alongside An Bang Beach and Tra Que Vegetable Village.
• Late August: Vu Lan Festival falls on 27 August 2026, bringing a quieter, more reflective atmosphere to Hoi An’s temples and places of worship.

Hoi An in Early August

10 Experiences to Enjoy During Your Visit

1. Experience the Co Co River Festival – Hoi An Tay 2026

Held on 1-2 August 2026 along the Co Co River and the riverside park beneath An Bang Bridge, the Co Co River Festival offers a chance to discover a different side of Hoi An – one shaped by everyday riverside life rather than the well-known streets of the Ancient Town. Under the theme “Co Co – The Flow of Heritage”, the festival celebrates the river’s connection to local communities through traditional fishing practices, craftsmanship, agriculture, and regional produce. Rather than simply watching the performances, take time to wander through the festival grounds and enjoy the experiences that interest you most:

• Browse the countryside market featuring Tra Que vegetables, fresh seafood, and local produce.
• Watch demonstrations of traditional fishing net casting, net weaving, and other local crafts.
• Discover handcrafted ceramic lanterns, the Hoi An door eyes, traditional fishing tools, and artworks created from bamboo and reclaimed driftwood.
• Sample rustic local dishes or browse OCOP-certified products for unique souvenirs.
• Join community activities and family-friendly games throughout the festival

Best times to visit

• Afternoon of 1 August: Ideal if you’d like to attend the opening ceremony and stay into the evening.
• Morning of 2 August: A great time to explore the countryside market, watch fishing demonstrations, and enjoy cooler weather.
• Afternoon of 2 August: Features children’s activities, sailing displays, kayaking, and traditional folk games.

The festival is especially suited to families, groups of friends, and returning visitors looking to experience a more local side of Hoi An beyond the Japanese Covered Bridge, the night market, and the familiar streets of the Ancient Town.

Experience the Co Co River Festival

2. Watch the Opening Ceremony and Lantern Lighting on the Co Co River

If you only have time for one festival event, the evening of 1 August is the highlight. The opening programme, “Co Co River – Past, Present and Future Aspirations”, presents the story of the river through music, performance, and ceremony, tracing its journey from a historic trading waterway linking Hoi An and Da Nang to the vibrant community and tourism destination it is today. The opening programme includes:

• Cultural performances celebrating the river’s history and local way of life.
• The ceremonial sail-raising to officially open the festival.
• A lantern-lighting ceremony along the Co Co River.
• A coordinated boat departure as the opening celebrations conclude.

Suggested itinerary for the evening of 1 August

• Before 5 PM: Arrive early to explore the market stalls, sample Hoi An local food, and find a good viewing spot.
• 5 PM – 6:30 PM: Watch the opening ceremony, sail-raising ritual, lantern lighting, and the departing boats.
• 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Join the “Moonlit Co Co River” experience, combining riverside dining, live music, and a cruise aboard a larger boat.
• After 7:30 PM: Stay to enjoy community dance performances and cultural exchanges with residents.

Lantern Lighting on the Co Co River

3. Explore the Countryside Market and Watch Traditional Fishermen Show

From 6 AM to 9 AM, the riverside along the Co Co River transforms into a traditional countryside market, recreating the everyday rhythm of communities that have long lived by the water. One of the morning highlights is the traditional fishermen’s show. Visitors can watch experienced fishermen prepare their nets, organise their equipment, and cast large circular nets that spread evenly across the river’s surface. Although the movements appear effortless, they require years of practice, balance, and a deep understanding of the river’s currents. It offers a fascinating insight into a livelihood that has supported generations of families along the Co Co River. After the demonstrations, take time to wander through the market and explore the local stalls, each offering a different glimpse into the region’s produce and craftsmanship:

• Tra Que vegetables: Learn about the aromatic herbs used in Hoi An’s signature dishes and how they travel from nearby farms to local markets.
• Fresh seafood and river produce: See the seasonal fish, prawns, and ingredients commonly enjoyed in local home cooking.
• OCOP products: Browse locally developed speciality products that make meaningful souvenirs.
• Handcrafted goods: Discover items made from bamboo, ceramics, lanterns, fishing nets, and traditional fishing equipment.

4. Try Kayaking

Kayaking offers a peaceful way to experience Hoi An from the water while taking in its riverside scenery at a slower pace. Unlike a traditional basket boat ride, kayaking allows you to paddle independently, navigating the waterways quietly with a double-bladed paddle. Most tours include a guide, life jacket, and waterproof bag, making them suitable even for first-time paddlers. Typical routes last around two to three hours. Popular places to go kayaking in Hoi An include:

• Cam Thanh Coconut Forest
• The Thu Bon River, particularly along Bach Dang Street beside the Ancient Town

Try kayaking on Co Co River

5. Visit An Bang Beach Early in the Morning

Địa chỉ: Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoi An Tay, Da Nang, Vietnam.

Instead of spending the morning in the Ancient Town, visitors can start the day by the beach, take a break during the hottest part of the day, then head to the festival in the late afternoon as the market stalls begin to open.

6. Cycle Through Tra Que Vegetable Village

Located about 2.5–3 km from the Ancient Town and close to the road to An Bang Beach, Tra Que Vegetable Village is a suitable stop for a cycling trip through the rice fields at sunrise or sunset.

Learn more: EXPLORE BEST CYCLING ROUTES FROM HOI AN

7. Walk Around the Ancient Town in the Late Afternoon

Instead of visiting the Ancient Town at midday, consider starting your walk after 4 PM, when the weather is cooler, and the streets gradually shift into their evening atmosphere. Suggested walking route:

• Fujian Assembly Hall or an ancient house: Choose one stop to observe the architecture, courtyards, and living spaces once used by Hoi An’s merchant community.
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Visit when the sunlight has softened to see one of Hoi An’s best-known landmarks without walking in the midday heat.
• Bach Dang Street and the Hoai River: End your walk after dark, when lanterns begin reflecting on the river, and the riverside restaurants become busier.

8. Join a Craft Workshop

After several hours of walking or taking part in outdoor activities, a craft workshop offers a slower-paced experience.  Depending on how much time you have, you can choose from the following experiences:

• Lantern making (around 1–2 hours): Suitable for a shorter itinerary.
• Pottery making (around 2 hours at a workshop, or 3–4 hours when combined with a visit to Thanh Ha Pottery Village).
• Painting (around 1.5–2.5 hours): Conical hat painting workshops usually last around 90 minutes, while painting classes with a local artist or watercolour workshops typically take between two and two and a half hours.
• Bamboo craft making (around 2–4 hours): The duration depends on the complexity of the item. Smaller pieces can usually be completed in two to three hours, while lanterns or more detailed decorative items may take close to half a day.
• Silver jewellery making (around 1.5–3 hours): A simple ring-making workshop can be completed in around 90 minutes to two hours. Workshops that include designing, shaping, polishing, or engraving usually last around three hours.
• Cooking classes (around 1.5–5 hours): The duration depends on the complexity of the dishes and whether the class includes cultural experiences such as visiting a local market or harvesting herbs from the garden.

9. Try Hoi An’s Local Dishes and Riverside Specialities

Here are some of Hoi An’s signature dishes that you can enjoy at any meal during the day:

• Cao lau
• Hoi An chicken rice
• Mi Quang
• Banh dap
• Fresh seafood and traditional riverside dishes

Try Hoi An’s Local Dishes

10. Walk Along the Hoai River and Experience Hoi An at Night

After dinner, start your evening walk at the Japanese Covered Bridge and follow Bach Dang Street along the Hoai River before crossing An Hoi Bridge. Along the way, take in the glow of Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and stop by Nguyen Hoang Night Market if you’d like to shop for souvenirs or sample some local street food.

2026 Co Co River Festival Schedule

The festival takes place over 1–2 August 2026, with the opening programme held on the evening of the first day, followed by the countryside market and riverside activities on the second day.

The programme may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and operational requirements.

Suggested 2-Day, 1-Night Hoi An Itinerary During the Festival

The itinerary below combines the festival’s main activities with some of Hoi An’s popular attractions.

Day 1: An Bang Beach, Tra Que Vegetable Village and the Opening Night

• 7 AM – 9 AM: Visit An Bang Beach and enjoy a Hoi An local breakfast.
• 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Cycle through or visit Tra Que Vegetable Village.
• 12 PM – 2:30 PM: Have lunch and take a break.
• 3:30 PM: Head to the festival area.
• 4 PM – 6:30 PM: Visit the festival stalls and watch the opening ceremony.
• 6:30 PM – 10 PM: Have dinner, watch the riverside activities, and enjoy the cultural performances.

Day 2: Countryside Market, Ancient Town and the Hoai River

• 6 AM – 9 AM: Watch the traditional fishing net casting demonstration and explore the countryside market.
• 9:30 AM – 11 AM: Visit a craft workshop or a traditional craft village.
• 11:30 AM – 2 PM: Have lunch and take a break.
• 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Watch the sailing boats, kayaking activities, and traditional folk games.
• 5 PM – 9 PM: Explore the Ancient Town, enjoy Hoi An’s local specialities, and walk along the Hoai River.

Tips for Visiting Hoi An During the Festival Weekend

The Co Co River Festival takes place over the weekend, with Saturday, 1 August 2026 and Sunday, 2 August 2026. This makes it a convenient time for a two-day, one-night trip, although An Bang Beach, the Ancient Town, and the festival area may be busier than usual. It is best to plan your schedule rather than waiting until just before each programme begins. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Arrive in Hoi An on Friday evening or before midday on Saturday: This gives you enough time to check in, have a meal, and head to the opening ceremony without rushing.
• Book your accommodation and transport early: Choose accommodation with convenient access to the Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village, An Bang Beach, and the Co Co River festival area.
• Bring the essentials for the festival: Pack drinking water, a hat, sunscreen, a lightweight rain jacket, a reusable bag, and some small-denomination cash for food and local products.
• Check before joining river activities: Kayaking and sailing boats may be demonstration-only activities or have participant limits depending on the event arrangements.
• Families with young children should avoid standing close to the boat landing area: During boat departures or river performances, choose a viewing spot at a safe distance from the water and agree on a meeting point in case your group becomes separated.
• Bring a reusable bag: It is useful for carrying OCOP products, handicrafts, or local specialities, while supporting the festival’s effort to reduce single-use plastics.

Where to Stay in Hoi An During the Festival

With activities running from the countryside market in the morning to riverside events in the evening, it is worth choosing accommodation that makes it easy to rest during the day and continue exploring Hoi An afterwards. Located around 1.2 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, Wafaifo Resort Hoi An is suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends looking to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and local cultural experiences. The resort offers a range of facilities for family stays, including:

• A 25 x 6 m temperature-controlled saltwater swimming pool for adults and children.
• A dedicated Kids Club.
• A private cinema with seating for up to eight guests, ideal for relaxing between activities.
• Restaurants, cafés, and a private dining room within the resort, allowing families to dine without travelling after a full day out.

After spending time at the festival, guests can unwind at the Spa, work out in the Fitness Centre, or explore the wellness programmes available through Wellness by Wafaifo.