Hoi An | Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that has preserved its cultural attractions despite the industrialization the modern times have brought.
You can always see corners around the cities that exhibit that distinct Vietnamese tradition but there is an entire town that has continued to uphold the country's ancient beauty and heritage.
Welcome to Hoi An Ancient Town!
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| close your eyes and make a wish as you release your lantern down the river |
This town has been acclaimed as a UNESCO National Heritage Site and its government has consistently maintained its original vintage features while adding some more activities and attractions for the tourists.
Let's take a peek at this little town and what it has to offer.
📌 THINGS TO DO
Night Market by the River
Situated amidst the town center, the river seems to hold the ancient streets together. Cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops line up the riverbanks while boats are docked on the opposite sides. Then at night everything shifts into a glistening paradise from the paper lanterns hung all over the town.
The best time to ultimately enjoy Hoi An is at night when all the food stalls and shops are open. Despite the ancient vibe, there are still dance clubs and pubs for the avid partygoers.
Food Trip
During the day, most cafes are also filled with people especially during the holidays, but you'll never run out of options. Where or what to eat should be the least of your worries when you're in Hoi An. Most food shops there don't just serve local cuisines, they also have a wide selection of international dishes.
Bike around Town
Aside from pigging out and getting coffee-drunk, you can also drive around town on a motorbike or a bicycle. You can rent the bikes from your hotel or from the stalls around the river. The couple bikes were my favorite! 😊
Walking Tours
The old town street is cramped with shops that you'd feel like going through a maze. Insider tip: get a tourist map or just enjoy strolling around getting lost in time. You can also go on a walking tour and get exclusive passes and guided excursions to temples and other ancient establishments.
Handicrafts & Tailored Clothes
If you have all the time to spare, you can learn a new skill in arts and crafts. There are workshops just around the old town streets offering lantern-making sessions. Hoi An is also known for their amazing custom-made suits and dresses. It has become a destination for tailored ao dai or the Vietnamese traditional dress.
Boat Trips & Cultural Shows
While the main attraction is the night market by the river, more tourist agencies are offering boat tours, cruises and cultural shows which you can also get from your hotel reception desk. The basket boat ride is a must-try! Also, you shouldn't miss taking that magnificent boat ride and releasing a lantern to the river.
📌 ACCOMMODATION
The town has a number of options when it comes to boutique hotels, backpacker hostels and even five-star accommodation. Just remember to book online in advance especially during the holidays.
📌 GETTING THERE
The main entry points of Vietnam are usually Hanoi, the capital city, or Ho Chi Minh (HCM) down south, but some Asian countries have direct flights to Hoi An's nearby province, Da Nang. From Hanoi or HCM, taking the plane is the best and most practical choice timewise. Since Hoi An doesn't have its own airport yet, most travelers alight at Da Nang Airport. You can directly book tickets online via three of the major airlines operating in the country: Vietjet (budget airline), Vietnam Airlines, & Bamboo Airways.
From Da Nang Airport, you may take the taxi going to Hoi An. While there are many reports about taxi or fare scams across the country, this area could be an exemption. Based on experience, the people there were accommodating, honest and helpful without ulterior motives.
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| couldn't miss wearing this beautiful ao dai here in Hoi An |
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