If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure to include the charming city of Hoi An in your itinerary. Known for its well-preserved ancient town, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful beaches, Hoi An has something to offer every type of traveler.
In this travel guide, we’ll provide you with all the practical information you need to know before visiting Hoi An, including the best time to visit, how to get there and around, where to stay, what to eat, and more. We’ll also share our top 10 picks for the best things to do in Hoi An, from exploring the ancient town to sampling local cuisine to taking a boat trip on the Thu Bon River.
Information about Hoi An
Hoi An is a small city located in central Vietnam, in the Quang Nam province. It used to be an important trading port during the 15th to 19th centuries, and as a result, it has a well-preserved ancient town that reflects a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture and culture. In recognition of its cultural significance, Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.
The city is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach, which are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Additionally, Hoi An is home to many traditional crafts, including silk weaving, lantern making, and pottery, which can be seen and experienced throughout the city.
Reasons to Visit Hoi An
There are many reasons why Hoi An should be on your travel bucket list. Here are just a few:
- Rich history and culture: Hoi An’s ancient town is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. You can spend hours wandering the narrow streets, admiring the old buildings, and learning about the different architectural styles and influences.
- Beautiful beaches: Hoi An is home to some of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, which offer a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or try your hand at some water sports, you’ll find plenty of options here.
- Traditional crafts: If you’re interested in traditional Vietnamese crafts, Hoi An is the place to be. You can visit local workshops to see how silk is woven, lanterns are made, or pottery is crafted, and even try your hand at some of these skills yourself.
- Delicious cuisine: Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and light yet satisfying dishes, and Hoi An is no exception. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, you’ll find plenty of options to tantalize your taste buds.
10 Best Things to Do in Hoi An
Now, let’s dive into our top picks for the 10 best things to do in Hoi An:
1. Explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An
The ancient town of Hoi An is a must-visit destination for any traveler to the city. This historic area is filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and beautiful architecture that reflects the city’s cultural diversity. Some of the highlights of the ancient town include:
- The Japanese Covered Bridge: This iconic bridge was built by the Japanese community in Hoi An in the 16th century and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
- The Assembly Halls: There are several assembly halls in the ancient town, each dedicated to a different Chinese clan. These halls served as meeting places, temples, and schools for the members of the respective clans.
- The Old Houses: These traditional Vietnamese houses were built by wealthy merchants during the 18th and 19th centuries. They feature a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and European architectural styles.
2. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge
As mentioned above, the Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hoi An. Built in the 16th century, this wooden bridge features intricate carvings and a small temple on one end. It’s a great spot for taking photos and admiring the city’s history and culture.
3. Take a Cooking Class and Sample Local Cuisine
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and light yet satisfying dishes, and Hoi An is no exception. Taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about the local ingredients and cooking techniques while sampling some delicious food. There are many cooking schools and classes available in Hoi An, ranging from half-day to full-day programs.
Some of the must-try dishes in Hoi An include:
- Cao Lau: A noodle dish that features thick noodles, pork, and fresh herbs. The noodles are made with water from a specific well in Hoi An, which gives them a unique texture and flavor.
- Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich that’s filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces. Hoi An has its own version of the banh mi, which is made with crispy bread and savory fillings.
- White Rose Dumplings: These delicate dumplings are made from rice flour and stuffed with shrimp or pork. They’re called “white rose” dumplings because of their shape and appearance.
4. Experience the Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival is one of the most popular events in Hoi An, held on the 14th day of every lunar month. During the festival, the ancient town is lit up with colorful lanterns and candles, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can release their own lanterns onto the Thu Bon River and make a wish for good luck.
5. Relax on An Bang Beach
An Bang Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hoi An, offering soft sand, clear water, and stunning views. It’s a great spot to relax, swim, or try some water sports like surfing or paddleboarding. There are also plenty of beachside bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.
6. Discover Traditional Crafts at a Local Workshop
Hoi An is home to many traditional crafts, including silk weaving, pottery, and lantern making. Visiting a local workshop is a great way to learn about these crafts and even try your hand at them. Some of the top workshops to visit in Hoi An include:
- Reaching Out Tea House: This cozy tea house is run by a team of deaf and mute staff who specialize in creating intricate porcelain teaware.
- Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Located just across the river from Hoi An, this village is home to skilled carpenters who make beautiful wooden furniture and carvings.
- Lantern Making Workshops: There are several lantern making workshops in Hoi An, where you can learn how to make your own colorful lanterns using traditional techniques.
7. Take a Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River
The Thu Bon River runs through the heart of Hoi An and offers a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can take a boat trip along the river, passing by historic buildings, lush greenery, and local fishing villages. Some boat tours even include stops at traditional handicraft villages or a seafood lunch on board.
8. Visit the Chua Cau Pagoda
The Chua Cau Pagoda, also known as the Japanese Bridge Pagoda, is a small temple located at one end of the Japanese Covered Bridge. It’s dedicated to the god of weather and features intricate carvings, statues, and a peaceful courtyard. It’s a great spot to take a break from the bustling streets of Hoi An and admire some beautiful architecture.
9. Enjoy Vietnamese Coffee at a Local Cafe
Vietnamese coffee is known for its strong and rich flavor, which comes from the use of robusta beans and a slow drip brewing method. Hoi An has many local cafes where you can enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee while taking in the city’s lively atmosphere. Some popular cafes to check out include:
- Mai Fish: This cafe is located in a historic building in the ancient town and serves up delicious coffee, cocktails, and Vietnamese fusion cuisine.
- Faifo Coffee: This cozy cafe is located on a quiet street in the ancient town and offers a great selection of coffee drinks and homemade pastries.
- Hoi An Roastery: This cafe has several locations throughout Hoi An and specializes in locally sourced coffee beans and organic teas.
10. Explore My Son Sanctuary
Located about an hour’s drive from Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features ancient Hindu temples and ruins. The temples date back to the 4th century and were built by the Champa Kingdom, which ruled over central Vietnam for centuries. Visiting My Son Sanctuary is a great way to learn about Vietnam’s rich history and admire some impressive architecture.
How to Get There
Hoi An is located about 30 kilometers south of Da Nang, which has an international airport with connections to major cities around the world. From Da Nang, you can take a taxi, bus, or private car to Hoi An. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
If you’re coming from other parts of Vietnam, there are also buses and trains that connect to Hoi An. However, the journey times may be longer and less comfortable than flying.
How to Get Around
Once you’re in Hoi An, there are several ways to get around the city:
- Bicycle: Many hotels and hostels offer bicycles for rent, which is a great way to explore the city at a leisurely pace.
- Motorbike: If you’re comfortable riding a motorbike, you can rent one to get around Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Just be aware of traffic and safety risks.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Hoi An and can be hailed on the street or booked through ride-hailing apps like Grab.
- Boat: The Thu Bon River offers a unique way to get around Hoi An, with many boat tours available for hire.
More Tips for Traveling in Hoi An
Before we wrap up this travel guide, here are some additional tips to make your trip to Hoi An more enjoyable:
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
- Be prepared for hot and humid weather, especially during the summer months.
- Watch out for scams and pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Respect local customs and traditions, such as taking off your shoes before entering homes or temples.
- Try to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases, as it can help you connect with locals and navigate the city better.
Conclusion
Hoi An is a beautiful and historic city that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples, relaxing on the beach, or trying out new foods, Hoi An has something to offer every type of traveler. We hope this travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan an amazing trip to Hoi An!
