Every day, locals and foreigners flock to the bustling streets of Hoi An, an ancient town managed to live through the Vietnam War unscathed, one that has so much culture and heritage to offer. From the cosy apparel stores to traditional Hoi An cuisine and cultural sights housing years of history, here is a list of things you must try to make the most of your trip worth it.
Shop along Hoi An’s Beautiful Streets
Walk down streets adorned with colourful lanterns above and admire the French-colonial architecture of this small but mighty town, as you satisfy your shopping needs at bargainable prices. One can find stores selling traditional items as well as some retailing modern clothes and amenities. Enter shops at no cost and check out what unique offerings they have on sale. For a unique souvenir, buy a silk lantern that many believe to bring good health and happiness.
Go on a Basket Boat Tour
Check out the surrounding villages via a basket boat ride, a truly unique experience. Sweep the waters under your weaved bowl-shaped boat as you drift further into the coconut forest. Try not to fall into the waters as the boat rocks and spins wildly during the exhilarating ride!
Cycle through Hoi An
Scour the countryside where locals live and breeze through the acres of paddy fields on a bicycle, with guided bicycle tours covering anywhere from 5 to 30 kilometres.
From time to time, you’ll see a company of rickshaws run through the aisle of this yellow town with tourists seated inside. If your legs feel tired after a heavy lunch, experience being chauffeured through the town on a rickshaw, a ride that should not set you back more than US$4.
Learn about Hoi An’s History
Join a guided tour or do your own exploration of the following famous historical attractions of Hoi An.
Japanese Covered Bridge
Walk through an 18th-century wooden covered bridge and admire the zodiac sculptures displayed inside. Entrance is free though donating some money for the attraction’s maintenance is appreciated.
Address: Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam 564010, Vietnam
Opening Hours: 24/7
Museum of Trade Ceramics
Situated inside a traditional Vietnamese house, the museum houses exhibits of pottery and ceramics dating back to the 7th century. These treasures of ancient days carry origins of Chinese, Middle Eastern and Japanese influence.
Address: 10B Trần Hưng Đạo, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 7am - 5pm
Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese
Step into the sacred four walls of the main shrine, where it is believed to be home to the Goddess of One of the largest historic attractions in Hoi An is the Assembly Hall of Fujian Chinese. From its majestic heavenly entrance to the tiny details along the wall, every inch speaks of the history of the Chinese influence in Vietnam. Step into the sacred four walls of the main shrine, where it is believed to be home to the Goddess of Good Business and God of Fortune altar.
Address: 46 Trần Phú, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 7am - 5pm
Chow Down at Famous Bánh Mì Shops
Refuel your body with delicious bánh mì! Bánh Mì is basically a stuffed French baguette with fillings. Wheat is substituted with flour, which is probably why the baguettes in Vietnam are much lighter and crisp.
It is a battle between two famous bánh mì shops in Hoi An, so good that we have to list them both down. In no particular order, the first of the two is Bánh Mì Phượng (pictured above), which claims to offer one of the best Vietnamese sandwiches that Anthony Bourdain has tried. The second is Madam Khanh Bánh Mì, whose owner makes and sells the sandwiches herself every day, a friendly granny whose fans now dub as the “Bánh Mì Queen”. Try them for yourself and decide which is better!
Addresses and Opening Hours:
Bánh Mì Phượng
2b Phan Chu Trinh, Cẩm Châu, Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000, Vietnam
Monday - Sunday: 6:30am - 9:30pm
Madam Khanh Bánh Mì
115 Trần Cao Vân, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam
Monday - Sunday: 6:30am - 7:30am
Getting to Hoi An
There are no domestic or international airports in this quaint little town that allows you to fly in from the other parts of the world, so you will have to travel into Hoi An from Da Nang, with transportation options that include tour buses, private car hires and motorbikes.
To take note of if you are arriving by motorbike: parking motorbikes at Hoi An is not free. An attendant from the local parking area in Hoi An stows the bike for you and looks after them till you return.
To see what else there is to do in Hoi An, continue reading on to 5 Things to Try in Hoi An at Night where we explore the variety of activities to do after nightfall.
