I was looking forward visiting Hoi An because my sister found Hoi An the highlight of her holiday to Vietnam. Hoi An is known for its ancient streets, vibrant markets, nearby beaches and mesmerizing lantern festivals. In this blog I will give you tips and inspirations for activities and sights that make Hoi An a must-visit destination!
How to Travel to Hoi An?
In my separate blog I wrote about my experience of traveling by Easy Driver from Hue to Hoi An. I loved it! Another recommendation is to take one of the most beautiful train rides from Hue to Da Nang. Vietnam Railways offers this rout for about 10 USD one way. From Da Nang you then take a Grab to your accommodation in Hoi An. Another option besides a private car is taken the bus. Check here the possibilities: 12GoAsia
If you fly to Hoi An, you have to fly from and to Da Nang. It is about 1 hour (30km, ~450k VND) by taxi from the center of Hoi An to the airport. I flew with Vietnam Airlines from Hoi An (Da Nang) to Ho Chi Minh City. I found the travel in Vietnam very easy; all transport is going on time, cheap and comfortable, next to the friendly and service minded Vietnamese.
Where to Stay in Hoi An?
I put a lot of effort and research into finding the right accommodation; read a lot of blogs on the destination and read all the reviews on Booking. The style of the hotel is an important factor for me, I must feel at home and looking for a fresh style which is clean and new. My hotel in Hoi An is one of my favorites on this Vietnam trip. I highly recommend you to book the Cozy An Boutique Hotel in Hoi An (~60 USD p/n) Located just outside the Old Town but still in walking distance near the Thu Bon river. The hotel is brand new and the style is top notch, as also included breakfast and the swimming pool. I love it here! The hotel upgraded me to a room on the 8th floor, with a stunning view over the river with islands and ocean. The hotel has modern facilities, like a spa, gym and offer free bike rentals! You don’t have to say that to a Dutchy, I made use of the bikes every day!
Ten Things to Do in Hoi An!
In total I have spent two full days and tree nights in Hoi An, during the TET celebrations. I loved the vibe in this authentic relatively small town. During this period I found it very busy, especially during the evening when the Lantern Festival took place. Next to the Old Town there are plenty of other activities to do, check below:
1. Explore the Old Town
Hoi An’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s easy to see why. As you stroll through its narrow, lantern-lit streets, you’ll be transported back in time. The town’s history dates back to the 15th century when it was a busy trading port, with goods coming from China, Japan and even further. You will see the blend of architectural influences in the well-maintained buildings in the streets. Each restaurant or shop has their own plaque or sign but all is in the same style which makes it an coherent whole.
The streets of Hoi An were once named after the goods sold there, such as “Rice Street” and “Fish Street.”
You have to visit the old town both during the day and in the evening. In the evening it is incredibly atmospheric due to the numerous colored lanterns.
Wander through the streets at night and you will see cultural performances, traditional music and street food vendors offering Vietnamese sweets treats. Try a couple of them!
2. Shopping for Tailor made Clothing
Hoi An is known for its tailor-made clothing. Pick a model of the dress or suit, choose fabric and the tailor will fit it to your size. In a couple of days or less the clothing will be ready. The prices must be cheap compared to the EU and US. I couldn’t think of anything to make me to be honest, but I was perhaps the only traveler. I heard good stories on the quality and pricing.
Perhaps good to think ahead or bring your favorite clothing with you so they can remake it.
I did buy some clothing in Hoi An, a Vietnamese Silk bathrobe with a stunning print on it. I even bought three for my sister and mother too, all different colors. Love them!
Did you know?! Hoi An was once a major center for silk trading and is renowned for its high-quality silk lanterns and clothing
3. Visiting Lantern Festival in the Evening
One of the highlights of this trip is the Lantern Festival in Hoi An. Every month during the full moon, the town hosts the Hoi An Lantern Festival. During the TET celebrations it was busy with people and boats with lanterns on the river. The Cau An Hoi Bridge was packed with tourists and locals selling floating candles. They will hand you a long stick so you can release the lanterns onto the river water. The scenery is beautiful with all the lanterns reflecting in the water. The locals believe that the lanterns will bring good luck and prosperity.
Buy a white paper lantern, make a wish and watch it float down the river. A lovely view of twinkling lights
The town is famous for its lantern-making, locals are creating these beautiful decorations by hand. You can even take a workshop to learn how to make your own lantern, a great souvenir too!
4. Have Dinner at the River
One evening I had dinner at the Phan Gia Riverside Restaurant. This restaurant was close to my Cozy An Boutique Hotel and right by the river. The restaurant had good recommendations and indeed the food was really good. The scenery at the river was even better, sitting under a big tree with lanterns, you see many colorful and lighted boats passing by. Great last meal in Hoi An!
If you are with a group it would be nice to book a boat tour too; discover Hoi An from the water!
5. Visit the Hoi An Night Market
Vietnam love their Night Markets! When crossing the Cau An Hoi Lantern Bridge from the Old Town you will come to the island where the night market is located. It was so busy with more vendors; market stands and lantern shops. It was almost too much! Strolling over the market and here you can buy your new iPhone case, fake brand clothing, toys, Vietnamese lanterns and so much more. I got an overkill of goods presented to me, but it is fun to stroll and see all the locals but also a lot of tourists here.
Have a look at a kind of street food court V Market at the corner of the night market
6. Rent a bike!
Hoi An is perfect for cycling! Flat and some paths beside the normal road to get save from A to B. My hotel provided bikes for fee, but there are several rental places in Hoi An. I preferred a bike here instead of a motorbike, because it is a smaller area and you will go slowly and see more. Perfect to ride to the beach, only 7 km with nice stops in the rice paddies, countryside or nearby small villages.
7. Photograph the Stunning Pagoda’s in the Old Town
In one of my evenings I coincidently walked into the most stunning Pagoda. Its located in the middle of Hoi An’s old town and is called Ba Mu Temple. It is built in 1926 and richly decorated with beautiful details. In front of the temple is a large pond which can create a reflection of the temple; perfect for shooting a beautiful photo! What do you think?
Another beautiful pagoda hidden in the Old town is the Hoi Quan Phuoc Kien. It’s a Chinese temple and is surrounded by colorful trees with lanterns and incense. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Hoi An because of the bright red colors of the woodwork combined with the green roof tiles and gold details. It was very busy, but still worth the visit.
8. Chill at An Bang Beach
The combination of the nearby beach and the lovely city is a big advantage for me. Just a short bike ride from the Old Town, you can chill at one of Hoi An’s beaches. I went to An Bang Beach (7 km from my hotel), with some nice beach clubs on the beach. The beach is nice but in my case the water was wild and grey, but that didn’t bother me at all.
Be careful entering the water, there could be a lot of current!
I enjoyed fresh seafood at The Fisherman a beachfront restaurant, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge on a deckchair and sun umbrella (50k VND). You get the sun bed for free if you eat and drink at the restaurant, good deal! What do you need more a coconut in your hand and enjoying the sun. Happy Mirja!
You can also rent a kayak or join a surfing lesson at An Bang beach
9. Drinking Coffee in the Rice Fields
On the way to An Bang beach you can make a stop at the most stunning coffee shop in the middle of the rice fields. Felt like Bali here, the building is well designed and the styling inside is very original. The coffee was great and the vibe was really good. So a big recommendation is to have a cappuccino (60k VND) break at Miss Hoi An Cafe on your way to the beach.
Check the top floor, how cool with all the ropes as ceiling, but the outside area at the water with the view was the best!
10. Join a Cooking Class!
I regret that I didn’t do a cooking class in my travel through Vietnam. So I can’t give you any recommendations but, only that you should attend one in one of your travel destinations in Vietnam. I saw a couple of signs and restaurants where you could follow a cooking class. So if you like food and cooking, just join one! It’s cheap and full of inspirations for cooking back home. Hmm regret it even more when writing this.
Where to Eat and Drink in Hoi An?!
Next to the recommendation above in the Things to do in Hoi An, here are more recommendations.
If you like a nice hip coffee place go to hidden gem in the Old Town of Hoi An Phin Coffee. You have to use your google maps to get to this location, in the back street of Tran Phu and Le Loi. It is worth the search; I loved it there! Drank the best Coconut Coffee (65k VND) of my entire trip! Great service and styling too.
Another coffee recommendation is Olivier Coffee, on the island of Cam Nam you will find this highly rated and lovely family-owned café. I loved the styling and the drinks were so delicious! It is a bit outside the center but nice to see another part of Hoi An. Great walk over the bridge too!
On my first night I went to have dinner at the Hoi An Ancient Remedy Dim Sum Tea House. “Hoi An Ancient Remedy is a new concept from Vy’s Taste Vietnam Wellness brand, presenting a range of food and beverage products with a health, wellness and beauty focus.” The restaurant is located in the Old Town of Hoi An. There was live music playing and the drinks and food were outstanding! The new but traditional styling was top notch. It was busy, which is always a good sign; so just go!
My Takeaways on Hoi An
Hoi An is a destination that has a mix of history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering the ancient streets, jump on a bike to explore the rice fields, eat a delicious spring roll, visit one of the stunning pagoda’s, lounging on the beach, shop tailor made fashion or drink a cup of Vietnamese coconut coffee; there’s always something to do for everybody!! I hope this blog inspires you to experience the colorful Hoi An for yourself!
