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Travellive's reporter's itinerary will take you on a journey to explore Hoi An through different times of the year, from when the ancient town is still shrouded in tranquility to when it is brilliantly illuminated under the night sky.
A peaceful morning in the old town.
Starting the day with an early morning stroll is a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air of Hoi An. As the morning sun gently sets, the ancient town appears like a vibrant painting, with rows of yellow houses covered in dazzling bougainvillea. The shops are still quiet, the streets deserted, creating the characteristic tranquility of the early morning.
The shops were quiet in the early morning.
A rare peaceful scene during the day.
Strolling through the pristine, unspoiled streets of Hoi An in the early morning is an unforgettable experience.
The jingling sound of bicycle bells echoed throughout the streets.
Cycling through the narrow alleys, the tinkling of bicycle bells echoing in the peaceful atmosphere, brings an unusual sense of tranquility to the soul. This is also the ideal time for tourists to check in at the Japanese Bridge - the symbol of Hoi An - without worrying about crowds.
After a stroll through the streets, stop by a cafe along the Hoai River before the motorbike ban. Sipping a strong, traditional Vietnamese filter coffee while watching the river flow gently and enjoying the peaceful morning atmosphere will be an unforgettable experience. The old town at this time is tranquil and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling scenes later in the day.
Many tourists and locals choose to sit and enjoy their morning coffee by the Hoai River.
After fully enjoying the tranquility of the morning, head to Pho Tung – a place reserved for those who appreciate authentic local cuisine. Tucked away in a small alley off Phan Chau Trinh Street, Pho Tung isn't as famous as tourist restaurants, but it's a familiar spot for locals.
The small alley on Phan Chau Trinh Street leads to the famous pho restaurant in Hoi An.
Hoi An pho is completely different from pho in Hanoi, Saigon, or even Chinese pho. It has its own unique flavor, both rich and refined, making it unforgettable after just one bite. The restaurant is located in a cool courtyard, a popular spot for locals to enjoy breakfast before starting their day. A steaming bowl of pho, with soft noodles and flavorful broth, in the peaceful morning atmosphere, will surely complete your morning experience in the ancient town.
Tung Pho restaurant is located in the garden of a family's house.
Hoi An pho is completely different from pho in Hanoi, Saigon, or Chinese pho.
Lunch with distinctive culinary flavors
When the midday sun starts to get intense, head to Ba Buoi's chicken rice restaurant – one of Hoi An's most famous eateries. Hoi An chicken rice has its own unique characteristics: golden-brown free-range chicken, shredded and mixed with herbs, onions, and sprinkled with finely chopped lime leaves. The chicken rice here is always fragrant, tender, and not too greasy. This dish perfectly combines simple ingredients to create a refined, irresistible flavor that's hard to forget.
After enjoying lunch, guests can return to their hotel or homestay to rest and recharge for the upcoming afternoon and evening.
Have lunch at a famous address on Hoi An's culinary map.
A relaxing evening to immerse yourself in the culture.
Evenings in Hoi An are a wonderful time to enjoy the cool air after a sunny day. You can start the late afternoon with a light meal of grilled pork rice rolls – a simple yet delicious dish. The thin, chewy rice rolls, wrapped around tender, flavorful grilled pork, and dipped in a rich sauce, create an irresistible taste.
Grilled pork rice rolls are a must-try dish when visiting Hoi An.
Thin, chewy rice paper rolls filled with tender, flavorful grilled meat, dipped in a rich, savory sauce, create an irresistible taste.
After dinner, take some time to attend one of Hoi An's two famous shows: Teh Dar Show and Memories of Hoi An. Teh Dar Show is a bamboo circus performance steeped in Vietnamese folk culture, where you will be immersed in a contemporary art space combined with folk music and spectacular performances.
Teh Dar Show is a bamboo circus performance deeply rooted in Vietnamese national culture.
The bamboo and rattan items used for decoration bear the distinctive mark of the show.
Meanwhile, Memories of Hoi An is a spectacular live performance that recreates the history of Hoi An from its time as a bustling trading port to its present-day ancient town. Elaborate artistic performances combined with vibrant sound, lighting, and stage design will take visitors on a journey through the fascinating historical stories of this land.
Dubbed the most beautiful live performance show in the world (Reuters, 2019), Memories of Hoi An leaves an unforgettable impression, taking viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions.
A peaceful late night with a cup of sweet tea.
After an evening of enjoying culture and art, take some time to stroll through the old town as the lanterns illuminate the space. The streets are quieter now, with only a few people passing by. This is also the ideal time to stop at the small roadside dessert stalls, where they sell all kinds of sweet soups from bean and corn to mixed fruit, all subtly sweet and refreshing. Enjoying a hot bowl of sweet soup while watching the people slowly pass by, the old town takes on a tranquil, gentle, and captivating beauty.
Many tea shops stay open late.
With a variety of hot and cold desserts.
The sounds of street vendors blending into the silence of the night make Hoi An even more tranquil and endearing in the eyes of travelers from afar.
A bowl of sweet dessert soup is enough to soothe the soul after a night of revelry.
In just 24 hours in Hoi An, visitors can fully appreciate the beauty of this land – a place not only with unique cultural heritage but also with a peaceful and enchanting pace of life. The moments spent in the ancient town, from dawn to late night, will remain in the visitor's memory like a sweet, unforgettable dream.
