Hoi An: Discovering the timeless beauty of the Hoai River

From the moss-covered alleys of the old town to the tranquil An Bang beach, this guide will suggest must-see destinations, must-try specialties and practical experiences for your trip to Hoi An.

Hoi An welcomes visitors with a nostalgic atmosphere where time seems to slow down. Strolling along the cobblestone streets, admiring the characteristic yellow-walled houses and vibrant bougainvillea vines, you will feel the rare tranquility of an ancient city that was once one of the busiest trading ports in Southeast Asia.

The ancient beauty of Hoi An always captivates tourists.

The imprint of time in the heart of the old town.

The heart of Hoi An lies within its Old Town, where every street corner and every rooftop tells a story of history. This is the ideal area for exploring on foot and experiencing the local way of life.

Japanese Bridge: A symbol of Hoi An

Considered the soul of the Old Quarter, the Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu) is a unique architectural masterpiece built by Japanese merchants in the 17th century. The wooden-roofed bridge spans a small branch of the Thu Bồn River, boasting exquisite architecture and a strong influence of cultural exchange. Inside the temple is the shrine of Bắc Đế Trấn Võ, the guardian deity of the region.

The Japanese Bridge is an iconic image of Hoi An, appearing on the 20,000 VND banknote.

Old houses and assembly halls

The Old Quarter is home to many centuries-old houses and Chinese assembly halls, bearing witness to a period of flourishing trade.

• Tan Ky Ancient House: With a history spanning over 200 years, this is one of the most well-preserved ancient houses, showcasing a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture.
• Fujian Assembly Hall: A magnificent structure, it is a place of worship for the Goddess of the Sea, the patron deity of seafaring merchants. The space here is impressive with its large incense rings and exquisite carvings.
• Chaozhou Assembly Hall: Featuring wood carvings and ceramics, the assembly hall is a place of worship for General Ma Yuan, the patron deity of seafarers.

The Chaozhou Assembly Hall is one of the representative architectural works in the old town.

Boat trip on the Hoai River

As dusk falls, a boat trip on the Hoai River and releasing floating lanterns is an unmissable experience. The river becomes shimmering with lights from both banks and the sparkling lanterns, creating a magical and romantic scene.

Explore the vibrant surrounding area.

Beyond the ancient town, Hoi An boasts many other attractive destinations in the surrounding areas, from tranquil beaches to traditional craft villages.

An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach

Located just about 7km from the city center, An Bang Beach boasts pristine beauty with its fine white sand and clear blue waters. It's an ideal place to relax, swim, and enjoy fresh seafood. Cua Dai Beach, despite being affected by erosion, remains a delightful destination for strolling and sightseeing.

An Bang Beach offers a peaceful space for rest and relaxation.

Traditional craft villages

• Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Located about 3km from Hoi An, this pottery village, over 500 years old, is where visitors can learn about the traditional pottery-making process and create their own products.
• Tra Que Vegetable Village: Famous for its lush green vegetable gardens grown using organic methods. Visitors can experience a day as a farmer and enjoy dishes made from fresh, organically grown vegetables.
• Bay Mau Coconut Forest: Often described as a "miniature Mekong Delta," this eco- tourism area offers the experience of riding in basket boats, weaving through lush green coconut groves, and watching unique basket boat dance performances.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest is an attractive eco-tourism destination near Hoi An.

A world of unique cuisine

A trip to Hoi An wouldn't be complete without experiencing its cuisine. The dishes here have distinctive flavors, reflecting the cultural fusion of this heritage land.

• Cao Lau: Hoi An's most signature dish, featuring chewy noodles, char siu pork, fresh vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce.
• Hoi An bread: World-renowned for brands like Banh Mi Phuong and Madam Khanh, this crispy baguette boasts a variety of fillings, subtly blending flavors.
• Chicken rice: Rice cooked in chicken broth, giving it a golden color and distinctive aroma, served with shredded chicken, papaya salad, and herbs.
• Street food: Don't forget to try Hoi An sweet soup, herbal Mot drink, clam stir-fry with rice crackers, steamed rice cakes in small bowls, or tofu pudding to fully experience the street food flavors here.

Cao Lau is a dish that bears the distinctive culinary imprint of Hoi An.

Practical information for the trip

The ideal time

The best time to visit Hoi An is during the dry season, from February to August. In particular, from February to April, the weather is cool, with little rain and gentle sunshine, making it ideal for sightseeing activities.

Move

• Getting to Hoi An: The most common way is to fly to Da Nang airport, then travel by taxi or bus for about 30km to Hoi An. Alternatively, you can also take a train to Da Nang station or a coach.
• In Hoi An: Bicycles are a great way to explore the old town. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike, take a cyclo, or a taxi to get to more distant points of interest.

Accommodation and costs

Hoi An offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from homestays in the old town to luxurious beachfront resorts like Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. The cost for a 3-day, 2-night trip ranges from approximately 4,500,000 to 5,000,000 VND per person, depending on transportation, food, and accommodation choices.

Soup to take home

Lanterns are the most characteristic souvenir from Hoi An. Besides lanterns, you can also buy silk, handicrafts, mung bean cakes, or clay figurines as gifts for your loved ones.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/hoi-an-kham-pha-ve-dep-vuot-thoi-gian-ben-song-hoai-3310385.html