Hoi An

Hoi An - Vietnam's friendliest city

   Everyone is buzzing about Hoi An, and many people have openly voted it as their favorite city in Vietnam. The tourists’ favorite city is described as both pleasant and picturesque, and there are several positive evaluations of Hoi An on various travel forums.

   Although it is mentioned that tourists take up a lot of space in the cityscape, there is obviously something to the story, and the numerous positive descriptions of the city’s attractions do not appear out of nowhere. Hoi An is charming and hard not to like.


   Hoi An is located around midway between the capital Hanoi and the large city of Ho Chi Minh City, and has long been an important port city for Japanese and Chinese commerce. Hoi An is remarkably well conserved and now constitutes a significant and distinctive cultural asset.

   The old structures and bright pagodas have mysteriously established a relationship with street-fancy cafes and quiet restaurants, just as the city’s world-famous tailors pop out with Parisian fashion without being too loud in the cityscape.

   Hoi An is also unique in terms of cuisine, with the local dish Cau Lau being a must-try. There are restaurants in all price categories, and if you enjoy fish and other seafood, you will find it difficult to leave the city.

   Despite the vast number of annual tourists and the fact that tourism is the city’s primary source of income, it has remained quiet, refusing large unattractive plastic signs and frenzied shouting from street merchants. There is definite peace of mind here, and it is an excellent opportunity to “charge up the batteries” before continuing on to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Sights: What to do and experience in Hoi An?

What to See in Hoi An? The little but quaint and charming village has a lot of character and atmosphere to offer.

Hoi An Ancient Town

   Hoi An’s Ancient Town is, without a question, Vietnam’s friendliest and most charming town. Lantern-lit streets, modest yellow houses, and charming eateries that overlook the Thu Bon River.

   In the evening, the city is packed with both international and local tourists. Even if there are a lot of people, it remains cozy. The city exudes a unique charm that few other locations can match.

   If you get up early and get in Hoi An between 6-7 a.m., you will notice the city quietly waking up. It’s a very different experience than in the evening.

   You can’t mislead yourself about it. Not in the morning or evening.

The Japanese bridge

   The Japanese Bridge is one of Hoi An’s most recognizable features.

   The bridge is around 400 years old and may currently be seen on the back of the Vietnamese 20,000 dong banknote.

   Previously, the bridge connected the Japanese and Chinese neighborhoods of Hoi An.

The rice fields

   Whether you live by the beach or in the city, the nearest rice fields are simply a short bike ride away.

   Don’t miss a journey between the fields, where you’ll often find villagers working hard to harvest rice.

Hoi An & the highlands by motorbike

   Strap up your helmet; you’re about to go on an incredible journey.

   For me, riding a motorcycle is the finest way to discover Vietnam.

   You get wind in your hair and can soak up all the scents while giving high-fives to the children you meet along the road in the villages.

   You will view Vietnam from a very different perspective than you would from a car seat. You will discover locations you would never have visited otherwise.

   If you’re up for it, this is a must-do experience.

   If you are not interested in riding motorcycles for whatever reason, a slightly different but still enjoyable excursion can be accomplished by automobile.

Countryside bike ride in Hoi An

   Get on a bike and discover rural life with your own guide. They visit residents and observe how they live, work, and interact.

   The tour is open to both children and adults and ends with lunch. Children’s bikes and seats are also available.

   It is a journey that begins at 8 a.m. and concludes after lunch at approximately 1.30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beach and visit town in the evening.

The beach in Hoi An

   An Bang beach is 5 meters from Hoi An’s core and Ancient Town. If you reside in the city, it’s a pleasant bike ride with views of rice fields and urban activity.

   The beach has both places with pristine beaches and areas with eateries down by the beach. Some restaurants provide live music on certain days of the week, and La Plage is ideal for youngsters, with its tiny but adequate playground and beach equipment.

Where to eat in Hoi An?

   In my opinion, Hoi An, along with Hanoi, boasts some of Vietnam’s most delectable cuisines. Don’t deprive yourself of wonderful eating experiences in Hoi An.

   Explore the city and enjoy different dishes like Cao Lau, White Rose, Banh Beo, and Banh Xeo.

   Good appetite.

Eat with the locals

   Like anyplace else, it’s all about plunging in and trying as much local cuisine as possible.

   The best tip is to always eat where there are other visitors, as this ensures that the food is constantly changed and that no outdated food is offered.

   To be safe, always sanitize your hands and dry your cutlery after each use.

Food experiences with a guide

   We understand how tough it can be to try new foods and avoid gastrointestinal troubles.

   That is why we have designed a “food city tour” and a “cooking school” where you may safely not only taste but also learn to cook your own Vietnamese cuisine if you are so inclined.

   Learn more about all of our cuisine experiences in Vietnam here.

Where to stay in Hoi An?

   Depending on your needs, there are several options for where to stay in Hoi An. If you prefer the city, you can live there. If you like the beach, you can stay there or somewhere in between.

Around the old town of Hoi An

   There are a few hotels in Ancient Town, also known as the Old Town. However, the majority are located slightly outside the city core.

   There are numerous hotels within walking distance of the downtown, typically a few hundred yards. Some are near the river, while others are in tiny streets in what we call a “villa quarter”.

Hotel/Resort by the beach in Hoi An

   There are multiple beaches in Hoi An, but you should focus on one for now: An Bang and the surrounding area.

   Cua Dai Beach isn’t what it once was.
(Update: 26/6/2022) The government is constructing enormous rocks in the water, which will ideally hold the sand in place and prevent it from disappearing. Extra sand has also been laid down, so we will most likely have a really long and gorgeous beach on Cua Dai. We’re waiting till the summer and wet season to see how it works.

   There are huge resorts as well as smaller hotels, villas, and guest houses here.

   If you are unsure about choosing a hotel or beach, we will assist you discover one that suits your wishes and needs.

A little away from it all

   There are several rice fields between the city and the beach, as well as villas, “homestays”, small hotels, and guest houses.

   Some have a view of the rice fields, while others have a view of the Thu Bon river that runs all the way into the garden.

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Shopping in Hoi An

   There are fewer retail choices in Hoi An than in Danang, however there are several local marketplaces. If you want genuine branded goods or high-quality things, you must travel to a major city, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Danang, which is around 40 minutes from Hoi An.

Markets in Hoi An

Hoi An Market

  • clothes, shoes & sandals
  • bags, rucksacks, suitcases
  • everything for the kitchen and workshop
  • hammocks
  • food (in small restaurants)
  • meat, fish, fruit & vegetables
  • much much more

REMEMBER: Genuine branded goods are not sold in the local markets.

 

Ba Le market

   Ba Le market is one of the larger markets for the locals, it is also popular with foreigners living here.

   Here you can also get a bit of everything like at the Hoi An market.

   Not many tourists come here, so the prices are perhaps a little more local here.

Shopping centre

   There are no shopping malls in Hoi An.

   Here you go to the neighboring city of Danang, which is Vietnam’s 3rd largest city. Here there is plenty of opportunity to browse in various shopping centres.

  Read more about Danang here.

Travel to Hoi An

   Hoi An does not have an airport, therefore visitors from Denmark, for example, must fly to Danang.

   The journey from Danang’s airport to Hoi An takes approximately 40 minutes.

   We commonly remark that Hoi An has everything. Cozy village, beach, great restaurant, and fascinating activities for both kids and adults.

   Here are our full package tours, which include Hoi An:

   If you wish to create your own tailor-made vacation to Hoi An, please contact us using the form below or our contact page.

My Son Temple Complex

   Is there anything more fascinating than a bygone era that unexpectedly reappears with its antique bits of beauty, reminding one of how insignificant one’s own part in world history is. One such location is My Son, which is 80 kilometers from Da Nang and 50 kilometers from Hoi An.

   My Son was originally built by the Cham Kingdom, which included 54 tribes. All tribes follow Hinduism. Many Cham people moved from India to Vietnam, where they created this magnificent shrine.

   In addition, they have built hundreds of temples across the forest. The temples in My Son were constructed between the fourth and fourteenth centuries. My Son has a diameter of about 2 kilometers, and the area was found by the French in 1885, but it took more than a century before it was exposed to the public. Today, many tourists come here, and events are held, among other things. A dance performance for individuals interested in learning more about Cham culture.

   The sacred location is surrounded by mountains and has no less than 70 towers arranged in clusters, all built on the same idea. My Son first opened to the public in 1995 and has since been seen by millions of tourists.

   Unfortunately, the Americans bombarded the area in 1969, and the majority of the buildings collapsed or were severely damaged. Following several repairs, the site was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

   The region is stunning, and even if My Son has to accept his status as the little brother in connection to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, arrangements are being made for one of the great experiences where Indiana Jones is easily found.

   If one’s base is in Hoi An, the travel back is made easier by taking the Thu Bon River, where one may see the clay pot hamlet of Thanh Ha as well as the rural village of Kim Bong, which has strong traditions in wood carving and boat construction.

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