Nestled on Vietnam’s central coast, Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, quickly became our favorite place in Vietnam during our trip. Hoi An is captivating, with its unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. The old town lined with yellow colonial houses, looks like something out of a movie set and is truly a testament to the fusion of indigenous and French cultures and offers travelers a journey back in time. We did not nearly spend enough time in Hoi An as you can learn from our recent video so here is our ideal itinerary if you are planning a trip to this magical area.

Where to Stay

Hoi An is located approximately 30 minutes from Danang, the closest city with an international airport. Depending on how many days you have in the region, we would recommend a quick stop in this city to explore some of the highlights on this side of the coastline such as BaNa hills, Dragon Bridge and Lady Buddha. If you have limited time or want to prioritize staying in Hoi An, here are our favorite options:

Best Beach Resort: Four Seasons The Nam Hai

Bringing together the best of both worlds, the Four Seasons is situated on a kilometer of pristine beachfront with sprawling lush gardens and beautiful villas. It’s only 10-15 minutes from the heart of Hoi An town center and the Four Seasons does operate afternoon shuttles included in your stay to town. This property is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxing retreat away from the town center who want to enjoy both a beach resort destination as well as a historical and culture experience. You can read our full review here.

Best Hotel near Hoi An town center: Anantara Hoi An

Anantara is located just outside Hoi An town center right on the river and is a great option for travelers looking to be right in the heart of history and culture. They offer river cruises straight from the hotel, a great spa and 92 rooms.

What to do in Hoi An

A visit to the old town is the perfect starting point for your Hoi An adventure. Getting lost in the narrow, winding streets is the best way to familiarize yourself. If we were to do the trip again, we would give ourselves at least 2 full days to experience the town itself. If you want to visit some of the famous tailors and get some clothes made, here are our tips:

1. Visit a few of the tailors in the morning to get prices to compare and pick fabrics
2. Select your tailor of choice and leave the item you want to have reproduced behind so they can replicate it easily
3. Try to have them do the item same day (as long as you are there when they open) so you can get the first fitting done same day and pick up the next day

There are over 400 tailors so our recommendation is to check recent reviews on google and TripAdvisor to make sure you are going to the best one for your needs. Top-rated shops like Be Be Tailor and Yaly Couture offer custom-made clothing, from traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai to Western-style suits and dresses. My personal tip is to bring items that are somewhat fitted or complicated to get the best bang for your buck, like suits, fitted dresses, evening attire and the like.

One thing we absolutely loved about Hoi An was that you did not just find the standard tourist knick knacks. There are dozens of quaint shops with real art, custom jewelry, clothing and really unique pieces that we did not find in the rest of Vietnam, including the major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. We wished we had more time to explore because we barely scratched the surface.

Don’t miss the historic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An, which beautifully illustrates the town’s multicultural heritage. Another highlight is the Quan Cong Temple, a stunning piece of architecture dedicated to a Chinese general, embodying the spirit of loyalty and justice.

The Old House of Tan Ky is another intriguing stop. This 200+ years old merchant house offers a fascinating insight into the architecture and lifestyle of Hoi An’s merchants in the 19th century. The interior of the house is adorned with intricate carvings and antique furniture. It’s beautiful to see such a well-maintained piece of history in the center of the shop.

No trip to Hoi An is complete without a visit to the town’s Riverside. As the day winds down, head to one of the many riverside cafes, order a refreshing cocktail or local draft beer, and enjoy a stunning sunset over the Thu Bon River. The sight of colorful lanterns lighting up the town as the night falls is truly magical.

What and where to eat in Hoi An

Venturing into Hoi An’s culinary scene is an adventure in itself. The town is renowned for its unique dishes, each telling a story of its cultural heritage. Among them is Cao Lau, a mouthwatering noodle dish that’s exclusive to Hoi An, featuring slices of barbecued pork, crunchy croutons, and fresh local greens. Another must-try is the White Rose Dumplings, delicate shrimp dumplings served with a tangy dipping sauce. For a comprehensive taste of Hoi An’s culinary delights, head to Morning Glory. This popular restaurant offers a variety of local dishes, cooked to perfection and served in a cozy setting. We love exploring and getting lost within the narrow alleys and streets to find cute restaurants and cafes and Hoi An is the perfect place to do that.

Jet Set Times has a fantastic article highlighting a range of restaurants that have made their mark on this unique town so be sure to check out some of our favorites here.

In conclusion, Hoi An is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. Its rich history, vibrant gastronomy, thriving fashion industry, and lively shopping scene combine to create an unforgettable travel experience. So whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, a fashion enthusiast, or a fervent shopper, Hoi An is a destination that’s sure to captivate your heart.