Hoian

Hoi An - often referred to as the "Venice of Vietnam” is a charming ancient town in central Vietnam, known for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. Below is comprehensive travel guide to help visitors well explore Hoi An

I. HOW TO GET TO HOI AN?

By Plane:

• The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport (DAD) which is about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Hoi An. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Hoi An.

By Train:

• Train is a good option to reach Hoi An. Traveling by train is a budget option that brings you great experience when it passes many beautiful places along the way. You can stop in Danang then take a taxi or bus to Hoi An.

By Bus:

• Several bus companies operate routes to Hoi An from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue. However, it would not be a good option because of long journey.

II. BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO HOIAN

Hoi An has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons:

• Dry Season: From January to August

• Rainy Season: From September to December

The best time to travel to Hoi An is generally from February to May. During this period, the weather is mild and pleasant with less rainfall and temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This period is also ideal time for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures.

June to August: This period is dropped into main time of summer that are quite hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F). However, it's a good time for sea activities.
 

September to November: This is the rainy season with frequent heavy rains and the possibility of typhoons. Travel during this time can be unpredictable, and some outdoor activities may be limited.
 

December to January: The weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F). While it's not the best time for beach activities, it's still a good time for sightseeing and exploring the city.

Planning your trip between February and May will make your best experience with pleasant weather and fewer disruptions.

III. WHAT TO DO IN HOI AN

1. Exploring the Ancient Town:

• Wander through the narrow streets lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.

• Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An.

• Explore old houses like Tan Ky House and Phung Hung House.

2. Participating a Cooking Class:

• Learn to cook Vietnamese dishes at one of the many cooking schools, such as Red Bridge Cooking School or Green Bamboo Cooking School.

3. Visiting the Markets:

• Check out the Central Market for fresh produce, local snacks, and souvenirs.

• Explore the night market for lanterns, street food, and crafts.

4. Relaxing at An Bang Beach:

Just a short bike ride from the town, An Bang Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere with beachfront restaurants and bars.

5. Taking a Boat Ride:

• Enjoy a boat trip on the Thu Bon River or in Cam Thanh village to experience the scenic countryside and local life.

6. Hoi An Lantern Festival:

• Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, the old town is illuminated with colorful lanterns, and various cultural activities take place.

7. Visit Pagodas and Temples:

• Quan Cong Temple, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and Chuc Thanh Pagoda are notable sites.

8. Tailor Shops:

• Hoi An is famous for its tailoring services. Get custom-made clothes at shops like Yaly Couture or A Dong Silk.

IV. WHAT TO EAT IN HOI AN

Hoi An is famous for its delicious and diverse culinary scene. don't miss the chance to explore the local markets and street food stalls to experience a variety of other local specialties:

1. Cao Lau: A unique noodle dish with a combination of thick rice noodles, tender pork slices, fresh greens, and crispy croutons, usually served with a small amount of broth.

2. White Rose Dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac): Delicate dumplings made from translucent white dough, filled with spiced minced shrimp or pork, and topped with crispy shallots.

3. Com Ga Hoi An (Hoi An Chicken Rice): A flavorful dish of turmeric rice served with shredded chicken, herbs, and a side of savory broth.

4. Mi Quang: A noodle dish with turmeric-yellow noodles, shrimp, pork, quail eggs, peanuts, and fresh herbs, all topped with a rich and savory broth.

5. Banh Mi: Hoi An has some of the best banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) in the country, with popular spots like Banh Mi Phuong offering a variety of fillings in crispy baguettes.

6. Banh Xeo: Vietnamese savory pancakes made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and typically eaten with lettuce and herbs.

7. Che: A sweet dessert soup that comes in various flavors and ingredients, such as beans, fruits, jellies, and coconut milk.

Nightlife:

• Enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar of The Chef.

• Relax with a drink at the riverside bar of The Cargo Club.

V. BEST HOTELS TO STAY IN HOI AN

Luxury:

• Anantara Hoi An Resort: A riverside retreat with colonial-style architecture.

Address: 1 Pham Hong Thai, Cam Chau, Hoi An

• Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai: A beachfront resort offering private villas and luxurious amenities.

Address: Block Ha My, Dong B, Dien Ban, Quang Nam

Mid-Range:

• Allegro Hoi An - Little Luxury Hotel & Spa: A boutique hotel with elegant rooms and a central location.

Address: 86/2 Tran Hung Dao, Hoi An

• Hoi An Silk Marina Resort & Spa: Located by the river, it offers comfortable rooms and a relaxing spa.

Address: 127 Nguyen Phuc Tan, Hoi An

Budget:

• Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel and Spa: comfort, convenience with strategic location, close to many of Hoi An's popular attractions.

Address: 467 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An

• La Charm Hotel: a charming boutique hotel located in the ancient town and known for its blend of traditional Vietnamese architecture and modern amenities

Address: 64 Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An

VI. CONCLUSION

Hoi An offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation from old houses to delicious food and fabulous scenic beauty making it a must-visit destination in Vietnam. Do not miss this wonderful destination once you travel to Vietnam.

Hanoi

Saigon

Mekong Delta

Central highland

Halong