H I an Vietnam

July 8, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Hội An, Vietnam

Introduction

Hội An is a charming town on Vietnam’s central coast, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, vibrant local markets, and stunning natural beauty. This guide will help you navigate the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat, stay, and things to know before planning your trip to Hội An.

Places to Visit

Ancient Town

Explore the narrow streets of Hội An’s Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit ancient temples, pagodas, and wooden shophouses
Take in the unique architecture, which reflects the town’s cultural heritage

Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu)

Admire the iconic Japanese Bridge, a beautiful example of Vietnamese-Japanese architecture
Learn about its history and significance in Hội An’s trading past

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall

Discover the stunning architecture and ornate decorations of this Chinese assembly hall
Explore the adjacent museum to learn more about Hội An’s Chinese community

Hoi An Museum of History and Culture

Uncover the rich history and cultural heritage of Hội An through exhibits and artifacts
Learn about the town’s development, from its ancient roots to its modern-day charm

An Bang Beach

Relax on this picturesque beach, with its soft white sand and calm waters
Enjoy water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, or take a leisurely boat trip

Marble Mountains (Ngũ Hành Sơn)

Explore the stunning marble and limestone mountains, with their intricate carvings and Buddhist temples
Take a guided tour to learn about the geological and cultural significance of these natural wonders

Activities

Cooking Classes

Learn the art of Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking class, where you can prepare local dishes like banh xeo and spring rolls
Discover the secrets of traditional Vietnamese cooking techniques and ingredients

Bike Tours

Explore Hội An’s scenic countryside on two wheels, visiting rural villages and rice paddies
Take in the stunning scenery and get some exercise while experiencing local life

Fishing Village Tour

Visit a traditional fishing village and learn about the daily lives of local fishermen
Take a boat trip to explore the surrounding waters and see the fishermen at work

Lantern Making

Learn the art of traditional lantern making, a iconic symbol of Hội An’s cultural heritage
Create your own lantern to take home as a unique souvenir

Where to Eat

Morning Glory Restaurant

Savor delicious Vietnamese dishes in a beautifully restored ancient house
Try their famous White Rose dumplings and other local specialties

Enjoy creative, farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients
Relax in the cozy atmosphere of this popular restaurant

Banh Mi Phuong

Taste some of the best banh mi sandwiches in town at this humble, family-run eatery
Try their signature pork and pickled carrot sandwich for a flavorful treat

Hoang’s Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood and other local specialties in a lively, rustic setting
Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Hoang family and their team

Where to Stay

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa

Relax in style at this luxurious resort, with its private beach and lush gardens
Unwind with a rejuvenating spa treatment or take a dip in the infinity pool

Hoi An Chic Hotel

Experience boutique hotel charm in the heart of Hội An’s Ancient Town
Enjoy personalized service and modern amenities in a beautifully restored ancient house

Vinh Hung Riverside Resort & Spa

Escape to this tranquil resort, nestled along the Thu Bon River
Take advantage of the resort’s spa facilities, pool, and riverside restaurant

Things to Know

Weather

Hội An has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry (January to August) and wet (September to December)
Be prepared for occasional rain showers during the wet season

Culture

Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or attending cultural events
Dress modestly and remove your shoes when entering temples or homes

Currency

The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the local currency, although USD is widely accepted
Exchange rates can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check current rates before traveling

Transportation

By Air

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the closest airport to Hội An, about 30 km away
Take a taxi or book a private transfer to reach HỘi An from the airport

By Bus

Regular bus services connect HỘi An to other major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Book tickets at the local bus station or through your accommodation provider

By Bike

Cycling is a great way to explore HỘi An’s countryside and surrounding areas
Rent a bike from a local shop or book a guided bike tour

Tips

Haggle Politely

Haggle prices at local markets, but do so politely and with a smile
Respect the vendor’s initial price and be prepared to walk away if you can’t agree on a price

Learn Some Vietnamese

Greet locals with “Xin chào” (hello) and show appreciation for their culture
Learn basic phrases like “Cảm ơn” (thank you) and “Tạm biệt” (goodbye)

Respect the Environment

Reduce your plastic usage by carrying a refillable water bottle and avoiding single-use plastics
Support local initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental conservation

Other Things of Interest

Hoi An Lantern Festival

Attend this magical festival, held every full moon night, where the town is illuminated with thousands of lanterns
Enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and delicious street food

Full Moon Bridge Pagoda

Visit this beautiful pagoda, built on a small island in the Thu Bon River
Take stunning photos of the pagoda and its surroundings during sunset or full moon

Hoi An Night Market

Explore the bustling night market, where you can find everything from souvenirs to street food
Try some local snacks, such as grilled pork skewers or sugarcane juice

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in HỘi An, Vietnam. Remember to respect the local culture, try new foods and activities, and soak up the charming atmosphere of this ancient town. Happy travels!