Hoi An Travel Blogs

Hoi An Travel Guide: All You Need to Know About Vietnam’s Ancient Town

Hoi An is a charming coastal city in central Vietnam, known for its colorful ancient streets and historic houses. This beautiful town attracts visitors with its lantern-lit streets and the gentle flow of the Thu Bon River.Coming to Hoi An, visitors can see popular spots like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Museum of History and Culture, or enjoy fun activities like boat rides on the river, cooking classes, and biking through the peaceful nearby villages. Incredible Asia Journeys will hook you up with all the details about when to visit, must-see spots, things to do, and how to get there, so you're all set for Hoi An Tours & Excursions.[incredible_toc]Hoi An Town along the river1. Best Time to Visit Hoi AnIf you want to experience Hoi An in its most beautiful moment, let’s explore what is the most perfect time to visit Hoi An!1.1. Dry Season in Hoi AnHoi An climate experiences a tropical climate characterized by clearly defined wet and dry seasons. The dry season lasts from February to August and offers sunny weather, and lower humidity, perfect for exploring the town's ancient streets and cycling through rice paddies. The temperatures are comfortable, and ideal for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.1.2. Rainy Season in Hoi AnIn contrast, the rainy season spans from September to January, with October and November receiving the most rainfall. During these months, humidity rises, and frequent, heavy showers are common. While rain can rejuvenate the landscapes and create a quieter atmosphere, it may limit outdoor activities and beach visits.So, the best time to visit Hoi An depends on personal preferences. However, a lot of tourists like visiting Hoi An in the period from February to April due to the cool and pleasant weather. This period is also less crowded as it falls outside the peak tourism season, ensuring a more peaceful experience.Japanese Bridge in Hoi An2. Best Places to Visit in Hoi AnWhich places in Hoi An are the most worth visiting? Here are the top Hoi An attractions you can’t miss on the Hoi An itinerary:2.1. Hoi An Old TownThe must-visit place in Hoi An is Hoi An Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved architecture that dates back centuries. The town's narrow streets are adorned with beautifully colored lanterns, and the historic buildings reflect a blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese influences. Visitors can explore traditional shops selling silk garments, ceramics, handicrafts, and other local products. The old town comes alive in the evening with its vibrant night markets and delicious street food.Walking in Hoi An Street2.2. Cham IslandCham Island, part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, is a serene getaway located off the coast of Hoi An. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The island also offers pristine beaches, lush greenery, and quaint fishing villages, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.Cham Island2.3. Old House Tan KyThe Old House of Tan Ky is a well-preserved 18th-century merchant's house that provides a glimpse into Hoi An's prosperous trading era. The house showcases a unique fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. Intricate wood carvings, antique furniture, and historical artifacts fill the interior, offering visitors insight into the lifestyle and traditions of wealthy merchant families in Hoi An.2.4. Tra Que Vegetable VillageTra Que Vegetable Village is a tranquil village famous for its organic farming practices. Located just a short bike ride from Hoi An, the village offers visitors a chance to learn about traditional Vietnamese agriculture. Tourists can participate in farming activities, enjoy herbal foot baths, and savor meals made from freshly harvested produce. The lush green fields and serene environment make it a perfect retreat from the bustling town.2.5. Fujian Assembly HallThe Fujian Assembly Hall is a historic temple built by Chinese immigrants from Fujian Province. This majestic hall is adorned with elaborate wood carvings, intricate statues, and ornate decorations. It served as a meeting place for the Chinese community and is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea. The temple's architecture and peaceful garden courtyard provide a serene atmosphere for visitors.2.6. Cua Dai BeachCua Dai BeachCua Dai Beach is a picturesque coastal stretch featuring white sands and gentle waves. It's an ideal spot for relaxation, sunbathing, and swimming. The beachfront is lined with restaurants offering fresh seafood, and visitors can indulge in local dishes while enjoying ocean views. The beach's calm waters and beautiful scenery make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.2.7. An Bang BeachAn Bang Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning panoramic views. It offers a quieter alternative to Cua Dai Beach, with charming beachside cafes and bars where you can unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunrise or sunset. Its relaxed vibe and natural beauty make it a favorite spot for travelers seeking tranquility.2.8. Kim Bong Carpentry VillageKim Bong Carpentry Village is renowned for its skilled artisans who craft wooden boats, furniture, and traditional handicrafts. Located across the river from Hoi An, the village has a long history of carpentry that dates back to the 15th century. Visitors can observe craftsmen at work, learn about traditional woodworking techniques, and purchase beautifully crafted items as souvenirs. The village's cultural heritage and craftsmanship make it a unique destination to explore.Boat Tour in Thu Bon River3. Recommended Things to Do in Hoi AnWhat are things to do in Hoi An for first-timers? Here's a more detailed sharing of the most attractive things to do in Hoi An:3.1. Wander down the old streets of Hoi AnIn all of Hoi An tours, wandering down the old streets of Hoi An is the most interesting activity. Hoi An stands out in Vietnam for its historical charm, having largely avoided the destruction that befell many other cities during the Vietnam War. This fortunate preservation has left Hoi An with a stunning array of architecture in its Old Town, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls to admire the sights. Visitors can marvel at the well-preserved buildings and enjoy the unique atmosphere that this ancient area offers.3.2. Cycle the Hoi An countrysideIf you're traveling to Hoi An, don't miss the chance to explore the surrounding rice paddies, rolling hills, and charming villages in Hoi An. You can join various tours, such as cycling excursions, that will take you to discover hidden beaches, scenic mountain passes, and other beautiful landscapes. These tours offer a perfect way to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the area firsthand.3.3. Taste regional Hoi An dishesQuang Noodle Hoi AnOne of the most interesting things you can’t miss in Hoi An is trying Hoi An food. Hoi An is well-known for its mouthwatering barbecue, especially along the north bank of the Thu Bon River. After sunset, this area comes alive with numerous small charcoal grills offering a variety of barbecued skewers.You can choose from an array of options such as pork, prawns, or chicken. These skewers are typically accompanied by fresh herbs and rice paper wrappers, allowing you to create your wraps with flavorful meat or seafood.3.4. Take a Hoi An cooking classesHoi An is a great destination for culinary enthusiasts, offering numerous cooking classes where you can dive into the art of Vietnamese cuisine. One of the more renowned options is the Gioan Cookery School. Here, you can either enjoy a meal at the restaurant or participate in a Hoi An cooking class tour.These classes often start with a trip to the local market, where you’ll learn about the essential ingredients in Vietnamese cooking. You’ll then get hands-on experience preparing iconic dishes such as Pho noodles, spring rolls, and Banh Xeo, a delicious Vietnamese pancake. Following some opinions of tourists who used to visit Hoi An, learning how to cook Vietnamese Food is one of the best activities in Hoi An that you should try.Com Ga (Chicken Rice) in Hoi An3.5. Tailor Shops in Hoi AnRecently, there has been a trend in Hoi An tailor shops, offering high-quality custom-made clothing at affordable prices. The town is famous for its skilled tailors who can create bespoke suits, dresses, and other garments within a few days during Hoi An trips. Visitors can browse through a wide selection of fabrics and designs, get measured, and have their clothing tailored to fit perfectly.Tailoring in Hoian3.6. Watch the Hoi An Cultural showLune Production is renowned for its world-class contemporary circus, dance, and musical performances, both in Vietnam and internationally. A must-see in Hoi An is their new performance center, where you can experience their latest show, "The Mist". This captivating hour-long spectacle captures the essence of Vietnam with scenes depicting countryside life and mesmerizing ballet performances. It's a mesmerizing experience that will keep you enthralled from start to finish.3.7. Shop for local handicraftsIf you appreciate local arts and crafts, Vietnam offers an abundance of options. Hoi An, in particular, is renowned for its exquisite locally-made products, which you can find in the central market and various shops around town. Additionally, several handicraft villages are situated on the outskirts of Hoi An, where you can take tours to learn about the cultural and historical significance of these crafts. These villages often highlight the work of local minorities, providing unique and meaningful gifts or souvenirs.Lantern in Hoi An4. What's the most convenient way to travel to Hoi An?Here's a detailed guide on transportation options to Hoi An, including how to get around the city and travel options from major Vietnamese cities to Hoi An as well:4.1. How to Get Around Hoi AnExperiencing Hoi An city tour is quite convenient with several options available. Taxis are readily available and offer a comfortable and quick way to travel within the city, with prices starting at around 15,000 VND per kilometer.Another traditional and unique way to explore Hoi An's ancient streets is by Xich-lo (Cyclo), with rides typically costing around 150,000 VND per hour. For a more eco-friendly and flexible option, renting a bicycle is very popular among tourists. Bicycle rentals cost about 20,000-40,000 VND per day, allowing you to leisurely explore the charming streets and nearby attractions.4.2. Traveling to Hoi AnHoi An is accessible from various major cities in Vietnam through multiple convenient transportation options for Central Vietnam Tours. From Hanoi to Hoi AnThe fastest way to travel from Hanoi to Hoi An is by flight. You can fly from Hanoi to Da Nang International Airport, which is about 30 kilometers from Hoi An. The flight takes approx. around 1.5 hours, with economy class ticket prices ranging from 2,000,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND depending on the airline and booking time. From Da Nang, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Hoi An, with taxi fares of around 300,000 VND to 450,000 VND.Alternatively, you can take a train from Hanoi to Da Nang, which takes around 16-17 hours. Trains like SE1, SE3, SE5, and SE7 operate on this route. SE1 departs at 20:55 and SE3 at 19:20. Ticket prices for soft seats range from 700,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND, and soft sleepers from 1,200,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND. Once you arrive in Da Nang, you can continue to Hoi An by taxi or shuttle bus.From Hue to Hoi AnTraveling from Hue to Hoi An is quite straightforward. Shuttle buses operate regularly, taking about 3-4 hours and costing around 120,000 VND to 180,000 VND per person. For more comfort and flexibility, you can hire a private car for about 1,200,000 VND to 1,600,000 VND, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours. For the adventurous, renting a motorbike is an option. The scenic coastal ride takes around 3-4 hours, and motorbike rentals cost about 150,000 VND to 300,000 VND per day.From Da Nang to Hoi AnDa Nang is the nearest major city to Hoi An, making the journey quick and convenient. Taxis are available for the 30-kilometer trip, with fares around 300,000 VND to 450,000 VND, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.Besides, Renting a private car offers similar travel time and costs between 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND. Another popular choice is renting a motorbike for a scenic and quick trip, costing about 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND per day.Bus from Da Nang to Hoi AnStarting from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi AnFlying from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang International Airport is the quickest way to reach Hoi An, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours. Economy class ticket prices range from 2,000,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND. From Da Nang, take a taxi or shuttle bus to Hoi An.Trains from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang take approx. around 17-19 hours. You can choose SE2, which departs at 20:35, or SE4, which departs at 19:00. Ticket prices for soft seats range from 700,000 VND to 8,000,000 VND, and soft sleepers from 1,200,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND. After arriving in Da Nang, you can continue to Hoi An by taxi or shuttle bus.For an overnight travel option, sleeper buses take around 20-22 hours to reach Hoi An from Ho Chi Minh City, with ticket prices ranging from 400,000 VND to 700,000 VND.Hoi An Town StreetBefore your trip to Hoi An, make sure to check out our awesome Hoi An travel guide. We've included all the tips you'll need to plan your visit, including the best time to go, top places to stay, amazing food spots in Hoi An, and much more. We hope it helps you plan your adventure with Incredible Asia Journeys! And don’t hesitate to contact us to secure your spots in Vietnam tour packages today!

Shopping in Hoi An – What to Buy in Vietnam’s City of Lanterns

Hoi An was never made for shopping, but it certainly feels like it is now. The UNESCO World Heritage site lying in the middle of Vietnam was built on a history of trading, born of its advantageous position along the maritime Silk Road. The walls of Hoi An are dripping with history (and a ridiculous amount of rainwater in the wet season) and a building can barely be entered without stepping into a world of a hundred different stories, through maritime, personal and now, retail ventures.The incredible modern shopping scene of Hoi An grew out of the wealth accrued by traders, who plunged their money into the finer things in life, such as tailored clothes, art, and jewelry. The fruits of these ventures are seen today in Hoi An, sitting underneath swinging lanterns and blue skies, waiting for the discerning traveler to find a bargain within their walls. Shopping in Hoi An is now an unmissable experience in Vietnam, one that has garnered worldwide acclaim. Here at Incredible Asia Journeys, we have picked eight of the most fantastic and unique products to take home for yourself or gift to anyone unlucky enough not to be able to make it to this gorgeous and historic town.Hoi An SilkTailored ClothesWe’ll start with the obvious here. Despite a history built on maritime trade, Hoi An nowadays is more popular for the tailors that claim to be able to produce any item of clothing you want. The incredibly low prices ensure a steady flow of business from tourists who want to stock up on their 8th or 9th suit before returning home, where they can expect to pay up to tenfold for a very similar item. Most of the town’s tailors are far from the common Asian idea of cheap knock-offs, using a great deal of skill taught over generations that has formed the backbone of Hoi An’s shopping scene.Though suits are a very popular item for backpackers on a gap year before their accountancy internship starts up, really anything that you can think of can be made by Hoi An’s artisan tailors. Simply show them a picture, wait patiently while every corner of your being is measured, select your material and color and sit back for one or two days while the magicians do their thing. If you use a reputable tailor, you can expect a near-perfect replica for a fraction of the price.Tuong Silk TailorWhere to shop in Hoi An for tailored clothes? Where not to shop should be the question. The staggering amount of choice of tailored clothes shops in Hoi An can overshadow the beauty of the town, as competition for customers is fierce and sometimes verbally intimidating. Picking one of the respected tailors might give you a slightly higher price tag, but the increase in quality and the attentive but relaxed service you will receive is worth the price. Head to Tuong Tailor (67 Tran Hung Dao, +84 235 3863 573) or B’Lan Silk (23 Tran Phu Street, +84 510 386 1866) for reasonable prices and a complete absence of pushy service.Ethnic Minority ProductsFor the most wholesome of Hoi An shopping experiences, head to some of the shops specializing in selling ethnic minority clothing and products that usually don’t make it to mainstream society. It seems a waste to confine the beautiful colors and geometric patterns of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities’ clothing to the rural enclaves in which they were lovingly and arduously stitched. Hoi An is branching out into new avenues, and now tourists can buy clothing that will certainly set them apart from the crowd.The vivid colors of the various H’mong tribes who reside in the north of the country are well represented here. The rainbow of colorful, patterned dresses and headscarves feature in the photos of so many travelers to Sapa, and they now have a market in Hoi An thanks to shops like.Village Craft Planet in Hoi AnWhere to shop in Hoi An for ethnic minority products? As mentioned above, VillageCraft Planet (59 Phan Boi Chau, +84 909 696 578) is a fantastic service that puts respect and fair trade at the forefront of their business philosophy. They sell everything from clothes and shoes to furnishings and jewelry, all at a reasonable price that goes a surprisingly long way to helping hill tribes around the country with low incomes.Tuong MasksIt’s hard to think of a better place to buy one of Vietnam’s most culture-soaked products than in its capital of culture. The history of Tuong masks stretches back over 1000 years and its origins, like many other forms of traditional entertainment like water puppetry, are found in the rice fields. After a successful harvest, villagers would don elaborate and colorful masks (or sit still for upwards of 8 hours while a professional painstakingly painted one onto their face) and entertain the villagers with singing and scandalous storylines, known as Tuong Opera.Of course, Tuong is a very rare form of art in today’s modern world, but Hoi An’s shopping scene has a small corner devoted to keeping the tradition alive. Though delicate and requiring a lot of care in getting home, these brazen and bold masks make a wonderful gift or a fantastic way to scare your kids into doing their homework.Tuong MasksWhere to shop in Hoi An for Tuong masks? The fantastic staff at The Timing Masks Workshop (66 Bach Dang, +84 235 3959 159) are warm, patient and passionate when taking you through the history of some of the huge array of masks on offer. The owner, Phong Bui, offers workshops that are a great way for kids and adults to learn of a charming piece of Vietnamese history.ArtIt is a mix of Hoi An’s beautifully evocative streets and its history of wealthy residents and art patrons that make it the best place to find fantastic art throughout the country. The classical, finely-painted Vietnamese scenes sit alongside more contemporary offerings in the galleries and art shops of Hoi An, meaning you will be spoiled for choice amidst centuries of artistic culture. Smaller pieces are obviously easier to transport home, so small ink-paintings on traditional do paper are among some of the more popular things to buy in Hoi An.Art Gallery in Hoi AnWhere to shop in Hoi An for art? Given the wealth of choice on offer, there is certainly not one specific place to satisfy your artistic sensibilities. Check out Gallery Dung (93B Phan Chau Trinh) for incredibly intricate ink paintings and postcards for cheap, while 155 Art Gallery (155 Tran Phu Street) provides those idyllic Hoi An motifs of palm trees, bicycles, and ancient house life. Phu Tam Photography (99 Nguyen Thai Hoc) is a great place to buy stunning photos by an internationally acclaimed artist, while Art House Vietnam Gallery (692 Hai Ba Trung) is the mecca for Vietnam’s contemporary artists, who sell their experimental pieces within its walls.LanternsIt shouldn’t take you more than one try to guess how Hoi An earned its moniker of the ‘City of Lanterns’. Any riverside stroll at night will be accompanied by the beautiful, calming light of hundreds of lanterns that has been present in Hoi An for centuries, lighting the late-night activities of tradesmen and sailors to the port town. Most tourists become rightfully enraptured by the lanterns and decide to buy several to take home and, if not for restricted luggage space and the delicate manner of the lanterns, they would probably bleed Hoi An dry, such is the love for one of Vietnam’s most beautiful decorations.Lantern Shop in Hoi AnWhere to shop in Hoi An for lanterns?You can resist the urge to steal the lanterns hanging outside of shops; buying lanterns in Hoi An is very easy and very affordable. The shops aren’t hard to spot either, just look out for the collective blinding glow of hundreds of lanterns hanging in one small area. Places like Dé Lantana Silk Lantern & Lamp (35 Ly Thai To, +84 510 6288 789) offer a range beyond your imagination, with plain lanterns sitting alongside incredibly extravagant ones, all for a price that won’t break the bank.Leather ProductsNot far from the world of personally tailored clothing is one of similar depth – leather. A walk down the streets of Hoi An is sure to be one flanked by leather bags hanging outside of doors, enticing potential tourists in with their sleek, smart look that will accompany your new suit most delightfully. Aside from the typical bags, shopping around Hoi An a bit will reveal a whole world of other products such as shoes, notebooks, belts and watch straps. Quality varies wildly between a lot of these shops as a void in supply has harbored the standard cheap products tended by overly-pushy staff. Many of them will be all-too-quick to pull out their lighters and torch their products in a bid to show you that the leather is real. Though it might be, the handiwork might be shoddy and the quality of the leather might just be one tiny step above flammable.Leather productsWhere to shop in Hoi An for leather products?Friendly Shoe Shop (18 Tran Phu, +84 935 211 382) have certainly done their research into what tourists want, as their big pull is the unassertive service that you’ll receive while perusing the shoes here. Along with this is their genuine top quality, one that is matched quite comfortably by Tu-Chi Leather Shop (24 Duong Phan Boi Chau, +84 905 216 515), who have a wider range of leather goods available.Kim Bong Wooden ArtOn the island of Cam Kim in Hoi An, you will find a village with a strong woodworking heritage, where wooden figurines, statues and furniture pile up in houses, awaiting shipment around the center of Vietnam. Kim Bong is the name of the village and it’s accessible on several day tours from Hoi An. The artisans of Kim Bong are experienced in the art of shell inlay, used to create incredible scenes with an iridescent beauty on wooden platforms. Once shells are selected, they are cut into various shapes and glued into fitted holes in a circular piece of wood before being polished. The result is a stunning piece of art, full of Vietnamese motifs and made of nothing but natural materials.Kim Bong wood art in Hoi AnWhere to shop in Hoi An for Kim Bong wooden art?Heading straight to the source is really the best thing you can do here for the most authentic product. While there are bound to be several knock-offs, the craftsmanship that goes into a piece of wooden art from Kim Bong is monumental and should be fairly easy to recognize at first glance. A stroll or cycle around Kim Bong will open up the world of shell inlay for you.JewelryOstentatious jewelry historically lay at the heart of the good life for Vietnam’s richest merchants in Hoi An. Huge incomes from successful trading were transferred into items of gold, diamond, and pearl, worn enthusiastically by the elite to display their wealth. Things are different now, of course, and Hoi An’s many jewelers are open to the general public, offering quality items for cheaper than you may find them elsewhere. Following the modern traditions of Hoi An, shopping for jewelry is a tailored experience. Simply show your picture to the goldsmith and await the results.Lotus Jewelry ShopWhere to shop in Hoi An for Jewellery?This is one of the highest-risk ventures in Hoi An because of how hard it is for the untrained eye to tell the quality of precious metals. There are many trustworthy shops, however, if you know where to look. Try Bien Bac Jewellery Shop (55 Hoang Dieu Street, +84 5103 862 353) or Bac Viet Quality Jewelry (10 Pham Hong Thai Street, +84 905 550 062) for pendants, necklaces, rings, bracelets and beyond that can be tailored to your specifications at a fraction of the international price.