Hoi An is a small city on the central coast of Vietnam. It is a place full of history and charm, famous for its old town, its peaceful rice fields and its surrounding cultural sites. The city of Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has indeed managed to preserve its unique architecture, testimony to its prosperous past as a trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries. So go to Hoi An, you will see a captivating mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French styles
The heart of Hoi An is its old town. Here, the cobblestone streets and historic buildings create an atmosphere of tranquility. You can admire the bright yellow facades of the houses and the colorful lanterns hanging through the alleys. As well as many artisan shops selling everything from custom-made clothing to traditional artwork. Visiting the old merchant houses, the Japanese covered bridge and the Chinese congregation halls offers a pleasant insight into the city’s rich cultural history.
You will probably also be tempted, like me, by a little stroll on the Thu Bon River. It will cost you 150,000 Dong (about 6 euros) for 2 or 3 people for 20 minutes. You will be able to pass under the Cau An Hoi bridge. And if you add 50,000 dongs you can make a wish and delicately place a small paper lantern on the river. It is quite moving to see it sail peacefully among the boats.
And of course you will find many restaurants in the old town to taste very good Vietnamese dishes.
A few steps from the hustle and bustle of the old town, the rice fields offer a soothing contrast. These green expanses are an ideal place for cycling or walking. Here you will discover the rhythm of rural life and traditional farming practices. The rice fields sparkle in the sunlight, especially in the late afternoon, offering picturesque scenery and a rare tranquility.
If you have time, go and explore some of the villages around the city. Tra Que is a farming village known for its aromatic herbs. Here you can take part in farming activities and taste fresh local dishes. Another village, Thanh Ha, is famous for its traditional pottery. Here you can watch the artisans at work and even try your hand at making some pottery yourself.
There are several options to get around Hoi An and more generally getting around Vietnam. Personnaly I rented a motorbike which was the easiest way to explore the different sites and cities around Hoi An.
My Son is about an hour’s drive from Hoi An. It is a group of Hindu temple ruins dating back to the Cham Empire. This archaeological site, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often compared to other great sites in Southeast Asia such as Angkor Wat. The ruins, located in a valley surrounded by mountains, offer a moving glimpse of the ingenuity and spirituality of the Chams.
30 kilometers from Hoi An you will find Da Nang. On the way, do not miss the Marble Mountains. Da Nang is also known for its Dragon Bridge, the idyllic beach of My Khe, and the amusement park in the Ba Na Hills mountain.
You can also visit the imperial city of Hue, a little further away, 3 hours away by car. The round trip from Hoi An is possible in a day but it is really better to spend at least one night in Hue if you want to fully enjoy the city.
Getting to Hoi An is straightforward, with multiple transportation options depending on your starting point. The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, located about 30 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi, private transfer, or shuttle bus directly to Hoi An. For those traveling by train, Da Nang Railway Station is the closest, with easy access to taxis and buses heading to Hoi An. If you’re coming from Hue, the scenic Hai Van Pass route can be explored by motorbike or car, offering breathtaking views along the way. Bus services are also available from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, making Hoi An accessible for all travelers.
My recommendation is to book on line your domestic transports with 12go. They have very good fares with the best companies and it is super easy to book.
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