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Hoi An – a well-known destination both domestically and internationally – transports visitors to a world of tranquil beauty in its narrow alleys and streets. Along with this, the ancient houses on Tran Phu, Nguyen Trai, and Hoang Van Thu streets possess a charming, antique beauty that further enhances the unique character of "Hoi An and the Japanese Bridge."
Nguyen Minh Duc, a photographer with a passion for travel, shared his thoughts after spending a glorious summer wandering through Hoi An: “Hoi An is always an extremely interesting destination for anyone, and I’m no exception. It’s a small city, not overly developed or bustling, but it has many unique and fascinating features, from beautiful beaches and vast rice paddies to the ancient town that has preserved almost entirely its old-world values.”
Hoi An in summer is beautifully depicted through the eyes of young man Nguyen Minh Duc.
The best time to visit Hoi An
Hoi An has two distinct seasons: the rainy season from August to December and the dry season from January to July. Visiting Hoi An during the dry season is more convenient for activities and experiences, especially from February to April when the weather is at the end of spring and beginning of summer, not too cold, not too hot, very pleasant, and with less rain.
However, visiting Hoi An during the rainy season also has its own charm. Tourists should consider avoiding stormy days, as prolonged rain in Hoi An can cause flooding. If you're interested in experiencing the feeling of rowing a boat through the ancient town, then visiting during this time is worth considering.
Yellow walls, yin-yang roof tiles – a distinctive architectural style that's unmistakable anywhere else.
The distinctive alleyways of Hoi An
In particular, the best time to visit Hoi An is during the full moon days of each lunar month. On the night of the 14th of the lunar month, the entire town turns off its lights, replaced by the shimmering, magical glow of lanterns hanging throughout the ancient streets. Along the Hoai River, folk music fills the air, combined with traditional games and tempting food stalls, creating a lively atmosphere that captivates tourists from near and far.
The nightlife is vibrant along the Hoai River.
Hoi An is more than just the old town.
Tourists visiting Hoi An often enjoy strolling through the ancient streets, admiring the yellow-walled houses with yin-yang tiles that embody the distinctive architecture of Hoi An. Or they might sit by the Hoai River, savoring a sweet, refreshing cup of corn tea on a hot summer day. For Minh Duc, his favorite place in Hoi An is Cam Kim, a peaceful village, secluded from the bustling old town.
A peaceful village, where Germany has so many unforgettable experiences.
In the past, the only way to get to Cam Kim was by boat. Wooden boats carried passengers from the market in the old town to the ferry terminal next to the carpentry village. Later, an iron bridge was built across the river, which was later replaced with the new Cam Kim bridge as it is today. Minh Duc enjoyed the experience of riding on the iron bridge; for him, it was a fun experience that everyone should try at least once when visiting. Although transportation is now convenient and Cam Kim welcomes many tourist groups every day, it still retains its peaceful rural beauty and the traditional crafts that have made Quang Nam famous for generations.
Driving around Cam Kim, crossing tree-lined roads, lush green rice fields, small cafes by old brick kilns, or small bridges over the river... these simple pleasures have brought Minh Duc closer to this unfamiliar land. "There's even a secret place I often go to, a green lawn by the river, where I can watch the spectacular, breathtaking sunset," Duc confided.
Watching the sunset on the riverside alluvial plain.
Things that are kept in the heart
In a conversation with Travellive, Minh Duc shared that his memories of Hoi An are countless, not just limited to the photos he takes, but also encompassing the moments he spent in front of the camera, seeing the beauty with his own eyes.
Hoi An is beautiful in its own unique way. For Duc, a day in Hoi An begins with a drive to Cua Dai beach, where the lighthouse stands tall. In the distance, on the long stretch of beach, the sun hasn't yet risen, and several fishing boats are preparing to dock. Another bustling morning of buyers and sellers is about to begin.
Sunrise over the sea
The lighthouse stands tall
If he has time, Duc will drive past Duy Hai fish market, next to the Cua Dai bridge spanning the sea, and see the small traders busily doing business, with early morning catches of fish being transported ashore. Experiencing these simple, everyday things is also a way for Duc to understand more about this land.
"In Hoi An, there are many old houses to visit, from houses with Chinese, Japanese, or French cultural influences. Each one has its own interesting and unique features. Every day I learn more little secrets, accumulating more love for the ancient town," Duc expressed.
Early morning fish market
Having lived in Hoi An for a while, Minh Duc has had many opportunities to explore every corner of this land. He recounts: "In the afternoon, I like to cycle to the fields along Hai Ba Trung Street, towards Tra Que, winding through the small paths. The cool breeze, the smell of rice, and the scent of the countryside give me a feeling of peace and tranquility."
The simple life and the honest, down-to-earth people have further deepened the love for this land in the hearts of travelers from afar.
But the moment that captivated Duc the most during his time here was probably the sunset. Hoi An, the place with the most beautiful sunsets he'd ever visited. There are many places where people can watch the sunset, from rooftop cafes in the town, on the Cua Dai, Cam Nam, and Cam Kim (new) bridges, or An Bang beach... each place has its own unique beauty, but all offer unforgettable experiences.
"It's not just the scenery, but the people here are so kind and friendly. Everyone I've met has been helpful and supportive on my journey. From the homestay owners, the snack vendor I often visit, the woman rowing the boat on the Hoai River, the sweet soup seller in Hoi An market – I remember their names and faces, and I'd love to meet them again," Duc shared.
Let's take a look at some impressive images through the lens of Nguyen Minh Duc:
A quiet corner, a childlike corner
One of the oldest shoe shops in Hoi An.
"The arduous task of raising silver, with a bent back, struggling amidst the misty rivers and mountains..."
A red sunset over the river in the late afternoon.
The sunset is viewed from atop the high bridges.
Innocent like a child
"From dawn till dusk, we cast our nets and drop our lines / Forgetting all the hardships of sun and rain..."
Here are some suggestions for those planning a trip to Hoi An:
- Choose the right time: The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to September. Avoid going during the rainy season for the best experience.
- Book in advance: Make sure to book your accommodation in advance to avoid the situation of rooms being fully booked. It's not necessary to choose accommodation in the Old Quarter as prices are usually higher. You can consider areas like Cam An, Cam Nam, or Cam Thanh, which offer spacious and beautiful surroundings.
- Prioritize smart shopping: When shopping at roadside stalls, ask for the price beforehand to ensure you don't get overcharged.
- Avoid buying tickets at the wrong price: For activities like releasing lanterns or rowing boats on the Hoai River, find an official ticket vendor to avoid being overcharged.
- Choose the best time for photography: If you want to take beautiful photos, plan to shoot between 6-8 am or after 3 pm to avoid harsh sunlight and make it more convenient for taking pictures.
- Experience an early morning swim: If possible, try swimming in the sea around 5 am. This is also a popular activity among locals, providing a refreshing and enjoyable experience during the summer days.
- Explore local cuisine: Try restaurants frequented by locals instead of choosing famous ones. This will allow you to experience unique and new culinary delights during your trip.
