Hoi An Travel Guide

Facts

Name - Hoi An
Area - 60 sq. km. (23.2 sq. mi.)
Population - 152,000 (as of 2018)
Language - Vietnamese
State - Central Quang Nam Province of Vietnam
Currency - Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone - GMT+7
Religions and Faith - Vietnamese folk religion, and non-religion/atheism, Buddhism, Christianity

Hội An, which was earlier known as Fai-Fo or Faifoo, was declared as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Located in Vietnam's Quảng Nam Province, this city has been exceptionally well-preserved that serves as a magnificent example of historic Southeast Asian trading port center that goes back to the 15th to the 19th century. Hội An (Hoi An) means "peaceful meeting place" and when you roam around the streets of the Old Town you can clearly find the influences of foreign as well as indigenous blend of designs of which the Japanese Bridge is a prominent one.
 

Best Places to Visit

1. Hoi An Night Market
2. Tra Que Vegetable Village
3. Cua Dai Beach
4. The Old House of Phun Hung
5. Cam An Beach
6. Quan Kong Temple
7. Hoi An Ancient Town
8. Kim Bong Carpentry Village
9. An Bang Beach
10. Japanese Covered Bridge

Hoi An Night Market is a must stop for your Hoi An travel. Tra Que Vegetable Village is where you can get the cooking classes of Vietnamese cuisine. Hoi An visit is incomplete if you miss the UNESCO World Heritage Site beaches that offer white sand with tropic blue waves. There are other attractions such as Fujian Assembly Hall, Museum of Sa Huỳnh Culture, Museum of Trade Ceramics which all reflects the various elements of the unique living and history of the place.
 

Best Time to Visit Hoi An - February to April

Hoi An has two seasons. From March until September is the dry season while from October until February is the rainy season. You can plan your Hoi An travel in February to April because the temperature and humidity remains pleasant. The temperature ranges from 18°C to 33°C (64-91℉). Although for most tourist places, visiting during the monsoon is not a wise idea but in Hoi An, the monsoon makes the Old Town particularly attractive. Make sure to carry an umbrella or raincoat during these months.

 See also Hoi An Weather
 

Ranking List of Hoi An Food

1. Cao Lau
2. Banh Mi
3. Mi Quang

Cao Lau is the must-try food during Hoi An travel. It was invented in Hoi An and contains the well water from the city’s Ba Le well as one of the main ingredients along with Char Siu pork. Banh Mi is a crispy baguette and Mi Quang is a signature noodle dish. White Rose Dumplings, Banh Xeo, Fried Wontons are the other quick bites that are served with shrimp, pork and other bean sprouts. Pho is also a popular choice not only for Hoi An but also all across Vietnam. They are bowls filled with broth, slow-cooked meat and greens. 

 

Best Restaurants in Hoi An

1. Aubergine 49 Restaurant: 49A, Ly Thai To Street, Hoi An


Serving contemporary Eurasian cuisine, exquisite wines, and homemade desserts, this is a fine-dining venue. Do not miss the dark chocolate delice, Dalat yogurt sorbet and banoffee pie.
 

2. Ms Ly Café: 22 Nguyen Hue Street, Hoi An


This is legendary dining spot in the city which serves authentic Hoi An dishes such as cao lau, banh bao vac, thit nuong at reasonable prices.
 

3. Quan Dau Bac: 147 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoi An


This is another choice for authentic yet affordable Vietnamese menu which is very close to the Japanese Covered Bridge.
 

Where to Stay - 70 % People Stay near Cua Dai Beach

1. Four Season Resort the Nam Hai
2. Sunrise Premium Resort
3. Little Hoi An Boutique Resort & Spa

For Hoi An travel, the Nam Hai is one of the most elegant establishments and is in close proximity to many historical and natural sites. With state-of-the-art amenities, Four Season Resort the Nam Hai is a contemporary and classy Asian style hotel. It features 3 beachfront pools and a spa. Sunrise Premium Resort is near Cua Dai and is a preferable stay option for your Hoi An travel. The Little Hoi An Boutique Resort & Spa is also near Cua Dai Beach and offers exceptional customer service. Lasenta Boutique Hotel Hoi An is close to Hoi An Ancient Town.
 

Transportation in Hoi An

The nearest airport to Hoi An is Da Nang Airport that mostly connects Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue. VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines are the main carriers while some international flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Cambodia (for Angkor Wat) Hong Kong, and charter flights from China also flies into the airport. From the airport, you can book a private car at around USD13-15. There is no railway station in Hoi An and Da Nang is the closest one. Bus #01 and #09 can take you to the city. You will find two bus stations in Hoi An. The public buses to Da Nang are commonly used by the locals here. The fare is USD 0.86.

Inside the city, you can hire a motorbike or taxi to and from Da Nang. They generally cost around USD 20. Taxi from Da Nang Airport to Hoi An center is about USD 11. For most of the attractions within the city, you can get bike transfers. Rents are at USD0.86 per day. Charter boats cost USD1/hour.
 

Top Shopping Market

1. 155 Art Gallery: 155 Tran Phu Street (next to the Japanese Bridge)


Get water and oil based pieces for wall decoration most of which are inspired from Vietnamese lives.
 

2. Hoi An Night Market: Nguyen Hoang Street, Hoi An


With more than 50 vendors, you can find local snacks, clothing, trinkets, jewelry, and various other accessories that can serve as souvenirs.
 

3. Aobaba Hoi An: 148 Tran Phu Street


This is a loved shop by tourists across the globe because of the extensive textile collection and brilliant tailoring services. You can get suits, dresses, and jackets tailored within as little as 24 hours.
- Last updated on Mar. 16, 2023 by Kate Liu -