The mark of history
A bustling trading hub from the 16th to the 19th centuries, Hoi An attracted merchants from Japan, China, Portugal and France to trade. Today, the influence of these cultures is still evident in the way people live here, from the mustard-yellow shophouses to the food traditions, folk crafts and coffee culture.
Vietnamese basket boats appear a lot in the sea around Hoi An and Da Nang.
Visitors can clearly feel that in the central neighborhoods. Tan Ky ancient house, a blend of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese architecture, is a famous destination in Hoi An ancient town. At the western end of the old town, the 18th-century Pagoda Bridge is also a destination for many tourists.
Great food
Visitors will be ecstatic when experiencing the culinary culture in Hoi An. From street snacks of street vendors to regional specialties at the central market such as: White Rose dumplings (made from shrimp, pork, onions wrapped in transparent rice paper) or crispy Cao Lau; famous Quang noodles served with shrimp, pork and raw vegetables, visitors will experience a real "taste adventure".
Hoi An bread has a very special flavor.
And of course, when talking about Hoi An cuisine, we cannot help but mention banh mi, a dish created by the combination of traditional and modern values. The most delicious and crispy banh mi sandwiched with pate, grilled pork, chili sauce and herbs can be easily found in the old town with famous brands such as Madame Phuong, Madam Khanh, The Banh Mi Queen...
Unique souvenirs
In Hoi An, visitors can freely choose unique souvenirs in every corner, from tailor shops to leather workshops or coffee roasters, handmade pottery stalls, bamboo lantern shops and modern home decor.
Yaly Couture is a famous clothing and shoe brand in Hoi An.
When it comes to tailoring, shops like Sam Ao Dai, Hung An Cloth Shop or May Bee Tailor are sure to please with their exquisite tailor-made outfits. For a more upscale and luxurious experience, Yaly Couture or A Dong Silk, which specializes in bespoke tailoring, are a reliable choice for visitors.
In addition, household accessories, such as hand-painted tiles, bamboo furniture, eco-friendly clothing, bedding or bathroom accessories are always favorite items of many young people when coming to Hoi An.
Great beaches
Hoi An is a town closer to the river than the sea, but those who love the sun and wind of the sea can still easily find beautiful beaches when coming here.
My Khe (Da Nang) may be the most famous beach in central Vietnam, but An Bang (Hoi An) is arguably the most beautiful. Along this peaceful stretch of coastline, you can relax under a tent with a few cold beers and live music.
An Bang Beach is just a few kilometers from Hoi An.
Another great destination is the beaches around Son Tra Peninsula, a nature reserve about 25 minutes north of My Khe by car. The water here is very clear and clean.
Two-wheeler paradise
Whether you love cycling or want to enjoy the adventure of riding a Vespa, Hoi An's wide streets are ideal for exploring on two wheels.
Hoi An launched a bike sharing program in early June and most hotels offer bike rentals. It’s easy to get around the old town or you can cycle to Cam Nam, a small village on an island south of the Hoai River, to experience rural life.
Vespa Adventures offers visitors the chance to explore Hoi An from classic Italian scooters
For a rural tour, Vespa Adventures is the best option for travelers. Riding on the back of 1960s Italian scooters, this half-day excursion is especially enjoyable as you explore the Thu Bon River on a small boat, crossing a bamboo bridge and overlooking green rice fields.
World-class relaxation services
Hoi An is just over 20km from Da Nang city, so visitors can enjoy some of Vietnam's most luxurious hotels here. First up is the luxurious InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula, designed by renowned resort architect Bill Bensley. The resort is considered a modern oasis located on the Son Tra peninsula, a nature reserve that is home to the rare pinniped monkey.
Four Seasons Nam Hai, one of the most luxurious resorts in Central Vietnam
Next up is the Four Seasons Nam Hai along the coast, where you can enjoy gourmet Vietnamese cuisine at the fine dining restaurant La Sen. Nearby, Fusion Maia has become a luxury wellness haven, promising unlimited spa treatments. As well as Alila Hoi An and Rosewood Guangzhou, the area will soon welcome the Dusit Thani Hoi An in 2021 and the beachfront Rosewood Hoi An in 2021.
"Side Trip"
After experiencing the interesting things in Hoi An, you can also take a "side trip" to Hue, which is 126km away from Hoi An. In Hue, you can learn about the history and architecture of the ancient capital located on the poetic Perfume River. Here, tourists, especially history lovers, will be very excited to visit the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors (the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam), many ramparts and beautiful pagodas.
The Imperial City, an interesting tourist destination in Hue
