Located 30 km south of Da Nang in central Vietnam on the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The old town of Hoi An has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Hoi An is particularly known for its architecture and gastronomy. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hoi An was a port of international trade, which explains why architecture is a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese styles. Its many temples and pagodas make it a unique place to visit by bike or motorcycle. In fact, many hotels offer free bicycles. Travel to Hoi An and enjoy a walk by the river!
The climate is mild from February to May and warm from June to August. It is not advisable to go to Hoi An from September to January, a period more conducive to rain.
The nearest airport is Da Nang. It allows you to travel to Hoi An from domestic destinations such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, but also from the capitals of Southeast Asia. Then you can book a Grab car to share with other travelers or a private car, but be careful as they might try to raise the prices. There is no train station in Hoi An, the closest being Da Nang. Most travel agents and hotels can book tickets for you.
Que visiter ?
The old town, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your trip to Hoi An, enjoy this place that seems to cross centuries without. Take a look at the Japanese Bridge, also known as Cau Pagoda, which is one of the most famous sights of Hoi An. Enjoy this neighborhood with yellow houses, virgin of any building.
Tip: In the Old Town you will find small shops selling tickets to five of the twenty attractions in Hoi An. Price: VND 120,000 ($5)
The Japanese covered bridge . It is one of the most emblematic attractions of Vietnam not to be missed during your trip to Hoi An. This bridge dates from the 18th century and is a typical monument of Japanese architecture. It is said to have been created by the Japanese living in Hoi An at the time to reach Chinatown on the other side of the water.
It is a monument that is very well preserved and has a roof that allows you to visit it at any time of the day, whatever the weather.
An Bang beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is one of the few stretches of sand in Hoi An that is relatively spared by urban development and pollution, making it unique.
Located seven kilometres north of the old town of Hoi An, you can easily reach An Bang beach by bike or motorcycle.
Many activities are offered such as swimming, windsurfing and surfing.
Activities
A night walk under the lanterns. During your trip to Hoi An, enjoy a night walk along the river and contemplate the streets of the old town animated by songs and folk dances, all illuminated by hundreds of lanterns.
On the 14th day of each lunar month, which corresponds to the full moon, the old city turns off all lights and motorized vehicles are forbidden. From 7pm to 9pm, the old town is lit by lanterns. For the Vietnamese, it is time to honour their ancestors by burning counterfeit bills and paper.
A boat ride on the Hoi An River. On your trip to Hoi An, enjoy the peace and quiet offered by a small river getaway. Choose a small boat to avoid crowds and keep calm. As a guide, you can trade 100,000 VND ($4) per person for a 30-minute visit, don’t hesitate!
Where to eat?
Hoi An is known as one of the favourite destinations for foodies, as there are many delicious local specialties.
Morning Glory Restaurant.
A tourist place, but yet offers a very authentic cuisine. Here you can taste the typical Hoi An dish that you won’t find anywhere else, and the delicious bánh xèo. Do not forget to book before coming because this place is very crowded.
Address: 106 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Minh An, Hoi An, Vietnam
Open: 11am-11pm, daily
Price: approximately VND 200,000 ($8.5) for two meals and beverages
Mr. Hai Restaurant.
A typical restaurant held and frequented by locals that serves authentic dishes from central Vietnam. You can eat cao lầu and mì quảng (another typical dish of noodles).
Address: 6A Truong Minh Luong Street, Hoi An, Vietnam
Open: 9-22 pm, daily
Price: about 50,000 VND ($2) for a dish and drink.
Central Market.
A typical Vietnamese market where you can find a wide range of food products. During your trip to Hoi An, do not hesitate to get up early (5am) to see the real life of Vietnamese without tourists.
Address: 73 Phan Boi Chau Son Phong, Hoi An, Vietnam
Open: 5-4 pm, daily
Pricing: based on your negotiation skills.
Where to stay?
Small budget ($): Hoi An Hao Anh Villa 2
A 20-room hotel with good comfort for less than $20 per night (per person) with traditional breakfast. The pool is really nice. The location is very good: only ten minutes by bike (which the hotel provides free) from downtown Hoi An.
Address: 84 Tran Nhan Tong, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Vietnam
Average Budget ($$): Tropical Beach Hoi An Resort
Starting at $80 a night for two people, located in front of the sea, take a break in this fabulous hotel where the rooms are large and clean.
Address: Long Quan Lake, Hoi An, Vietnam
High Budget ($$$$): Anantara Hoi An Resort
On the banks of the Hoi An River, this hotel is quiet and offers great comfort for about $200 a night for two people. The luckiest of us enjoyed breakfast, the view and the staff that is always there for you.
Address: 1 Duong Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An, Vietnam