Hoi An travel guide: What to see and where to stay
Explore the coastal city of Hoi An with our travel guideYou should add Hoi An to your list of easy weekend getaways from Hong Kong. This coastal city in Vietnam has enjoyed a resurgence in the last decade or so as a travel hotspot. However, an international reputation isn’t anything new for the town. In fact, the area was once one of the most important seaports in all of Southeast Asia. Now, at the heart of Vietnam’s tourism revival, it once again welcomes people from far and wide. Follow our travel guide to discover the best things to do in this tranquil seaside town.
Where to stay
You can chose to stay closer to the town or closer to the beach. The Anantara is just a few minutes walk from the old town and a great choice. It’s a beautiful, colonial style hotel with a prime riverside location, clean, spacious rooms and helpful staff. The hotel’s restaurant Lanterns runs a weekly buffet barbecue night with fresh seafood and traditional Vietnamese dishes. You can also dine under the stars at the Riverside Cafe or enjoy live music and drinks at O’Malleys Bar & Grill. Activities include free bike hire, cooking classes and sunset boat rides on the Perfume River (the latter two are chargeable). There’s also a big outdoor pool, a spa, and free morning yoga sessions.
What to do
Hoi An Old Town
Explore the old town by foot or by bike. You can buy a ticket to access the historic buildings or just take a stroll through the streets. The architecture of the city reflects its earlier mix of indigenous and foreign influences, from wooden Chinese shophouses to colourful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
My Son Sanctuary
Visit the ruins at the nearby My Son Sanctuary. My Son was built by the Champa people during the fourth to seventh century as their religious capital and to worship the Hindu god Shiva.
Chàm Islands
If you like diving and snorkelling, go on a boat trip to explore the coral and marine life off the nearby Chàm Islands.
Join a cooking class
Many of the Vietnamese restaurants in the old town offer cooking classes. Just ask!
Where to shop
You can get anything made in Hoi An – from custom-made suits to dresses and shoes, at a fraction of Hong Kong prices. Make sure you have at least a few days for proper fittings and go with a recommendation. Alternatively, Yaly Couture has a few outlets throughout the city – prices are higher but it’s a safer option. Top tip: if you already have a well-fitting pair of shoes or shirt, take it for the tailor to copy.
Lanterns also make great souvenirs. Handmade with wax, wood and silk, they come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes, are not too expensive and are easy to pack and assemble at home.
Where to eat
Ong Hai (Mr Hai)
The menu here comprises just two local dishes: Cao lầu and Mì Quảng. It’s not a glamorous place, but the food is good and prices are cheap.
6A Trương Minh Lượng, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, +84 235 3914 406
Tiệm Bánh Mi Phương
Tiệm Bánh Mi Phương serves the best banh mi in the world (according to celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain) at jaw-droppingly low prices. There are about 12 fillings to choose from and place is usually packed but also offers take away. Delicious and exceptional value for money.
2B Phan Chu Trinh, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, +84 90 574 37 73
Cafe Mrs Diep
This local eatery offers tasty and cheap Vietnamese pancakes and spring rolls cooked and served by friendly staff. Basic surroundings but that’s all part of the experience.
01 Tran Phu Street ,Hoi An Market, Hoi An
Feature image courtesy of Unsplash.
