If you’ve never heard of Hoi An, you’re not alone. This is one of the most maintained secrets in Southeast Asia. Those who have the joy of visiting will boast about this little gem. If you are on a tiki tour of SE Asia, you will want to place this little gem on your travel itinerary. That being said, we have a guide to Hoi An, Vietnam…
Summary: Why Hoi An?
Hoi An is located on the central coast of Vietnam. This means that your visit here may not get in your way no matter what direction you are coming from. If you want to see more of Vietnam beyond the capital, Hanoi or the busy Ho Chi Minh City, a trip to a quaint and charming city is the right choice for you.
Also, many leisure travelers have chosen Hoi for many beach resorts just a short drive from the city centre itself. Vietnam’s coastline has only become a hot spot in recent years, and as it is occurring at a rapid pace, more development can be expected.
Go here and around
Go here If you’re in Vietnam you’ll be reasonably seamless, but there are some unusual flights from nearby Bangkok, Singapore and Siem Reap. If you are flying from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can get a deal with Vietjet (budget airline) or choose a Vietnamese airline.
The nearest airport is Da Nang, just north of Hoi An.
Another option is to travel through the land. This is a popular choice among budget travelers coming by train or bus.
Go around The city is compact and easy as it is most explored on foot. Alternatively, a cheap option is available if bike rentals are available and you want to explore further beyond the old town itself.
Taxi can only be found on the other side of the river and is reasonably priced.
Where to go and what to do
Ancient town
The heart of Hoi An is known to locals as an “ancient town” and offers an insightful view of the historical past of the coastal village. Spend a day wandering through the towns of ancient towns, turning outside the alleys and bounce back as the day passes by you. There are several amazing local designer boutiques that will be discovered among many suit tailors, so head out for hidden gems. Or do you want to fantasize about making yourself? If so, check out the fabric market at 01 Tran Phu Street (opens daily from 6:00 to 22:00).
Covered Bridges in Japan
This iconic HOI landmark is worth visiting to see what all the fuss is, only if you are strolling through moments of praise from afar. There is no fee to cross the bridge, but there is a small fee for visiting the small temples inside (which you can actually see from the bridge without paying the fee).
Suit tailor
Hoi An is a mecca for tailors in suits and is ready to sell one or 12 perfectly tailored clothing that you may not need. Check out this complete guide to help you make the right decision Find the best suit tailors in Hoi An.
Jack Tran Eco Tours
If you are looking for authenticity, experiences with you for life, or something that leaks into Vietnamese culture, look no further than eco tours. These tours offer insight into local life and culture, such as riding a buffalo, fishing, cooking your own lunch, or riding a Vietnamese bamboo basketball boat. Browse our website to see more HOIs EcoTours available.
Bicycle and motorcycle tours
If you want to experience Hoi town beyond another way, why not consider a two-wheel day tour around the area? There are a variety of tours ranging from half to one day. For information on cycling in the countryside, check out Heaven & Earth Tours. On motorcycle tours, his son Tour is extremely popular.
Vietnamese cooking classes
Another popular day activity is to take part in the cooking class of the day and learn Vietnamese cuisine preferences and techniques. One of the most popular cooking classes in Hoi an is the cooking classes at Thuan Tinh Island, but there are many other operators offering similar day classes.
Where to stay
There are plenty of accommodations offered in and around Hoi An. But first you have to choose whether you want to stay on the dry lands of an ancient town or just a little distance away by car on the beach. Nearby Da Nang also has great accommodations, especially if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious.
Sunrise Hoi Resort
This is undoubtedly the most popular resort in Hoi An. And there are very few questions as to why! Sunrise Resort offers modern beach accommodation and an infinity pool that is difficult to leave. The food is also wonderful and fresh, and there is little reason to leave the resort.
Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa
Palm Garden is an old resort with a more traditional tropical feel, but is equally fun on the beach even better than the sunrise resort. If you have kids and are looking for a more traditional resort, this may be a better option for you.
Nam Hai
Finally, Uber Luxe accommodation known as “Nam Hai” is offered just north of Hoi An in Da Nang. This resort is like something outside of the James Bond movies, and it’s a bit… there’s a beach! Da Nang is the perfect area to stay in Hoi An, so why not consider visiting both?