Hoi An - a familiar destination both domestically and internationally, brings visitors into the world of quiet, peaceful beauty in the alleys and small streets. Along with that, the ancient houses on Tran Phu, Nguyen Trai, Hoang Van Thu streets have an ancient, charming beauty that further contributes to the unique features of "Hoi An Cau Pagoda Street".
Nguyen Minh Duc, a passionate photographer who has spent glorious summer days wandering around Hoi An, confided: “Hoi An is always an extremely interesting destination for anyone, and I am no exception. A small city, not too developed, not too bustling, but has many interesting features of its own, from beautiful beaches, endless fields, to the old town that has kept almost intact its old values”.
Hoi An summer appears so beautiful through the eyes of young man Nguyen Minh Duc
The best time to visit Hoi An
Hoi An is divided into two distinct seasons, the rainy season from August to December and the dry season from January to July. Traveling to Hoi An in the dry season will be more favorable for experiential activities, especially ideal from February to April when the weather is in late spring, early summer, the weather is no longer cold, not too hot, very pleasant and there is little rain.
However, visiting Hoi An during the rainy season also has its own appeal. Visitors should consider avoiding stormy days, because in Hoi An, prolonged rain can cause flooding. If you want to experience the feeling of rowing a boat in the heart of the ancient town, then visiting during this time is also worth considering.
Yellow walls, yin-yang tiles, unique architecture that cannot be mistaken for anywhere else
Typical alleys in Hoi An
In particular, the best time to visit Hoi An is during the full moon days of each month. On the 14th night of the lunar calendar, the whole street will turn off its lights, replaced by shimmering, magical lanterns hanging all over the old town. On the banks of the Hoai River, folk music resounds, combined with traditional games and attractive food stalls, creating a bustling Hoi An space, attracting many tourists from near and far.
Bustling nightlife on the banks of the Hoai River
Hoi An is not just an ancient town
Tourists to Hoi An often like to stroll around the old streets, admiring the yellow-walled houses with yin-yang tiles imbued with the architectural breath of Hoi An. Or sitting on the banks of the Hoai River, enjoying a cup of sweet, cool corn tea in the summer sun. As for Minh Duc, his favorite place in Hoi An is Cam Kim, a peaceful village, separate from the crowded old town.
A peaceful village, where Duc has 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 next to the carpentry village. Later, people built an iron bridge across the river, then replaced it with the new Cam Kim bridge as it is today. Minh Duc enjoyed running on the iron bridge, for him, it was an interesting experience that everyone should try once when coming here. Although now the travel is convenient, Cam Kim also welcomes many tourist groups every day, but this place still retains the peaceful rural beauty and the handicrafts that have made the name of Quang for generations.
Driving around Cam Kim, passing through the tree-lined road, the green rice fields, the small coffee shop next to the old brick kiln or the small bridge over the river... the rustic pleasures have brought Minh Duc closer to such a strange land. "There is also a secret place that I often visit, a green lawn by the river, where I can watch the brilliant, breathtaking sunset," Duc confided.
Watching the sunset on the riverbank
Things kept in the heart
Talking to Travellive, Minh Duc said that his memories of Hoi An are countless, not only contained in the photos he took, but also the moments when he stood in front of the camera, seeing beautiful things with his own eyes.
Hoi An is beautiful in its own way. For Duc, his day in Hoi An begins by driving to Cua Dai beach, where the lighthouse stands tall. Far away on the long beach, the sun has not yet risen, and several offshore fishing boats are preparing to dock. A bustling morning of buyers and sellers is about to begin.
Sunrise on the sea
The towering lighthouse
If he has time, Duc will drive past Duy Hai fishing port, next to Cua Dai bridge across the sea, where he will see the small traders busily trading, the early fish have just been transported. Experiencing the simple daily things is also a way for Duc to understand more about this land.
"In Hoi An, there are many ancient houses to visit, from houses with Chinese, Japanese, or French cultural influences, all have their own interesting and unique features. Every day I learn more little secrets, gathering more love for the old 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 said: "In the afternoon, I like to cycle to the fields, along Hai Ba Trung Street, towards Tra Que, winding through each small road, the cool wind blowing, the smell of rice, the taste of the countryside gives me a peaceful, gentle feeling."
Simple life with honest and sincere people has added love to this land for travelers from far away.
But the moment that Duc was most fascinated during his time here was probably the sunset. Hoi An, the land with the most beautiful sunset among the places he had ever been. There are many places where people can watch the sunset, from rooftop cafes in the city, on the bridges of Cua Dai, Cam Nam, Cam Kim (new), or An Bang beach... each place will have different beauties, but in general, they all bring unforgettable experiences.
"Not only the scenery, but the people here are also very nice and friendly. Everyone I've met has helped and supported my journey. From the homestay owner, the snack seller I often visit, the boatwoman on the Hoai River, the sweet soup seller in Hoi An market, they are all people I remember their names and faces, and really want to meet again and again," Duc shared.
Let's look at impressive images through the lens of Nguyen Minh Duc:
A quiet corner, a childish corner
One of the oldest shoe stores in Hoi An
"The profession of working with a bent back and struggling/ In the midst of the mist and smoke covering the river..."
Red sunset on the river in the late afternoon
Sunset viewed from high bridges
Innocent as a child
"Morning and noon, I cast my net and fish/ Forget all the sun and rain..."
Here are some suggestions for those planning to travel to Hoi An:
- Choose the right time: The best time to travel to Hoi An is from February to September. Avoid going during the rainy season to have the best experiences.
- Book in advance: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid running out of rooms. There is no need to choose to stay in the old quarter because the prices are often higher. You can consider choosing areas such as Cam An, Cam Nam, or Cam Thanh, where the space is airy and beautiful.
- Prioritize smart shopping: When shopping at roadside stalls, ask for the price first to ensure you don't get ripped off.
- Avoid buying tickets at the wrong price: For activities such as releasing floating lanterns or rowing on the Hoai River, find an official ticket sales point to avoid being sold tickets at the wrong price.
- Choose a good time to take photos: If you want to take good photos, plan to take them around 6-8am or after 3pm, to avoid harsh sunlight and make it more convenient to take photos.
- Experience early sea bathing: If possible, try to experience sea bathing at around 5am. This is also a popular activity of local people, bringing health and joy in the summer days.
- Explore local cuisine: Try local eateries instead of famous ones. This will help you experience unique and new cuisine during your trip.
