Hoi An, nestled along the Thu Bon River in central Vietnam, was once one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports. From as early as the 15th century, it welcomed merchants from Japan, China, India, and Europe, who came to trade spices, silk, and ceramics. These cultural exchanges gave Hoi An its distinct blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architecture — still visible today in the town’s temples, wooden shophouses, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.
By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, trade shifted to nearby Da Nang, and Hoi An quietly faded from the global map. Ironically, this decline preserved the town’s old-world charm, making it a living museum of Vietnam’s rich past.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Hoi An
Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel – Affordable
Little Riverside Hoi An – A Luxury Hotel & Spa
Hoi An Ancient House Resort & Spa
Tribee Bana Heritage Hostel
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
🏙️ Must-See Sights
Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site): A picturesque area with centuries-old wooden buildings, temples, and French-colonial architecture. Best explored at dusk when lanterns glow.
Japanese Covered Bridge: A 400-year-old bridge built by Japanese merchants, it’s one of the most iconic symbols of Hoi An.
An Bang Beach: A laid-back beach just 4 km away — perfect for unwinding, paddle boarding, or enjoying seaside restaurants.
Hoi An Night Market: A sensory delight — hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs, food, and glowing lanterns.
Coconut Basket Boat Ride (Cam Thanh village): Ride through water coconut groves in a round bamboo boat while locals spin and perform tricks.
Lantern Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Float paper lanterns and make a wish — magical at night.
☕ Must-Visit Cafes in Hoi An:
Hoi An Roastery – Specialty coffee and peaceful corners to relax.
Me Hoi An Rooftop – Gorgeous rooftop views and great for sunset coffee sessions.
Hey Day Coffee – Quaint spot with aesthetic interiors and strong coffee.
Ivy Coffee Tea – Known for creative tea blends and photo-worthy decor.
Faifo Cafe – Has one of the best rooftop views of the old town. Go at golden hour.
Mot Hoi An – Try their herbal lotus drink served in a lotus leaf – iconic!
Phin Coffee Hoi An – A coffee-lover’s dream. Traditional phin drip experience.
Good Eats Hoi An – Tasty food and smoothie bowls in a chill setting.
Nourish Eatery – Vegan-friendly with great breakfast options.
Sound of Silence – A hidden gem by the beach. Peaceful, slow vibes.
🍜 Where to Eat:
Banh Mi Phuong – Famous after Anthony Bourdain’s visit. Possibly the best bánh mì in Vietnam.
Morning Glory Restaurant – Upscale spot serving regional dishes in a heritage setting.
Try: Cao Lau – a Hoi An specialty noodle dish with greens, pork, and crunchy croutons.
Also Don’t Miss: White Rose Dumplings, Fried Wontons, and Fresh Mango Rolls.
🛍️ Local Experiences
Tailor-Made Clothes: Get suits, dresses, or shoes stitched in under 24 hours. Visit recommended tailors like BeBe Tailor or Yaly Couture.
Lantern-Making Workshop: Learn to make your own silk lantern from local artisans — a beautiful souvenir to carry home.
Cycling Around Rice Fields: Rent a bike and explore the peaceful countryside — pass by water buffalos, duck ponds, and lotus fields.
Vietnamese Cooking Class: Many restaurants offer half-day workshops with market visits — hands-on and delicious.
Essential Tips for Visiting Hoi An
🚶 Evenings Are Vehicle-Free: After 5 PM, the Old Town turns into a pedestrian-only zone — perfect for relaxed strolls beneath the lantern glow.
💸 Carry Cash: Most tailors, food vendors, and small workshops prefer cash, so keep Vietnamese Dong handy.
Town closes to vehicles in the evenings – explore on foot or by bicycle.
Visit Old town early in the morning or post-sunset to avoid large tour groups.
📷 Golden Hour = Magic: Visit the riverside just before sunset — it’s the perfect time to capture Hoi An’s dreamy atmosphere.
🧥 Dress Modestly in Temples: Shoulders and knees covered is ideal, especially when exploring pagodas or local homes.
🛶 Coconut Boat Ride Tours:
Book your experience via GetYourGuide or Klook for a smoother and more reliable process. Most tours include:A ride through the water coconut forest in a circular basket boat
Crab fishing demonstrations
Insight into traditional net-casting techniques used by local fishermen
However, here’s what most tours won’t tell you:
🎶 The “DJ Boat” Setup: At some point, locals will spin your boat while playing loud music (including popular Bollywood hits — yes, they know them!). It’s fun and energetic but staged — and expect to tip the boat performer/DJ directly on the water.
🙈 Beware of Add-ons & Scams:
There’s often pressure to upgrade to a “private boat,” buy snacks, or purchase extra souvenirs mid-tour. These aren’t part of your original booking. Be polite but firm.
✅ Pro Tip: Confirm exactly what’s included when booking. Look for verified operators with clear listings, and read recent reviews before confirming.
Some of my favourite clicks:
