Hoi An, the charming ancient town on Vietnam’s central coast, has been recognized as one of Asia’s top under-the-radar destinations for pet-friendly travel. The destination was recently highlighted by digital travel platform Agoda in its feature “Paws Across Asia,” which explores the growing trend of travellers choosing to bring their pets along on their journeys.
As more people consider their pets part of the family, travelling with four-legged companions is becoming increasingly popular. The rise of remote work, changing lifestyles, and the growing number of pet-friendly hotels, homestays, restaurants, and recreational spaces are making it easier for travellers across Asia to enjoy holidays with their pets.
A Relaxed Destination for Travelling with Pets
Hoi An offers many of the qualities pet owners look for in a relaxing getaway. Its historic Old Quarter is relatively flat and easy to explore on foot, while peaceful riverside paths provide pleasant routes for leisurely walks.
Away from the busy streets of the heritage centre, visitors can also enjoy the quieter atmosphere of Hoi An’s surrounding neighbourhoods. Tree-lined lanes, gardens, and open spaces create a more relaxed environment for both travellers and their pets.
The town’s slower pace of life makes it particularly appealing to those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a stress-free holiday with their animal companions.
Enjoy a Day at An Bang Beach
One of the highlights for pet owners visiting Hoi An is nearby An Bang Beach.
With its long sandy shoreline and open spaces, the beach provides plenty of room for pets to walk, run, and play. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day by the sea while allowing their furry companions to experience the beach environment.
The combination of Hoi An’s historic charm and its proximity to the coast makes it possible to enjoy both cultural exploration and outdoor activities within a relatively compact area.
Pet-Friendly Cafés and Accommodation
Hoi An is also known for its vibrant café scene, and an increasing number of establishments are becoming more welcoming to pets. Open-air cafés and courtyard seating areas offer comfortable spaces where visitors can enjoy local drinks and food without having to leave their companions behind.
Accommodation options are expanding as well. A growing number of boutique homestays and private villas around Hoi An cater to travellers with pets, with some properties offering amenities such as dedicated pet bedding and food bowls.
This development reflects a broader change in the way people plan their holidays, with pet-friendly facilities becoming an increasingly important consideration when choosing a destination.
A New Way to Experience Travel
The rise of pet-friendly tourism reflects a broader shift in travel habits across Asia. For many travellers, pets are no longer simply animals left at home while their owners go on holiday. Instead, they have become an important part of the travel experience.
According to Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, travellers are increasingly looking beyond traditional tourist destinations and searching for smaller towns and lesser-known places that provide more space, a slower pace of life, and a welcoming atmosphere for animals.
Hoi An fits naturally into this emerging trend. Its walkable streets, peaceful surroundings, nearby beach, outdoor cafés, and growing selection of pet-friendly accommodation make it an attractive choice for travellers who want to explore Vietnam without leaving their furry friends behind.
Discover Hoi An with Your Four-Legged Companion
Beyond its reputation as a UNESCO-recognized heritage destination, Hoi An is increasingly becoming a welcoming destination for modern travellers and their pets.
From strolling through the atmospheric Old Quarter to relaxing beside the Thu Bon River or spending time at An Bang Beach, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences at a comfortable pace.
For pet owners looking for an alternative to crowded tourist hotspots, Hoi An offers a charming combination of heritage, nature, local hospitality, and pet-friendly experiences—making it a hidden gem worth discovering on Vietnam’s central coast.