Helpful tips for traveling through Vietnam
April 13, 2023
Content
Hoi An, a town where time seems to stand still and where every street is worth a postcard. With its colorful lanterns, charming yellow facades and a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences, Hoi An is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Stroll through the old town, bike through the green rice fields, and enjoy the best street food dishes. What should you absolutely not miss here? We list the most beautiful sights and fun things to do in Hoi An for you!
What to do in Hoi An?
Hoi An has a rich history as an ancient trading town. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was an important trading center where Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European merchants came together. The city flourished thanks to trade in silk, spices and ceramics. This multicultural past is reflected in the architecture, with ancient Chinese temples, Japanese bridges and French colonial houses.
As the port became increasingly inaccessible in the 19th century, Hoi An lost its trading position to Da Nang. As a result, the city remained largely intact and is one of the best-preserved historic cities in Vietnam. Since 1999, Hoi An has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List!
1. Explore the historic center of Hoi An
The streets of Hoi An are tastefully decorated with colorful lanterns, which create a magical atmosphere, especially at night. The combination of old colonial buildings, Chinese merchant houses and cozy alleys makes you discover a new photo opportunity on every street corner. Definitely take the time to wander through the historic center, because behind every door is another hidden gem.
Some highlights not to be missed:
Chùa Cầu (Japanese bridge). - Built in 1590 by Japanese traders and an icon of Hoi An ever since. This covered wooden bridge has withstood earthquakes and wars and is one of the city's most photographed sites.
Tan Ky Old House - A traditional Vietnamese merchant house from the 18th century, bringing together influences from Japan, China and Vietnam. The house has been in the same family for seven generations and provides a unique glimpse into past merchant life.
Quang Cong temple - The oldest temple in Hoi An, dedicated to the Chinese general Quang Cong, who is revered for his courage and loyalty. The temple is known for its impressive dragon statues and colorful details.
Be sure to visit Hoi An at night as well, when the lanterns light up and the streets come alive. The atmosphere is completely different then!
2. Have clothing made to measure
Hoi An is known not only for its atmospheric streets, but also as Vietnam's tailor's paradise. With hundreds of tailor shops scattered throughout the city, you can have a suit, dress or jacket custom-made here for great prices. From selecting the perfect fabric to choosing the model and details, within a few your unique garment will be made entirely to your liking. We visited the tailor A Dong Silk in Hoi An, known for its quality, craftsmanship and excellent service.
Not looking for new clothes? You can also have leather bags, shoes and accessories custom-made in Hoi An.
Tip: Want to have a garment made? Then set aside a few days for this, so there is plenty of time for fitting sessions and adjustments.
3. Taste the Vietnamese sandwich Bánh Mì
Vietnam is full of culinary surprises, but Bánh Mì is without a doubt one of the dishes you must have tasted. This crispy baguette, filled with a delectable mix of meat, vegetables, herbs and creamy sauces, is the perfect combination of French and Vietnamese influences. And did you know that Hoi An is considered the birthplace of the authentic Bánh Mì? That makes this city the place to try it!
Our tip is Phi Banh Mi, a cozy eatery you would walk right past, but where you score the tastiest Bánh Mì in Hoi An. Here your sandwich is prepared fresh in front of you. Take a seat at one of the simple tables, take a bite and enjoy!
4. Take a bike ride through the countryside
Want to experience authentic Vietnam? Then a bicycle tour through the countryside of Hoi An is an absolute must. You'll cycle through rice fields, past quaint villages and local artisans who proudly practice their craft.
We chose a tour with Heaven & Earth and were out and about all day. During the trip we biked along narrow paths, visited a shipyard where traditional boats are built and enjoyed a homemade lunch at a local family's house. The hospitality and special encounters made this day so much fun!
5. A day of relaxing on the beach in Hoi An
After exploring the sights in downtown Hoi An, there is nothing better than leaving the hustle and bustle behind you and unwind at the beach. A 15-minute bike ride from town is An Bang Beach, a relaxing coastal spot where you can enjoy wonderful beach days.
While An Bang may not be the most beautiful beach in Vietnam, it does have a cozy atmosphere, fine beach bars and enough sunbeds to relax for a few hours.
6. Take a cooking workshop in Hoi An
Vietnamese cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most flavorful cuisines in Asia, and where better to learn about it than in Hoi An? A cooking workshop is not only a fun activity to do, but also a great way to discover the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine!
Most cooking courses begin with a visit to the local market, where you and the chef will purchase fresh ingredients and learn more about the basics of Vietnamese cuisine. Then you'll get to work in a traditional cooking studio or even in a local family's home. You will learn to prepare iconic dishes, such as Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese pancakes), fresh spring rolls or a sampler and steaming cup of Phở.
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Where is the best place to stay in Hoi An?
If you are looking for accommodation in Hoi An, your best bet is to look at staying in or around the historic center. Personally, we like this the best because it gives you a good taste of the atmosphere. For a comfortable stay, we can recommend you Hoian Central Hotel TIP. Fine rooms and a swimming pool.
Are you low budget or traveling around Vietnam alone? Then the hostel Mad Monkey a good option. The chances of meeting other travelers here are very high, and so cozy in a city like Hoi An!
How to get to Hoi An?
One of the most beautiful ways to get to Hoi An is via the Hai Van Pass. This insane mountain pass is found between Hué and Hoi An and is traveled by many travelers by scooter. You have to be a little lucky with the weather, but if it is lucky you will have beautiful panoramic views along the way.
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi to Hoi An, you can also consider flying. In this case, you will fly into Da Nang airport. From here, it's just under an hour's drive to Hoi An.
If you are traveling from Nha Trang or Mui Ne then the best option is the night bus, but this will take about 12 hours. Tickets for the bus ride can often be booked at a hostel or with a local tour operator. But you can always compare bus availability and prices at 12GoAsia.
What is the best travel time to visit Hoi An?
Hoi An is actually warm all year round, thanks to its central location. In July and August, temperatures can be quite high, sometimes exceeding 40°C. From September to December, rain falls regularly, while on the contrary, from January to July it is quite dry. Therefore, we would recommend visiting Hoi An between January and July.
Tip: Avoid Vietnamese holidays, such as the Tet Festival, as many restaurants and stores are closed during these days.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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