Vietnam is a gorgeous country full of ancient towns that can transport you back in time with their unique mix of history and culture. One such town is Hoi An, an ancient port city that was the trading center of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Located in central Vietnam, Hoi An is well-preserved and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town boasts stunning historic sites, fantastic food, and a vibrant atmosphere that has earned it a reputation as one of the top places to visit in Vietnam.

History

Originally a Cham seaport, Hoi An was a major trading center between the 16th and 19th centuries. During this time, the city attracted merchants from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. This cosmopolitan mix of cultures can still be seen today in the Chinese-style temples and pagodas, the colorful French-style shop-houses, and the rustic Japanese-style wooden bridges that span the canals.

What to See

Hoi An offers visitors plenty of fascinating things to see and do, from exploring the ancient streets to discovering the unique mix of cultures that make up the city. Here are some of the top sites to visit when in Hoi An:

  • Old Town: The Old Town of Hoi An is the perfect place to explore and get a feel for the city, with its colorful shop-houses, traditional markets, and vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to check out the Japanese Covered Bridge, the oldest of its kind in Vietnam.
  • Fujian Assembly Hall: One of the oldest temples in Hoi An, the Fujian Assembly Hall was built in the late 1700s. The temple is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher and teacher Mazu, who is considered the patron saint of Hoi An.
  • An Bang Beach: An Bang Beach is where the locals go to relax, and the beach offers a stunning stretch of white sand and sparkling turquoise waters. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the beach, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
  • My Son Sanctuary: My Son Sanctuary is an archaeological site located in the jungle and is home to a number of Hindu temple ruins dating back to the 4th century. A visit to My Son is a great way to get an insight into the history of the region.
  • Hoi An Night Market: The Hoi An Night Market is the perfect place to find souvenirs and delicious local snacks. The market is full of colorful stalls selling traditional crafts, handmade goods, and unique clothing.
  • Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a charming village that has been making and selling ceramic and pottery wares for centuries. The village offers visitors the chance to try their hand at making their own pottery creations.
  • Tra Que Village: Tra Que Village is an idyllic and peaceful rural village located just outside of Hoi An. The village is best known for its delicious vegetable farm, which produces some of the freshest and best-tasting vegetables in the area.

Food Culture

Hoi An is known for its fantastic food scene and boasts a number of delicious restaurants and cafes. You can find all kinds of local specialties here, from seafood dishes to Vietnamese-style noodle soups. Be sure to try the famous Cao Lau, a Hoi An specialty made with thick rice noodles and pork shoulder, as well as the Banh Mi, a tasty Vietnamese sandwich.

Unique Experiences

Hoi An has plenty of unique experiences for visitors to enjoy, from the vibrant markets to the peaceful water villages. One of the most unique experiences in Hoi An is the lantern festival that takes place on the full moon. During this time, the streets come alive with thousands of colorful lanterns and the atmosphere is full of celebration and joy.

Getting to Hoi An

Hoi An is located in central Vietnam, just south of Da Nang. The best way to get to Hoi An is by plane, with daily flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. From the airport, it’s a short taxi ride to the center of town. You can also take an overnight train from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and there are frequent buses and shuttle services that depart from both cities.

More to Explore

The province of Quang Nam has plenty of other nearby cities and attractions that are definitely worth visiting. Some of the top places to visit include the town of Hue, the Marble Mountains, and the Cham Islands.

Tripfany can help you plan your perfect itinerary and find the best places to visit in Quang Nam. Book your trip with us and we’ll make sure you have a fantastic time in Vietnam.

Conclusion

From its ancient streets to its vibrant mix of cultures, Hoi An is an amazing city that is full of fascinating things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-filled cultural experience, you’ll find it in Hoi An. With Tripfany, planning your trip to Hoi An is easy and stress-free.