First Time Tourists Guide in Hội An, Vietnam
SIGHTSEEING
Explore Old Town of Hoi An where you can find many historic buildings with traditional Chinese style. The area was formerly a well-preserved South-East Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. The major attraction here is the Japanese Covered Bridge or widely known as Cau Chua Pagoda. This landmark was first built in the 17th century. Strolling on this bridge will make you feel the Japanese quarter in Chinese neighborhoods.
Japanese Covered Bridge
DOWNTOWN
The downtown of Hoi An is a historical district full of rich history. Take a visit to The Old House of Phung Hung, a commercial house built in 1780. This is another famous landmark featuring a unique blending of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architectural styles. The floors are designed in three different styles. You can also find the history of eight-generation people living in this house.
The Old House of Phung
SHOPPING
There are plenty shopping opportunities you can go in Hoi An. But the most interesting one is Hoi An Night Market. This traditional market is located in the ancient town, just opposite the Japanese Covered Bridge. The market is open at 5 pm every day. There are more than 500 vendors selling clothes, foods, and many choices of souvenirs.
FOOD & DRINK
When it comes to local delicacies, Hoi An has dozens of options to taste. Try the famous Vietnamese sandwich namely Bánh Mì Thập Cẩm. The sandwich used bread that is very similar to the French baguette. Do not forget to try Bánh Bao Bánh Vạc. It is a white steamed dumpling filled with shrimp and pork. For beverages, enjoy the flavor of Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, Cà Phê Sữa Đá.
CULTURE
Hoi An is a city with rich traditions, folk festivals, and also culinary art. Many historical buildings are nestled in its old town. The city has a great influence of Japanese and Chinese on its architecture. Therefore, you will find several buildings with three harmonious blends of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese styles.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Get a truly comfortable trip in Hoi An between February and April. Those months provide you plenty of sunshine with warm temperatures, perfect to explore the city!
HOTEL
Experience a comfortable stay at Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort. This is a 4-star hotel located in the central Hoi An. Each room is decorated with platform beds and minibar. You can also access a range of facilities includes a steam room, sauna, gym, and bike. Meanwhile, if you are craving for a scenic night stay, you may book a room at Anantara Hoi An Resort. Located right on the Thu Buon river, this traditional hotel offers you a colonial-style room in dark wood and white linens. You will be spoiled by a stunning water view from your room.
Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
Anantara Hoi An Resort
RESTAURANT
Head to Orivy Hoi An Local Food Restaurant for your culinary experience. It is a gorgeous restaurant with a garden setting. In this place, you will be served plenty of options of Hoi An's traditional dishes. The restaurant is situated just a few steps from the old town. Nhan's kitchen is also another recommendation to taste local delicacies. This small restaurant has extraordinary food at affordable prices.
Nhan's kitchen
Orivy Hoi An Local Food Restaurant
CAFE
Phin Coffee is obviously a lovely place for having a cup of relaxing coffee. Located in the middle of the ancient town, this garden coffee shop allows you to immerse the cultural vibes while drinking your coffee. Also do not skip to experience drinking teas in a unique place called Reaching Out Teahouse. Situated in the city's busy street, this is unlikely the surrounding cafe. You only whisper with each other and use speech cubes to place your order.
Phin Coffee
Reaching Out Teahouse
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Add Salt Pub & Restaurant to your fun beachside experience. In this place, you can get a unique selection of Gin, Rum, and craft beers. The bar offers you a garden or beach lounges to enjoy the drinks with a panoramic view. Hoi An Sports Bar is another great option. Besides having many options of beers or wine, you can watch your favorite clubs on the TV screen. The bar also provides a billiard.
Add Salt Pub & Restaurant
Hoi An Sports Bar
INTERESTING PLACE
Discover the Chinese heritage sites at Cantonese Assembly Hall. This attraction is constructed in the 19th century. It is usually used as a gathering place for worship among Chinese visitors and residents. You will admire the great decor of its structure. An Bang Beach is another interesting destination you should miss. This is the most popular beaches in Hoi An for soaking up the sun and enjoy an array of seaside activities.
Cantonese Assembly Hall
An Bang Beach
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Capture your moment at Old House of Tan Ky, an old museum. The place offers you interesting architecture and a stunning carved wooden balcony. There are many things to capture inside the museum. Fujian Assembly Hall is another great spot for your Instagram feed. This is a little temple located in the heart of Hoi An. It considered as one of the prettiest buildings in the city.
Old House of Tan Ky
Fujian Assembly Hall
