Hoi An Overview

In the history, Hoi An used to be a busy harbor a commercial center on the bank of Thu Bon River. It was also the meeting point of many cultures such as Vietnamese, Champa, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese. As a result, Hoi An is a rich land in terms of history, culture, commerce as well as architecture. It is a must-see for travelers on their trip to Vietnam.

What to see and what to do in Hoi An?

Hoi An is as gorgeous and charming as an old picture. Hoi An owns the beauty of Western, as well as Eastern architecture. Roaming around Hoi An Ancient Town, you may feel very peaceful like walking in the ancient world where there’s no car, gases and noise of vehicles. 

Here still remain many old structures, temples, pagodas and ancient homes. Each of them has unique and impressive beauty. The most outstanding attractions of Hoi An are Hoi An Ancient Town, Hoi An Riverside, Bridge Temple (Chua Cau), Thu Bon River,  Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Museum of History & Culture,  Fujian Assembly Hall, Hoi An Museum of Trade Ceramics and Chuc Thanh Pagoda.

Despite being an ancient and quiet town, there are a lot of exciting activities for tourists. You might enjoy a walking tour or a cyclo tour around the ancient town, swimming in Cua Dai Beach or taking a short cruise tour in Thu Bon River.

Especially, Hoi An is a commercial town so there are a lot of stores, shops and souvenirs for you to go shopping. Here you can buy gifts for family members and friends or have your outfits sewn by skillful and famous tailors in Hoi An.

 Last but not least, on the 15th day of every lunar month, you will have chance witness lantern festival on Thu Bon River of people in Hoi An.

Click on the link to see The best things to do in Hoi An.

What to eat and drink in Hoi An?

As the meeting point of different cultures, Hoi An’s specialties is also under the influence of Chinese, French and Japanese but still keep the characteristic of Vietnamese’s food.

Going through the streets in ancient towns of Hoi An, there are a lot of street food stalls that worth tasting. The most famous specialties in Hoi An are Cao Lau (Rice Noodles With Barbecued Pork, Greens And Croutons) at Thanh Cao Lau (26 Thai Phien Street, Com ga Ba Buoi (Chicken Rice) on 22 Phan Chau Trinh Str., Banh My Phuong (Vietnamese Baguette with roasted pork, fried fish, boiled sausages, meatballs, boiled chicken or fried egg) on 2B Phan Chau Trinh Str., Banh Bao Vac (White Rose Dumplings) at Hoa Hong Trang (White Rose) on Hai Ba Trung Str., Banh Xeo (Crispy Pancake) at Gieng Ba Le on 47/51 Tran Hung Dao Str., etc.

Besides, there are a lot of bar and clubs at night in Hoi An. Beers, wine and tequila are all within your reach. 

When to visit Hoi An?

The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April. During these months, the weather becomes cooler, humid and less rainy. This time we will have the warm sunshine. From June to August can be not so good time because it gets extremely hot and sunny. Even the locals feel uncomfortable with the high temperature.  From October to November is the rainy season so it may flood also.