Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a charming town in Vietnam known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history.
Located in central Vietnam, Hoi An offers a delightful blend of ancient temples, French colonial buildings, and bustling markets. Visitors can explore its famous landmarks, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, vibrant lantern markets, and the peaceful Silk Village.
Hoi An is also renowned for its delicious cuisine, where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a culture seeker, Hoi An has something special for everyone.
Things to do in Hoi An:
1. Japenese Covered Bridge:
The Japanese community constructed the bridge in the 1590s to link the water route to the Chinese quarter. The structure can withstand earthquakes. At the entrance, weathered statues guide the bridge.
On one end, a pair of monkeys stands, while on the other end, a pair of dogs are placed. Many stories surround the bridge’s construction.
Some believe Japanese emperors were born in the year of the monkey and dog, while others say construction began in the year of the monkey and was completed in the year of the dog.
The French later flattened the bridge for cars, but it was restored to its original arched shape in 1986.
2. Bang Beach:
Bang Beach is located 3 kilometres north of Hoi An. It is one of the most happening and enjoyable beaches in Vietnam.
It is a perfect place to spend quality time with family, friends, and special ones. You will find a lot of vendors selling souvenirs and food beside the beach. To enjoy the beach peacefully, it is advised to go early in the morning.
The local families come up to dive in the sea till the evening. You will also see a few watersports operators renting jet skis and parasailing. The safety standards of the watersports here are not that much effective as in other countries.
3. Hoi An Museum:
If you are a history lover then this place is for you. Hoi An was a trading hub hundreds of years back. Traders from France, Portugal, and the Netherlands used to visit here through the streets of Hoi An’s old town.
The museum contains objects displaying the image of Hoi An when it was a trading hub. You will also find some ceramics and historical photographs from the merchant period. The museum opens at 8 and closes at 5 in the evening.
4. Silk Village:
If you’re interested in learning about ancient silk weaving techniques, this village is a must-visit. Located one kilometre from the main city in Quang Nam province, the village showcases the culture of Hoi An.
The traditional-style houses will surely attract you. You can participate in activities with locals, such as creating beautiful silk pieces and feeding silkworms. You can also purchase pure silk as a souvenir for your friends and family.
5. Lantern market:
This market is worth visiting at night. This market is located at An Hoi, across the river from the central Hoi An. As you enter this market you will see the traditional lanterns glowing of different shapes and sizes all over the market.
Most of the lanterns are made up of Hoi An silk. You will also find some stalls selling T-shirts and bags. Buying a traditional lantern from this market will be a great souvenir to take home with you. The market opens at 4:40 in the evening and closes at 10 at night.
6. My son ruins:
If you want to visit somewhere out of the city then this place should be on the top of your list. It is a UNESCO heritage site covering about 140 hectares of land. Here, you will find a collection of Hindu temples built between the 4th and 13th centuries.
At this UNESCO heritage site, you can learn about Hinduism which had been a great part of Vietnamese culture in the old days.
7. Hoi An’s Central Market:
It is the busiest market in Hoi An. You must visit this place to get a closer look at the lifestyle of the locals. You will lots of vendors selling silk pieces, souvenirs, handicrafts, herbs, spices, and other textiles.
This market is also a great place to try the local traditional food sold from carts. A lot of vendors also sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. The market opens at 5 in the morning till 4 in the evening.
8. Tra Que Village:
Tra Que Village is famous for cultivating fruits and vegetables. This village is located between Hoi An and An Bang Beach. This village contributes the most to the overall production of fruits and vegetables in Hoi An.
On the visit to this village, you can see the locals working on their farms. Here, you can also find some cooking classes that will teach you how to use traditional fruits and vegetables.
You can also have your lunch here at places like Baby Mustard, which uses the freshest fruits, vegetables, and ingredients.
9. Quan Cong temple:
This temple was built to commemorate Quan Chong, who is worshipped as a symbol of loyalty, sincerity, integrity, and justice. In the temple, if you wish for something from a partially gilded statue, made of papier-mache on a wooden frame, the caretaker will strike the bronze bowl, which will produce a bell-like sound.
On the left of the Quan Chong is a statue of Chau Xuong, one of the guardians of Quan Chong. Before mounting the platform in front of the statue of Quan Chong, the footwear should be removed. The temple opens from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
10. Fujian Assembly Hall :
This place was created for the meetup of the residents of Fujian in China who were visiting Hoi An. It was built in the 1690s. Fujian Assembly Hall is also a World Culture Heritage Site.
It is worth visiting because it is an amazing piece of architecture in Hoi An. As you move inside the assembly hall you will see Jinshang Golden Mountain temple dedicated to Thein Hau, goddess of the sea, and the caretaker of the sailors. It opens daily from 8 to 5 in the evening.
Places to eat in Hoi An:
1. Miss Ly Cafe, Hoi An:
It is an amazing dining spot in Hoi An. You will feel the traditional touch in the ambience fitted with warm lighting, wooden furnishing, and vintage paintings. You can enjoy the traditional background music while enjoying your meals.
The must-try includes cao lau, banh bao vac, and thit nuong. It opens from 08:30 to 11:00 in the night.
2. Mango Mango restaurant, Hoi An:
It has a colorful ambience. It offers you traditional Vietnamese delicacies and signature cocktails. Here they offer you a four-course tasting menu with a glass of sparkling wine for USD38.
The must-try dishes here are duck breast in five Asian Spices, tiger prawns served with fruity and spicy sauce, and papaya salad. This eatery is open from 8:00 to 12 midnight.
3. Am restaurant, Hoi An:
If you are a vegetarian then this eatery is for you. This place has a Buddhist theme with ‘Om’ mantras humming in the air will soothe your soul, as you enter the ambience.
Am is the most classic and cheapest vegetarian restaurant in Hoi An. The must-try dishes include mushrooms, tofu, salads, and classic soups all with fresh spices and ingredients. This place is open from 9 to 9.
How to reach Hoi An:
Hoi Na neither has an airport nor a railway station. The only way to reach here is to take cabs or taxis from the neighbouring cities such as Da Nang.
Da Nang has an airport as well as a railway station. You can deboard at Da Nang and then hire a cab or taxi to reach Hoi Na.
