Hoi An, Vietnam

The gracefulness and its historic elegance has made Hoi An become Vietnam’s most atmospheric and delightful town. Situated in Quang Nam Province, Hoi An outstands any other destinations with its historical architecture and beguiling riverside setting, and the hustle and bustle of 21st-century ‘s cities are entirely taken over by the town’s tranquillity and peacefulness. Let’s follow our Hoi An travel tips on how to enjoy your stay in this alluring town.

Best time to visit Hoi An:

Located in the tropical monsoon climate zone, Hoi An has two significant seasons: rainy season and dry season. Here are some of our recommendations for the most suitable time which travelers can consider before visiting Hoi An:

• Every 14^th day of the lunar year: This is surely the best time to visit Hoi An because every 14^th of lunar calendar is nearly a full moon day so the whole town is lightened up by hundreds of glittering lanterns. Switching from light bulbs to the vivid luminous of lanterns is an irreplaceable tradition and has become Hoi An’s significant culture. The 14^th of every lunar month is also when many jubilant festivals take place such as flower-garland releasing festival or hat tuong (hát tuồng) – traditional Vietnamese musical performance art.

Check the lunar calendar here for your perfect itinerary for Hoi An.

• From February to July: This is Hoi An’s dry season with plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Though during summer, the temperature might get hot, but it would still be a fantastic experience if you take a short trip to Cham Island or go for a couple or family trip to enjoy a whole day in a cozy café, try some culinary specialties and take a stroll around Hoi An Ancient Town.
• From October to December: Hoi An’s rainy season starts from October to December and the whole town is flooded with water. Hoi An becomes the Venice of Vietnam with every motorbike, bike and cyclo turning into boats and paddles. Travelers who enjoy taking a boat trip might find this as an exciting experience, but they need to know beforehand that their trip can be affected by the rains.

Traffic & Transportation:

Arriving Hoi An:

It is quite uneasy for international tourist to reach Hoi An. But there are still a few options on how to get to Hoi An, which depend on what type of transportation is preferred.

By Open Tour Buses to Hoi An:

Hoi An is one of the stopping spots of open tour buses from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, etc. There are daily buses in Hoi An to these destinations, so it is very suitable for guests to choose.

By air to Da Nang and then bus/taxi/motorbikes to Hoi An:

Since there is a limited amount of international flights in Danang airport, most travelers must fly from Hanoi or Saigon. Da Nang is about 30km away from Hoi An so it takes only 30 minutes to go from Da Nang to Hoi An. Therefore, taking a bus or renting motorbikes should be the most proper ways to reach the ancient city.

With a cost of 60,000 – 120,000 VND/day, travelers can easily rent a motorbike. If you choose to take the bus, there is a ride in every 20 minutes. There are also airport pick-up services with reasonable prices.

Within Hoi An:

Visitors can explore Hoi An by taking a cyclo tour, a taxi, motorbikes, bicycles, or simply taking a stroll around the ancient town. But if you choose motorbikes as the main transportation, remember to avoid walking streets at restricted hours.

As Hoi An always amazes visitors with its gorgeous beauty at night, taking a pleasant walk across the Thu Bon River and enjoying Hoi An’s cuisine would make your trip become as memorable as ever.

Hotels in Hoi An

Where to stay in Hoi An is no longer an unanswerable question as the city’s tourism development has built up many grand hotels, comfortable hostels and cozy homestays. Check out the list below to find your best hotels in Hoi An:

• Anh Duong Hotel (Sunshine Hotel): («««) ≈ $24 – 02 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Cam Chau.

The hotel is not too far from the city center, and it normally takes about 45 minutes to reach the airport. The hotel provides the best in services and amenities including outdoor pool, spa, garden.

• Huy Hoang River Hotel: («««) ≈ $15 – $24 – 73 Phan Boi Chau Street, Son Phong.

Located along Thu Bon River, steps from Hoi An’s market is Huy Hoang River Hotel. Bicycles can be rented for those wishing to explore the surroundings. Currency exchange services are available. Huy Hoang Hotel is a 40-minute drive from Da Nang International Airport, while Hoi An’s old town is just a 3-minute walk away.

• Hai Au Boutique Hotel («««) ≈ $25 – 576 Cua Dai Street, Cam Chau.

Located on the edge of Hoi An’s historical Old Town, Hai Au offers modern rooms with an outdoor pool and a restaurant. It is a 10-minute walk to the centre of the Old Town from the hotel, while Danang International Airport is a 45-minute drive away. Guests can use the free in-house bicycle to explore the Old Town.

• Essence Hoi An Hotel & Spa (««««) ≈ $57 – 132 Hung Vuong Street, Thanh Ha.

Set 0.5 Km from the city, the hotel commands an excellent location and provides access to the city’s biggest attractions. It offers access to a vast array of services, including 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, gift/souvenir shop. It also offers recreational facilities such as hot tub, fitness center, sauna, golf course (within 3 km) and outdoor pool.

• Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An («««««) ≈ $100 – Au Co Road, Cua Dai Beach, Cua Dai.

Directly on Cua Dai Beach, the luxurious Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An offers stylish garden or ocean-view rooms with free WiFi. Its 2 outdoor pools overlook Cham Island and the East Sea. Pampering spa treatments, modern gym, tennis courts, bicycle rental and a business centre are also available. The resort is 4 km from Hoi An Ancient Town and Hoi An City. Da Nang International Airport is within a 40-minute drive away.

• Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hoi An («««««) ≈ $570 – Block Ha My Dong B, Dien Duong Ward, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province.

Offering quality accommodations in the beaches district of Hoi An, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Hoi An Vietnam is a popular pick for both business and leisure travellers. This hotel offers numerous on-site facilities to satisfy even the most discerning guest. Besides, the hotel’s host of recreational offerings ensures you have plenty to do during your stay.

TIIPS: During peak seasons, remember to make a reservation in advance to avoid “out-of-room” or “over-price” situation.

Attractions in Hoi An:

Once setting foot on the ancient city, travellers will instinctively know where to go in Hoi An because there are many historical attractions exists in every corner of this town. Therefore, try to at least visit the following destination in Hoi An to make sure that your trip is complete.

Within Hoi An:

It would be a big mistake if you think all Hoi An has got is the Ancient Town because there are various destinations inside the city centre. Let’s start your trip in Hoi An by visiting many historical attractions within the city.

• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (Kim An Pagoda): 46 Tran Phu Street, Hoi An.
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Hoi An centre.
• Museums: Hoi An Folklore Museum, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture, The Museum of Trade Ceramics, Sa Huynh Culture Museum.
• Ancient Houses: Quan Thang Ancient House, Tan Ky Ancient House, Phung Hung Ancient House.
• Hoi An Traditional Art Performance Theatre, Hoi An Arts and Crafts Manufacturing Workshop, the nostalgic wall in Hoi An, …

Around Hoi An:

Travel a few kilometres further and you will find yourself immersed in the beauty of many sun-kissed beaches and amazed by the skilled artisans in the traditional handicraft villages:

• Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham)
• An Bang Beach
• Cua Dai Beach
• Traditional handicraft villages: Kim Bong Carpentry Village, Tra Que Herb Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village

What to do in Hoi An:

• Traditional Art Performance.
  • Address: 66 Bach Dang Street, Hoi An
  • Phone: 0510.3861159
• Water Puppet Show Performance.
  • Adress: 548 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An
  • Phone: 0510.3861327
• Water sports: Jetski, canoes, rubber dinghy, kayaking, skydiving, surfing, banana boats riding, diving, fishing, kite-flying, beach soccer.
• Cinema: Hoi An Cinema
  • Address: 47 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An
• Hoai River Cruises
  • Address: Hoai River Square, Hoi An
  • Phone: 0510.3910035
• Other interesting experiences in Hoi An
  • Stroll around the Ancient Town at night
  • Release flower-garland into the river
  • Enjoy Hoi An’s coffee
  • Get instant tailor-made clothes
  • Go for a sea bathing
  • Join traditional games
  • Get a lantern as a souvenir
  • Visit Hoi An on the full moon day

Food & Beverage in Hoi An:

Undoubtedly, visitors to Hoi An at least once want to savour the taste of Hoi An cuisine, especially Hoi An street food. With the famous dishes of Cao Lau (Rice Noodles With Barbecued Pork, Greens And Croutons), Quang noodles (Vietnamese Turmeric Noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette), etc. surely wondering what to eat in Hoi An seems not to be a challenge anymore. Follow our list to track down these must-try dishes in Hoi An:

• Banh Mi:
  • Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen: 115 Tran Cao Van Street
  • Banh Mi Phuong: 2B Phan Chau Trinh Street
• Banh bao, banh vac (White rose Dumplings):
  • White Rose restaurants: 533 Hai Ba Trung Street
• Chicken Rice:
  • Madam Buoi Chicken Rice: 26 Phan Chau Trinh Street
  • Madam Huong Chicken Rice: Kiet (Alley) Sica, 56 Le Loi Street
  • Madam Minh Chicken Rice: 2 Phan Chau Trinh Street
  • Madam Dung Chicken Rice: 226 Ly Thuong Kiet Street
  • Xi Chicken Rice: Kiet Ba Le
• Cao Lau:
  • Hai Noodles (Mi Quang Ong Hai): 6A Truong Minh Luong Street
  • Cao Lau Thanh: 26 Thai Phien Street
• Hoanh Thanh (Wonton Dumplings)
  • Van Loc Restaurant: 27 Tran Phu Street
• Banh Dap (Vietnamese Rice Crackers), Che Bap (Sweet Corn Soup), Hen Tron (Minced Clams)
  • Tre Restaurant: 98/1 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street
• Banh Xeo (Crispy Cake)
  • Bale Well, 45/51 Tran Hung Dao Street
• Banh Uot (Steamed Rice Pancake)
  • Food Street on Hoai Riverside
• Banh Beo (Water Fern Cake)
  • Food Street on Hoai Riverside

Souvenir:

With reasonable prices and a wide range of items, travellers can easily pick out the best souvenirs in Hoi An. Consider the following items to your what-to-buy-in-Hoi-An list:

• Phuoc Kieu Bronze Statue
• Dong Son Drum (Bronze Drum)
• Bronze Gong
• Lanterns
• Hoi An Silk
• Wood Crafts

With the pleasant tranquillity, special culinary culture, warm hospitability, historical architecture, grand hotels and cosy homestays, Hoi An has never failed to become one of the top attractions in Vietnam. Let’s take a break for a while from your busy life, catch a flight to Hoi An and discover the wonderful journey awaiting ahead in the Ancient City.