Hoi An is probably the biggest tourist trap in Vietnam. And I still thought it was great, even though I’m rarely enthusiastic about places like this. Hoi An was completely different to what I had seen of Vietnam so far. At first glance, the old town of Hoi An is a mix of crowded tourist stronghold and highly polished attraction that has little to do with the rest of Vietnam.
Having previously sailed through Halong Bay, fought my way through the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and taken a unique tour from Hue on a motorcycle, this stop was something completely different.
Still, I had such relaxing days. So in this article, I’m sharing my best tips and spots in Hoi An with you, along with 8 reasons why you shouldn’t miss Hoi An on your trip to Vietnam!
1. Hoi An: Paradise in Vietnam
You’ll probably follow the usual itinerary on your trip to Vietnam, which means traveling either from north to south or vice versa. Hoi An is located almost exactly in the middle of Vietnam. This makes it the perfect place to spend a few quiet days after a hectic trip through cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
If you’ve been traveling in Vietnam for a while, you’ll notice how loud the streets are—and it might get on your nerves. That’s because the Vietnamese love to honk! They honk constantly—when passing other cars, at traffic lights, and when turning. And the streets are full of scooters, which are especially popular in Vietnam.
Hoi An is a welcome exception: Only bicycles and non-motorized rickshaws are allowed in the historic center; cars and scooters are banned. The entire historic center is one big pedestrian zone! This means you can explore the old town on foot at your own leisure, without having to worry about getting run over by the nearest scooter rider.
The old town is quite clear. All the sights in Hoi An are close to each other. You can stroll leisurely through the streets and stop at the pretty cafes and restaurants. Many houses are also open to the public: there are often benches in the courtyards: just sit down and let yourself drift.
2. the history of Hoi An and the historical old town
Hoi An was founded by the Cham in the 4th century—that’s how old the city is! Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the city grew in importance. The port became one of the most important trading ports in the South China Sea until it was replaced by nearby Da Nang. However, the old buildings were preserved, and since Hoi An had completely lost its strategic importance, the old town remained entirely untouched even during the Vietnam War. That’s great for us, because it means Hoi An is now a magical place steeped in history.
Although the old wooden houses in the Old Town have been hit by flooding several times, they are in very good condition. Most have been in the same family for generations, and many of the houses can also be toured from the inside. Most of the houses in Hoi An’s Old Town are actually inhabited, which is something to keep in mind when choosing what to wear. Vietnamese people are not very open-minded: covering your shoulders and knees is always a good and respectful choice when entering a private home.
There are small ticket booths scattered throughout the Old Town where you can buy a 3-day pass. This pass grants you free admission to all attractions in Hoi An.
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3. food in Hoi An: Vietnamese cuisine at its best!
Hoi An is truly every foodie’s dream! There’s great food around every corner here, no matter your budget. Whether it’s small street snacks or elaborate menus at one of the many upscale restaurants, I haven’t had a single bad meal in Hoi An! Vietnamese cuisine is always very fresh and flavorful, but in Hoi An there are also plenty of innovative cafes and restaurants offering fantastic takes on Vietnamese specialties.
Cooking course in Hoi An
If you want to know how to recreate these dishes at home, just sign up for the right cooking class. Many restaurants also offer these kinds of classes, and they usually include a trip to the market. That way, you can get familiar with the ingredients right away.
Book a cooking class in Hoi An
You’ll find cooking classes in many countries in Southeast Asia. You’ll learn a lot about the exotic ingredients, and recreating the dishes at home won’t be that hard after all.
Here you’ll find a detailed report on my cooking class in Thailand
Restaurant Tips for Hoi An
Green Mango serves delicious fusion cuisine that combines Vietnamese basics with Western elements. Things get a bit more experimental at the Mango Rooms, where unusual combinations meet tropical flair. And if you’re only going to visit one restaurant in Hoi An, make it Morning Glory —that’s where I had the best pork bánh mì I’ve ever had.
But it doesn’t always have to be a restaurant: the street food in Hoi An is delicious everywhere, too!
4. cafés in Hoi An: Ca phe sua da & Co.
As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t bring myself to eat all day. But with temperatures over 35 degrees in the shade, I developed quite a taste for cà phê sữa đá, the typical Vietnamese iced coffee. And there are quite a few cafés in Hoi An. My favorites are Hoi An Roastery and Coco Box.
You can find even more travel inspiration for Vietnam here
5. shopping in Hoi An: tailor stores on every corner
Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops. Throughout the old town, you’ll find numerous small workshops where you can have suits and dresses custom-made. I didn’t buy anything there because, once again, I wanted to save weight in my luggage.
What I have heard, though, is that tailors in Hoi An are supposed to be more expensive than in other places—it is, after all, a major tourist destination. Also, I’d take a close look at the quality of the fabrics: I’ve often had the impression that they cut corners there, and nothing is more disappointing than investing money and effort in a beautiful piece that, in the end, looks like it came from a discount store just because of the poor fabric quality.
As for souvenirs, I ended up sticking to tea—it weighs less—and the tea was really great. And if you’re lucky, you can even sample all kinds of different varieties during an authentic Vietnamese tea ceremony.
6. nightlife in Hoi An: lanterns, street food and balmy nights
Hoi An is truly beautiful in the evening, when colorful lanterns light up the entire Old Town. The streets fill with people, and everyone enjoys the balmy nights with a fresh cocktail or dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants. If you’d like, you can even buy your own paper lanterns at the night market.
7. relaxing on the beach – An Bang Beach
Had enough of the Old Town? Right nearby, just a 20-minute bike ride away, is An Bang Beach—and it’s a wonderful place to relax after all that sightseeing. The beach is clean and wide, and the water is warm. And just like in the Old Town, you don’t have to worry about food and drinks: the beach is full of vendors who unobtrusively offer snacks and ice-cold water for a small fee.
8. off to the countryside!
If you’re in the mood for some country air and want to experience a bit of life around Hoi An, you should book one of the many day tours offered throughout the city.
Many tours are done by bike, and in some cases you can also visit the small workshops where, for example, the famous paper lanterns are made. Or you can take the opportunity to pet a few water buffalo!
