What you can do in Hoi An
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February 23, 2024

What you can do in Hoi An

Hoi An is a complete change of pace from the usual bustle of built-up areas in Vietnam. The quiet streets are easy to walk down, and the tranquil waterways and coast are within a short distance. The Old Town is the superstar of Hoi An and the reason it became so popular. Somehow, Hoi An has managed to deter progress and maintain all the traditional buildings in the center. Every street is how it was 100 years ago with terracotta roofs, yellow-painted walls, and a lantern hanging from the entry. There are no neon signs, no modern architecture, just traditional brick, wood, and terracotta everywhere. The best part is that it’s pedestrianized, making it the only place in Vietnam where you won’t have to fear that you’re about to be run off the road. Having said that, a few motorbikes do flout the rules, but compared to the rest of Vietnam, you hardly notice it. Add to that numerous amazing coffee shops and restaurants, and you have the perfect combination ¹.

Here are some of the best things to do in Hoi An:

  1. Wander the Old Town: This is the superstar of Hoi An and the reason it became so popular. Every street is how it was 100 years ago with terracotta roofs, yellow painted walls, and a lantern hanging from the entry. There are no neon signs, no modern architecture, just traditional brick, wood, and terracotta everywhere. The best part is that it’s pedestrianized, making it the only place in Vietnam where you won’t have to fear that you’re about to be run off the road. Having said that, a few motorbikes do flout the rules, but compared to the rest of Vietnam, you hardly notice it. Add to that numerous amazing coffee shops and restaurants, and you have the perfect combination ¹.
  2. Float a lantern on the water: Nighttime is when Hoi An really comes alive as the lanterns strung up across the streets, outside the restaurants, and on the river make it feel magical. The focal point is the river, which is full of little rowing boats and lanterns floating in the water. You can hire a boat for 20 minutes and release a lantern of your own (after making a wish of course). Drifting on the river in the candlelight is pretty special and is one of the few times where we’d say having lots of other people doing the same thing made it better. Along the river, you’ll see hundreds of colorful lanterns bobbing along, it’s a beautiful scene ¹.
  3. Visit the beaches: Hoi An has some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. An Bang Beach is the most popular, but there are plenty of others to choose from. Cua Dai Beach is another popular option, and it’s just a short bike ride from the Old Town ¹.
  4. Explore the markets: Hoi An has some of the best markets in Vietnam. The Central Market is the most famous, but there are plenty of others to choose from. You can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts ¹.
  5. Take a cooking class: Vietnamese cuisine is some of the best in the world, and Hoi An is the perfect place to learn how to cook it. There are plenty of cooking classes available, and they’re a great way to learn about the local culture ¹.

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