Ancient City with a Fusion Culture
Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Quang Nam province of Vietnam. It was once a thriving international port and a major trading center in Southeast Asia. As a result, the town's architecture and cultural heritage reflect the blending of many different cultures.
The panoramic view of Hoi An's ancient town
The most striking example of this cultural fusion is the town's architecture. Hoi An is home to a wide variety of buildings, from Chinese temples and pagodas to Vietnamese shophouses and French colonial mansions. These buildings are all well-preserved and stand side-by-side, creating a unique and harmonious aesthetic. It is a town where the past and present come together beautifully.
The Quan Cong Temple is dedicated to a Chinese folk hero
Beautiful Beach
When people think of Hoi An, they often think of the tranquil, ancient streets lined with charming rivers. But not everyone knows that Hoi An also has a beautiful, white-sand beach. An Bang Beach is located just a short walk from the old town. It is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The waves are gentle and the sand is soft and powdery. You can spend hours walking along the beach, feeling like you're in paradise.
An Bang Beach
Close to the beach, there are small resorts with everything you need. You can stand in your room and see the whole beauty of the beach. The peaceful atmosphere brings you back to a simple and relaxed life, leaving behind all the worries from the outside world.
Tasty Culinary Delights
Hoi An's cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich thanks to the convergence of various cultures. It used to be a bustling international trading port, where Japanese, Chinese, and Western merchant ships would meet. Nevertheless, Hoi An still boasts captivating local dishes such as Cao Lau, Com Hen, Com Ga, Che Bap, etc.
A bowl of Cao Lau
If you ever visit Hoi An, trying the local banh mi is a must. It is considered the birthplace of Banh Mi, the classic Vietnamese baguette. Two of the most famous Banh Mi spots in Hoi An are Madam Khanh - The Banh Mi Queen and Banh Mi Phuong. Banh Mi Phuong gained widespread acclaim after a visit from Anthony Bourdain, the American celebrity chef and travel documentarian a few years ago. The price of bread is from 15,000 VND to 40,000 VND per loaf (~0.6 USD to 1.6 USD).
Banh Mi Phuong is renowned as the world's best bread
Bike-Friendly Streets
Cycling is a great way to explore Hoi An. It is a fun, healthy, and affordable way to see the town. Many places to stay in Hoi An let you use bikes for free or for a small fee. You can ride around on your own and enjoy the freedom, or you can join a guided cycling tour with a planned route. The average rental price for a bicycle in Hoi An ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 VND per day (~0.8 to 1.2 USD per day).
Hoi An has many suitable roads for cycling
Numerous Unique Instagrammable Spots
Is Hoi An worth visiting? Hoi An is also a great place for photography. With its beautiful architecture, colorful lanterns, and tranquil canals, Hoi An is sure to make your Instagram feed pop. Here are some of the best places to take photos in Hoi An:
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The Japanese Covered Bridge: This iconic bridge is a must-see for any photographer visiting Hoi An. The bridge is made of wood and is decorated with beautiful carvings.
A cultural symbol of the ancient town
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The Old Town: The Old Town is the heart of Hoi An. It is a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional Vietnamese shophouses. The streets are always full of life, and there are always interesting things to see and photograph.
The Old Town
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The Thu Bon River: The Thu Bon River runs through the heart of Hoi An. It is a great place to take photos of the city from a different perspective. You can also take a boat ride on the river and enjoy the views.
Charming scenery on Thu Bon River
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The Lanterns: Lanterns are a symbol of Hoi An. They can be found everywhere in the city, from the streets to the homes. Lanterns are a great way to add a touch of color and romance to your photos.
Several picturesque lantern shops in Hoi An
Hoi An Cooking Class
Is Hoi An worth visiting for special experiences? With its outstanding culinary scene, it's no surprise that Hoi An also hosts various cooking classes. These classes provide hands-on guidance in preparing and savoring a wide array of dishes.
Private Deluxe Cooking Class in Hoi An
There are many different cooking classes available in Hoi An, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget.
|
Name |
Introduction |
Length |
Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Red Bridge Cooking School (most-preferred) |
Includes traditional Vietnamese dishes, vegetarian cuisine, and seafood. The classes are taught by experienced chefs and are held in a beautiful traditional Vietnamese home. |
3-4 hours |
20-50$ |
|
Tra Que Water Wheel |
The cooking class begins with a market tour to explore local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Afterward, you have the option to bike or drive to a charming countryside property. |
3-4 hours |
25-55$ |
|
Green Bamboo Cooking School & Cafe |
A larger group size due to its popularity as a cooking class in Hoi An. However, this setting offers the chance to meet new people, and you have the flexibility to choose the dishes you want to prepare from an extensive list. |
3-4 hours |
30-60$ |
Lantern Festival Celebrations
On the 14th day of every lunar month, Hoi An comes alive with the shimmering glow of electric lights and lanterns. During this time, visitors can witness a mystical beauty rarely found elsewhere. The enchanting lantern festival is a favorite among many travelers.
Hoi An Vietnam Lantern Festival lights up the ancient town
Lanterns made of flowers line the streets, each carrying the wishes of those who crafted them. Visitors have the opportunity to personally release small, delicate lanterns onto the river, each one carrying the hopes of its creator. This place resembles a painting with its sparkling lights amidst the night, visible from afar.
Tourists release lanterns onto the water
Night Market
Hoi An Night Market is located in the heart of the Old Town and is open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. You can reach it by crossing the Lantern Bridge to the small An Hoi island. The market is a vibrant and colorful place, with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to food and traditional Vietnamese handicrafts. You can find everything from traditional Vietnamese conical hats to colorful lanterns to delicious street food.
Hoi An Night market is a shopping paradise
Easy Travel from Other Cities
Da Nang-Hoi An is a popular route choice
Located just 30km south of Da Nang, Hoi An is a must-see destination when traveling through Central Vietnam. Hoi An has no airport, seaport, or train station, so visitors can only reach it by car or motorbike from Da Nang.
Additionally, catching a bus from any station within the city is quite straightforward. Taxis provide a convenient, comfortable, and fast means of transportation, taking approximately 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Taking a taxi from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An is particularly simple as there are plenty of taxis readily available at the exit.
Affordable Prices
Hoi An is also a relatively affordable destination, making it a great choice for budget travelers.
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Food: The city is home to a wide variety of restaurants, serving everything from traditional Vietnamese dishes to international cuisine. You can easily find a delicious meal for under $5 USD.
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Accommodation: Hoi An also offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. You can find a comfortable room for as little as $20 USD per night.
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Transportation: Hoi An is a relatively small city, so it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. You can also take a taxi for longer distances.
Tourists explore Hoi An on foot
Want to explore further? Check out our post about Vietnam travel guide!
Is Hoi An worth visiting? Certainly, Hoi An is a top-choice destination and should be on everyone's list. This destination is captivated by diverse attractions, including historical landmarks, arts, culture, delicious food, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Remember to take note of the information provided by New Asia Tours before planning your Vietnam trip. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to contact us.
