Top 7 Hoi An Hidden Gems

If I had to name my favorite place in Southeast Asia, the answer would come easily: I've lost my heart to Hoi An, the small town in the elongated country of Vietnam. Here you'll experience a perfect mix of culture and beach. Trust me, you'll love it too!

During the day, the buildings of Hoi An, which are a fusion of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architecture, shine in their vibrant colors. But it is only at night that the town on the Thu Bon River reveals its true beauty. Lanterns and soft lighting create a truly special ambiance. There's nothing better than exploring Hoi An's night markets, watching floating candles on the river, and trying Vietnamese specialties in the excellent restaurants. Who knows, you might leave this charming place with a new perfectly fitting suit or your new favorite dress, as there are no other places with more tailors. What you can experience in enchanting Hoi An, Vietnam, I'll share in this article.

Hoi An is located in the middle of the elongated country of Vietnam at the delta of the Thu Bon River. The best way to travel is on a round trip through the country along the South China Sea from Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Hanoi in the north.

However, if you only want to visit the wonderful town of Hoi An, you can fly into the nearby airport in Da Nang. The airport is only 30 kilometers from Hoi An, so you can easily take a taxi upon arrival. This ride should cost no more than around $20 - by the way, the green Mai Linh taxis are trustworthy.

In Hoi An, there's accommodation for everyone. Since all the attractions can be reached by foot or by bike, I recommend looking for a centrally located hotel. A budget-friendly yet good place to stay is the Flower Garden Homestay or the 4-star Hoi An Historic Hotel. Right by the beach, alongside luxurious resorts, there are also some private accommodations that you can book through Airbnb.

Ah, the old town of Hoi An is simply beautiful! No wonder it's protected by UNESCO and has been designated a World Heritage Site. Hoi An grew to become the most significant trading port in Vietnam in the 16th century, where trade between China and Japan was conducted. During this time, it flourished, and some sailors settled in the port city. As you can imagine, valuable silk, porcelain, and Chinese medicine were traded here. European sailors from Portugal, the Netherlands, England, and France also came here to buy valuable goods. By the end of the 19th century, the port of Hoi An quickly lost its importance as trade was conducted through coastal cities in present-day Malaysia.

Fortunately, Hoi An was spared from severe damage during the Vietnam War, so you can find a unique blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architecture. Start your sightseeing tour at the Thu Bon River and let the beauty of the town wash over you. Water lilies float alongside wooden fishing boats on the water, bridges span the river, and tourists can be seen relaxing in cozy local spots. Stroll from the river to the Japanese Bridge, which is the town's landmark. Construction began in 1596, in the Year of the Monkey, and was completed in 1595, in the Year of the Dog. A pair of these animals sits at each end of the historic bridge, watching over the river for hundreds of years. Back then, the bridge connected the Japanese and Chinese quarters of the town on either side of the riverbanks.

Now, you find yourself on Tran Phu Street, where you can admire all the wonderful ornate buildings. Take a look into every side street, small shops, and courtyards. Then it's best to wander back along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street.

During your walk, you'll pass different old houses, museums, and assembly halls, with the opportunity to participate in art workshops. I highly recommend visiting the Chinese Assembly Hall Fukian, built in the 17th century. The building looks like it's painted from a storybook with pink facades, curved roofs, white ornaments, and colorful lanterns. It is still a center of faith for the residents of Hoi An. In the courtyard, you'll find a small pond, and everywhere you can smell incense sticks.

Now, turn your gaze towards the sky. What you can see there will astonish organized people: Cables and wires are strung everywhere in a crosshatch fashion. It seems that when a damage occurs, no repairs are made, but rather new lines are laid - a proper mess of cables.

Unlike in the polarizing metropolises of Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, where you can hardly escape the scooters and motorcycles, life in the once fishing village along the Thu Bon River is a bit more leisurely. I recommend renting a bike or scooter, as it allows you to quickly explore the town, ride to the harbor and market, and even reach the nearby beach in just a few minutes. This way, you'll get to know Vietnamese traffic in a more laid-back manner. By the way, the narrow alleys where the main attractions of Hoi An are located are even pedestrian zones.

Clothes make the person - we've learned this at the latest since the eponymous required reading by Gottfried Keller in school. In Hoi An, your clothing wishes and dreams can come true! There are so many tailors here, unlike anywhere else in Vietnam. Have suits or beautiful, unique dresses custom-made just for you. This is a must when visiting Hoi An! In the shops, you have a wide selection of fabrics, tulle, buttons, and zippers. You can either choose a style like Cavalli, Armani, etc., from a booklet or bring a printed picture of your dream piece with you. The tailors will take your measurements and get to work. Usually, the first fitting occurs on the same day, with a second fitting the next day, until your clothing item is finished and you're completely satisfied. Your new favorite pieces will be ready within two days. I particularly recommend Kimmy Custom Tailor. Ask your tailor, as you'll often be allowed a behind-the-scenes look and can watch your items being crafted.

But it's not just clothing that is tailored; high-quality leather shoes and bags are also handcrafted by locals. However, it is generally advisable to invest in high-quality fabrics and materials. Because here, good quality comes at a price.

If your suitcase is already full or you don't want to carry a new suit across the country on your backpacking trip, that's no problem either: Many tailors will send your clothes to Europe. When you are back home, filled with wanderlust and dreaming of new garments, you can even have more pieces made at Kimmy Custom Tailor. Once your measurements are taken, the tailor will keep them on file. The next occasion for an extraordinary piece or suit will undoubtedly come.

After exploring the sights of the city in the morning, you can enjoy the sun on nearby beaches in the afternoon. Cua Dai Beach is about four kilometers from the town and will impress you with its fine sand and clear water. A bit further north awaits An Bang Beach, which, in my opinion, is even more beautiful and often deserted. In small restaurants, whose loungers you may use for free, you can grab a snack.

You can reach Cua Dai Beach in about half an hour by bike. The road takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, past flooded rice fields and water buffalos.

Off the coast of Hoi An are the Cham Islands, which offer more beach paradises that are within reach. Eight small islands, all part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, attract not only with beautiful, wide beaches but also with true authenticity, allowing you to learn more about Vietnamese culture. Various providers in Hoi An can arrange a comprehensive excursion package that includes boat transportation and lunch, so you don't have to worry about anything. Prices range from €25-60, depending on what your trip to the Cham Islands should include, whether you want to travel by speedboat or regular ferry, or what meals you would like. Most excursions include visits to minor attractions, trips to the most beautiful beaches, and a small stop to snorkel in the clear water and observe marine life.

If you'd prefer to do the trip on your own, take the ferry from Cua Dai Pier in Hoi An to the harbor of Cua Lao Cham Island. The ride will cost you around €3 on the regular ferry and €8 on the speed ferry.

Vietnamese cuisine has quite a few surprises to offer. But what you get served in Hoi An surpasses everything! In Vietnam, there are some specialties that are only served in certain cities or regions. In the historic port city, you will traditionally find Cao Lau, a dish of brown rice noodles and thin slices of pork, with Asian herbs and a dark, aromatic sauce. But be careful, watch out for the accompanying chili. Hoi An is also known for the dish Banh Bao, or White Roses. Small round rice papers are filled with shrimp and meat.

In the city, you'll find some great restaurants at every price level. Even if you want to save money, at least invest in one dinner at one of the exclusive restaurants.

Of course, there's nothing better than being cooked for on vacation. But a special culinary experience is a cooking class where you'll be initiated into the high art of Vietnamese cuisine. These cooking classes often start at the market in the old town, where the ingredients are gathered, and you'll first get an introduction to all the exotic ingredients. Or do you know which type of ginger is the spiciest?

I can truly recommend the Green Bamboo Cooking School & Cafe. The course costs $50 per person, including all ingredients and drinks. Here, you can learn to prepare dishes such as Vietnamese soups, grilled fish in banana leaves, and papaya salad. Visitors are even allowed to choose their favorite Vietnamese dishes from a long list.

Of course, the market is a culinary and cultural experience in and of itself and is worthwhile visiting - even without a cooking class. The market is primarily for locals and offers fresh vegetables, fish, meat, and everything a Vietnamese household needs.

Hoi An is particularly beautiful at night when numerous lights and lanterns emit a special charm. The lights reflect on the river, and you can unwind in one of the countless restaurants or bars to end the day. Every evening, a charming night market takes place on the small island in the old town. On the streets of Hoi An, you can buy souvenirs, clothing, and colorful lanterns, and taste typical delights from food stalls and street vendors. On full moon nights, all electric lighting is turned off, and thousands of colorful lanterns provide soft light. A wonderful sight especially by the river, where many lanterns float.

By now, numerous backpackers and independent travelers have found their way to this wonderful town. It's no surprise that many atmospheric clubs and bars have opened their doors, offering cheap drinks.

So, did I promise you too much? Even though Hoi An is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam alongside Halong Bay, you can still enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town. Especially since tourism is a significant source of income for the locals, they are always eager to make your stay as pleasant as possible and show you a part of their culture. If you wish to discover Hoi An or other highlights in Vietnam soon, I recommend checking out my booking section. There you will find great offers that you can book easily.